What to pack for Zanzibar holiday

WHAT TO PACK FOR ZANZIBAR: 17 ESSENTIALS FOR ANY TIME OF THE YEAR

What to pack for Zanzibar holiday : Zanzibar is a fascinating destination to visit for a beach vacation or as an end destination after your safari in Tanzania’s national parks. Zanzibar has many places to visit and explore such as idyllic beaches which will make your holiday a memorable one.

However to fully enjoy your holiday, here is a practical packing list which will make your holiday a more memorable one.

The clothing and essentials you should pack for your trip to Zanzibar are:

Aloe Vera gel
Clothing that covers knees and shoulders
Ear plugs
First aid kit
Flip flops
Hat
Lightweight fabrics
Medication
Mosquito repellent
Rain jacket
Sneakers
Snorkeling mask
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Swim shoes
Universal adapter
Waterproof bag

Beach Essentials to Pack for Zanzibar

1. Snorkeling mask

For travelers interested in doing snorkeling while on your trip to Zanzibar, a snorkeling mask is an essential to carry. In case you do not carry your own you will have to wear a used goggles and a breathing tube, good news is that the equipments are sanitized after each use.

The reason to carry your own snorkeling mask is that you can go on your own snorkeling adventure, you can do snorkeling from the southeast and southwest regions of Zanzibar and near Kizimkazi. These areas are filled with fishes, colorful sea urchins and beautifully bright coral reefs making them worth to explore on snorkeling.

2. Swimming shoes

Zanzibar beaches are a must visit during your travel to this beautiful Island and during the visit you would like to find seaweed, sea cucumber or sea urchins, if you are not comfortable with steeping in the seaweed then you should bring swimming shoes.

Generally, you should avoid walking barefoot on beaches so as to prevent your feet from contacting possible infections, because of this you should carry swimming shoes or flip flops.

3. Waterproof bag

Carrying a waterproof bag is really important when traveling to Zanzibar for a lazy beach day or an excursion, a waterproof bag is a sure way to keep your belongings dry during your trip. Waterproof bag come in different sizes and styles so to determine the size depend on your preference as a travel.

However, it is important to carry a bag which can carry stuff like 2-litres of water, sunscreen, a book and a camera if you are carrying one.

Aloe Vera gel

Zanzibar is a tropical destination and during your holiday you should expect to be exposed to very strong African sun, this sun can quickly cause your skin to burn or dry out. You are susceptible to sunburn you should add Aloe Vera gel to your suite case.

Note: Aloe Vera offer benefits to our skin and hair because it has soothing and healing properties, Aloe Vera is also widely used for treatment among the locals of Zanzibar.

5. Ear plugs

Ear plugs are an essential item to carry during your holiday to Zanzibar, the plugs are extremely beneficial most especially to a light sleeper. In some parts of Zanzibar you get to be surrounded by the sounds of nature for example in Kizimkazi you can hear birds and insects all throughout the night, their sounds can be reduced by using Ear plugs.

In Stone Town, depending on where you stay, you can hear the town as it come alive in the early morning hours of the morning, if you do not want to be earlier than you want then your ear plugs will save you.

6. First Aid Kit

To most travelers, carrying a first Aid Kit may not be the first thing to come to their mind as they pack for their vacation to Zanzibar, though it is very important to carry one. A first Aid Kit will help you take care a cut, scrape, rash, minor burn or insect bites.

Your First Aid Kit must include items like band-aid, gauze, itch relief cream, antibiotic ointment and pain relief medicine.

7. Medicine

Different travelers’ bodies react different to new environments and types of food they are not originally used to, this can be related to meat, dairy or fruits and vegetables. Carrying some medicine will have you prepared for any illness that could come with the new environment, food and water such as nausea, constipation or diarrhea.

Constipation

Fiber is the best solution to constipation, when traveling to Zanzibar it is recommended to get a daily dose of fiber. It is very useful to pack fiber that can dissolve and mix with water. The most recommended fiber is Benefiber.

Diarrhea and nausea

The best medicine for Diarrhea and nausea for travelers depend on what is available in your country, in the US the best medicine is Pepto Bismol which is in a pill form. In Europe, the best option is Smecta which is in powder form.

Pain reliever

Pain relievers will help you fight a headache, mild ever or hangover.

Malaria

Zanzibar island is listed among destinations with malaria, because of this you should visit your doctor a few weeks before your trip to Zanzibar. In most cases, your doctor will prescribe you a malaria pill to take before, during and after your trip.

Note: Malaria medication usually has a strong prescription so be sure to discuss possible side effects with your doctor so as to make the best decision for you.

8. Mosquito repellent

During your vacation to Zanzibar Island, except mosquitoes and to save yourself from mosquito bites you should carry a mosquito repellent. The most recommended mosquito repellent is Deep Woods, this repellent doesn’t just prevent mosquito bites but when you are bitten it also soothes the existing bites and removes any urge to further scratch them.

Mosquito repellents are extremely powerful so it is important to always spray yourself outdoors, it is also recommended that you hold your breath while spraying (the smell is a bit strong and other people find it mild).

Sun glasses

When packing for a trip to Zanzibar Island, do not forget to sunglasses, sunglasses do not just protect your eyes from the sun but also protect them from dirt, sand and salt water. If you are a person who wears contact lens, sun glasses offer you very good protection to your eyes from nature elements which many dry your contacts out.

Sunscreen

Zanzibar gets hot and this is greatly due to the African sun! Don’t risk your skin’s health by skipping the sunscreen. Because of how strong the sun is, you will need to reapply sunscreen several times per day. This is especially true if you will be swimming.

When buying a sunscreen consider a SPF, this kind of sunscreen will protect you from UVA/UVB rays

11. Universal adapter

A universal adapter is very important when traveling to Zanzibar, before being granted independence, Tanzania was a British protectorate so expect to find electric sockets fitting Type G plugs on Zanzibar Island.

12. Breathable, lightweight fabric

Zanzibar experiences a tropical climate so expect heat during your visit, because of the heat you need to carry breathable fabrics which will help you feel comfortable. Consider wearing lightweight fabrics such as bamboo, cotton, linen and rayon

You can also purchase some clothes in Tanzania such as Khanga which are made out of traditional fabrics from cotton.

13. Knee length shorts, skirts, or dresses

Being comfortable on a trip is very paramount and it usually depends on the material of the fabrics wear, however it is also important to dressing a way which will respect the local culture in Zanzibar. Unlike other areas of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim. In general the locals on the island wear clothing which covers most of their body in respect to their local culture.

In respect to the local way of life,

Women should consider wearing maxi dresses, knee length dresses and skirts
Men should avoid wearing shorts and shorts which are too short most especially on the streets or visiting the local villages.

Both men and women should wear tops which cover the shoulders, if you are planning on staying on the resort you can wear tank tops and swimsuit cover-ups. Consider packing several short sleeve T-shirts, trousers and loose breathable fabrics.

14. Light rain jacket

A light rain jack is a must have when visiting Zanzibar island most especially during the rainy seasons (March – May and November – December), the rain jacket will help to keep dry in case it rains.

15. Sneakers and flip flops

No matter the activity you are planning to do in Zanzibar, packing a pair of sneakers and flip flops will do wonders during your vacation. Will on the island, you may decide to go for a hike, do cycling, visit the locals or visit the Jozani Forest, during these activities you will need to wear something super comfortable that will withstand the pressure of your feet. These shoes provide great support for ankles and short absorption for the bottoms of the feet.

Flip flops commonly known as a pair of sandals are great to have for a day out on a pool, lounging around the resort or walking in the sand.

The above mentioned items will make your vacation in Zanzibar Island a great one.