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Zanzibar Island Packing Lists

Tips on what to pack for a trip to Zanzibar Island, posted by real travelers and Zanzibar Island locals.
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  • SanguiniA
  • By SanguiniA on July 7, 2005
  • Zanzibar Island Page by SanguiniA
  • As always, I would prefer a backpack for ease - but a suitcase would be ok as it is not that wild here.

    Summerwear - but modest clothes. The country is very muslim and conservative so it is best to have clothing that cover shoulders, midriff as well as thighs. Of course swimsuits are a must here!

    As in all of Tanzania, medical supplies should be brought with you from your country as they are a bit scarce. Be especially careful for contact lenses and their cleaning fluids - they are very difficult to find.

    Also get along plenty of insect repellant - both for the skin as well as for rooms.

    Again, best to get everything from home - even batteries. I do not remember seeing good alkaline batteries that are ideal for digital cameras - and forget finding cards!

    Swimsuit and flip-flops

    Bed nets are available at most guesthouses so no need to bring your own - ask beforehand though if you can.

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    A GOOD BOOK OR TWO
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  • DAO
  • Updated By DAO on September 7, 2006
  • Zanzibar Island Page by DAO
  • Zanzibar Island Packing Lists
    by DAO
    Get a good Guidebook for sure. Sometimes it helps make sense of it all. Also, some guides are not that adept and you may want a bit more of the story. Bring a few to leave behind. If you can leave anything about the wildlife of Tanzania, fantastic. Many people are too poor to see some of the riches of their own country. They really appreciate “seeing” other parts of the country and the wildlife not native to Zanzibar.

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    Reference book about reef fishes
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  • Saagar
  • By Saagar on May 7, 2004
  • Zanzibar Island Page by Saagar
  • Must be a Brushtail Tang surgeonfish? - Zanzibar Island
    Must be a Brushtail Tang
    surgeonfish?
    by Saagar
    Bring the book "Reef Fishes of the World" with you. I did not see the book in Stonetown. They may have it in bookshops in Dar.

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  • Other Contact: Collins Pocket Guide, 2001.
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    Things for the beach
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  • Saagar
  • By Saagar on May 7, 2004
  • Zanzibar Island Page by Saagar
  • Snorkelling? No problem! - Zanzibar Island
    Snorkelling? No problem!
    by Saagar
    Sunscreen is very important!

    An underwater camera

    There is hardly any children-size serious snorkelling gear, mask, fins etc. available. Bring your own if your child/ren know how to float/swim/dive

    Bring a surfer's lycra shirt for snorkelling (avoid sunburn)

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    A GOOD PAIR OF BOOTS
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  • DAO
  • Updated By DAO on September 26, 2008
  • Zanzibar Island Page by DAO
  • Zanzibar Island Packing Lists
    by DAO


    A GOOD PAIR OF BOOTS!

    Walking around Zanzibar is a fantastic way to see everything, but you get plenty of hazards. Natural ones are the usual rocks, vines, animal droppings, etc. Manmade items like glass and other rubbish make an appearance from time to time. And if that wasn’t enough – the rainy season will make you want those quick dry light hiking boots!

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    Anti-malaria drugs
  • Updated By Ferreira on August 4, 2005
  • Zanzibar Island Page by Ferreira
  • I took Malarone - expensive, but I didn't have any side effects and you only have to keep taking it for a week after you get back.

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    HOTHOTHOT WEATHER
    kixon
  • By kixon on January 7, 2007
  • Zanzibar Island Page by kixon
  • Put a lock on your bags, it's never safe to travel with small airline companies without a lock. Don't put any valuable stuff in your luggage either.

    Its very very hot, and not humid at all. The air is dry and very warm. I'm talking30 degrees, but since its not very windy and rainy in december it feels even warmer. Bring light airy clothes, like linen and cotton. Artificial fabrics are not recommended since they stick to you and you sweat more in them. And remember you are less hot in lkight colours than dark.

    Bring malaria tablets, and maybe some facewipes or wettowels, some of the shops are very dirty, and if your hygenic it might be nice to wipe your hands.

    Keep your camera close to you, and out of sight, like in a bag under your arm. Pickpocketers roam the streets.

    Sunblock!

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    Bring your Passport!!
    travelpug
  • By travelpug on June 22, 2009
  • Zanzibar Island Page by travelpug
  • Immigration on Zanzibar - Zanzibar Island
    Immigration on Zanzibar
    by travelpug

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    What to pack
    PierreZA
  • Updated By PierreZA on June 21, 2009
  • Zanzibar Island Page by PierreZA
  • Local shop - Zanzibar Island
    Local shop
    by PierreZA
    You will do some shopping

    Light cotton clothing

    Mosquito Repellent
    Sunscreen

    A lot of photo oppertunities

    Most are supplied if you go on excursions

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    Overview
     
    Hotels and Accommodations
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    Things To Do
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    Nightlife
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    Transportation
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    Restaurants
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    Shopping
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    Off the Beaten Path
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    Tourist Traps
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    Warnings or Dangers
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    Local Customs
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    Packing Lists
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    Sports Travel
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    General Tips
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