Discover Zanzibar Like a Local: Culture, Daily Life & Authentic Experiences

When most travelers think of Zanzibar, images of luxury hotels, romantic beach escapes, and turquoise Indian Ocean waters come to mind. And yes—this paradise island off the coast of Tanzania is one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa. But after living in Zanzibar for three months, I discovered another side—one of resilience, hospitality, and deep-rooted traditions. This is not just the Zanzibar of holiday postcards, but the real Zanzibar, the one locals call home.

Daily Life in Zanzibar: Simplicity, Community, and Tradition

The whites have the watch, but the Africans have the time. This is a common saying that very well describes the approach to time. In Zanzibar’s rural villages, life moves at a slower, more natural rhythm.

Living

Many houses are built from stone or palm leaves, often without glass windows. Days begin with the sunrise and wind down with the sunset around 6:30 p.m. By 10 p.m., most homes are quiet, families are asleep.

Greetings

In Zanzibar, a common greeting ritual is a beautiful expression of respect for elders. The most important phrase to know is "Shikamoo," which is used by a younger person to greet an elder.

Here's how the ritual works:

"Shikamoo" (pronounced shee-ka-mo): This word literally means "I hold your feet" and is a profound sign of humility and respect. It's used to show reverence for a person's age and wisdom.

"Marahaba" (pronounced ma-ra-ha-ba): This is the elder's polite and warm response, meaning "I welcome you" or "I am pleased." It acknowledges the respect shown.

The verbal exchange is often accompanied by a gentle, respectful handshake, which can be held for the duration of the conversation. It's considered good manners to use your right hand for the handshake.

The greeting ritual between people of the same age in Zanzibar is a warm and conversational exchange. Unlike the formal greeting for elders, this is a multi-step process that builds a genuine connection.

The most common greeting is "Habari?" (pronounced ha-BAH-ree), which means "How are you?" or "Any news?" A common response is "Nzuri" (n-ZOO-ree), meaning "Good."

The exchange usually continues with a series of follow-up questions to show sincere interest. It's considered impolite to rush the greeting.

The conversation often includes questions like:

• "Habari za leo?" (How are things today?)

• "Habari za kazi?" (How is work?)

• "Habari za familia?" (How is the family?)

The replies are typically a simple "Nzuri" or "Salama" (Peaceful).

This verbal exchange is always accompanied by a warm handshake, which can last for a while as they complete the full series of greetings. The ritual is a way to not only say hello but also to confirm that all is well with the other person and their family.

Cultural Characteristics

In Zanzibari culture, it's considered impolite or unhelpful to directly say "I don't know" if someone, for instance, asks you for directions. Instead, locals may provide you with a detailed, even if incorrect, set of directions. This behavior is rooted in a desire to be accommodating and to avoid disappointing you. It's often seen as more hospitable to offer some form of help than to admit they don't have the answer. This is a contrast to cultures where a direct "I don't know" is a standard and neutral response.

"Pole pole" (pronounced poh-lay poh-lay) is a Swahili phrase that literally translates to "slowly, slowly." However, it's far more than just a literal instruction; it's a central philosophy of life in many parts of East Africa, especially in places like Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.

The phrase embodies a relaxed, patient, and easy-going approach to life. In a culture where time is often viewed as a flowing river rather than a strict series of deadlines, "pole pole" is a gentle reminder to not rush, to be present, and to take things one step at a time.

"Pole pole" encourages people to embrace patience and to prioritize well-being and social connection over speed and efficiency. It's the perfect reflection of the laid-back island atmosphere.

Basic Amenities

Electricity here costs between 5,000 and 10,000 Tanzanian shillings per week, depending on the family size. Not all houses are connected to the electricity grid. Power outages are very common, and local businesses and families typically don't have a generator.

Cooking is done with gas or, often, over an open fire.

Water is often collected from shared village wells or community tanks. Families and neighbors live close, supporting each other—whether it’s sharing food, helping with childcare, or working together in the fields.

Locals in Zanzibar rely heavily on smartphones for internet access, using affordable mobile data plans rather than Wi-Fi. These phones are essential for daily life, with platforms like WhatsApp and social media being key for communication and small-scale business. Services like M-Pesa also enable mobile banking and financial transactions directly from their devices.

Getting Around Zanzibar: Dala Dala & Boda Boda

Forget rigid timetables—Zanzibar public transport is flexible and communal. The most common way to get around is the dala dala (shared minivan) or boda boda (motorbike taxi). For just a few hundred shillings, you can hop on anywhere and be dropped exactly where you need to go.

Traffic in Zanzibar is a unique and often chaotic experience, particularly in the bustling streets of Stone Town. Unlike the structured traffic flow in many Western countries, navigating the roads here is a dynamic process where a different set of rules often applies.

The Dynamics of Traffic

• Stone Town's Narrow Alleys: Inside the historic Stone Town, the streets are so narrow and winding that they are largely inaccessible to cars. Most of the transport is done by foot, bicycle, or small motorcycles.

• Congestion: On the main roads outside the city center, traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Expect to encounter a mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and even animals sharing the same space.

• Driving Style: Traffic flow is not always governed by strict lanes or signaling. Drivers often rely on a constant, almost intuitive negotiation of space with other vehicles, which can seem chaotic but is a functional system for locals.

Bicycles are also very common on the island, while wagons pulled by oxen are now only found in villages; they are banned in the city.

Women in Zanzibar: Strength, Roles & Changing Perspectives

In Zanzibar, women are the backbone of community life. They can vote, run for office, and take part in political debates—but top leadership positions are still mostly held by men. Beyond politics, their days are a balancing act: managing the home, raising children, preparing meals, and boosting family income through farming, handicrafts, market trading, or running small shops.

In this predominantly Muslim society, traditions remain deeply rooted. In some communities, it is still accepted for a man to have more than one wife, a practice embraced by certain women as part of their culture. Yet across the island, a quiet revolution is unfolding—women are building their own businesses, leading community initiatives, and redefining what it means to be a Zanzibari woman. They carry both the weight of tradition and the drive for progress, shaping the future of the island one step at a time.

Education

The education system in Zanzibar is free and compulsory up to secondary school (Form 4). It's structured in stages, from seven years of primary school to four years of secondary. A major challenge for students is the language transition: primary school is taught in Kiswahili, but subjects shift to English starting in Standard 5. The system faces further difficulties with overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of qualified teachers.

Politics in Zanzibar: How It Works

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania but enjoys semi-autonomous status, with its own president and House of Representatives. Currently, the president of Tanzania is Samia Suluhu Hassan—the country’s first female head of state—while the president of Zanzibar is Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, elected in 2020. Elections take place every five years. While political life is generally peaceful, small tensions can arise between supporters of the ruling party (CCM) and the opposition during campaign season, particularly over contested results. However, these disputes are usually short-lived, and daily life continues much as normal.

Zanzibar’s Culture: Music, Sports & Faith

Islam shapes everyday life in Zanzibar—from the call to prayer to community values. Religious festivals like Eid al-Fitr bring neighbors together for celebrations filled with generosity, shared meals, and family gatherings.

Music is everywhere:

• Taarab blends Arab, Indian, and Swahili influences.

• Kidumbak brings fast-paced rhythms to village parties.

• Bongo Flava, Tanzania’s hip-hop/pop sound, fills shops, beaches, and dala dalas.

Sports are just as present—football is by far the island’s favorite sport, with locals passionately supporting European teams like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Chelsea. You’ll often see groups gathered around small roadside TVs to watch matches, sometimes in cafés or even outdoors. In the late afternoons, especially before sunset, beaches come alive with barefoot games—children, teenagers, and even adults playing football on the sand, their laughter mixing with the sound of the waves. It’s a daily ritual that perfectly reflects the island’s sense of community and joy. On the southeast coast, especially in Paje, kitesurfing attracts both locals and travelers, while drum circles and acrobatic shows often turn sunsets into unforgettable cultural experiences.

By stepping away from the tourist bubble, you’ll experience the island’s true warmth, community spirit, and authentic Swahili culture. Mix with the locals and feel the true heartbeat of Zanzibar—something no luxury brochure can capture.

Written by Cassandre Clech - intern in Matlai