Yo, folks!
Let me break down the tea for ya about drinking in Zanzibar.
You may have heard some bull that you can’t drink alcohol on this island, but let me tell you, that’s a straight-up myth.
The truth is, you can drink alcohol, but you gotta keep it on the down-low.
Now, don’t go thinking you can just walk around with a brewski in hand, because that’s a big no-no.
Zanzibar is a pretty conservative place, so you can’t drink in public.
But, if you’re sly about it, you can definitely indulge in a few cold ones.
I remember when I first went to Zanzibar, I thought I was gonna be dry for the whole trip.
But then I met some locals who let me in on the secret.
We snuck into a little back alley bar and had a few beers, and man, let me tell you, it was the best tasting beer I ever had.
Maybe it was the thrill of doing something taboo, but damn, that beer hit different.
Now, if you’re planning to visit Zanzibar, you gotta be smart about it.
Don’t go to Stone Town on the weekends unless you wanna be in the thick of it with all the tourists.
Weekdays are where it’s at if you want a more chill vibe.
Oh, and one more thing, make sure you stock up on insect repellents.
Those mosquitoes are ruthless out there.
I made the mistake of not bringing any repellent on my first trip, and I got eaten alive.
It was like I was a walking buffet for those bloodsuckers.
But hey, if you forget to bring some repellent, some hotels and resorts got you covered.
Just make sure you ask for it before you head out.
Can you drink alcohol in Zanzibar?
So, technically, you can’t just stroll down the street with a cold one in your hand.
That’s a no-go, my friend.
But, don’t fret, because some hotels are cool with selling you some brews.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But John, what about the local drinks?” Well, let me tell you, there are some bomb-ass local beers you gotta try.
We got Tusker, Serengeti Lager, and Kibo Gold, just to name a few.
And, get this, they even make beer out of bananas!
Who knew bananas could get you lit?
But, here’s the catch, you ain’t gonna find these beers just anywhere.
You gotta go to the right spot.
So, if you’re feeling adventurous, ask a local where to go, and they might just hook you up.
Now, if you’re not a beer drinker or you wanna switch it up, Zanzibar’s got some tasty fruit juices to keep you hydrated.
You can find some made from tamarind orange, sugar cane, or pineapple, and let me tell you, they hit the spot.
Things to Know about beers in Zanzibar
You don’t have to tip on the island, but you can tip if you feel that the service is great.
In addition, you must be at least 18 years before drinking.
Whether you are on safari, sitting in a hammock on a beach, or enjoying a breathtaking sunset, you may desire to take a beer.
While millions consume beer in Tanzania, you may not do that freely on the island.
What does this mean?
It means beer is not prohibited in the country but restricted on the island.
Beer
Tanzania has two major breweries that produce beer: Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) and Serengeti Breweries (SBL).
Maybe, you want to know how many beer brands you can find in the country.
Most beers are sold in cans and cost a dollar plus.
Here are some of my favorite beers in the country:
Kilimanjaro Beer
Kilimanjaro contains an alcohol volume of 4.5% and a premium lager.
It’s not too strong and malty, and the flavor is crispy.
The beer is light and do not offer a strong after-taste and can give you that pleasure you desire in a beer..
Serengeti Beer
Serengeti contains an alcohol volume of 5.5% and is also a premium lager.
The taste is slightly crisp and unique from any beer you have tasted.
Safari Lager
Safari contains an alcohol volume of 5.5 % and a pale lager.
If you want a classic beer, you should go for this beer because it is among the oldest beers.
It has a strong aroma and leaves you with an aftertaste that can be bitter.
Ndovu Special Malt
Ndovu is a pale lager with an alcohol volume of 4.8% with a bitter yet aromatic nose.
In addition, the beer offers a nice after-taste.
The beer is an excellent brand sold in 330ml bottles.
You can spend less when you buy this beer, which makes it one of my favorites.
Tusker Beer
Tusker is a pale lager with alcohol volume of 4.2%, and it is slightly bland but has a soft finish and some sweet notes.
Whenever you visit Tanzania, you can try its beers with the national classic, nyama choma – barbequed meat.
You can find good restaurants in Zanzibar Town, including some main resort areas on the island.
The restaurants offer you seafood, local dishes, curries, or seafood, including drinks.
The island has many places where you can drink and eat great meals.
While some of these places are busy, they help you eat healthily.
Drinks You Should Try
You can try a fresh coconut if you want something refreshing and rich in antioxidants.
In addition, you can eat the white flesh inside after drinking its juice.
The locals can easily get fresh coconut on the island.
However, you cannot bring alcohol to Zanzibar if you are below 17.
In addition, you have a limited amount of cigars, tobacco, cigarettes, wine, or spirits on the island.
Zanzibar may be a great place to visit, but not in terms of drinking alcohol.
For instance, alcohol is not allowed in stores, but you can drink at your hotel.
You must respect local laws and customs if you want to stay away from trouble.
How much duty-free allowance is available for Zanzibar?
When coming to the island, you can bring cigars, tobacco (combined weight), 250g of cigarettes, and 1 liter of spirits or wine.
Should I Drink Alcohol in Zanzibar?
If you want to know the local laws about drinking alcohol, I have listed some things that can help you.
- You will not be purchasing alcohol in shops or restaurants during the hours of prayer.
- Most hotels and resorts will serve you alcohol, while others will not.
- You may not find many beer, wine, and spirits brands in Zanzibar.
I would recommend that you stick to local brands.
With these things in mind, Zanzibar will be fun to relax and sip your beer.
FAQs
Do hotels in Zanzibar serve alcohol?
The majority of hotels and restaurants on the island can serve alcohol.
On the other hand, only a few eateries and bars do not serve alcohol in Stone Town.
For instance, lager is brewed in Kenya or Tanzania and is acceptable in the country.
You can find beers like Amstel, Becks, or Heineken imported from South Africa and Europe.
Are there any local alcoholic drinks in Zanzibar?
Yes, there are!
In addition to the imported beers mentioned earlier, Zanzibar also has some unique local alcoholic drinks to offer.
You can try out the local brews like Mnazi, a coconut wine, or Konyagi, a gin-like spirit made from sugarcane.
Just remember to drink responsibly and avoid public consumption.
Can I buy wine in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is a dry country in terms of drinking, and there’s no need to bring any alcohol with you.
Does Zanzibar sell alcohol?
You should not t drink alcohol in public on the island.
You may not find these beers in stores but in resorts.
Can I drink on the beaches in Zanzibar?
No, public drinking is not allowed on the beaches in Zanzibar.
While it may seem like a fun idea to have a cold beer on the beach, it’s important to respect the local laws and customs.
What’s the legal drinking age in Zanzibar?
The legal drinking age in Zanzibar is 18 years old.
If you’re under 18, you may not be able to purchase or consume alcohol legally.
Are there any non-alcoholic drinks to try in Zanzibar?
Absolutely!
Zanzibar is known for its delicious fruit juices and smoothies made from fresh tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and passion fruits.
You can also try out the local tea and coffee, which are popular among the locals.
