Stone Town, Tanzania: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Stone Town, Tanzania? If you're planning to go to Stone Town, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Stone Town, Tanzania

Based on the climate and weather in Stone Town, Tanzania, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Stone Town, Tanzania

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Stone Town, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Stone Town, Tanzania by month

January

January in Stone Town is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Check that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you visit Stone Town during February, you might see that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March for Stone Town is really hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to find the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

Traveling to Stone Town in April, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you get the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

In May, Stone Town is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Stone Town, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to get the right type. Many adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

If you vacation in Stone Town during June, you may find that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to choose the right type. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you are traveling to Stone Town in July, you will notice that it is hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you vacation in Stone Town during August, you are likely to find that it is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be careful to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September in Stone Town is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Ensure that you pick the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October in Stone Town can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

If you visit Stone Town during November, you might see that it can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December in Stone Town is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you want to visit the heavenly Anglican Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Stone Town, Tanzania

Stone Town is a historic city located on the western shore of Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant tourist destination. Stone Town is a blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European cultures, which is evident in its architecture, food, and people. In this article, we will be discussing the top tourist attractions in Stone Town, Tanzania.

1. The House of Wonders

The House of Wonders is the most famous landmark in Stone Town. It is a four-story building that was built in the 19th century as the Sultan's Palace. The House of Wonders was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity, an elevator, and is now home to the National Museum of Zanzibar.

2. Forodhani Gardens

Forodhani Gardens is a popular public park and food bazaar located along the seafront in Stone Town. It is a great place to enjoy a cool sea breeze and try out some of the delicious street foods, such as Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood, and sugarcane juice.

3. The Old Fort

The Old Fort, also known as Ngome Kongwe, is a 17th-century fort that was built by the Portuguese and later taken over by the Arabs. It is a significant historical monument and currently houses a cultural center, art market, and several shops.

4. The Palace Museum

The Palace Museum was formerly the residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar and was built in the late 19th century. It displays artifacts and memorabilia from the Zanzibari royal family, including the furnishings of the Sultan's palace and the Harem.

5. The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre

The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is a unique attraction in Stone Town. It is a tropical garden that is home to various species of butterflies. Visitors can walk through the garden, witness the stages of butterfly metamorphosis, and learn about conservation efforts.

6. The Anglican Cathedral

The Anglican Cathedral, also known as the Christ Church Cathedral, is a historic church located in Stone Town. It was built in the late 19th century on the site of the former slave market and is a symbolic reminder of the horrors of the African slave trade.

7. The Hamamni Persian Baths

The Hamamni Persian Baths are a series of Persian-style baths that date back to the 19th century. They were built by wealthy Arab merchants for their personal use and have since been restored and are open to the public. Visitors can relax in the pools, steam rooms, and massage parlors.

In conclusion, Stone Town, Tanzania, has many tourist attractions, ranging from cultural landmarks, historical monuments to natural landmarks. A trip to this historic city is an excellent opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of Tanzania. Make sure to prioritize the listed sites, and be sure to sample the local delicacies.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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