Question 1

How to get here?

Accepted Answer

You can take the daladala (public bus) which costs around 2000 TZS per person and 1000 TZS for a big backpack. Try to take the one towards Paje-Jambiani as this one will pass just outside Demani. Please note that the daladala can be time consuming and we dont recommend it if you need get to the airport at a certain time. The daladala does not run late so after 18:00 we recommend you to get a taxi or arrange a transfer with us. We can arrange a driver to meet you at the airport, ferry, Stone Town or any other place on the island and take you here. Send us an email or give us a call to ask for transfer!

Question 2

Can you arrange transfers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can. Our driver will charge 40$ for pick-ups from Stone Town which you pay him directly or to us. The people we work with have proper serviced cars and they are very reliable and safe drivers. We can also arrange transfer to any other parts of the island. No matter which time you land at night, we can arrange for a driver to meet you.

Question 3

Where can I get cash?

Accepted Answer

There are several ATMs here in Paje so it is possible to draw money after arrival. The ATMs are sometimes out of cash or not working proper so it is always good to have some cash in hand. Quite a few places offers the possibility to pay by card now, kindly note there will be a card surcharge of 4-5% added to the amount.

Question 4

Should I bring TZS or US dollars?

Accepted Answer

It is good to have both as most hotels price their rooms and tours in US dollars. You will find prices restaurants and bars with prices in both shillings and US dollars, in addition to the local shops. If you pay with another currency than the price in the pricelist, the rate you will get will be lower than the online rate.

Question 5

How to dress?

Accepted Answer

Feel free to wear whatever you want at our place and at the beach. Bikinis and minis are fine for the beach, but in the villages and towns, women should cover their shoulders and wear a skirt or trouser that reach to the knees while men should avoid being shirtless. This is a muslim island and modest dressing is appreciated by everyone in Zanzibar. Please DO NOT walk along the road or in the village in a bikini. If you wouldnt do it at home please dont do it here. Yes it is a holiday destination but the local inhabitants of Zanzibar still live here and we are their visitors who should respect the culture we visit.

Question 6

Is breakfast included?

Accepted Answer

Our delicious breakfast is included in all room rates and is served between 7:30 and 10:30. The breakfast inlcudes fresh made juice, coffee or tea, fresh fruit and either your choice of eggs and todays bread, yoghurt with home made granola or our cardamum and cinnamon pancakes.

Question 7

Do you have a bar and a restaurant?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do! The bar is open all day until the last person has gone to bed and the kitchen is cooking delicious lunch and dinner from 12:00 – 22:00. This is not a self catering accommodation facility and we dont accept food and beverages from outside to be consumed at the property. You wouldnt bring your own food or bottle of wine to a restaurant at home would you.

Question 8

Can I cook or bring my own food or drinks?

Accepted Answer

No, unfortunately not. We have a delicious bar and restaurant on site which makes tasty smoothies & juices and delicious food from morning to evening.

Question 9

Do I have to pay for food and drinks straight away?

Accepted Answer

If you are staying in a private room you can keep a tab for food and drinks and pay when you check out (latest at 10:30). We will ask you to sign the tab after each shift. Unfortunately we can not not keep a tab for the dormitories and you pay for food and drinks when you order.

Question 10

Demani Lodge Thursday Night BBQ & Party

Accepted Answer

Every Thursday we arrange a delicious BBQ where we grill a whole fish, tender octopus and tasty beef skewers and we cook a whole lot of vegetarian dishes. A live band plays during the BBQ and later we have a DJ and party until late so be prepared for some music and dancing! Please note that the Thursday Nights can be quite noisy if one is not attending the party or up for a late night since the music plays until 3 am.
Pre-booking for the BBQ are essential in order to know how many people people we should cook for. Sign up for the BBQ in the bar latest Thursday at 4 pm.

Question 11

Do you have laundry service?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do. We have a laundry machine on site and all clothes handed in before 13:00 will most of the time be washed the same day. But we don't have driers so the time for the clothes to dry may vary. In case you check out next day, kindly let us know in case there is a lot of laundry delaying the washing this day. 
Kindly check the information board at the lodge for more info, or ask the staff.

Question 12

Do you have towels?

Accepted Answer

All ensuite rooms have bath towels. Kindly note that these are bath towels and not beach towels and should not be removed out from the lodge. If you wish to change your towel just let us know since we don't change towels daily.

Question 13

Are you at the beach?

Accepted Answer

Demani Lodge is not straight at the beach but the beach is a maximum of 5 minutes walk from us. The nicer, less rocky beach is next to Hotel on the Rock and there is a path all the way down to the beach. Please note that there are steps at the bottom of the path in case of any injuries or difficulties of walking.

Question 14

Do you have security?

Accepted Answer

We have security every night so you can safely go to bed at night.

Question 15

Can I pay by card?

Accepted Answer

You can pay by visa or master card for an added surcharge of 4%. The currency paid by card will be in US dollars.

Question 16

Do you have Wi-Fi?

Accepted Answer

We have free WiFi around the bar and restaurant, as long as there is electricity there is Wi-Fi. WiFi might be slow some times, this is Africa, but pretend its 1995 and talk to each other instead :)
Please note that there is no WiFi in the rooms.

Question 17

Which network provider works well at Demani Lodge?

Accepted Answer

As for calling we and our emplyees mainly use Tigo (same as Zantel). They have affordable internet bundles and the connections is good most of the time. Tigo also have affordable calling to all network bundles. While some providers have a good internet connection here but might not work well other places on the island, others have good connection on mainland Tanzania but does not have good connection here.

Question 18

Can you arrange any activities?

Accepted Answer

We can arrange almost everything! Snorkelling in the magical Blue Lagoon, a whole day out on sea with Safari Blue, take a boat out to Prison Island and the over 100 year-old turtles, visit a Spice Farm, see the red colobus monkey in Jozani Forest, take an Echo-village tour to Jambiani, SUP, surfing, a historical tour in Stown Town and many more!

Question 19

Can I rent bicycles, motorbikes or a car?

Accepted Answer

We can organize bicycles, scooters, car or taxi – just tell us what you need! Our bicycles costs 5$ per day. Or maybe you want to hire a car? Let us know and will help you out.

Question 20

Are there often power cuts?

Accepted Answer

This is the same as asking if it will be sun tomorrow. Some days or weeks there are frequent power cuts while others there are not. Sometimes it can last most of the day while others it doesnt. The main line might be broken due to strong wind or other circumstances but we dont have scheduled power cuts like other countries may have. Being on a beautiful tropical island filled with amazing beaches we do hope that our guests can enjoy their surroundings and their holiday even though they might be able to check their Facebook or Instagram :)

Question 21

High and Low Tide in Zanzibar

Accepted Answer

The whole island is under the influence of the Indian Ocean tides, caused by the effect of the moon's gravity against the mass of the ocean. The difference between low and high tide can be of up to 2 ½ metres, allowing a fascinating view of the fluctuating coastal ecosystem. The East coast of Zanzibar is protected by the coral reef, creating a large area of shallow water that is exposed when the tide is low.
Each day the tide changes twice, with a daily offset of 30 - 40 minutes, so that the high and low tide cycle is slightly different each day.

Question 22

Taking photos in Zanzibar

Accepted Answer

You can take photos in public areas but ask for a permission before taking pictures of individual people or private houses.

Question 23

Can I eat during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

All hotels and restaurants are serving food in daytime during ramadan, although all local places will be closed until sunset. It is not expected of you to fast but it is nice to respect the culture and visitors should not eat, drink or smoke in front of fasting locals and in public (for example when walking along the road, in the village or in Stone Town). 
The Zanzibar government is considerate and understands that these rules might not be common for foreigners. Therefore, there is no reason not to come to Zanzibar during Ramadan. You can still have your breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks etc. in your hotel and go out during the day and night and enjoy yourself. Stores and souvenir shops are open, as well as attractions and museums are all operational. 
 
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the big Eid Al-Fitr Festival which lasts 3 days. If you are in Zanzibar during Eid, the celebrations, in Stone Town especially, are quite special!