What to Know About Preparing Your Packing List for Zanzibar
You’d think packing for paradise would be easy. But nah. It’ll mess with your head.
You sit there staring at an empty suitcase, a mix of excitement and... panic. What do I even need? Is it hot-hot or just, like, warm-breezy? Will I need socks? (Spoiler: probably not.)
And then you Google it, right? “Zanzibar packing list.” And what do you get? A hundred recycled Pinterest lists that say the same thing — sunscreen, flip-flops, mosquito repellent. No vibe. No real talk. Just the usual fluff.
So this is that real one. For people who actually plan to go, not just dream and doomscroll. This is for the ones booking through all-in-one travel bundles and actually leaving the airport.
The Heat is No Joke (But It's Beautiful)
Let’s just say — if you’re thinking of bringing jeans... don’t. That ain’t the move.
It’s hot. Not just sun-hot, but humid-hot. Like that stick-to-your-neck kinda heat. So pack light. Breathable. Flowey. Cotton and linen are your friends. Don’t roll up in synthetic gear or tight clothes unless you're ready to sweat like you're in a sauna with no exit.
Zanzibar’s got that tropical dual personality. One second it’s clear skies and coconut trees, next thing it’s pouring like the sky just snapped.
Bring:
- 2-3 loose shirts
- 2 shorts
- 1 long sleeve (yes, for mozzies and modesty)
- 1 pair of swimwear (or two if you’re pool-hopping)
- Slippers/sandals
- One “decent” outfit (in case you end up at that rooftop bar in Stone Town)
Leave:
- Jeans
- Hoodies
- High heels (unless you wanna sprain an ankle on cobbled streets)
Respect, But Stay Comfy
Zanzibar is chill, but also conservative. Especially in the towns — Stone Town, for example, you’ll see folks in kanzus, hijabs, less skin, more swag. So don’t be that person walking around with booty shorts and a bikini top in the market.
Pack a light scarf or throw-on shawl — it goes a long way. You can rock your beach look at Nungwi, but if you’re walking through town, tone it down. Blend in. It’s cooler that way anyway.
Beach Stuff (Obvious, But Still Forgotten)
You’d be shocked how many people forget basics. Like, they remember the 3rd pair of shades but forget a beach towel.
Bring:
- You’ll need sunscreen. Like, real one. Not the dollar-store spray. Go big — SPF 30 at least.
- Aloe vera gel (you’ll thank yourself)
- A decent towel — or that quick-dry travel kind
- Waterproof bag (trust, your phone’s gonna need it)
- Flip flops that actually survive sand and salt
- Sunglasses that aren’t $300 Ray-Bans you’ll lose in 2 days
You can grab snacks and coconuts by the shore — but don’t count on finding your fav face cream in Paje. Stock what you love.
Tech & Docs (Don’t Skip This Part)
This ain’t the glamorous part, but listen — your trip falls apart if you miss this stuff.
Check it:
- Passport (duh, but double check)
- Flight itinerary + booking confirmations (print 'em or screenshot 'em)
- Might sound extra, but yeah — bring your yellow fever card. Some flights weirdly ask for it.
- Your charger won’t fit unless you’ve got the UK plug — the fat one. Pack it. Don’t be that guy at reception begging to borrow one.
- Power bank (lifesaver during long transfers)
And yo — download Google Maps offline for Zanzibar. You’ll need it. That WiFi at the airport? Trash.
Money Moves & Meds
Zanzibar is chill with cards in some places, but cash still rules.
Bring:
- USD (clean bills, post-2009)
- Tanzanian Shillings (get ‘em from an ATM, not the airport counter)
- Pack meds. Not a whole pharmacy, just the usuals — painkillers, anti-poop stuff, allergy tabs. You’ll know when you need ‘em.
- If your mosquito spray smells like a candle, it’s useless. Go DEET or get eaten.
You can grab some stuff at pharmacies in town, but why risk it? Stock up early. Ain’t nobody wanna go drugstore hopping on vacation.
Vibes: Optional But Necessary
These don’t go in a bag, but bring ‘em:
- Patience (especially during airport checks — they take their time)
- Curiosity (talk to locals, ask questions, eat what you can’t pronounce)
- A lil respect for the land (Zanzibar ain’t a resort. It’s a living, breathing place.)
And maybe a journal. Because something about Zanzibar makes you think a little deeper. Even if you’re just lying on the beach sipping madafu.
Where to Base Yourself
Packing also depends where you're staying. Like, if you’re deep in the resort life, you won’t need half this stuff. But if you’re doing it raw — moving from Nungwi to Jambiani — pack lean, smart, and mobile.
Check places like seaside stays in Kendwa if you want that smooth, feet-in-sand-every-morning energy. You’ll need less. Just vibes.
Or if you're just starting, browse from the top with where travel starts — it’s all laid out.
Last-Minute Add-ons
- Ziplock bags
- Hand sanitizer (especially post-market visits)
- Travel pillow
- A book (the real kind, not just Kindle)
- Nail cutter (random but always useful)
- Snacks for the flight (trust me)
Packing Checklist (So You Don’t Lose Your Mind)
- Clothes: light, breathable, respectful
- Shoes: sandals, maybe one solid pair for walks
- Docs: passport, bookings, yellow fever card
- Charger. Adapter. Power bank. Forget any of those and you're crying by Day 2.
- Sunscreen (real stuff), something to dry off with, and yes — pack that swimsuit you pretend not to care about.
- Cash still talks here. Bring fresh USD and get your shillings from the ATM — not that shady airport guy.
- Vibe items: scarf, journal, chill attitude
That’s it. Don’t overthink it.
You’ll forget something. Everyone does. But if you’ve got the essentials, a smile, and some mosquito spray? You’re golden.
Zanzibar doesn’t ask for perfection. Just presence.
See you on the sand.
