What to Wear in Zanzibar: Outfit Guide for Zanzibar, Tanzania

Knowing what to wear in Zanzibar can be tricky. As a predominantly Muslim country with intense African heat, finding the balance between dressing respectfully and staying cool and stylish takes a little planning.

Whether you’re exploring historic Stone Town or lounging at a resort beach, this complete guide covers everything you need to know, including all of the outfits I wore during our recent trip.

What to Wear in Stone Town, Zanzibar

One of my favorite parts of our trip to Zanzibar was the time we spent exploring historic Stone Town. Wandering its maze-like streets is an absolute must, but it does require some extra planning ahead when it comes to what to wear in Stone Town.

While beach wear and bikinis are perfectly acceptable at the resorts, it is imperative to dress modestly when visiting local areas like Stone Town or a local village. As a general rule, you’ll want to cover yourself from the shoulder to the knee. Avoid anything that exposes your midriff, cleavage, or thighs, and skip the tank tops, shorts, or dresses above the knee.

During my time in Stone Town, I wore short-sleeve midi and maxi dresses in lightweight fabrics that kept me covered without overheating. A breezy linen pants and top combo works great as well.

While in Stone Town, you may notice some tourists dressed in revealing clothing. They probably didn’t do their research! Though the locals are far too gracious to say anything, please don’t follow suit. Dressing disrespectfully is never a good look.

More suggestions on what to wear in Stone Town:

Midi or Maxi Dress: Choose a midi or maxi dress in a lightweight fabric and a bright color or fun African-inspired pattern. Just avoid styles with hems that touch the ground, as the streets of Stone Town are dusty.

Kaftan: A breezy, lightweight kaftan is another great option for staying covered and cool while exploring Stone Town. As a bonus, kaftans pull double duty as excellent swimsuit cover-ups at the beach.

Linen Pants & Top: Not a dress person? Opt for a linen shirt and linen pants instead. Natural fabrics will keep you cool and covered while you explore.

Abaya: While tourists are not expected to wear traditional Muslim dress in Stone Town, donning a traditional abaya is a wonderful way to blend in with the local women and show cultural respect if you feel comfortable doing so.

White Sneakers: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfort is key! A pair of white sneakers will keep your feet happy and help avoid the dusty streets leaving their mark on open-toed shoes.

Walking Sandals: If you prefer sandals, make sure they are sturdy and comfortable enough for a full day of walking. Save your cute strappy sandals for the beach and wear your most supportive pair for exploring.

Accessories: Don’t forget a sun hat, your sunglasses, and a crossbody bag or small backpack. Leave shoulder bags and larger purses back at the hotel. If you’re traveling during rainy season (March – May or November – December), toss a compact rain poncho in your bag as well.

What to Wear at a Zanzibar Resort

Many tourists wonder how they need to dress at a Zanzibar beach resort — and the good news is that dress expectations are far more relaxed than in Stone Town or a local village. At your resort, you have much more freedom to dress as you please. Shorter dresses, exposed shoulders, and even bikinis are all perfectly acceptable within the resort grounds.

That said, most of your time will be spent poolside and beachside, but you’ll still want a few polished outfits for dinners and evenings out. I recommend packing a mix of casual and slightly dressier options to cover all the bases.

To stay cool in the African heat, stick to dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, or two-piece sets. I would avoid overly casual clothing like jean shorts. And while you’re free to dress how you like at a Zanzibar resort, it’s still a good idea to keep your clothing on the conservative side out of respect for the local culture.

More suggestions on what to wear at a Zanzibar resort:

Casual Dress: I always pack at least one casual dress I can throw on quickly without getting fully ready — perfect for running down to the breakfast buffet or grabbing a relaxed lunch.

Shorts & Button-Up Set: If dresses aren’t your thing, a casual button-up and matching shorts set is a comfortable and stylish alternative. They make great cover-ups too!

Resort Wear Dresses: Pack a couple of nicer dresses for evening dinners. During my time in Zanzibar, I felt most comfortable and appropriate in longer midi and maxi styles.

Two-Piece Pant Set: In the evenings, swap out shorts or mini skirt sets for a pant set instead. You’ll be better protected from mosquitos and cooler evening breezes.

Dressy Flat Sandals: I cannot recommend flats enough for vacation! You’ll be doing a lot of walking on a variety of surfaces that simply aren’t suitable for wedges or heels. Find a fun, flashy pair of flat sandals and your feet will thank you for it.

What To Wear at the Beach in Zanzibar

Bikinis are completely acceptable at your resort’s beach! That said, I chose to pack my more conservative bikinis and left the thongs at home. If you plan to visit a local beach off your resort, please be especially mindful of your attire.

More suggestions on what to wear at Zanzibar beaches:

High Waist Bikini: When packing my two-pieces for Zanzibar, I opted for my more supportive, high-waisted styles — both for comfort and for modesty.

Fun One Piece: I also packed a couple of fun one-pieces for this trip, even though I don’t typically wear them at home. They felt like the right choice for Zanzibar!

Cover Up: A great cover-up is essential. Choose one that fully covers your swimsuit so you can grab lunch at the resort without having to change first.

Beach Bag: Most resorts and hotels in Zanzibar do not provide beach bags, so you’ll want to pack one. Choose a style that folds down flat to save space in your luggage, or use it as your carry on personal item.

Beach Sandals: Skip the cheap rubber flip flops! Pack a cute, comfortable beach sandal that can be repurposed for other casual outfits throughout your trip.

Water Shoes: Water shoes are an absolute must in Zanzibar. They look just like sneakers but can be worn right in the ocean, protecting your feet from sharp rocks and hazards like sea urchins.

Accessories: Don’t forget your sunglasses, a high-SPF reef-friendly sunscreen, and your beach hat!

Final Thoughts on What to Wear in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is truly one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world, and a little extra planning before packing will go a long way in making your trip as enjoyable and respectful as possible. The key is striking the right balance — conservative and modest clothing for exploring Stone Town and local villages, and fun, colorful resort wear for your time at the beach and poolside. When in doubt, opt for coverage and choose lightweight, breathable fabrics to beat the heat in style. With the right wardrobe, you’ll be ready to fully embrace everything this magical island has to offer!

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