What to Wear in Zanzibar: A complete guide

Zanzibar island, a tropical paradise off the coast of East Africa, is well-known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals. However, when planning your trip to this beautiful destination, it’s essential to consider what to wear to ensure comfort, respect local customs, and make the most of your experience. This guide will provide valuable insight into dressing appropriately and stylishly in Zanzibar, helping you pack and plan accordingly. Know how to get to Zanzibar

Zanzibar boasts a warm and humid tropical climate throughout the year, making lightweight and breathable fabrics a must. Opt for clothing made from cotton, linen, or light synthetic materials to stay cool and comfortable in the heat. Loose-fitting clothes will also allow better airflow, helping you beat the heat while exploring the island’s attractions. Know what to wear on Safari in Tanzania

With numerous stunning beaches in Zanzibar, packing swimwear is a no-brainer. Whether you plan to soak up the sun on the white sandy beaches, explore the underwater world through snorkeling or scuba diving, or simply relax in the resort pools, carrying a good range of swimwear is essential. Don’t forget to pack cover-ups or sarongs to respect local customs when leaving the beach or resort areas.

As Zanzibar offers a plethora of natural wonders, markets, and historical sites to explore, comfortable footwear is a must. Opt for closed-toe shoes or comfortable sandals, ensuring that they provide ample support for long walks, hikes, or exploring the ancient Stone Town—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Flip-flops or sandals are ideal for the beach and resort areas.

Zanzibar experiences strong and direct sunlight due to its location close to the Equator. Protecting yourself from the sun’s rays is vital to avoid sunburn and other related skin issues. Pack a wide-brimmed hat or a cap, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Additionally, lightweight and long-sleeved shirts or dresses can provide an extra layer of sun protection, particularly during peak sunshine hours.

By pairing leggings with certain dresses, you not only stay comfortable and respectful but also remain fashionable while soaking in the beauty of Zanzibar.

• Modesty with Style: Zanzibar is a place where modesty is highly valued. Wearing leggings under dresses can help ensure your outfit is respectful of local norms, especially in more conservative areas.

• Comfort and Versatility: Leggings are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for the island’s warm weather. They add a layer of comfort without compromising on style.

• Color and Print Harmony: Choose leggings that complement the fabric and color of your dress. This coordination can enhance your overall appearance and make the ensemble more visually appealing.

• Practicality for Adventure: Whether you’re exploring Stone Town or strolling along the beaches, leggings add a practical aspect to your attire. They offer freedom of movement and can easily transition from daytime explorations to evening activities.

Although Zanzibar welcomes tourists from all around the world, it is crucial to respect the local culture and dress modestly, particularly when outside the beaches and resorts.For both men and women, knee-length shorts, capris, or light trousers, paired with loose-fitting tops, t-shirts, or blouses, are appropriate. However, women should be mindful to cover their shoulders, cleavage, midriff, and legs to just above the knees, especially when walking around Stone Town and in villages. This means avoiding tops with mega plunging necklines or clothing that reveals the midriff or legs above the knee.

Men can wear shorts but should avoid walking around shirtless, except on the beach. In Stone Town and the villages, it’s important for men to cover their shoulders.

By embracing these cultural guidelines, you not only show respect for the local traditions but also enhance your overall experience in Zanzibar. Following these practices can help you avoid any potential misunderstandings and ensure that your interactions with locals are positive and welcoming. This approach fosters a more enriching and enjoyable visit, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and warmth of the local community. Karibu!

Avoid overly revealing or tight-fitting clothes, as they may not be well-received in some parts of the island. By dressing modestly, visitors can ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience while exploring the vibrant culture and rich history of Zanzibar.

Embrace Local Language: Learning a few basic phrases in Swahili can go a long way in earning the respect and friendliness of the locals. A simple “Jambo” (hello) or “Asante” (thank you) can enhance your interactions and make your visit more enjoyable.

Thoughtful Contributions: When engaging with local children, avoid giving sweets. Instead, consider bringing school supplies or clothing to donate through proper channels. This approach supports the community’s needs more sustainably.

Respectful Photography Practices: When taking photographs, always ask for permission, especially if capturing close-ups of people. Use the phrase “Naweza kupiga picha?” (Can I take a picture?) to seek consent. Be mindful of legal restrictions on photographing government buildings and border control areas to avoid potential issues.

Environmental Awareness: Be aware that taking shells home is strictly forbidden, even if purchased in shops. This rule helps protect the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Social Etiquette: Public displays of affection are not customary in Zanzibar, particularly in Stone Town and the villages. While holding hands is generally acceptable, more intimate gestures should be reserved for private settings. Remember, homosexuality is illegal, and public displays of affection can lead to serious consequences.

Legal and Religious Observance: It is illegal to bring plastic carrier bags into Zanzibar, reflecting the island’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Additionally, during Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public as a sign of respect for those observing the fast.

Responsible Beach Behavior: Avoid riding any motorized vehicles on the beach—it’s illegal, despite what you might see locals doing. Observing these guidelines ensures a respectful and enriching experience in Zanzibar.

General Conduct: Public displays like hugging or kissing are discouraged. Holding hands is acceptable, but anything more is best reserved for private settings to avoid causing any offense.

Relaxed Environments: In areas like beach bars and nightclubs, social norms are somewhat more relaxed. However, it’s still wise to be mindful of your surroundings and respect the local customs

When visiting Zanzibar during Ramadan, it’s important to dress respectfully in accordance with local customs.

• Cover Legs: Both men and women are advised to keep their legs covered. Opt for long pants or skirts to ensure cultural sensitivity.

• Cover Shoulders and Chest: Women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and chest. Consider wearing tops with sleeves and high necklines.

• Loose-Fitting Garments: Choose loose-fitting clothes to stay cool and comfortable while adhering to the dress code.

• Light Fabrics: Materials like cotton or linen can help you manage the heat and humidity prevalent in Zanzibar while remaining respectful.

• Respect Fasting Practices: Ramadan is a sacred period for Muslims, and as most locals observe fasting from dawn until sunset, it is considered highly respectful to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

• Discretion in Public Spaces: While it’s not illegal to consume food, beverages, or cigarettes on the streets, doing so is seen as impolite. Instead, seek private or designated areas to indulge in these activities.

• Observe Local Traditions: Make an effort to learn and follow local customs. Participating in the cultural norms, like refraining from public consumption, shows respect for the community and enriches your travel experience.

A kimono can be your go-to garment for versatility and style on your Zanzibar trip. Here’s why it’s an ideal choice:

• Sun Protection: With the intense sun in Zanzibar, a kimono offers a lightweight layer that shields your skin without making you feel overheated.

• Respect for Local Culture: Modesty is appreciated in Zanzibar’s cultural sites. A kimono makes it easy to cover up while staying stylish, especially when visiting villages or mosques.

• Adaptable to Weather: Evenings can get breezy, and a kimono provides just the right amount of warmth without the bulk of a jacket.

• Style Elevation: Easily transform a simple outfit into something special. Whether you’re heading out for a beachside dinner or exploring Stone Town, a kimono adds flair.

When visiting Zanzibar, it’s important to be mindful of the local cultural norms and expectations, particularly in terms of clothing. While see-through or crochet maxi dresses might be trendy and popular elsewhere, they are often not deemed suitable for several reasons:

• Respect for Conservative Dress Codes: Zanzibar, an island with a predominantly Muslim population, holds conservative values concerning attire. Modesty is highly regarded, and covering up is a sign of respect for these traditions. Transparent clothing can be seen as disrespectful and out of sync with local expectations.

• Local Customs: In many public spaces, especially in rural areas and places of worship, it’s customary to dress modestly. Tourists are encouraged to follow cultural guidelines, ensuring their attire blends well with the community standards.

• Sun Protection: The intense tropical sun in Zanzibar makes wearing light but non-transparent clothing practical. Besides cultural factors, better coverage can protect your skin from sunburn.

• Comfort in Humidity: Breathable fabrics that provide coverage can also help manage the humidity, which may be more comfortable than crochet or sheer materials.

• Loose-Fitting, Cotton Garments: Consider wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen that provide full coverage without causing discomfort.

• Sarongs and Wraps: These can be easily carried and used to cover up when visiting more conservative areas or entering religious sites.

Apart from the essentials, a few accessories can enhance your Zanzibar holidays. Carry a lightweight and versatile scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders or head in case you visit religious sites or want to embrace the local fashion style. A small backpack or tote bag is also handy for daily excursions, carrying your essentials, and protecting your belongings. Finally, don’t forget a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your adventures. Read our TripAdvisor reviews here