What to Pack for a Zanzibar Holiday — Complete Packing List

Packing for Zanzibar can feel confusing — it is a beach destination but also a Muslim-majority island with specific cultural expectations. It is tropical but can be surprisingly cool in the evenings. And if you are combining with a safari or Kilimanjaro, your packing needs change completely.

Here is our complete guide from people who live here year-round.

Clothing — Getting the Balance Right

For the Beach

• Swimwear — bring at least two sets so one is always dry
• Light cover-up for walking from beach to restaurant or town
• Flip flops and comfortable walking sandals
• Light linen or cotton trousers and shirts for evenings

For Stone Town and Villages This is important. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim and modest dress is expected and appreciated away from the beach. Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting Stone Town, villages, mosques and markets.

• Light long trousers or a long skirt
• Short or long sleeve shirts that cover shoulders
• A light scarf is useful for women

You will not be refused entry anywhere in shorts and a t-shirt but showing respect for local culture makes a significant difference to how you are welcomed and the quality of your experience.

For Evenings Zanzibar has beautiful restaurants and beach bars. Smart casual is appropriate. One slightly nicer outfit is worth bringing.

Sun Protection

The equatorial sun in Zanzibar is intense — especially on the water during boat tours like Safari Blue. Do not underestimate it.

• High SPF sunscreen — factor 50 recommended
• Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly preferred to protect coral reefs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap
• Rashguard or long sleeve swim top for long days on the water

Health and Medication

• Malaria prophylaxis — consult your doctor before travelling. Zanzibar has malaria risk and prevention is strongly recommended
• Insect repellent with DEET — especially important at dawn and dusk
• Antihistamine tablets
• Imodium and oral rehydration sachets
• Antiseptic cream and plasters
• Any personal prescription medication in sufficient quantity

Beach and Water Gear

• Snorkel mask and fins — you can rent these but having your own ensures a perfect fit. Tours provide equipment but personal gear is better for serious snorkelers
• Waterproof phone case or dry bag
• GoPro or waterproof camera if you want underwater photos
• Quick-dry towel — lighter and faster drying than a cotton towel

Electronics

• Universal travel adapter — Tanzania uses type G plugs (British style three-pin)
• Portable power bank — useful for long tour days away from charging points
• Camera with waterproof protection or a good waterproof case

Documents and Money

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
• Tanzania visa — most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or in advance online
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from certain countries
• Travel insurance documents — essential
• Mixture of USD cash and card. USD is widely accepted alongside Tanzanian Shillings. Many tour operators and hotels prefer USD.

What NOT to Bring

• Camouflage clothing — prohibited in Tanzania
• Excessive jewellery — leave valuables at home
• Plastic bags — banned in Tanzania, bring a reusable tote bag
• Very revealing clothing for town — unnecessary and disrespectful

Packing for a Safari Combination

If you are combining Zanzibar with a Tanzania safari add:

• Neutral coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
• Fleece or light jacket — mornings and evenings in the Serengeti can be cool
• Binoculars
• Closed-toe shoes or boots

Local Shopping

One of the joys of Zanzibar is the shopping. You do not need to bring everything from home. Stone Town and local markets are excellent for:

• Kikoi wraps (beautiful lightweight beach cover-ups)
• Zanzibar spices to take home
• Handcrafted bags and souvenirs
• Essential items you forgot

Our HuShop store in Paje stocks a carefully selected range of local products — from handwoven bags to authentic Zanzibar spices. Everything in the shop is genuinely local and makes excellent gifts to take home.

Any questions about preparing for your Zanzibar trip? Contact our team on WhatsApp at +255 688 686 983 — we are happy to help.