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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Tanzania

Clothing for the Climate

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are essential. They dry quickly and maintain comfort in the heat and humidity.

Seasonal Guidance

  • Dry Season (June-Oct, Jan-Feb): Pack light clothing like shorts, light dresses, t-shirts, and skirts.
  • Rainy Season (March-May, Nov-Dec): Include a lightweight, Packable rain jacket or a compact Poncho.
  • Layering: A light long-sleeved shirt or Shawl for evenings or air-conditioned spaces.

Cultural Dress Code

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Modesty is important, especially outside resort areas.

Respectful Attire

  • Stone Town & Villages: Women cover shoulders and knees. Loose-fitting trousers, long skirts, or dresses. Men wear shirts and knee-length shorts.
  • Beaches & Resorts: Swimwear is acceptable on resort beaches. Cover up with a Sarong or light clothing when in public.
  • Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees fully covered for both men and women. Women also cover their heads.

Footwear Recommendations

Stone Town

Comfortable walking sandals or closed-toe shoes. Alleys can be uneven.

Uneven Terrain Ready

Beaches

Flip-flops or sandals. Water shoes are useful for rocky areas or sea urchins.

Beach & Water Friendly

Excursions

Closed-toe shoes are preferable for walking through vegetation on spice tours or in Jozani Forest.

Light Trekking Support

Important Documentation

Documents to Securely Carry

Keep original and digital copies of all documents.

  • Passport: Original, valid for 6+ months beyond departure.
  • Visa Documentation: Print e-Visa approval or physical visa.
  • Travel Insurance: Policy info, emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit: Needed if driving (with national license).
  • Vaccination Records: Original Yellow Fever certificate.
  • Prescription Meds: Documentation for all medications.
  • Reservations: Printed/digital flight, accommodation, tour bookings.
  • Emergency Contacts: Family, embassy, insurance hotline.

Technology & Connectivity

Power & Mobile

Zanzibar uses 230V at 50Hz, with Type G and D plugs. Mobile phones are compatible if unlocked.

Essentials

Capture & Navigate

Capture memories and navigate with useful tech tools.

Gadgets & Apps

  • Waterproof camera (GoPro) for water activities; DSLR for general sightseeing.
  • Maps.me/Google Maps (offline maps) for navigation.
  • Translation app like Google Translate (Swahili offline pack).

Digital Security

Vpn

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for backing up photos and documents.

Physical Backup

A small Portable hard drive for an additional copy of important files.

Health & Comfort

Personal First Aid Kit

Prepare a personal health kit to address common travel ailments and sun exposure.

Contents

  • Antiseptic wipes, bandages, medical tape.
  • Pain relievers (Ibuprofen), antihistamines, anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium).
  • Blister treatment, topical antibiotic cream, small scissors/tweezers.

Sun & Insect Protection

The tropical sun is intense. Mosquitoes are present, carrying malaria risk.

Essential Protection

Special Considerations

Motion Sickness

  • Altitude sickness is not a concern on Zanzibar.
  • Motion sickness pills are useful for boat trips to islands or snorkeling excursions.
  • Seasickness can affect enjoyment of marine activities.

Personal Hygiene

  • Pack specific brands of toiletries you prefer.
  • Feminine hygiene products or contact lens solution can be inconsistent in availability.
  • Outside Stone Town, finding specific brands can be challenging or expensive.

Activity Specific Gear

Snorkeling/Diving

Gear is available for rent, but bringing your own Mask and snorkel ensures comfort and hygiene.

  • Own prescription dive masks.
  • Your own Dive computer or regulator if you have specific preferences.
  • Rental quality can vary for standard gear.
  • Consider a B&H Photo for dive accessories.

Beach & Water

A Quick-dry towel is useful for beach days and boat trips.

  • A Rash guard for sun protection in the water.
  • Always use Reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
  • Swimwear is acceptable on resort beaches.
  • Consider a Nordace bag for beach essentials.

Kitesurfing/Other

Kitesurfing gear is available for rental at schools in Paje and Jambiani.

  • Bring your own kitesurfing gear only for specific preferences or long-term kiting.
  • Bicycles are for rental in some beach towns for local exploration.
  • A Waterproof dry bag is useful for boat trips or protecting electronics.

Rent vs. Buy Gear

Good to Rent Locally

  • Snorkeling Gear: Widely available, often included in tour prices. Quality can vary.
  • Diving Gear: Available from dive centers, generally good quality.
  • Kitesurfing Gear: Available for rental at schools.

Consider Bringing from Home

  • Your own snorkeling mask and snorkel for hygiene and fit.
  • Personal diving gear (regulator, mask, dive computer) for comfort and familiarity.
  • Specialized kitesurfing gear only for very specific preferences or long-term kiting.
  • Bicycles are not practical to bring unless planning specific cycling tours.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Small, yet useful items to improve your travel experience.

Travel Aids

Reusable & Local Specifics

Reduce waste and handle local conditions with these items.

Smart Choices

  • A Reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic waste.
  • A Reusable shopping bag for market visits.
  • A flashlight or Headlamp for areas with limited street lighting or power outages.
  • Items difficult to find locally: high-quality sunscreens, specific insect repellents, contact lens solution.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduce single-use plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For markets and shopping.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect marine ecosystems.

Solid Toiletries

Minimize liquid waste and spills.

Destination Specifics

Water Activities

  • Your own snorkeling gear for comfort.
  • Water shoes for walking on rocky beaches or shallow entry points.
  • A dry bag to protect electronics on boat trips.

Exploration & Comfort

  • A good guide book or offline maps for Stone Town exploration.
  • Entertainment for downtime, like books or downloaded movies.
  • Extra socks if planning active excursions or during rainy season.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll clothes tightly to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize items within your luggage.

Pack a small daypack for excursions and beach trips. Leave some empty space for souvenirs and purchases.