Sustainable Travel Tips

Be mindful of marine life - skip touching or chasing sea creatures when snorkeling or diving. Do not touch starfish and please, if your guide picks it up, politely tell them that it’s not good for the starfish. Unfortunately, due to lack of education and wanting to please customers, locals engage in such activities, which kills the starfish.

Turtle caves - you may have heard of turtle caves around the island which are supposedly nurseries for turtles to be released in the wild. I’m sorry to say but they’re being held in captivity for tourist’s entertainment (despite what they advertise), visiting and supporting such establishments contributes to animal abuse.

Wear reef-safe sunscreen - bring it with you since the island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, seagrass beds, and delicate marine ecosystems. Traditional sunscreens often contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can damage coral DNA, disrupt marine life reproduction, and contribute to coral bleaching. Besides, the reef-safe ones are also better for your skin and usually biodegradable.

Support local businesses - choose locally-owned restaurants, shops, and tour operators to ensure your money stays within the community. Ask your hosts for local, personal recommendations - they often lead to the most authentic experiences.

Respect cultural norms - Zanzibar is a predominantly muslim island. Dress modestly when away from the beach (especially in villages), and always ask before taking someone’s photo.

Say no to single-use plastic - carry a reusable water bottle and a tote bag. Many boutique hotels offer filtered water stations, and refillable options are becoming more common.

Choose conscious stays - opt for eco-lodges or hotels that implement sustainable practices - from solar energy and water conservation to community empowerment and zero-waste kitchens.

Tread lightly on nature - stick to marked trails when visiting forests or conservation areas like Jozani, and avoid taking shells, coral, or sand as souvenirs - they belong to the ecosystem.