What to Wear in Zanzibar: Outfit Guide for Zanzibar, Tanzania
Wondering what to wear in Zanzibar on your upcoming holiday? Need Zanzibar outfit ideas and a list of what to pack for Zanzibar? You’ve come to the right place!
As Zanzibar is a predominately Muslim country, it can be very difficult to know how to dress appropriately while beating the intense African heat. It’s important to be respectful of the local culture with your clothing choices while still be comfortable and stylish on your trip.
Keep reading for a complete guide to what to wear in Zanzibar, including all of the outfits I wore during out recent trip.
We may earn a small commission at no cost to you when you click through our affiliate links and make a purchase.
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. You definitely don’t want to miss out on wandering the historic city’s maze-like streets, though it does take extra planning on what to wear.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 10:33 am GMT
While beach wear and bikinis are acceptable at the resorts, it’s imperative to dress modestly while in local areas like Stone Town or a local village.
During my time in Stone Town, I wore short-sleeve midi and maxi dresses that were lightweight but still covered my body. A breezy linen pants and top combo would work well too.
While in Stone Town or a local village, dress to respect the local Muslim culture. Cover yourself from the shoulder to the knee. Do not wear clothing that exposes your midriff, cleavage, or thighs. Avoid tank tops, shorts, or dresses above the knee.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 11:22 am GMT
For your Zanzibar wardrobe, I suggest packing bold colors that will pop in your photos against the tan streets of Stone Town and the bright blue water at the resorts. African-inspired prints look great too!
While in Stone Town, you may see tourists dressed in revealing clothing that clearly did not do their research. Though the locals are too polite to say anything, make sure you don’t follow suit and and dress disrespectfully.
I wore a dress with a slightly lower neckline at a private dinner at our hotel, Emerson on Hurumzi. I would not have worn this neckline out wandering the streets of Stone Town.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 05:53 am GMT
More suggestions on What to Wear in Stone Town: Ready for more options? Here’s what to pack for Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Midi or Maxi Dress: Choose a maxi or midi dress in a lightweight fabric and bright color or fun African-inspired pattern. Avoid maxi dresses with hems that touch the ground, as the streets of Stone Town are dusty.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 06:08 am GMT
Kaftan: A breezy and lightweight kaftan is another option to stay covered and cool while you explore Stone Town. The best part is they also do double duty as swim cover ups.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 05:58 am GMT
Linen Pants & Top: If you’re not a fan of dresses, then opt for a linen shirt and linen pants. This will keep you covered and ready to explore while still keeping you cool in natural fabrics.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 06:07 am GMT
Abaya: While it is not expected for tourists to wear traditional Muslim dress in Stone Town, you may feel more comfortable blending in with the local women by donning a traditional abaya.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 07:13 am GMT
White Sneakers: You’ll be doing a ton of walking! Wear a pair of comfortable white sneakers while exploring Stone Town. Donning closed-toe sneakers can help avoid dirty, dusty feet.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 08:43 am GMT
Walking Sandals: If you want to wear sandals, make sure they are comfortable ones that will hold up during lots of walking. Leave your cute sandals for the beach, and wear your comfy airport slides instead.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 08:47 am GMT
Accessories: Don’t forget a cute sun hat, your sunglasses, and a crossbody bag or small backpack. Leave purses and shoulder bags back at the hotel. If you are traveling during rainy season (March – May or November – December), consider packing a rain poncho.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 08:49 am GMT
Do I need to wear a hijab in Zanzibar? While head coverings may be recommended or even required in some Islamic countries, it is not the norm for tourists in Zanzibar. While the local women do wear hijab, you probably won’t see any tourists in one. However, solo female travelers may want to consider modest Muslim clothing in Stone Town in order to blend in and avoid unwanted attention.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 09:23 am GMT
Cover Up: And of course you need a great cover up as well. Choose a cover up that will fully cover your swimsuit so you can grab some lunch at the resort without changing.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 09:53 am GMT
Beach Bag: The majority of resorts and hotels don’t provide beach bags, so you will want to pack one. Choose a beach bag that folds down flat to take up less space in your luggage, or use your beach bag as your carry on personal item.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 09:43 am GMT
Water Shoes: Water shoes are a MUST in Zanzibar! Water shoes looks just like sneakers but can be worn in the ocean. They will protect your feet from sharp rocks or hazards like sea urchins.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 05:42 am GMT
What to Wear at a Zanzibar Resort
Most of your time at a Zanzibar resort will be spent pool and beachside. However, you will still need a few nice outfits for dinners. I try to pack both a few casual options as well as something a bit dressier.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 09:43 am GMT
To keep you cool in the African heat, I recommend dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, or two piece sets. I would avoid overly casual clothing such as jean shorts. And although you have more freedom of dressing on a resort, it would still be polite to keep your clothing leaning conservative.
Many resorts have dress codes for their restaurants, so make sure you consider those before packing. A good rule of thumb is to avoid jean shorts and tank tops or anything that is too casual.
More suggestions on What to Wear at a Zanzibar resort: Ready for more options? Here’s what to pack for your resort stay in Zanzibar.
Casual Dress: I always pack a more casual dress I can throw on quickly without getting ready. This works perfect for running down to the breakfast buffet or to grab lunch at a casual restaurant.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 05:37 am GMT
Shorts & Button Up Set: If you don’t care for dresses, consider packing a casual button up and matching short set. These are super comfortable, perfect for a casual meal, and they make a great cover up too.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 09:44 am GMT
Resort Wear Dresses: Pack a couple of nicer dresses to wear in the evenings to dinner. I felt most comfortable wearing longer midi and maxi dresses in Zanzibar.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 05:33 am GMT
Two Piece Pant Set: Instead of two piece sets that include shorts or a short skirt, try a pant set in the evenings. You’ll be more protected from mosquitos and evening breezes.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2025 09:25 am GMT
Dressy Flat Sandals: I always, ALWAYS recommend only flats on vacation! You will be doing a lot of walking, and a lot of surfaces are not suitable for wedges or heels. Just find a super fun, flashy pair or two and your feet will thank me later.
