No, Zanzibar is not a Muslim country because it is not an independent country. It is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania with an overwhelmingly Muslim population. An estimated 98% to 99% of Zanzibaris follow Islam, with most identifying as Sunni Muslims. This differs from mainland Tanzania, where Christianity and Islam are both widely practised.
Islam strongly influences Zanzibar’s culture, architecture, clothing, food, festivals and everyday life. Mosques are found throughout the islands, the call to prayer is part of the daily rhythm, and Islamic traditions are particularly noticeable in Stone Town and local villages.
Zanzibar is also a welcoming international holiday destination. Visitors of all religions can enjoy its beaches, hotels, historical attractions and excursions. However, travellers should respect local customs, particularly in Stone Town, local villages and religious sites, and during Ramadan.
Is Zanzibar an Islamic Country?
It is more accurate to describe Zanzibar as a Muslim-majority destination rather than an Islamic country.
Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania and consists mainly of two large islands:
Unguja, commonly called Zanzibar Island
Pemba Island
Zanzibar has its own president and House of Representatives for matters that are not managed by the Union government. However, it is not an independent country.
The Constitution of Tanzania protects freedom of religion, including the freedom to follow or change one’s faith. This means Christians, Muslims, Hindus and people of other beliefs can live in and visit Zanzibar. The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania provides for freedom of conscience and religious belief.
What Religion Is Practised in Zanzibar?
Islam is the main religion in Zanzibar. Widely cited estimates suggest that approximately 98–99% of the local population is Muslim, although current official religious-demographic statistics are limited.
Most Zanzibari Muslims follow Sunni Islam. There are also smaller Christian and Hindu communities, particularly in Stone Town and other urban areas.
Religion is woven naturally into everyday life. During your Zanzibar holiday, you may notice:
Calls to prayer from local mosques
Modest clothing in towns and villages
Businesses closing briefly for Friday prayers
Islamic greetings and expressions in conversation
Halal food served in most local restaurants
Reduced daytime activity during Ramadan
Public celebrations for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
These are normal parts of Zanzibar’s identity and contribute to the island’s distinctive Swahili culture.
Can Non-Muslims Visit Zanzibar?
Yes. Non-Muslims can visit Zanzibar, and the islands welcome travellers from around the world. You do not have to be Muslim to enter Zanzibar, stay in its hotels, visit its beaches or join local excursions.
Zanzibar has a well-established tourism industry with:
International beach resorts
Boutique hotels
Family-friendly accommodation
Honeymoon properties
Restaurants serving different cuisines
Guided cultural and historical tours
Diving, snorkelling and watersports centres
Visitors are not expected to follow Islamic religious practices. However, they should respect local customs, particularly when away from their resort.
What Should Tourists Wear in Zanzibar?
You can wear normal swimwear at your hotel pool, on the beach and during boat excursions. When visiting Stone Town, local villages, markets or other public places, modest clothing is recommended.
For women, suitable clothing away from the beach includes:
Dresses or skirts around knee length or longer
Loose trousers
T-shirts or tops covering the shoulders
A light shawl for additional coverage when needed
For men, suitable clothing includes:
T-shirts or shirts
Knee-length or longer shorts
Lightweight trousers
Walking through Stone Town or a village in swimwear is inappropriate. Very short shorts and revealing tops can also cause offence. Current UK travel advice warns visitors to dress modestly away from Zanzibar’s tourist resorts, particularly in Stone Town. UK Government Tanzania travel advice
You do not normally need to cover your hair unless you are entering a religious site where this is specifically requested.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Zanzibar?
Yes, alcohol is available in Zanzibar, especially at international hotels, beach resorts, licensed restaurants and tourist bars.
However, because most Zanzibaris are Muslim, many local restaurants and shops do not sell alcohol. Drinking alcohol openly in public streets, local villages or near mosques is disrespectful.
The best approach is to enjoy alcoholic drinks within your hotel, resort, licensed restaurant or bar. Public drunkenness should be avoided.
If having easy access to alcoholic drinks is important to you, check what your chosen hotel offers before booking. Some smaller properties and locally operated guesthouses may be alcohol-free.
Is All Food in Zanzibar Halal?
Most locally prepared meat in Zanzibar is halal because the majority of the population is Muslim. Pork is uncommon in local restaurants but may be available at selected international hotels.
Zanzibar has an excellent food culture influenced by African, Arab, Indian and European traditions. Popular dishes and ingredients include:
Fresh fish and seafood
Coconut-based curries
Pilau and biryani
Grilled meat skewers
Cassava, plantain and sweet potatoes
Tropical fruit
Zanzibar pizza
Spiced tea and coffee
If you have particular religious or dietary requirements, confirm them directly with your hotel or restaurant.
What Is Zanzibar Like During Ramadan?
Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting. Many Muslims avoid food and drink between sunrise and sunset, and the pace of daily life may become quieter during the day.
Hotels and resorts generally continue serving their guests. Tourist excursions also continue operating, although schedules can occasionally change.
When travelling during Ramadan:
Avoid eating, drinking or smoking openly in local public areas during daylight
Be patient if shops or services operate on adjusted hours
Dress modestly when visiting towns and villages
Expect increased activity after sunset
Ask before photographing religious celebrations
Confirm excursion and restaurant times in advance
The atmosphere after sunset can be particularly lively as families and communities gather to break the fast. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is an important celebration involving prayer, family gatherings, special meals and colourful clothing.
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so its dates change every year.
Can Tourists Visit Mosques in Zanzibar?
Some mosques may welcome non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times, but many are primarily reserved for worshippers. Never assume that entry is permitted.
If you would like to visit a mosque:
Ask a local guide for permission
Dress conservatively
Remove your shoes when requested
Do not enter during prayers
Avoid photographing worshippers without consent
Speak quietly and follow the instructions provided
A guided Stone Town tour is one of the best ways to learn about Islam’s influence on Zanzibar’s history and culture without unintentionally entering a restricted area.
Why Is Zanzibar Predominantly Muslim?
Islam reached the East African coast through centuries of trade across the Indian Ocean. Arab, Persian, Indian and African traders helped create the coastal Swahili civilisation, of which Zanzibar became an important centre.
The island developed strong connections with Oman and other parts of the Muslim world. Zanzibar later became the seat of the Omani sultanate in East Africa and a major regional trading centre.
This history can still be seen in:
Stone Town’s mosques and architecture
Carved wooden doors
Arabic influences in Kiswahili
Traditional clothing
Zanzibar’s food and spices
Religious and family celebrations
The island’s customs and hospitality
Islam in Zanzibar is therefore not simply a statistic. It is part of the island’s living history and cultural identity.
Are Christian Travellers Safe in Zanzibar?
Christian travellers and visitors of other religions generally travel around Zanzibar without difficulty. You are not expected to hide your religion or participate in Islamic practices.
As in any destination, travellers should respect local laws and customs. Avoid trying to convert people, distributing religious material without permission or making disrespectful comments about Islam or local traditions.
Christian churches and other places of worship can also be found in Zanzibar. The Anglican Cathedral in Stone Town is an important historical landmark and is commonly included on guided Stone Town tours.
Does Zanzibar Celebrate Christmas?
Christmas is recognised in Tanzania and is celebrated by Zanzibar’s Christian community. Hotels and resorts also organise Christmas meals, entertainment and festive programmes for international guests.
December is a popular time for Zanzibar holidays, so beach resorts can be busy and prices are usually higher around Christmas and New Year.
The celebration of Christmas in hotels does not change Zanzibar’s Muslim-majority character. It reflects the island’s tourism industry and the presence of different religious communities.
Do Couples Need to Be Married to Visit Zanzibar?
Tourist couples are not normally asked to prove that they are married when checking into international hotels or resorts.
Public displays of affection should nevertheless remain discreet, especially in Stone Town and local villages. Holding hands is generally less sensitive than prolonged kissing or intimate behaviour in public.
What feels normal at a beach resort may be considered inappropriate in a traditional residential area, so visitors should adjust to their surroundings.
Respecting Zanzibar’s Culture
Visitors do not need to change who they are to enjoy Zanzibar. A small amount of cultural awareness is usually enough.
The most important guidelines are:
Wear swimwear only at beaches, pools and appropriate tourist areas
Dress modestly in Stone Town and local communities
Avoid public drunkenness
Do not eat or drink openly in local public places during Ramadan
Ask before photographing people
Show particular respect around mosques and during prayer times
Keep public displays of affection discreet
Listen to your local guide when visiting communities
Zanzibaris are widely known for their hospitality. Respectful visitors will normally find the island welcoming, relaxed and easy to explore.
Planning a Zanzibar Holiday with Local Experts
Zanzibar’s Muslim culture should not discourage you from visiting. It is one of the qualities that gives the island its history, identity and distinctive atmosphere.
The key is choosing the right place to stay. A self-contained beach resort offers a different experience from a boutique hotel in Stone Town or a guesthouse within a local village.
If you would like help planning your trip, The Holiday Dealers can match you with a suitable Zanzibar hotel based on your budget, preferred beach, holiday style and comfort requirements. Speaking with local East African experts also reduces research time and helps you understand what to expect before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zanzibar a Muslim country—yes or no?
Zanzibar is not an independent country. It is a semi-autonomous, Muslim-majority part of Tanzania. Islam is practised by the overwhelming majority of Zanzibaris.
Is Zanzibar under Islamic law?
Zanzibar has a mixed legal and administrative system. Islamic courts deal with certain personal matters involving Muslims, particularly marriage, divorce and inheritance. Tourists remain subject to the laws of Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Do tourists have to wear a hijab in Zanzibar?
No. Female tourists are not required to wear a hijab. Visitors should, however, cover their shoulders and knees when exploring Stone Town, villages and other public areas away from beaches and resorts.
Can tourists wear bikinis in Zanzibar?
Yes. Bikinis and other swimwear are acceptable on resort beaches, at swimming pools and on boat excursions. They should not be worn while walking through Stone Town or local villages.
Can unmarried couples share a hotel room in Zanzibar?
International hotels and resorts generally allow unmarried tourist couples to share a room and do not normally request proof of marriage.
Is alcohol banned in Zanzibar?
No. Alcohol is available at licensed hotels, resorts, bars and restaurants. It may not be available in smaller local establishments, and drinking openly in public should be avoided.
Is Zanzibar suitable for Christian travellers?
Yes. Christian travellers can visit and enjoy Zanzibar. Visitors should respect the island’s Muslim-majority culture just as they would respect local traditions in any destination.
Is Zanzibar safe for female tourists?
Many women visit Zanzibar independently, with friends or as part of organised holidays. Modest clothing away from resort areas, reliable transport and normal travel precautions are recommended.
