The people of Zanzibar
The people of Zanzibar are very open and quite easy to interact with. There are to primary languages used on the island – English and Kiswahili – so if you are more or less familiar with the English languages, you should not have any problems making yourself understandable or understanding the locals. In Zanzibar City, you can also run into people who speak Italian or French. However, it is always a good idea to learn a few words and phrases in Kiswahili just in case.
The Arabian influence on Zanzibar is apparent in the people who live there. The population is a combination of Shirazia (from Persia), Arabs, Comorians (from The Comoros Islands) and Bantu (from the African mainland). The last group is the most predominant on the island.
Asian and European minorities are also present on the island.
The original population of Zanzibar is divided into tribes that originate from some of the smaller island surrounding Zanzibar or from Zanzibar itself. The Waunguja tribe is from Unguja Island, the Wapemba tribe is from Pemba Island and the Watumbatu tribe is from Tumbatu Island.
Two of the indigenous tribes in Zanzibar are the Hadimu and Tumbatu tribes. The Hadimu tribe is from the south part of the island while the Tumbatu tribe is located mainly in the northern part of Zanzibar.
You should take into consideration that 99% of the population in Zanzibar is Muslim. Therefore, there are certain rules and customs, you as a tourist will have to abide by in order to stay on good terms with the locals. For example always remember to dress appropriately when exploring the streets of Zanzibar.
On the beach, it is perfectly acceptable to wear shorts or a bathing suit or bikini but being topless or going skinny dipping is of course illegal.
If you just abide by the Muslim customs, the locals are very pleasant, open, and helpful.
Would you like to meet the locals at school, in their village and maybe be invited to a private visit. Contact www.zanzibardolphinviewresort.com. At Zanzibar dolphin bay resort they have great contact and cooperate with the local people which give them goodwill and opportunitues to create contacts and meetings.