Zanzibar is a beautiful island with a very strong culture of welcoming the Holy month of Ramadhan cheerfully. Most people in Zanzibar are Muslims. Starting on Wed, Feb 18 this year, the Holy Month of Ramadhan starts and it will be a very special time for the local community. To make sure everyone stays happy and follows the traditions, the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) has given some simple rules for all visitors and tourism businesses.
Ramadhan is a time for fasting, prayer, and reflection. By following these easy guidelines, you can enjoy your Zanzibar holiday while showing great respect to the local people and their sacred month.
Restaurant and Food Rules During Daylight
During Ramadhan, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise until sunset. Because of this, the rules for food outlets in Zanzibar change for a few weeks:
- Public Restaurants: Most restaurants and food shops located outside of hotels must stay closed during the day.
- Sunset Reopening: These shops will open again after sunset for Iftar (the evening meal).
- Hotel Dining: If you are staying in a hotel, you can still get food and drinks. However, these services are only for registered guests and must be served inside the hotel area.
Public Behavior: Eating, Drinking, and Smoking
Zanzibar is a friendly place, but during the daylight hours of Ramadhan, it is important to be mindful of those who are fasting. The official notice states:
Restriction: Eating, drinking, or smoking in public places during the daytime is restricted. This helps promote social harmony and shows respect to the community traditions.
We suggest you eat and drink inside your hotel room or in the designated hotel dining areas to follow this rule.
Zanzibar Modest Dress Code for 2026
Zanzibar always asks visitors to dress nicely, but during Ramadhan, it is even more important. Travelers are encouraged to dress modestly in all public areas, including Stone Town and local villages.
- Public Areas: Please keep your shoulders and knees covered when walking in town.
- Revealing Clothes: Very short or revealing clothes should not be worn in public.
- Beachwear: Bikinis and swimsuits are perfectly fine on the beaches and inside hotel compounds, but not in the streets.
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Written By:
Justus Kahwa (@mr_jmasterz)
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