How to Enjoy Your Zanzibar Holiday During Ramadan?
Grown in a Christian family, went to a Catholic school, and joined college to study computer science, I was not yet very close to a Muslim. Then came a day when I was very exhausted with work. I went to my boss and asked for a two-week leave. Guess what? He approved it. The next thing was finding an island far from the tech world to spend my leave. And I chose Zanzibar at the suggestion of a friend.
I did some research about the destination and found that 95% of its residents are Muslims, and my trip fell during the holy month of Ramadan. I called the tour operator whom I’ve booked the trip with, and he wasn’t surprised that I was worrying.
“You’re not alone, Jack,” he said and briefed me on everything about my trip to Zanzibar. I wasn’t afraid of getting along with Muslims. But with little interaction with them, I was nervous I would make things messy, especially during the holy month. But neither of those happened. I enjoyed my trip. No mess, at least not on my first trip. What I’m about to share is how you can visit Zanzibar during Ramadan and still have a good holiday. What you should do and what you should avoid doing in Zanzibar during the holy month of Ramadhan.
Ramadhan, or Ramadan, is a sacred month for Muslims around the world. In this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset—not eating or drinking during the day. The whole month is dedicated to prayer, reflection, helping others, and growing closer to God. It ends with a big celebration called Eid al-Fitr.
What to do as a tourist during Ramadan in Zanzibar
It’s simple, you just proceed with your arranged plans. This month is for appreciating nature and God’s actions. You can do things like
- Visiting cultural sites
- Enjoy the beach and nature quietly.
- Shop mindfully at markets.
What to avoid doing in Zanzibar during Ramadan
- Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight
It’s rude and offensive to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day. As I mentioned earlier, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. So, don’t do that in public. There are tourist-oriented restaurants, yes, which offer meals indoors. By the way, it’s not a matter of fear but of respecting other people’s beliefs.
- Wearing revealing clothes
Muslims are very sensitive to dress codes. Women do wear hijabs and long gowns covering their knees. As a tourist, you’re not showing them how to dress decently. Wear long, well-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, not see-through swimsuits, tank tops, and shorts.
Don’t get me wrong. These restrictions do not apply in hotels and while you’re at the beach. In the hotel, you can dress the way you like, but don’t do that in public places like markets, transportation hubs, and streets.
- Showing public displays of affection
It’s rude to show displays of affection in public, not only during Ramadan but also throughout the year. Handholding and gentle hugs have no problem, but deep kissing and other intimate activities are thoughtless.
It’s the Muslims’ sacred month for reflection, self-control, and respect. Avoid these in public for a harmonious interaction with locals. The other day, you were in the hotel; enjoy your time there.
- Playing music loudly
Vibes do come, and you may miss your playlist. Please do not play it loudly. A loud voice can interact with prayers. The only songs common during this month are ‘Kaswida,’ an Islamic poem or religious chant. Keep your vibes low-key, and avoid doing a thing that disturbs the majority. There are some resorts in Zanzibar with soundproof clubs. Go there and dance your vibes out.
- Throwing large parties
As Ramadan starts, you notice the vibrant parties Nungwi and Kendwa are famous for decrease. Why? Because people are busy with reconciliation with God. They dedicate much of their time to prayers and reflection on the life of the Prophet Muhammad. If you want to party, wait for Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.
Others I Noticed During Ramadan
There are other things too, worth knowing:
- Some restaurants may close during the day and reopen at sunset specifically to serve the iftar meal for their customers.
- The nightlife is cut short. Some bars and clubs may close or reduce hours.
- You may be invited for an iftar meal. Be humble, dress modestly, and imitate their amazing sitting pose.
We humans love travel. But it is quintessential to adhere to societal norms, values, and religion. As an adventure-lover, I love Zanzibar, and I love the people of Zanzibar. My stay on the island has taught me a lot about the Islamic culture. And more importantly, I have learned what to avoid doing not only in Zanzibar but when I am around any Muslim during Ramadan.
