What to Wear in Zanzibar & Other Cultural Considerations

There’s been a lot of talk on social media recently, mostly from Zanzibar locals who are upset with the way tourists are dressing on their island these days.

On my last visit I saw a girl walking around Stone Town in her bikini (straight from scuba diving) and 2 girls in tiny hot pants and crop tops. I personally don’t care what people wear – I am about as liberal as they come. But my view is not shared by most of the Zanzibari population.

Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island and very conservative. Whilst it’s a beach destination, it’s not Spain or France. I’ve even started to see pictures of tourists who break the rules popping up in Facebook groups – don’t let that be you! 

So, I wanted to help you to understand the rules of what to wear in Zanzibar and the things you need to consider from a cultural point of view so that you don’t upset the locals and can enjoy your trip to the full! 

And if you haven’t already, please check out my other Africa packing lists here.

PS. Did you know that I organise groups trips that include Zanzibar? Click here for details!

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What to Wear in Zanzibar & Other Cultural Considerations

My Top Tips for What to Wear in Zanzibar

• Whilst it is generally fine to wear what you want on the beach or at your hotel pool (although please don’t go topless), you should cover up when in Stone Town and in the villages – even if you are just popping out to get something from the shop. 
• Leave the teeny-tiny thong bikinis at home. Bikinis are ok by the pool/on the beach, but the more they cover, the better.
• Women should keep shoulders, cleavage (a little bit is fine – just not mega plunging), midriff, and legs covered (at least to just above the knees) when walking around Stone Town and in villages especially.
• Men can wear shorts, but shouldn’t walk around shirtless either, except on the beach, and should cover their shoulders in Stone Town and the villages. 
• It’s also pretty hot and humid most of the time, so lightweight clothing is best (jeans are usually too hot).
• During Ramadan especially, it is polite to keep legs fully covered (for both men and women) and women should cover their shoulders and cleavage.
• Wearing a see-through/crochet maxi dress does not count as covering up. No-one wants to see your underwear.
• Think about the weather, during some months it’s very hot and humid, some months are rainy and some months are cooler. See my guide on the best time to visit Zanzibar here.

People are very used to tourists these days, so you won’t be lynch-mobbed if you show a bit of shoulder or your knees, but it’s still seen as respectful to cover up. Here’s the ‘official’ poster you will see posted around Zanzibar with the dress code.

What To Wear in Zanzibar – Packing Essentials

Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are great for Zanzibar. Just make sure the ones that you have for the day don’t have huge splits in them! 

If you don’t have one already, you can buy them in Stone Town.  I have a few of the long dresses you see in the picture below and they’re great for wandering about in. I always get lots of compliments “You look like a Zanzibari woman!”

Sometimes I style it up with a belt, or just let it hang loose for a more casual look. If you’re worried about chafing, Snag Tights are great for wearing under dresses (oh, to have a thigh gap).

Kimonos

I live in kimonos. They are the most amazing item of clothing ever and I own about 7 of them in different colours.

They’re great for sun protection, covering up when it’s culturally appropriate, keeping warm on cooler nights, and dressing up an otherwise boring, plain dress. 

A lightweight cotton shirt works too and these are also useful for wearing on safari, to protect from the sun and the mosquitoes. 

Scarves

I usually carry a lightweight scarf with me to cover my shoulders if I’m going out and about in Stone Town and don’t want to wear anything too heavy.

Sarong

Sarongs are great for just throwing on when you’re walking about on the beach and also great for sun protection too.

Harem Pants

Harem pants are great to wear too. They’re loose and usually pretty comfortable. Many of the local shops sell them, although, if you get the really cheap, thin, cotton ones, they do rip when you get sweaty.

I personally prefer the stretchy yoga harem pants. I have these and these.

Leggings 

Leggings are a good way to make a less appropriate dress, more appropriate.

Other Cultural Considerations in Zanzibar

• Learn some Swahili. The locals will love and respect you for it. I wrote a English to Swahili Guide here.
• Don’t give sweets to children. It’s not healthy and teaches them bad habits. If you want to help, bring school supplies (or buy locally) or clothes and donate them through a proper channel.
• Do not take photographs of specific people unless you ask them first. You say “Naweza kupiga picta?” Younger people tend not to mind so much (many have smartphones and Facebook), but some people can take offence, especially if they are just going about their daily business. It’s getting more relaxed as tourism grows and it’s fine for a general scene from a bit of a distance, but if you want to take a close up of any people, ask first, especially fishermen or market vendors. Some will be fine with it, some will say no and some will ask for money. Me and my friends were taking pictures of a fishing boat once (from another boat) and one of the fishermen shouted at us, pulled his pants down and flashed us. He was not happy.
• As with many places in Africa, it’s often illegal to take pictures of government buildings and people and at border control. You risk getting into trouble if anyone sees you and you may well lose your camera.
• Do not take any shells home with you – this is strictly forbidden, even if you bought them in a shop and you can be heavily fined if caught.
• Zanzibari men and women don’t do public displays of affection, so you shouldn’t either, especially not in Stone Town and the villages. Holding hands is ok, but more than that is not, unless you are somewhere quite private. In the beach bars, nightclubs and on the beaches, it’s a lot more relaxed.
• Homosexuality is still illegal in Zanzibar. Public displays of affection even something as small as kissing is not tolerated and can lead to arrest and imprisonment, that includes foreigners. You will often see Zanzibari men holding hands as a sign of friendship, but this is only for the Zanzibaris.
• It is illegal to bring plastic carrier bags into Zanzibar and Tanzania.
• You shouldn’t drink, eat or smoke on the streets during Ramadan. It’s not illegal but very impolite as most people are fasting. 
• Follow the rules, especially during Ramadan which is a religious and sacred time.
• Do not ride any kind of motorized vehicles on the beach – this is illegal, although you may see locals doing it. Don’t copy.

If you follow my advice on what to wear in Zanzibar and follow the cultural rules, you should have no issues! Karibu!

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Other Tanzania & Zanzibar posts you might enjoy…

• The Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
• 40 Amazing Things To Do in Zanzibar
• English to Swahili: Useful Words & Phrases for Travel in East Africa
• 31 East African Foods You HAVE to Try
• 20 Awesome Things To Do in Arusha, Tanzania
• 24 Fun Things To Do In Moshi, Tanzania
• The Perfect 2-Week Kenya & Tanzania Itinerary
• A Guide to Taking the Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Ferry
• Climbing Kilimanjaro: How to Prepare & My Tips for Reaching the Top

If you’d like to join one of my Africa group trips you can find out more here.

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