Zanzibar guide
🇹🇿 Packing List
What to pack for Zanzibar
In February, Zanzibar is typically hot, expect showers (24°C - 33°C). This list adapts to those conditions; adjust for your exact travel dates.
Zanzibar essentials
- Modest outfits that cover shoulders and knees for town and religious sites
- Swimwear for the resort or beach only, cover up in town
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Very light, breathable cotton or linen clothing
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Compact umbrella
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
- Swimwear (2 sets)
- Beach cover-up or sarong
- Flip-flops
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS (7 days)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Insect / mosquito repellent
- After-sun lotion
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type D/G plugs (UK-style common), 230V.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) / USD widely accepted
Local know-how
- Local SIM: Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo. Buy in Stone Town.
- Pocket tissues: some island toilets are squat-style or limited
- Overcharging tourists
- February highlights: Hottest month; Great diving
Trip gear
- Dry bag for valuables