Zanzibar Dress Code: What to Wear on the Beach and in Town
Swimwear on the resort beach, covered shoulders and knees in town: a simple, respectful guide to dressing well during your Zanzibar holiday.
Zanzibar is a relaxed, welcoming island, but it is also a predominantly Muslim society with conservative norms around dress. Visitors are not expected to dress like locals, yet a little effort to cover up away from the beach is noticed and genuinely appreciated.
The good news is that the rules are simple and easy to follow. Think of it as two wardrobes: one for your hotel and the beach, and one for towns, villages and excursions.
Dressing thoughtfully also tends to change how people respond to you. Shopkeepers, guides and villagers are often warmer and more open with visitors who have clearly made an effort, and you will feel more comfortable blending in on the streets of Stone Town.
Quick tips
- Keep a sarong or kanga in your day bag to cover up quickly when leaving the beach.
- Choose loose cotton or linen, which is cooler than tight synthetic fabrics.
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond holding hands in towns and villages.
- Follow local cues: if people around you are covered, it is a good sign you should be too.
- Ask your hotel about any dress expectations for its restaurants or excursions.
On the Beach and at Your Hotel
Within resorts, at hotel pools and on the beach directly in front of tourist hotels, normal swimwear is fine. Topless and nude sunbathing are not acceptable anywhere on the island.
Many beaches double as village thoroughfares, especially on the east coast, where fishermen and seaweed farmers work the shore. If you walk away from your hotel toward a village, it is respectful to throw on a cover-up, sarong or T-shirt.
In Stone Town and Villages
When you leave the beach, aim to cover your shoulders and knees. This applies to everyone, not only women. Men walking shirtless or in swim shorts through Stone Town will attract disapproving looks.
Loose, lightweight clothing is both respectful and practical in the heat. Linen trousers, maxi skirts, midi dresses with a light shawl, and cotton shirts are all ideal. Very short shorts, low-cut tops and sheer fabrics are best kept for the resort.
Visiting Mosques and Religious Sites
Most mosques in Zanzibar are not open to non-Muslim visitors, so admire them from outside and avoid photographing worshippers without permission. At churches, cathedrals and other religious sites that welcome visitors, dress modestly and remove hats. Women may want to carry a light scarf, which is handy for sun protection anyway.
Excursions and Special Situations
Different activities call for slightly different clothes. As a guide:
- Spice tours: covered shoulders and knees, plus comfortable shoes for farm paths.
- Boat trips: swimwear under a cover-up, a hat and a rash vest for snorkeling.
- Village walks: modest clothing and a respectful approach to photography.
- During Ramadan: dress even more conservatively in public, as sensitivities are higher.
- Evenings in resort restaurants: smart casual is usually fine, though check with your hotel.
A Simple Packing List
For a week on Zanzibar after safari, we suggest two or three pairs of light trousers or long skirts, several breathable tops with sleeves, a sarong or kanga, swimwear, a rash vest, a wide-brimmed hat and sandals plus reef shoes. You can also buy colorful kangas and kikois locally, which double as beach wraps and make great souvenirs.
Remember that light aircraft between the safari parks and Zanzibar usually have strict soft-bag luggage limits, so pack versatile pieces that work for both parts of the trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a bikini in Zanzibar?
Yes, bikinis are fine on resort beaches and at hotel pools. Cover up with a sarong or dress when you walk into villages, towns or local shops.
Do women need to cover their hair in Zanzibar?
No, female visitors are not expected to cover their hair. A light scarf can still be useful for the sun and for visits to certain religious sites.
Can men wear shorts in Stone Town?
Knee-length shorts are generally acceptable, though light trousers are more respectful. Avoid going shirtless or wearing swim shorts away from the beach.