Preparing for Zanzibar differs slightly from a typical tropical beach destination, given the island's relatively conservative Islamic character outside the resort areas. Here's what you actually need.

What to pack

  • Regular swimwear for the resort and beach, but add extra modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) for Stone Town, villages, and spice farm tours.
  • A light layer for covering shoulders when stepping directly off the beach (a shawl or light shirt) — particularly useful for women.
  • Very strong sunscreen (SPF 50+), since equatorial sun is unforgiving; reapply every two hours after swimming.
  • Insect repellent — while Zanzibar's malaria risk is lower than the mainland's, it isn't zero.
  • Water shoes, very useful on some beaches with shallow coral or at low tide.
  • A Type G/D power adapter (230 volts), and a portable power bank for long trips or remote islands.
  • Digital copies of your passport and visa saved on your phone and a separate cloud backup.

The real weekly budget (two people, excluding international flights)

  • Budget: simple lodging + local food + public transport (shared taxi/dala dala): $700-1,000 for the week.
  • Mid-range: boutique hotel or mid-tier resort + varied restaurants + private taxi: $1,500-2,500.
  • Luxury: a five-star beachfront resort + private diving/sailing activities: $4,000+.

Remember that extra activities (diving, a spice farm tour, a dhow trip) are usually billed separately, typically $30-80 per activity per person.

Tips for saving money

  • Visit during the long rains (March-May) for noticeably lower prices, but check the resort's cancellation policy if heavy rain is a concern.
  • Book a hotel near Stone Town if you plan to spend more time there rather than purely at the beach, since inter-region transport eats up both time and money.
  • Negotiating prices on handicrafts and souvenirs at informal markets is expected and culturally accepted.
  • Use "dala dala" (local minibuses) for short trips if you're flexible with time — they're far cheaper than private taxis.