Zanzibar Packing List: What to Pack for the Island

Zanzibar is a tropical island with a predominantly Muslim culture, equatorial heat and a serious marine environment. Packing for it requires a bit more thought than a standard beach holiday. Here's exactly what to bring — and what to leave at home.

Clothing

• ✦Lightweight linen or cotton shirts (x3–4) — breathable fabrics are essential in tropical heat
• ✦Shorts and swimwear for the beach (x2–3 each)
• ✦Loose trousers or long skirt (x2) — essential for visiting Stone Town and local areas
• ✦Light cardigan or long-sleeve layer — for air-conditioned restaurants and cooler evenings
• ✦Modest cover-up (women) — a sarong or kaftan is perfect for walking between beach and town
• ✦1 smart outfit for a special dinner or resort evening
• ✦Underwear x7 — quick-dry fabrics ideal
• ✦Light pyjamas or sleepwear

Footwear

• ✦Sandals (x1 pair) — for beach and casual use
• ✦Flip flops / thongs — waterproof, easy to slip on and off at mosques
• ✦Lightweight trainers or closed-toe shoes — for exploring Stone Town's uneven alleyways
• ✦Reef shoes / water shoes — optional but very useful for rocky reef snorkelling entries

Health & Sun Protection

• ✦High SPF sun cream (SPF 50+) — tropical sun is intense; buy before you arrive as local prices are high
• ✦Reef-safe sun cream — Zanzibar's coral reefs are protected; oxybenzone-based creams damage coral
• ✦Insect repellent (DEET 30%+) — malaria is present in Zanzibar; apply at dusk and dawn
• ✦Malaria tablets — consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel; Malarone or Doxycycline are commonly prescribed
• ✦After-sun lotion — you will catch more sun than you expect
• ✦Hand sanitiser — for eating street food and market visits
• ✦Basic first aid kit — plasters, antiseptic cream, ibuprofen, antihistamines
• ✦Diarrhoea tablets (Imodium) — tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water
• ✦Rehydration sachets — heat plus stomach issues can dehydrate you fast

Beach & Water Gear

• ✦Snorkel mask and fins — quality equipment makes a huge difference; rental gear varies
• ✦Underwater camera or GoPro — the sea life is incredible
• ✦Dry bag — for keeping your phone and valuables dry on boat trips
• ✦Quick-dry beach towel — lightweight microfibre towels pack small and dry fast
• ✦Reusable water bottle — plastic waste is a problem in Zanzibar; reduce your footprint
• ✦Waterproof phone case — useful for beach days and boat trips

Documents & Money

• ✦Passport (valid 6+ months from travel date)
• ✦USD cash ($50 per person for visa + extra for tips and markets)
• ✦Travel insurance documents — never travel without it; include water sports cover if diving
• ✦Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required for your travel history)
• ✦E-Visa confirmation printout (if applying in advance)
• ✦Credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard widely accepted at resorts; less so at local venues)

What NOT to Bring

• ✦Drones — require a permit in Tanzania; complicated to arrange and may be confiscated
• ✦Non-reef-safe sunscreen — damages the coral reefs; opt for mineral-based zinc oxide products
• ✦Excessive valuables — leave expensive jewellery and unnecessary electronics at home
• ✦Revealing clothing for non-beach areas — causes offence and unwanted attention in local communities