Planning to pack for Zanzibar? Don’t make the same mistakes I did on my first trip!
Why packing right for Zanzibar makes all the difference
Have you ever started to pack for Zanzibar and realized after landing you forgot the most important things?
That was me — standing in the Zanzibar heat, wearing the least practical outfit I owned, and wishing I had brought a few key items instead.
Zanzibar’s tropical climate, unique culture, and mix of beach and local life make it a special kind of destination — one that deserves a smarter approach to packing.
If you’re wondering how to pack for Zanzibar the right way, keep in mind that true comfort means being prepared for both the island’s laid-back beach vibe and its cultural etiquette.
What if you could avoid the discomfort, the “oh no, I forgot that!” moments, and the unnecessary stress… just by packing a little differently?
In this guide, I’ll share the must-have items to pack for Zanzibar that actually made my trip better — so you can skip the regrets and start your holiday fully prepared.
Essential clothing items you can’t leave behind
I wore lightweight, breathable clothes every single day in Zanzibar. Loose pants (both long and short), airy blouses, light tops, sundresses, bikinis, beach cover-ups, sandals, flip-flops, and my go-to hat and sunglasses were all essentials.
If I could go back, I’d definitely pack more flowy dresses — they were the perfect one-piece solution for both comfort and style in the tropical heat.
But dressing in Zanzibar isn’t just about staying cool — it’s also about being respectful. When visiting local villages or Stone Town, it’s important to cover your shoulders and wear pants or skirts that go below the knee, especially for women.
If you want to pack for Zanzibar the right way, cultural awareness is just as important as comfort. Walking around in just a bikini or beachwear is absolutely not appropriate outside the beach — even when you’re just a few steps away from the water.
That’s why I always kept a long-sleeved, lightweight shirt and a pair of loose pants in my beach bag. Whether I was heading to lunch, exploring a village, or simply walking through a public area, having those layers helped me stay both comfortable and culturally considerate.
Tip: Choose natural fabrics like cotton or linen. They’re cooler, dry faster, and feel way better in humid weather.
Must-have accessories to pack for Zanzibar (sun protection + comfort
I alternated between a baseball cap and a hat, depending on the day. My cap was super practical — easy to carry, and perfect for throwing on anytime I stepped into the sun.
If you’re planning to pack for Zanzibar, don’t underestimate the power of good sun protection. The sand is incredibly white and reflective, so sunglasses were non-negotiable for me. I kept mine with me everywhere — even short walks during the day could feel blinding without them.
As for sunscreen, I brought both SPF 50 and SPF 100, and used them generously. I also had aloe vera gel and a rich moisturizing lotion, which felt like heaven after every shower. I didn’t get sunburned at all, and one trick that helped: I applied SPF to my face right after breakfast — before even leaving the hotel.
For beach days, I packed a large tote, but for boat trips and excursions, I switched to a zippered backpack for extra security. I also bought a waterproof phone pouch, which turned out to be a great investment — I used it to keep my cash and phone safe during all the water activities.
These are exactly the kinds of practical details that make it worth taking the time to pack for Zanzibar thoughtfully.
Surprisingly, I didn’t need a scarf or pareo — I felt fully covered and comfortable without it. We also bought mosquito repellent locally, but never actually used it — there just weren’t that many mosquitoes around when we visited.
Tip: Pack your sunscreen in both your checked bag and carry-on. If your luggage gets delayed, you’ll still be protected from day one.
Essential gadgets to pack for Zanzibar
When it comes to tech and electronics, I like to travel light — but smart. If you’re wondering what gadgets to pack for Zanzibar, here’s what actually worked for me: I brought my phone, laptop, and iPad, plus a power bank, headphones, and a UK plug adapter with a multi-socket extension.
Honestly, every item came in handy — except my hair straightener, which I ended up never using (thanks to the beach waves and constant humidity).
The power bank was a lifesaver during long beach days and boat trips, when charging wasn’t an option. And having an adapter and power strip meant I could charge multiple devices at once in my hotel room, which made things super convenient.
Tip: Tanzania (including Zanzibar) uses the UK-style Type G plugs, so don’t forget your adapter — and consider bringing an extension cord if you travel with multiple electronics.
Toiletries & health essentials to pack for Zanzibar
When it comes to toiletries and health items, I like to be prepared — especially when traveling to tropical destinations like Zanzibar.
I packed all the basics: wet wipes, hand sanitizer, a small laundry detergent, charcoal tablets, probiotics, and a few go-to medications just in case.
One thing I’m glad I brought? A small bottle of detergent — after swimming in salty water, I liked rinsing my swimsuits and towels by hand at the end of the day. It kept everything fresh and sand-free without needing to do a full laundry run.
That said, I could’ve skipped packing shower gel. Local shops had plenty of affordable, good-quality options — so that’s one less thing I’d carry next time.
Tip: Pack your own wipes and hand sanitizer — they’re not always available when you need them most, especially during day trips or on the road.
Beach gear to pack for Zanzibar: daily essentials
My beach bag was my daily sidekick in Zanzibar — and I quickly figured out what I needed most for a perfect beach day.
Inside, I always had a towel, sunscreen, SPF lip balm, sunglasses, a bottle of water, and a snack. I also packed a book, headphones, my phone, some cash, and a waterproof phone pouch — absolutely essential during boat rides or lounging near the water.
A few extra items made my beach days even more fun and comfortable: a small inflatable mattress (great for floating lazily on the ocean), a deck of cards, and my own snorkel mask.
We also brought water shoes, but honestly? We didn’t wear them even once — the beaches were clean and soft enough to go barefoot comfortably.
Tip: Pack light but smart — keep your beach bag ready to go with all your daily essentials so you can head out anytime without forgetting something important.
Documents, money, and safety items you can’t risk forgetting
When it comes to documents and money, a little preparation can save you a lot of stress — especially in Zanzibar, where cash is king, and having the right paperwork on hand can make everything smoother.
We printed all our flight tickets, hotel confirmations, travel insurance documents, and even our local Tanzanian health insurance certificate in advance. Everything was organized in a single travel folder, which stayed with us in the carry-on.
We purchased our visa on arrival — it only took a few minutes and cost $50 USD per person.
Tip: Keep a pen in your carry-on — immigration forms are usually handed out on the plane, and filling them out early will save you time after landing.
And here’s the official website for the mandatory Tanzanian health insurance:
https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz
(Make sure to purchase it before departure — you’ll be asked for it at immigration-cost $44 USD per person)
Tip: Keep physical AND digital copies of your important travel documents — and store them in a folder or travel wallet you can easily access.
Health Tip:
While no vaccines are officially required for most travelers entering Zanzibar, some nationalities may be asked for a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate — especially if you are arriving from, or transiting through, countries with known yellow fever risk (such as Kenya, Uganda, or Ethiopia).
I personally traveled without any vaccinations, and had no issues at all at immigration.
Still, it’s always a good idea to check with your local travel health clinic or official sources before your trip — just to be safe and informed.
Check the latest health recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO)
What NOT to pack for Zanzibar (and why you’ll thank me later)
When packing for Zanzibar, it’s tempting to overprepare — I know, I did it too. But here’s the truth: some things will only weigh down your luggage and never leave your suitcase.
Here’s what I brought and wish I hadn’t:
- Hair straightener: Totally unnecessary. The humidity is high, and any effort to style your hair gets undone in minutes. Embrace the beach waves!
- Expensive clothes and shoes: They didn’t match the vibe. Zanzibar is all about relaxed, light, and breathable outfits. Fancy items just stayed in my bag.
- Jewelry: I packed a few nice pieces, but ended up not wearing them. It felt impractical, and I didn’t want to risk losing anything valuable.
- Makeup products: Between the heat, salt water, and sunscreen, I rarely wore makeup. A tinted SPF or lip balm was more than enough.
- Elegant dresses or night-out outfits: They looked great in my suitcase, but I never actually wore them. Casual, beach-friendly clothing is all you need.
Final tips to pack for Zanzibar like a pro
Packing for Zanzibar isn’t just about what you bring — it’s about how you pack it.
With the island’s tropical weather, relaxed vibe, and limited storage in beach lodges, smart packing helps you travel lighter, stay organized, and enjoy every moment without the hassle.
Here are the packing hacks I personally used (and a few I wish I’d known earlier):
1. Roll your clothes, don’t fold them
Rolling clothes saves space and prevents wrinkles. I matched tops and bottoms as I rolled them into outfit bundles — so I didn’t have to think about what to wear each day.
2. Create a mini capsule wardrobe
Instead of packing 10 random outfits, I brought 3–4 loose pants, a few lightweight tops, and 2 casual dresses — all of which mixed and matched easily.
Zanzibar’s vibe is relaxed and breathable, not high fashion — and that’s a relief!
3. Use leak-proof travel bottles for toiletries
Full-size bottles? Nope. I transferred sunscreen, aloe vera, shampoo, and body lotion into travel-size containers — and sealed them in a zip bag to avoid spills.
4. Use your shoes for extra storage
Stash socks, swimwear, or undies inside your sandals or sneakers. No wasted space!
5. Pack 1–2 outfits in your carry-on bag
In case your checked luggage is delayed, you’ll have the essentials on hand: swimwear, underwear, a dress, and sunscreen. This saved me more than once.
6. Keep your must-haves in your day bag
Phone, power bank, sunglasses, face sunscreen, lip balm, and water-resistant pouch? Always in my personal bag — not the suitcase.
Especially helpful for beach days or long ferry rides.
7. Use packing cubes to stay organized
Game-changer! One cube for beachwear, one for daytime outfits, one for sleepwear.
My bag stayed organized even after 10 days of beach hopping.
8. Bring a waterproof folder for documents
I printed my flight confirmations, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and local health insurance, and kept them in a single, waterproof travel folder.
Tip: Keep a pen in your carry-on — you’ll need it for the visa form they hand out on the plane.
9. Pack a small bottle of detergent
After beach days, I rinsed swimsuits and towels with a bit of detergent in the sink. This helped reduce the number of clothes I needed and kept everything fresh.
10. Bring a UK plug adapter and a power strip
Outlets can be limited in island hotels. A UK-style adapter + mini power strip = charge everything at once: phone, camera, laptop, power bank.
Packing smart doesn’t mean packing less — it means packing what actually works.
The lighter and more organized you are, the more energy you’ll have to enjoy everything Zanzibar has to offer.
Final Zanzibar packing checklist
Final thoughts: pack smart, travel smarter
Packing the right way doesn’t just save space — it saves your trip. With a few thoughtful choices, you’ll feel more comfortable, more confident, and ready to enjoy Zanzibar without stress or unnecessary extras.
Still planning your trip?
Make sure you pack for Zanzibar with both comfort and local culture in mind. From breathable clothes to essential tech, your packing list can make or break your island experience.
Check out my full Zanzibar Travel Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Before You Went — it’s packed with essential insights on money, SIM cards, cultural etiquette, visas, and more.
Let this guide help you pack for Zanzibar smarter and lighter — so you can enjoy every second of your dream island escape.
