People are very used to tourists these days, so you won’t be lynch-mobbed if you show a bit of shoulder or your knees, but it’s still seen as respectful to cover up.
Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses are great for Zanzibar. There’s plenty of relatively cheap ones online at places like ASOS or H&M. Just make sure the ones that you have for the day don’t have huge splits in them!
If you don’t have one already, you can buy them in Stone Town. I have a few of the long dresses you see in the picture below and they’re great for wandering about in. I always get lots of compliments “You look like a Zanzibari woman!”
Sometimes I style it up with a belt, or just let it hang loose for a more casual look.
If you’re worried about chafing, wear a pair of these under your dress (oh, to have a thigh gap).
Kimonos
I live in kimonos. They are the most amazing item of clothing ever and I own about 7 of them in different colours.
They’re great for sun protection, covering up when it’s culturally appropriate, keeping warm on cooler nights, and dressing up an otherwise boring, plain dress.
A lightweight cotton shirt works too and these are also useful for wearing on safari, to protect from the sun and the mosquitoes.
Scarves
I usually carry a scarf with me to cover my shoulders if I’m going out and about in Stone Town and don’t want to wear anything too heavy.
Sarong
Sarongs are great for just throwing on when you’re walking about on the beach and also great for sun protection too.
Harem Pants
Harem pants are great to wear too. They’re loose and usually pretty cool to wear.
Many of the local shops sell them, so if you’d like to support the local economy, try Gizenga or Hurumzi Street.
You find some great harem pants here.
If you follow my advice on what to wear in Zanzibar and follow the cultural rules, you should have no issues! Karibu!
