14 mistakes to avoid making in Zanzibar

14 mistakes to avoid making in Zanzibar : Zanzibar Island is a beautiful beach holiday destination set in the Indian Ocean with beautiful beaches, the island is also known as the Spice Island due to the delicious variety of spices grown on the island’s many plantation.

Zanzibar Island is a great destination to visit, however as you are planning a holiday to this beautiful island. Here are the 14 mistakes you should avoid.

Don’t wear revealing clothing

Zanzibar is an Islamic conservative nation and it is very important for every one including visitors to dress modestly when out and about in the public, females are encouraged to wear clothes which cover their legs and arms, so leave the miniskirts and tank tops at home.

Visitors/ tourists can be fined for indecent dressing.

As a tourist it is best to wear loose – fitting clothing items that cover your chest, stomach and legs, see through or tight clothing should be avoided.

Don’t drink tap water

Tap water in Zanzibar is not safe, make sure to stock up on bottled water which you can buy everywhere.

Don’t drink alcohol

Zanzibar is an Islamic country so alcohol is prohibited and because of this it is not sold in most stores, though some hotels and resorts serve alcohol and wine. Note that drinking in public and being drunk in the public is prohibited.

Don’t visit Stone Town on a weekend

The Stone Town is the main tourist hub in Zanzibar and it can very crowded over the weekends, if you are looking for a more peaceful experience, it is better to visit during the week.

It is recommended to visit the Stone town with a guide as it is easy to get lost in the narrow streets.

Don’t forget to carry insect repellent

There is a wide spread of mosquitoes in Zanzibar, so it is important to park a good insect repellent to save you from their bites. There are several mosquito repellents on sale in Zanzibar, however it is best you come with your own fitting your interest and health conditions.

Don’t leave your belongings unguarded

Zanzibar is a safe travel destination, however it is important to be careful with your belongings. Do not leave your bags or valuables unguarded and always keep your passport and money on you. Zanzibar has plenty of safe sites to visit and accommodation facilities to stay so you do not need to worry about your safety.

Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path

Zanzibar is a beautiful tropical destination with plenty to see and to do away from the main tourist areas, if you are willing to explore and have an adventure, you will be rewarded with some amazing hidden gems.

If you are brave enough, you can wonder around and get lost in the jungle which can be a little daunting. This is not recommended for solo travelers, it is always best to have someone with you just in case.

Don’t take pictures without their permission

In Zanzibar and other parts of the world, it is considered rude and disrespectful to take pictures of people without their permission, so you should not do it.

Yes, you may be intrigued by the many beautiful native people in their colorful cultural clothing, it is best to ask for their permission or you may be asked to delete the photos or in more extreme cases forced to leave the country.

Don’t Swim at the beach after dark

Zanzibar has many beautiful beaches but it is advised not to swim in them after dark, there have been several cases of people being robbed and attacked at night so it best to be safe rather than sorry.

There is also not much light on the beach after dark, so it can be difficult to see where you are going. If you love swimming, please do it during the day.

Don’t forget your sunscreen

Zanzibar is a hot and sunny destination and it is easy to get sunburned, make sure you pack a good sunscreen and apply it regularly while you are there for a vacation.

It is also possible to buy sunscreen in Zanzibar’s store, however it is always a good idea to have your own just in case.

Don’t miss out on the food

Local meals in Zanzibar are an adventure of their own right most especially for culinary lovers, Zanzibar is known for its delicious food, so make sure to try as much as you can while on your vacation. The best way to do this is to head to the markets and try out several local foods, you will find a variety of different foods in the markets from seafood to curries to sweet desserts.

Some of the best local dishes you must try in Zanzibar include

Mbausi (a spicy beef dish)
Pilau (a rice dish with meat or vegetables)
Mashua (a type of squash)
Samosas (fried pastry filled with meat or vegetables)
Mkate waMbaazi (flatbread made from millet flour)
Chai (tea)

Don’t walk alone in the night

Although Zanzibar is a safe destination, it is not recommended to walk alone at night as there have been cases of people being mugged and attacked. If you are out and about after dark, it is best to stick with a group of people.

Zanzibar is known to be extremely dark at night so it is easy to get lost and become a potential target of danger.

If you are a solo traveler, try to avoid walking around night.

Don’t haggle excessively

Zanzibar is known for its lively markets where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs to take home with you as souvenirs, when buying some of the beautiful items it is important to haggle for a good price, don’t be afraid to bargain.

However, remember not to haggle too much as you may offend the seller.

Tanzania is a third world country so remember to be respectful of people’s belongings and do not expect them to give you free things. Though haggling at market centers or stall is expected, try to be polite about it.

Don’t go to Zanzibar during the rainy season

Zanzibar experiences long rains in Zanzibar in March, April, May to June and short rains in November and December, as a traveler you should avoid visiting the island this season as it is not only uncomfortable but also potentially dangerous to travel. The roads can be quite dangerous to drive in and chances of getting sick from the mosquitoes are high.

Zanzibar is a wonderful beach holiday destination with plenty to offer to tourists, the best way to enjoy your holiday to Zanzibar is to relax and go with the flow, also be prepared for things which will be a little different from what you are used to. well Zanzibar stands to be unique in terms of the acceptable things as compared to its East African counterparts of Uganda , Rwanda , Kenya and Tanzania mainland itself.

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