Island Life Guide: How to Respect & Protect Zanzibar
- A
- Aug 16
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 20
Your ultimate handbook for living the dream in Zanzibar - sustainably, respectfully, and with style.
Welcome to Zanzibar / Karibu Zanzibar
Few places in the world capture the imagination quite like Zanzibar. This archipelago off the coast of Tanzania is a swirl of spice-scented breezes, powdery beaches, turquoise lagoons, and a cultural history as rich as its soil. For centuries, it has been a crossroads of civilisations — Arab, African, Persian, Indian, and European, all leaving their mark on its food, architecture, and way of life.
Today, Zanzibar is both a dream holiday escape and a place where more and more people choose to make a home. Villas with infinity pools overlook the Indian Ocean; boutique hotels are reimagining hospitality through sustainability; and a growing number of newcomers are discovering the joy of island living.
Paradise thrives when it’s cared for. The coral reefs, spice plantations, and vibrant traditions that make Zanzibar extraordinary will continue to flourish if newcomers embrace the island with respect.
Respecting and protecting the island isn’t optional; it’s the price of entry to a lifestyle you’ll never want to give up.
Culture First: Living in Harmony with Zanzibari Traditions
The first step in protecting Zanzibar is understanding its soul. This is not just an island; it’s a community with deep traditions. With 99% of the population Muslim, daily life is guided by faith, modesty, and respect for family.
Wandering through Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll see ornate wooden doors that have stood for centuries, women in vibrant kangas exchanging greetings, and children playing football in winding alleys. This is not a museum frozen in time; it’s a living city that asks you to join its rhythm rather than disrupt it.
Adapting is simple: dress modestly in towns and villages, especially women covering shoulders and knees. Learn a few words of Swahili, and you’ll be met with instant smiles.
Respect the fasting season of Ramadan by avoiding eating or drinking in public during daylight hours. And always ask before taking photos of locals — a little courtesy goes a long way.
Handy Swahili Phrases for Daily Life:
Mambo – Hi / What’s up?
Poa – Cool / I’m fine
Asante – Thank you
Asante sana – Thank you very much
Karibu – Welcome / You’re welcome
Pole pole – Slowly, slowly (the island’s favourite phrase!)
Samahani – Sorry / Excuse me
Kwa heri – Goodbye
Tutaonana – See you later
Protecting the Ocean: Simple Steps for Visitors
Zanzibar’s marine life is thriving and on a promising path of restoration, thanks to the island’s Blue Economy policy and the ambitious Zanzibar Development Vision 2050. Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and vibrant fish populations are slowly reclaiming their former glory, creating exciting opportunities for sustainable tourism and investment.
To help keep it that way, every visitor can contribute by following simple, mindful behaviours:
Don’t touch or stand on coral reefs — they’re delicate and take decades to regrow.
Observe marine animals from a distance — starfish, turtles, and fish are best appreciated in their natural habitat.
Avoid chasing or disturbing wildlife — respect their space for authentic encounters.
Use reef-safe sunscreen — conventional products can damage coral and marine life.
Avoid disruptive water sports near fragile areas — no kitesurfing or jet-skiing over coral zones.
Choose eco-conscious tours and activities — smaller groups and certified guides reduce impact.
Leave no trace — take only memories, leave only footprints.
Every mindful action, big or small, contributes to a healthier, more resilient Zanzibar, and ensures that the island’s waters remain as spectacular as the day you first arrived.
Sustainable Island Living: Homes in Harmony
The new face of island living in Zanzibar isn’t about excess; it’s about balance. Residents and investors are increasingly drawn to homes designed with sustainability in mind — not only for their reduced impact but also because they simply make sense on an island blessed with sun, rain, and sea breezes.
Solar power is the obvious energy source, and rainwater harvesting systems are becoming standard in new builds. Smart design, using high ceilings, open courtyards, and shaded verandas, reduces the need for air conditioning. Local materials such as coral stone and coconut wood blend homes into the landscape rather than impose on it.
If you’re considering life in Zanzibar, remember: the homes that hold value tomorrow will be the ones that respect the island today. An eco-conscious villa overlooking the sea is not just a lifestyle choice but a contribution to the future of the archipelago.
The Power of Community: Supporting Zanzibar’s People
Zanzibar’s greatest asset is not its beaches but its people. Warm, resilient, and endlessly creative, Zanzibaris thrive on community spirit. Supporting them is not charity; it’s the very essence of belonging to this island.
Visit the local spice farms where cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg grow in abundance, and buy directly from farmers. Shop in local markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts rather than relying on imported goods. Hire Zanzibari guides who know the history and ecology better than anyone. Even the way you design and decorate your home matters — imagine filling it with local textiles, carvings, and woven baskets instead of mass-produced imports.
This approach does more than sustain livelihoods. It connects you to the real Zanzibar — a network of people whose pride and identity are woven into every market stall, every spice, every story shared over sweet ginger tea.
Island Etiquette: Adopting the Rhythm of “Pole Pole”
Life in Zanzibar moves differently. There’s a saying you’ll hear everywhere: pole pole — slowly, slowly. It’s more than a pace; it’s a philosophy. Meetings don’t always start on time, buses don’t always run to schedule, and meals may take longer than expected. But frustration melts away once you accept that this is not inefficiency; it’s presence.
Etiquette is woven into this rhythm. Greet people before starting a conversation; politeness is non-negotiable. Remove your shoes before entering homes or mosques. Keep your voice soft in public, as calmness is considered strength. Alcohol is tolerated in resorts but should never be flaunted in villages or streets.
By adapting to this slower, more intentional pace, you’ll discover a secret: island time doesn’t steal hours, it gives them back.
Exploring Zanzibar: Travel with Purpose
From dhow cruises to spice tours, Zanzibar is packed with experiences. But the way you explore shapes the legacy you leave behind.
Sail on a traditional dhow powered by the wind, not an engine that disrupts marine life. Visit Jozani Forest with guides who prioritise the conservation of endangered red colobus monkeys. Choose eco-certified tours that limit group sizes and teach you something real.
It's highly recommended to see animals in their natural environment without giving them pressure. This approach not only keeps wildlife safe but also creates more meaningful, authentic encounters.
When you visit mangroves or national parks, stay on paths — the ecosystems are delicate.
Travel here isn’t just about what you see; it’s about how you see it. When you choose the sustainable path, your experiences are richer, more rewarding, and infinitely more memorable.
Island Lifestyle: Living the Zanzibar Rhythm
Life in Zanzibar isn’t just about where you live; it’s about how you live.
Mornings often start with the smell of fresh coffee and tropical fruit, followed by a stroll along quiet beaches or through the spice farms. Days are spent balancing work, leisure, and community. Perhaps a yoga session under a mango tree, lunch at a local café, or volunteering at a mangrove restoration project. Evenings are for sunsets, dhow sails, or impromptu drum circles on the sand.
The island encourages connection: with nature, with neighbours, and with yourself. Zanzibar life is not about rushing; it’s about rhythm, balance, and enjoying the small moments that make island living truly unforgettable.
The Future of Zanzibar: Guardians of Paradise
Zanzibar is at a crossroads. As more travellers, residents, and investors arrive, the challenge is clear: can the island grow without losing what makes it unique?
The answer lies in people who choose respect over convenience, sustainability over exploitation, and harmony over excess. To live in Zanzibar is to inherit responsibility. You are not just a visitor or homeowner; you are a guardian of paradise.
When you respect the culture, protect the reefs, support the people, and embrace the pole pole rhythm, you don’t just adapt to Zanzibar — you become part of it.
A Note on Finding Home in Zanzibar
For those considering making Zanzibar more than a fleeting escape, homes here come in many forms. What matters most is choosing with care: properties that respect the island’s character and environment will always be the most rewarding.
If you’re curious about what’s available, or how to navigate Zanzibar’s property landscape responsibly, we can guide you through every step.
Zanzibar isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a way of life, and the more you respect it, the richer it becomes. Karibu Zanzibar.
