What to Wear in Zanzibar
Zanzibar has a dual dress code that confuses some first-time visitors: beach attire and “town” attire are very different things. Understanding this will make your trip more comfortable and will demonstrate respect for the island’s predominantly Muslim culture.
On the beach: Swimwear is entirely normal and accepted. Bikinis, board shorts and swimsuits are standard at all beach resorts. When walking from your sunbed to the hotel reception or restaurant, throwing on a sarong or cover-up is polite but not legally required at resort beaches.
In Stone Town and villages: Cover your shoulders and knees. Women should carry a light scarf to cover up when entering mosques or more conservative areas. Men in shorts are generally fine, but long trousers are more respectful for mosque visits. Tight, revealing clothing is inappropriate in town settings and may attract unwanted attention.
In the evenings: Resort restaurants are smart-casual. A light linen shirt and trousers or a summer dress is ideal. Zanzibar evenings are warm (22–26°C year-round) but air-conditioned restaurants can feel cool; a light cardigan is useful.
For more details on cultural etiquette during your stay, see our complete Zanzibar travel guide. Our family travel guide also covers dress code advice for children.
Health and Safety Items: What Not to Leave Behind
Zanzibar is a malaria zone — this is the single most important health consideration for travellers. Consult your GP or a specialist travel clinic at least four to six weeks before departure to discuss anti-malarial medication options (atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine are commonly prescribed). All are effective; the right choice depends on your personal health history and trip duration.
Alongside anti-malarials, pack a quality insect repellent with at least 50% DEET concentration. Apply at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Sleep under a mosquito net if your accommodation does not have air conditioning (most quality resorts have nets or air con, or both).
Reef-safe sunscreen is not just an environmental courtesy but a practical necessity: chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are harmful to coral reefs and some dive sites actively discourage their use. Pack a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based) at SPF 50 and apply 20 minutes before sun exposure.
If you are visiting from a Yellow Fever endemic country (many parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America), you will need to present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate on arrival. Check our visa and entry requirements page for the most current information.
Beach and Water Activities Packing
If snorkelling or diving is part of your Zanzibar itinerary — and it should be — consider bringing your own snorkel mask. Rental masks vary enormously in quality and fit, and a well-fitting personal mask makes an enormous difference to the clarity and comfort of your underwater experience. Snorkel fins can also be brought but add bulk; most operators provide adequate fins for rent.
A dry bag is one of the most versatile items you can pack for Zanzibar. Use it on dhow trips, boat excursions to Mnemba Atoll, kayaking sessions and beach days where your bag may get splashed. A 10-litre bag suits most day trips; 20 litres is better for full-day island excursions. Many are also compatible with phone mounts for photography.
Reef shoes are underrated but genuinely useful. Many beach entries, particularly on the east coast and around rocky reef areas, involve wading over uneven coral substrate. Reef shoes protect against cuts and sea urchin spines and make the experience considerably more comfortable. Lightweight neoprene water shoes that fold flat pack easily.
For dedicated divers, most equipment is available for rent at dive centres across the island. Bringing your own wetsuit, BCD and regulator is advisable only for frequent divers; occasional divers will find rental equipment at reputable operators entirely adequate. See our diving packages for operator details.
Documents, Money and Visas
Most nationalities can obtain a Tourist Visa on arrival at Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). The standard single-entry visa costs $50 USD per person (cash, USD only at the time of writing — always check current fees before travel). Carry the exact amount in crisp, undamaged USD notes — torn or worn notes are sometimes refused. See our visa requirements page for country-specific details and the latest entry rules.
Travel insurance is not optional — it is essential. Medical evacuation from Zanzibar to Nairobi or Dar es Salaam (the nearest major hospitals) can cost thousands of dollars without insurance. Ensure your policy covers diving if you plan to dive, and includes adequate medical cover for a destination in Tanzania.
Money: USD is widely accepted alongside Tanzanian Shillings. Bring a mix: USD cash for the visa, tips and some market purchases, and a debit or credit card (Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels and restaurants). ATMs are available in Stone Town and at major resorts. Inform your bank before travelling to avoid card blocks on foreign transactions.
Keep digital copies of all documents stored in cloud storage and email to yourself. Also carry physical photocopies of your passport photo page and visa. If staying with us, all booking confirmations are also stored in your account portal for easy access. Browse our holiday packages or visit our FAQ page for more pre-travel questions.
What NOT to Pack for Zanzibar
Packing light is genuinely rewarding in Zanzibar. The heat and humidity mean you will wear far less than you might at home, and laundry services are available at all quality resorts.
Leave behind: heavy jeans and thick jumpers (the temperature rarely drops below 22°C even at night); formal business wear unless you have specific meetings planned; excessive quantities of toiletries (everything is available at Stone Town pharmacies and most resort shops); and chemical sunscreens, which will harm the coral reefs you are travelling to see.
Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania — do not bring single-use plastic bags. Bring a reusable canvas bag for shopping instead. The ban is enforced at customs and visitors have had bags confiscated on arrival. For more practical pre-travel advice, explore our when to visit guide, our family guide and our contact page where our team is always happy to answer specific questions.