Common questions

1. How do you get to Zanzibar?
2. How much is accommodation and meals at Ndame?
3. Which injections do I have to take?
4. When is the best time to come?
5. How do I come to Paje Ndame?
6. What kind of tours can I make from Ndame?
7. Are many tourists getting sick or ill?
8. How is the drinking water on Zanzibar?
9. Are there big differences between high and low    tide?
10.Is there anything to be afraid of in the water?
11.What about security on Zanzibar?

1.
How do you get to Zanzibar?
Today (2004) there is only KLM/Kenya Airways that take you direct to Zanzibar.
There are some flights which give hardly no waiting time at all. Others might give you 12 hs in Nairobi. Check carefully with the travel agent.
British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Swiss Air and Emirates take you to Dar es Salaam and from there small planes or ferry boats take you to the island.
You will need a visa, which is available at the airport the fee ia 50$.

2. How much is accommodation and meals at Paje Ndame?
See prices.

3.
Which injections do I have to take?
You are not requested to have anything but most people take malaria, hepatitis and cholera prevention.
There is malaria on Zanzibar but on the coast where we live the risk of getting it is not very big if you protect yourself with long sleeves and trousers or mosquito spray in the evening. You can also spray the room one hour before going to bed.

4.
When is the best time to come?
It’s hottest during Dec. – March, coldest during June – August. The short rains should come in Nov and the long rains in March – May. Though, it seems as if it has changed the latest years, so that most rains come end of Dec. and May –June. In fact it is not raining very much, very seldom more than two, three days in a row and even then most of the days you will see the sun at least a little.

5.
How do I come to Paje Ndame?
We can send a driver to pick you up at the harbour or airport. It takes one hour and costs 45 usd.

6.
What kind of tours can I make from Paje Ndame?
You can do a Spice Tour, visit Stone Town, Dolphin Safari, Red Colubus monkeys in Jozani Forest, Snorkeling, diving and fishing or make a whole day tour round half the island. You can also rent a bike, motorbike or a car. More info on the prices page.

7.
Are many tourists getting sick or ill?
No, very few but it happens some time and we think it is because of the strong sun and too little water. You need to protect yourself and remember not to lie in the sun too long. You will get a nice colour even in the shadow.
Also remember to drink a lot of water.

8.
How is the drinking water on Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has in all times been known for its good fresh water. The sailors came here to bunker water and it is told that they found fresh water in a well out in the sea. If this is true we do not know, but in Paje you can see fresh water coming up on the beach when the tide is out.
We ourselves drink the tap water but most tourists buy bottled water.
In town you should not drink tap water because of the risk of leaking pipes.

9.
Are there big differences between high and low tide?
Every second week there is low and high tide with a difference of 4 meters.
Every second week there is only a small difference.
The time between the highest and the lowest point is about 6 hours and 10 min. This makes the tide cycle changing around 30 min forward every day.
During low tide you can walk up to 300 meters towards the reef on fine white sand. There you can have a look at the sea weed plantations where the women from the village are working.

10.
Is there anything to be afraid of in the water?
There are no strong currents in Paje but you can find them in other places.
There are of course sharks in the Indian Ocean but they pass outside the reef, they have never been found inside the reef where the water is too warm and too shallow.
Mind the urchins which look like black tennis balls full of needles, they are numerous after the plantation. Wear rubber sandals! Borrow from us if you don’t have your own.

11.
What about security on Zanzibar?
You can feel very safe and calm on Zanzibar, there are very seldom robberies.
Of course you should follow the same rules as elsewhere, not to walk alone at night and not to wear gold necklace and earrings.
In general you can say that people are very friendly and still interested to know who you are and where you come from and they want to practice their English.
At the harbour you sometimes get stressed because of all the porters and guides that want to help you. One way of avoiding this is to let them help you and to give them 500 – 1000 tsh. Often you do not have small notes. Then you have to firmly declare that you want to carry your own bags. All this you avoid by ordering a transport from us.

Hope you have got an answer to some of your questions. If you have more questions don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
We love to be here and hope to be able to stay many more years. Most people that have come to Zanzibar love it and would like to come back. Many of our guests have been here three or four times already. If you decide to come to Ndame we are sure you will be satisfied and happy with your choice.

Welcome with your booking!
Jan and Lisbeth Kastner
New Paje Ndame village