Zanzibar Style Guide: Keepin' it Cool & Culturally Kind!

Hey awesome travelers!

So, you're heading to the spice island of Zanzibar? Sweet! Get ready for amazing beaches, cool vibes, and a whole lotta sunshine. Now, while you're packing those killer swimsuits, let's chat a little about being culturally cool too.

Just got a heads-up from the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism – they're reminding everyone (that's the hotel and restaurant owners) to keep local traditions in mind when we're out exploring.

Think of it like this: when you're wandering through the vibrant towns, checking out local life in the villages, or just soaking up the community atmosphere, let's keep it a bit more covered up. Shoulders and knees are the key here, folks! It's all about showing some love and respect for the local way of life.

Beach & Resort Bliss 🏖️

Now for the good stuff! When you're living your best life at the resort, feel free to rock that bikini or your favorite swimwear by the pool or when you're taking a dip in that gorgeous ocean. Just a little tip: since locals might be strolling by the beach, let's keep things PG – no full-on au naturel moments, yeah? Think of the resort and pool areas as your comfy, bikini and swimsuit paradise.

Restaurant & Bar Chill Time 🍹

Even when you're in the resort bubble, it's kinda cool to throw on a light cover-up or a casual outfit when you're heading for a bite or grabbing a drink. It's just a nice little nod to the other guests in the bar or restaurant, and the awesome staff who are looking after you.

To sum it up:

• Exploring Towns & Villages: Keep those shoulders and knees covered – it's the respectful way to roll. And when they say shoulders covered, it has more about the looks than anything else, so if you have a sleeveless dress that you are super proud of, it's fine as long as it's not too revealing all in all. Nobody wants you to feel uncomfortable either, it's a just two way street of respect.

  
  

• Resort & Beach Fun: Swimwear is A-OK, but let's keep it modest around locals. This is especially on the beaches around Stonetown you need to be a bit extra respectful. The rest of the island you can of course use swimwear on the beach without any problems.

  
  

• Grabbing Grub & Drinks: Even in the resort, a little extra fabric is a nice touch.

More Than Just Threads: General Good Vibes

Zanzibar's got a rich culture, and being a mindful traveler goes beyond just what you wear. Here are some extra tips to keep those good vibes flowing:

• Tours & Transfers: Book your adventures through licensed local operators. It's a great way to support the community!  

  
  

• Guides: If you're hiring a guide, make sure they're legit and licensed.

  
  

• Say Cheese (But Ask First!): Always get permission before snapping photos of people, especially kids. Also, avoid taking pictures in military or security areas.  

  
  

• Kids are Precious: Think twice about giving gifts to kids directly and always ask a parent or guardian before taking their picture.  

  
  

• Keep the PDA Low-Key: Kissing and public displays of affection aren't really the custom here, so maybe save it for later.  

  
  

• Easy on the Booze: Drinking alcohol in public isn't allowed, so keep it to restaurants, bars, or your hotel.  

  
  

• Mosques are Sacred: Mosques are holy places for Muslims. Don't enter unless you've got permission.

  
  

• Ramadan Respect: If you're visiting during Ramadan, be mindful that locals are fasting. Try not to eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours.  

  
  

• Culture is King (and Queen!): Above all, respect the local culture and traditions. It's what makes Zanzibar so special!  

  
  

Let's Keep Zanzibar Beautiful

And hey, let's also do our part to keep Zanzibar's natural beauty sparkling:

• Starfish are for Looking: Don't touch or pick up the starfish. Let them chill in their natural habitat.  

  
  

• Dolphin Love: Dolphin tours are for watching, not swimming with them. Let's give those amazing creatures their space.  

  
  

• Water Wise: Use water responsibly. Every drop counts!  

  
  

• Nature is Our Friend: Protect the environment and join in on eco-friendly activities if you can.  

  
  

• Ditch the Plastic: Reduce plastic waste, skip the plastic bags, and use a refillable water bottle.  

  
  

• Trash Talk: Use those trash cans! Littering can get you a hefty fine, and it's just not cool.  

  
  

Zanzibar is a total gem, and by keeping these little things in mind, we can all have an even more amazing and respectful adventure. Let's make those memories unforgettable for all the right reasons! 😉

Karibu Zanzibar!