What changes, based on the 2026 guidance
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Restaurants outside hotels | Closed by day, open after sunset (iftar) |
| Hotel restaurants | Open to hotel guests, in designated areas |
| Eating, drinking, smoking in public | Best avoided by day |
| Dress | Modest in town; swimwear only on beaches and in hotels |
| Alcohol | Sales banned outside tourist zones, see alcohol in Zanzibar |
Where to stay during Ramadan
A hotel with a restaurant is the safe choice: you eat all day without searching. In town, small places are harder to find open at lunch; some guides say restaurants on side streets keep the indoor room open, with no guarantee. On the northern and eastern beaches, resorts run normally for their guests.
The good side of Ramadan
Evenings are lively: after sunset people break the fast and the streets fill, a great chance to try local food at Forodhani. Prices are usually lower than in high season, but check what is open before booking a tour. For the weather, see Zanzibar in February.
Practical tips
Keep water and snacks in your room, avoid drinking in the street, cover shoulders and knees in town (what to wear in Zanzibar) and check tour times: some agencies adjust departures.
FAQ
Can you visit Zanzibar during Ramadan?
Yes. Hotels operate, but many restaurants outside hotels are closed by day.
When is Ramadan 2027?
Expected to start around 8 February 2027, depending on the moon sighting.
