Zanzibar has a dress code that everyone must obey as required by Islam. Whenever I come to Zanzibar, I have to observe the conservative minimum dress code.
While I can casually walk in shorts in New York, everything changes when I am in Zanzibar. How should you dress in Zanzibar?
Since, Zanzibar is an Islamic country, everyone must cover-up. In Islam, it is expected that men and women dress and modestly.
In addition, you have to dry with dignity. What does this mean?
Men have to cover in loose clothing not revealing from their navels to the knees.
As a visitor, you need the absolute minimum attire that must align with the locals’ religious belief. Thus, I cannot step out in public in a short bathing suit.
For the ladies, they should cover their hair and avoid revealing attire. Furthermore, women should not show off skin, and must cover their hands and faces.
How should you dress in Zanzibar?
Coming to Zanzibar as a tourist requires adhering to the country’s strict dress codes.
Zanzibar is highly religious, meaning you must obey the Islamic dress code. Mostly, you don’t reveal your body on the island.
Women must not bear too much skin in public and should avoid deep cleavage and open shoulder tops.
The legs should be covered at all times and men should wear trousers or shorts that cover their knees.
On the other hand, you can use bathing suits along beaches.
Do you have to cover up in Zanzibar?
Yes, you must cover up when you come to Zanzibar and Pemba. For instance, you don’t need sleeveless tops or shorts as a lady in public.
In Stone Town and other places on the island, you should respect the country’s dress code. In addition, the Zanzibari authorities can fine you if you disorder the dress code.
What should you not wear in Tanzania? You should not wear shorts or very short skirts because it is against the local’s dress code.
In addition, stay away from strappy tops and consider trousers or a knee-length or longer skirt, and tops that cover your shoulders.
What to Wear in Zanzibar
Here is a top tip for people coming to Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar is a strong Muslim community, which means that dress code is strictly important to the locals.
- The place is hot and humid and requires that you come lightweight. I recommend loose-fitting outfits in natural fabrics such as bamboo, linen, silk, or cotton. If you must stay cool, you need such fabrics.
- Stay away from black or blue outfits because tsetse flies are drawn to the two colors. You can suffer from the infamous African sleeping sickness when they bite you.
- You need insect/mosquito repellent. In addition, you should wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially during dusk for protection. You have to protect your wrists and ankles.
- Remember, the sun here is strong and requires sunscreen and a sunhat as protectors.
Reflecting sunlight off the water can affect your experience in the reef. Thus, you should consider this when exploring the beautiful reef.
Wear things that would protect you from petty crimes like pickpockets. You don’t have to bling on the island or flaunt your expensive outfits and jewelery.
Shoes to pack for Zanzibar
Do you need aqua shoes for Zanzibar? I will say yes if you are visiting the beach. Some of the beaches have seaweed, sea cucumbers, or sea urchins (just to name a few) on the ocean’s bottom.
You don’t need heavy shoes that would leave you with sores. On the island, you need comfy footwear that are light.
If there is something, you should be on the lookout for sea urchins and jellyfish. Wear footwear that allows you to do things. I wear flat sandals or flip-flops on the island.
Sometimes, I wear interchangeable shoes during the day and change in the evening.
A sarong or pashmina or sarong can help ladies dress modestly. You should dress up without dragging attention or handling sun protection or dress.
I do not have to skip the hair color code. If you have blonde hair, it would be best to hide it under your cap or hat. When you do this, it will decrease people pestering you.
You can relax with your dress code but not topless when you visit a beach around any hotel resort.
I advise that you cover up with a sunhat, sarong, or kaftan when you walk on the beach. While you protect yourself from the sun, these outfits can prevent unnecessary attention from you.
Meanwhile, lone females may suffer from advances from men. I suggest you use fake wedding ring to scare such Zanzibari men.
Travel essentials for Zanzibar
When coming to Zanzibar, you can consider implementing any of these tips:
- Ensure you use an accurate luggage scale when checking your baggage limit.
- I recommend a soft-sided rucksack over a hard suitcase. With a rucksack, you can easily fit into transfer vehicles or small planes.
- You should pack a beach bag for your essentials.
- I use a phone bunjee to safeguard my mobile phone. With a phone bunjee, you can protect against damage, loss, or theft.
- Travel with a travel adapter plug to help you with your electrical gadgets. In addition, ensure you don’t forget a step-down voltage converter, especially if your devices cannot handle 230V.
- Stay away from tap water even when you want to brush your teeth.
- Stay away from paying unexpected baggage fees.
Finally, can I drink alcohol in Zanzibar? Yes, you can drink alcohol discreetly. I will advise that you respect the locals by drinking away from the public.
FAQs
What clothes to wear in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is hot and humid, so you should pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothes.
Consider bringing fabrics like cotton, bamboo, linen, or silk to keep you cool.
Can I wear shorts in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is an Islamic country with zero tolerance for everyone who disregards their dress code. Men can wear trousers or shorts that can cover their knees.
Can you wear black in Tanzania?
You should avoid dark-colored attires in the country because they attract Tsetse flies.