Some things to note when going to Pemba.

Travel Insurance
It is a KERVAN SARAY BEACH booking condition that all clients must be adequately insured for travel and heath. Bags might be lost, flights might be delayed causing missed connections, etc. A good insurance policy will greatly relieve any stress involved and help you get your money's worth during the journey.

Entry formalities
Visas are required by most nationalities. They cost up to US $50 and are available in Tanzanian Missions around the globe. We strongly recommend that all of our clients obtain visas before they arrive in Tanzania . This reduces your time at the airport. Visas are valid for three months. You must have a valid passport, an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. See your nearest Tanzania mission for correct details.

If there is no Tanzanian Mission in your country, certain nationalities may purchase a visa on arrival at Dar es Salaam international airport. We do not recommend this if you have a connecting flight as the delays at the visa counter can be up to two hours.

Please do check these details as they are government regulations, and always subject to change.

Clothing
Travel light as it never gets cold in Pemba . Attire is very casual and formal wear is considered unnecessary and impractical.

For men slacks and Hawaiian type shirts for formal occasions. Shorts or light pants, loose shirts or T-shirts for normal wear. Sneakers, sandals or flip-flops for footwear.

For women light cotton dress, skirts or sarongs with blouses or t-shirts are the most comfortable way to dress.

In Pemba , ladies should dress conservatively in the villages . It is considered very offensive for women to show their shoulders or thighs. These restrictions do not apply anywhere within the Resort or when diving and sunbathing on a private beach, but a wraparound should be worn when leaving those areas. If you forget yours, one of our female members of staff can help you shop for one in town. (Another great experience).

Currency
The Tanzanian shilling is the official currency of Pemba and the rest of Tanzania .  We recommend that visitors bring U.S. dollars to pay for all tourist services in Zanzibar/Pemba/Mainland Tanzania. The Kervan Saray is very happy to accept most hard currencies, Tanzania Shillings, credit cards (at a premium) and bank transfers to our company account. The ATM in Pemba often does not work six days a week. (We are NOT joking)

Language
KiSwahili is spoken by everyone, and English is also used in business and Tourism. On Zanzibar Gujurati and Hindi are sometimes spoken. Arabic can be heard in Dar and Zanzibar .

Communication

The Kervan Saray is off the land line phone network. We are also out of cell-phone range, so we have two satellite numbers and skype. You may contact us through any of these. GSM cell-phones will work in the village one kilometre away. We also have an internet connection through VSAT that is available to guests at a premium.

Most western companies have international roaming agreements with Tanzania and your phone will invariably work in Pemba . (One kilometre away from the resort)

We also monitor Marine VHF Channel 16 from 0730 to 2200hrs East African Time. (timings approximate)

Custom allowances
Prohibited from import are certain plants, fruits, animals, and narcotics.
Two bottles of liquor or wine, 20 cigars or 200 cigarettes may be brought in duty free.

These are government regulations and we take no responsibility for their continued accuracy. Please seek advice from the nearest Tanzania Mission in your country.

Electricity
Please note that The Kervan Saray does not have state supplied power (we are too far from the line).  Our own power is available in guest rooms from dusk until dawn (We use generators, solar and hybrid power).  We do have a bank of plugs in the office building where we are happy to charge mobile phones, satellite phones, lap-top computers and digital cameras etc.

Water
We recommend that you only drink the local mineral water that is available in the hotel 24 hours a day and at shops island wide.