So many fresh fruits and vegetables

Very muslim culture

Islam is the second-largest religion in Tanzania, but in Zanzibar almost 100% of locals identify as Muslim. If you are a woman, wearing long pants and long shirts is appropriate in villages and airports. At lodges, hotels, hotel/lodge restaurants, snorkeling or scuba diving you can wear typical beach attire (bikinis, short dresses). The only time I was specifically asked to cover my arms and knees was in the Pemba Airport. If in doubt, just ask!

Some English spoken

In Tanzania, most people speak fairly good but heavily accented English. In Mafia less so. And in Pemba only a few staff members at the lodge and the scuba center speak conversational English although most staff knows enough phrases and words needed to serve you.

Very few Americans.

NEEDED

Malaria Prevention.
- Most of our hotels told us we didn’t need it, but we decided to take it just in case. Check with your physician or a travel doctor on the best malaria preventative to take. Also check current vaccine guidelines here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania

Reef Safe Sunscreen.
- We use both Coral Safe (full size, travel size, or face stick), and Sea2Stream. Both of these don’t use ingredients that may harm the reef, contain nano particles, and are also certified by EWG.
- Many sunscreens say they are reef safe but are not! Make sure they do not contain any ingredients listed here at SavetheReef.
DEET bug repellant.
- These OFF! Wipes are easy to pack and apply and have 25% DEET. If you need something stronger, try Ben’s DEET pump spray with 98% DEET in 3.4 oz travel size.
Sunglasses.
- We love Goodr Sunglasses! These block the sun so with polarized lenses, around $25, and this style universally looks good on everyone! Check out the Swedish Meatball Hangover (yellow), Flamingos On A Booze Cruise (pink), Electric Dinotopia Carnival (light teal), or Vincent's Absinthe Night Terrors (black with green lens).
Visor or Hat.
- We love the Sprints brand! We use both the Visors and Hats for trail running, and throw them in the wash at least once a week. They come in super cute prints like donuts, googly-eyed bananas, bright pink flamingos, flying pigs, beach themes and many more.
DO NOT BRING plastic bags!
- Plastic bags are not allowed in Tanzania. Bring everything in reusable bags like these. Lerine 20 Pack Reusable Bags Silicone Dishwasher Safe. And they are easy to hand wash or even throw in the top shelf of your dishwasher!

CONSIDER

Travel Jewelry Organizer Case. This one is very compact with a long buckled band for your rings, an earrings panel, a buckled strap to keep necklaces separated, a see-through zip pouch, and long zip pocket. Easy to find what you need!
Crossbody Trendy Fanny Pack. Great smaller size bag with three separate zippered compartments. And it comes in many different colors! This was a perfect size to hold our room keys, a credit card, cash, sunscreen, lip balm, and a few protein bars.
Cell Phone Screen Protector + Camera Lens Covers. We always bring extra in case we crack one. These are so easy to apply and come in a 2-pack!
Compression Packing Cubes. We use these from Bagsmart. They are machine washable (always nice after you bring home all your dirty clothes!), zippers are very durable, and they come in a variety of colors. Large for jackets, sweaters, and trousers, Medium for shirts, and blouses, Small for underwear, drawstring can be used as a laundry bag to separate your dirty/wet clothes or shoes.
Reading glasses! LOL Some of us can’t read the fine print, and these very inexpensive ones come in handy. 3-Pack Blue Light Blocking Reading Glasses

Don’t drink the tap water.
- Every lodge will give you filtered water or bottles of water. Assume you may have to purchase more and budget for this. Also ask if the ice is made with filtered water before accepting any in your drink.
Don’t bring any plastic bags.
- They are not allowed, and your bag may be searched at the airport.
VERY IMPORTANT
- You must purchase Zanzibar travel insurance online before you arrive
  - Once you enter the airport, they will ask to see verification before they even let you in the airport. We printed it out just in case our phones weren’t working.
  - Find more info here: https://tz.usembassy.gov/alert-mandatory-insurance-required-for-travel-to-zanzibar-september-25-2024/
Be respectful of the culture and religion.
- It’s not our place as visitors in their country to force our beliefs on them. And it’s so easy to throw on pants or a long sleeve shirt to respect their customs.
When flying into and out of the Pemba Airport, women must cover their legs and arms.
- It was the only place I was asked (SO VERY NICELY I might add) to put on a long-sleeve shirt and long pants.
Have fun!!
- Everyone was friendly. Kids were always waving to us on the streets, but most local adult are more reserved. On the other hand, those who work in tourism are very friendly, and not only excited you are in their country but happy to answer any questions and help you in any way they can.

TANZANIA: Travel Tips

PEMBA ISLAND: Afro Divers