What to Pack for Zanzibar

Zanzibar packing is mostly about two things: heat and respect. The island is hot and humid all year, and it is predominantly Muslim, which shapes what is appropriate to wear away from the beach. Get those two right and the rest is easy.

Clothing

Light, loose, natural fabrics. Cotton and linen. Synthetic fabric in this humidity is unpleasant by mid-morning.

Shoulders and knees covered for town and villages. This matters. On hotel beaches, swimwear is fine. In Stone Town, in villages, at the spice farm and in shops, cover shoulders and knees. A light scarf or kanga solves this instantly for women and is sold everywhere on the island.

One long-sleeved shirt and long trousers. For evenings, for mosquitoes and for sun on boat days.

Swimwear, two sets. Nothing dries quickly in this humidity.

Something for a nice dinner. Smart casual. Nowhere on the island requires a jacket.

Footwear

Flip flops or sandals for the beach and everyday.

Reef shoes or old trainers. Genuinely useful. The east coast lagoon at low tide has sea urchins and sharp coral rubble, and you will want them on sandbank trips.

Closed shoes for Stone Town walking and for Jozani Forest.

Sun and sea

• High factor sunscreen. It is expensive and limited on the island, so bring what you need. Reef-safe if you can.
• A hat with a brim, and sunglasses.
• Aftersun. The equatorial sun is stronger than most visitors expect.
• A rash vest for snorkelling. Better protection than reapplying sunscreen on your back all day.
• Your own snorkel and mask if you are particular about fit.
• A dry bag for boat days.

Health and practical

• Insect repellent with DEET. Mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk.
• Any prescription medication in its original packaging, with enough for the whole trip.
• A basic kit: rehydration salts, plasters, antihistamine, painkillers, something for an upset stomach.
• Speak to a travel clinic well before you fly about malaria prophylaxis and vaccinations. Yellow fever certification may be required depending on where you have travelled before.
• A refillable water bottle. Drink bottled or filtered water.

Electronics and money

• Zanzibar uses British-style three-pin plugs, 230 volts. Bring an adapter.
• A power bank. Power cuts happen, and hotel generators do not always cover every socket.
• US dollars in cash are widely accepted, and notes should be from 2009 or later and in good condition. Tanzanian shillings for small purchases.
• Cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants and rarely elsewhere. ATMs exist in Stone Town and the main towns.

What to leave at home

Plastic bags. Single-use plastic bags are banned in Tanzania and can be confiscated at the airport. Bring a fabric bag instead.

A drone, unless you have arranged a permit in advance. Bringing one in without paperwork causes problems at customs.

Camouflage clothing. Wearing it is restricted in Tanzania.

If you are also going on safari

Pack a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase for that half, because light aircraft and safari vehicles have strict limits. Neutral colours for game drives, a warm layer for early mornings on the crater rim, and binoculars if you have them. See how to combine a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar.

Ask us anything

If you are unsure whether to bring something, message us before you pack. We live here and we would rather answer a question than have you buy sunscreen at island prices. Contact us.