Zanzibar packing list for families
Zanzibar mixes beach days with a historic, conservative old town and often a safari, so one suitcase has to do a lot. Here is what I pack for families, plus how tides and seasons shape the trip.
Photo by Aron Marinelli on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Zanzibar
- The east coast tides are dramatic. At Paje and Jambiani the water can pull far out, so if swimming any time of day matters, I look north to Nungwi or Kendwa.
- Zanzibar is mostly Muslim, and Stone Town calls for covered shoulders and knees. I pack a long linen layer and a light scarf for town days.
- If you are pairing it with a Tanzania safari, do the safari first and finish on the beach. Soft duffels work for both, and check the current yellow fever certificate rules for your routing.
Zanzibar
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Carry-on8
Clothing5
Shoes2
Beach & pool9
Little ones4
Health & toiletries4
Documents & tech4
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For the grown-ups
- Linen shirt or linen set
- A white cover-up dress
- Leather slides for dinner
For the kids
- Seersucker or linen shorts
- Matching-print swimsuits
- Soft cotton sundress
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Zanzibar weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 89°F 32°C | Hot, humid, and mostly dry | Calving season in the southern Serengeti for a safari pairing |
| February | 90°F 32°C | Hot, humid, and mostly dry | Sauti za Busara music festival in Stone Town, usually February Calving season in the southern Serengeti for a safari pairing |
| March | 89°F 32°C | Long rains, wettest in April; some hotels close | |
| April | 86°F 30°C | Long rains, wettest in April; some hotels close | |
| May | 84°F 29°C | Long rains, wettest in April; some hotels close | |
| June | 83°F 28°C | Dry season: breezy, pleasant, and sunny | Zanzibar International Film Festival, usually late Jun–Jul Steady winds bring kitesurfers to Paje |
| July | 82°F 28°C | Dry season: breezy, pleasant, and sunny | Zanzibar International Film Festival, usually late Jun–Jul Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti Steady winds bring kitesurfers to Paje |
| August | 82°F 28°C | Dry season: breezy, pleasant, and sunny | Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti Steady winds bring kitesurfers to Paje |
| September | 84°F 29°C | Dry season: breezy, pleasant, and sunny | Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti Steady winds bring kitesurfers to Paje |
| October | 86°F 30°C | Dry season: breezy, pleasant, and sunny | Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti |
| November | 87°F 31°C | Short rains in November, then hotter and drier by late December | |
| December | 88°F 31°C | Short rains in November, then hotter and drier by late December |
Zanzibar with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar with kids?
The best time is Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb. Dry season: breezy, pleasant, and sunny
What's the weather like in Zanzibar?
Typical daytime highs range from about 82°F (28°C) in July to about 90°F (32°C) in February. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Zanzibar?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Zanzibar?
Type G, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Zanzibar with kids?
The east coast tides are dramatic. At Paje and Jambiani the water can pull far out, so if swimming any time of day matters, I look north to Nungwi or Kendwa.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.