What to wear, by place
| Place | Suggested outfit |
|---|---|
| Stone Town, villages, markets | Shoulders, midriff and knees covered; light, opaque fabrics |
| Mosques and religious sites | Head covered for women if asked, legs and arms covered |
| Beach at your hotel | Swimwear accepted; change before going into town |
| Village beaches | Long shorts or a sarong over your swimsuit |
| Dinner out | Long dress or trousers, shoulders covered |
Useful items to pack
Two or three long cotton or linen dresses, wide trousers, a large sarong or scarf (useful for a mosque and against the sun), sandals that slip off easily. See-through dresses do not count as covering. Men should also avoid going shirtless in town; trousers are better in Stone Town.
On the beach
Swimsuits are normal on hotel sand and big beaches like Nungwi or Paje. Topless sunbathing is not appropriate. Put on a sarong to cross a village or reach a restaurant. For tides and swimming, see tides in Zanzibar.
Ramadan
During Ramadan the authorities restate the modest-dress requirement in public: see Zanzibar during Ramadan.
FAQ
Can you wear shorts in Zanzibar?
On the beach and at your hotel yes; in town prefer long shorts that cover the knees.
Is a bikini allowed?
On beaches and in hotels, yes. Not in the streets of Stone Town.
