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Culture

What to Wear in Zanzibar: Beach, Village, Stone Town, and Ramadan

What is relaxed, what is strict, and how to avoid awkward dress mistakes in conservative public areas.

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What this article covers

  • Strict vs relaxed areas
  • Women and men
  • Ramadan

Quick summary

Stone Town alleys, Darajani, local villages, mosque areas, central Jambiani, and Makunduchi are stricter. Resort gates and tourist beach strips like Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje are more relaxed.

Women should cover shoulders and knees in public town/village areas. Men should not go bare-chested in Stone Town or villages.