Can I Wear Shorts in Stone Town Zanzibar in 2024?
Are you planning a trip to Zanzibar and wondering if you can wear shorts in Stone Town? You are in the right place.
The shortest answer is it depends on the shorts’ length and your location in Stone Town.
After visiting Zanzibar and spending at least 2 days in Stone Town, I’ve written this ultimate guide on wearing shorts in Stone Town.
You’ll also find a complete guide on culturally acceptable dress codes in Zanzibar’s historical town.
So let’s get into it!
Can you Wear Shorts in Stone Town?
It depends on the size or length of your shorts and your location in Stone Town.
Avoid wearing short shorts while walking around Stone Town. While Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, Stone Town is generally more reserved than other towns.
This however doesn’t mean it’s okay to walk around the villages or other parts of Zanzibar in short shorts or any indecent clothing.
You can wear knee-length shorts while in Stone Town without attracting unnecessary attention or being disrespectful to the local culture.
In addition, avoid wearing tight shorts. These are not only considered indent but will also be very uncomfortable to walk in the hot weather.
Shorts are acceptable on the beaches in Stone Town, your hotel, and the pool areas.
Before 2021, tourists could basically walk around wearing whatever they pleased. However, the indecency witnessed was too much and very offensive to the locals leading to the introduction of a modest dress code in Zanzibar.
Indecency while walking around Stone Town will now attract fines of up to $700. Avoid walking in town in bikinis, short shorts, booty shorts, going nude on the beach, or walking around in see-through coverups.
To sum it up, you can wear shorts in Stone Town provided they are at knee length or longer, not very tight, and are not see-through.
The modest dress code in Zanzibar and Stone Town ensures harmony among visitors and locals.
Can men wear shorts in Stone Town?
Yes, men can wear shorts in Stone Town.
Men should NOT walk around Stone Town in shorts while shirtless. In addition, short shorts and tight shorts are equally unacceptable among men walking around the town.
The same guidelines apply to both women and men. Ensure shorts are knee length, not tight, and not see-through.
While on the beach no one will question you for wearing short shorts or walking shirtless.
Can You wear Short Dresses and Skirts?
Avoid short dresses and short skirts that are above the knees. These can equally be seen as indecent.
A general rule of thumb is to avoid any clothing that exposes your thighs, midriff, and/or too much cleavage.
Wearing a dress or skirt that is at knee length is decent and not offensive at all. It’s still common to see a few tourists wearing short dresses and shorts. You’ll only attract unwanted attention and definitely offend some locals.
Keep in mind as the wind blows, it could carry your short dress up exposing your underwear which is indecent and shameful.
What to Wear In Stone Town
A holiday in Zanzibar isn’t complete without visiting its oldest and historical town Stone Town.
Below is a simple guide on what to wear while visiting.
- 1. Dresses: Maxis and mid sundresses at knee length are acceptable. Keep in mind the hot weather in Zanzibar when choosing your dress of choice. Maxi dresses are perfect for beautiful pictures next to the Zanzibar doors.
- 2. Shorts: As mentioned ensure your shorts are decent if you must wear them. Capri shorts are okay to wear. Avoid short shorts!
- 3. Breathable tops/shirts: Pick a breathable fabric for your tops. When visiting in the hot months it can get very hot and uncomfortable.
- 4. Harem Pants: Comfortable and light to walk around in. These are perfect in Zanzibar
- 5. Palazzo Pants: Stay stylish and decent as you take a tour around Stone Town. Avoid jeans they are uncomfortable to walk in!
- 6. Scarves: In case all your dresses and tops have barebacks, throw on a scarf when in Stone Town.
- 7. Comfortable walking shoes: Wear comfortable walking shoes, which could be your most comfortable walking sandals or closed shoes. Avoid high heels!
- 8. Sunhats and sunglasses: Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun.
- 9. Decent beach wear: Stone Town has beaches as well, I’d advise wearing decent beach wear, especially on public beaches. A good cover-up comes in handy.
Most importantly, don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
Conclusion
There you have it, a complete guide to “Can I wear shorts in Stone Town.”
Remember the answer is yes but it depends on the length of your shorts. Tiny shorts or any shorts exposing your thighs are not acceptable and may be offensive to the locals.
