What To Wear In Zanzibar
To sum it up - keep cool but be modest
- This is a strong Muslim community and as tourism is very new there is no flexibility in the dress code.
- Shoulders should definitely be covered, as should your knees, and avoid dressing as a tourist when you are out in the towns and villages.
- This is a hot and humid country so natural fabrics - cotton, linen and silk - will work best.
- If you have blonde hair you may even want to tie it up and hide it under your hat or a scarf to reduce the chances of being pestered - it's a novelty.
- On the beaches at hotel resorts things are more relaxed; bikinis are ok, but definitely not thongs and do not go topless.
- When walking on the beach, our advice would be to cover up with a loose shirt or sarong and sun hat. It protects from the strong sun and also avoids unwanted attention.
- Also remember if you wade in to the shallows to explore the reefs, beware the reflected sunlight, as it catches people out and you can get very burnt.
- Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a waterstraw water purifier or safe water drinking bottle.
- Keep bottled water out of the sun as the plastic bottles can release dioxins when they heat up, which is not healthy. An alternative is to use a 100% BPA-free foldable water bottle. Reusing your water bottle will also help you do your bit for the planet - millions of plastic water bottles end up in landfill every year.
- To avoid taking separate electrical leads, chargers and adaptors for all your phones and devices, try a solar powered charger - this one gadget will charge most devices anywhere at any time.
- Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee - this elasticated strap will secure it to your bag or pocket, so you don't need to worry about dropping it anywhere.
- For more pictures and ideas, see our Pinterest board: What to Wear on a Beach Holiday.
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