MY LOCAL PROMISE
I travel slowly, move intentionally, I’m open minded and remain curious
respectful clothing
Beachwear belongs on the beach. I dress appropriately by covering my shoulders and knees in villages and public spaces as a simple sign of respect.
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim where modesty is part of everyday life, not just religion. In villages and towns, covering shoulders and knees is a sign of mutual respect and awareness of local values. It isn’t about restriction, but about understanding the culture you are stepping into. It allows you to move more freely, interact more naturally and be welcomed without discomfort. Beachwear belongs on the beach, not in public spaces.
honour natural & historical sites
At sacred, cultural and historical sites I cover up, stay on marked paths, silence my phone, ask before I photograph, and listen to locally trained guides.
Places such as mosques, schools and community gathering spaces are not tourist attractions, they are living parts of everyday life. They hold cultural, spiritual and social significance for the people who use them. When encountering these spaces, respect begins with observation and understanding. Visitors should not assume that access is permitted or that photography is welcome. Always seek permission before entering, visiting or taking photographs. Taking the time to ask reflects an appreciation for local customs and helps preserve the trust, dignity and openness that make genuine cultural encounters possible.
embrace culture & religious customes
I understand and value local customs and traditions. I choose to refrain from physical affection and drinking alcohol in public.
Life in Zanzibar is shaped by a strong sense of community and respect. Generations live closely alongside one another, with much of life taking place in shared spaces. Public behavior tends to be reserved. Displays of affection, loudness, or drinking alcohol are kept private. There’s a constant awareness of how actions affect those around you. It’s a way of living that values dignity, balance and mutual respect.
giving back
I do not give money, sweets or gifts directly to children. If I want to contribute, I support local schools, community initiatives or registered NGOs.
While coming from good intentions, giving money or gifts isn’t harmless. These small gestures influence routines, create dependency and shift the natural balance within a community. Children begin to associate visitors with handouts, it leads to tension as some receive while others don’t, and expectations towards visitors begin to change.
If you would like to support the community thoughtfully and create a long-term impact, it is more meaningful to do so through established initiatives or organisations.
extra mindful during ramadhan
I understand that Ramadhan is a time of reflection, fasting and community. I act with extra awareness and empathy during this period.
While cultural travel guidelines should always be respected, this is particularly important during Ramadan. Observed by Muslims around the world, Ramadan is marked by discipline and a strong sense of togetherness. The rhythm of the island becomes calmer when people are fasting and conserving energy, Dressing modestly and avoiding eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours reflects an understanding of the community and its traditions.
staying curious
I take time to learn about cultural habits and norms. I stay curious and open minded.
Being conscious means understanding that you’re a guest. Life in Zanzibar is shaped by tradition, religion, and a slow rhythm – with values that may differ from what you’re used to. That difference is part of what makes the experience unique and meaningful. Observe, listen, and give yourself space to adapt. Things may not be the way you expect, and that’s not something to resist, but to understand. Approach situations with patience and curiosity, rather than frustration, and allow yourself to connect respectfully with people.
protect peoples privacy
I ask consent when taking pictures of people and children.
Life in Zanzibar happens mainly outdoors, but that doesn’t make it a public display. Working, resting, cooking – these are everyday moments, part of real life, not something to observe, photograph, or meddle with. People are not attractions. Asking for permission before taking photos is essential and shows basic respect. When you approach people with sensitivity, interactions remain natural and often become more genuine and meaningful.
mindful water usage
I recognize that fresh water is a limited resource. I take short showers, reuse towels and linen when appropriate and avoid unnecessary water use.
Fresh water is a precious and limited resource on Zanzibar, and many households don’t have reliable access to fresh water. In addition, wastewater management remains a significant challenge on the island. Therefore, mindful consumption is crucial.
Shower shortly and avoid unnecessary laundry requests, such as daily towel or linen changes. Reusing towels and being conscious of your water consumption helps reduce pressure on both water supply and wastewater systems.
protect & respect marine & wildlife
I observe marine and wildlife from an appropriate distance; fish, starfish, turtles, turtoises, dolphins, monkeys. I do not touch, chase or feed animals nor do I take them home as souvenirs.
Zanzibar is home to a unique and delicate ecosystem, including the famous Red Colobus Monkey. While these animals appear friendly and curious, it’s essential not to touch or feed them. Human interaction can disrupt their natural behavior, make them dependent on food handouts, and expose them to harmful diseases. Observing wildlife from a respectful distance ensures their wellbeing and preserves the authenticity of your experience.
The Indian Ocean is rich with vibrant marine biodiversity. Please never touch starfish, corals, fish, turtles or dolphins. Even slight contact can damage protective layers, cause stress to animals, or destroy coral structures that take decades to grow.
reduce plastic waste
I say no to single-use plastics and bring out what I brought in (e.g. empty sunscreen/shampoo bottles). I do not litter and responsibly dispose of my waste
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges in Zanzibar. Waste management systems are limited, not easily available for local comunities, and much of the plastic ends up in nature. Avoid single-use plastics by carrying reusable water bottles, bags, and containers.
Leave no trace. Everything you bring to the island should ideally leave with you. This includes items like shampoo bottles, packaging, or other personal products that may not be easily recyclable locally. Dispose of waste responsibly and avoid leaving anything behind, especially in natural areas.
We collaborate with partners who are committed to reducing plastic waste and implementing more sustainable alternatives. Support these efforts and actively contribute to protecting Zanzibar’s environment.
conscious with electricity usage
I turn off lights, fans, airconditioning and other appliances when not needed.
Zanzibar’s power grid is overloaded and under increasing demand, leading to frequent outages.
Switching off lights, fans, and especially air conditioning when leaving your room can significantly reduce energy consumption. Being mindful of your usage not only supports sustainability efforts but also helps maintain a stable energy supply for local communities.
move slowly & intentionally
I slow down in any of my movements to respect the island, its people and its environment. I refrain from jetskis on the water, scooters on the beach and noisy quads in the village.
Scooters on the beach are illegal and unsafe, unlicensed and unexperienced jetski operators create hazards on the water and are damaging the environment, and quads contribute to noise pollution in villages and affect the livelihoods of villagers whom are mostly living outside.
consuming consciously
I educate myself about the availability of local and seasonal products, adjust my expectations and consume accordingly.
Consuming locally and seasonally has a positive impact on local communities, small scale entrepreneurs and farmers, and reduce environmental impact. Avoid consuming octopus during breeding season, and understand that certain ingredients are not available at all times, such as mangoes and avocados and if they are – they are coming from far.
move wisely
I look for experiences off the beaten track and book through licensed local operators to ensure safety, authenticity and that my money benefits the local community whenever possible.
Moving wisely means making conscious choices about where, how and with whom you travel. It is about going beyond the most heavily promoted tourist routes, seeking meaningful experiences, and choosing operators who are legally recognised, locally connected and accountable for the way they operate.
choose licensed guides
I choose trained, local guides to ensure safe, authentic experiences while supporting local expertise and livelihoods.
Choosing a licensed local guide is about more than safety. A good guide is often the link between a visitor and the destination; providing knowledge, context and cultural understanding while ensuring that tourism benefits remain connected to local people. Before booking an excursion, cultural visit, nature activity or guided experience, travellers should consider who is actually providing the experience and whether they are properly qualified and authorised to do so.
support local craftmanship & entrepreneurship
I question origin and choose locally made products and services wherever possible, knowing my choices contribute to the community.
Supporting local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship means looking beyond the price and appearance of a product or experience and considering who made it, where it was made, where the materials came from and who ultimately benefits from the purchase. Every meal, souvenir, excursion, piece of furniture, artwork or service can contribute to the local economy, but only when a meaningful share of its value remains within the destination.
fair pricing
I negotiate but don’t haggle. I aim to pay fair prices that respect local effort and support livelihoods.
Tourism creates a powerful opportunity for visitors to direct their spending towards local people and businesses. The objective is not to "get the cheapest possible price", but to reach a price that is fair to both sides. A fair price should allow the person providing the product or service to cover their costs and earn a reasonable income.
go beyond
I visit and support projects and initiatives uplifting the community and help to improve the community, economy and environment.
Going beyond means recognising that responsible travel is not only about reducing the negative impact of tourism. It is also about asking how tourism can actively and positively contribute to the socio-economic and environmental development of the destination. A responsible traveller does not need to "save" a community or arrive with solutions. Instead, the aim is to listen, learn, participate respectfully and support locally led initiatives that are already working to address local priorities. Responsible travellers should prioritise initiatives where local people define the problem, participate in the solution and have a meaningful role in decision-making.