Traditions & Manners for Tanzania

[geofio]

Hello! Being a female, and first timer to Tanzania, I am wondering about respectfulness in Country? Should I bring a head covering? I mean besides my ever present ball cap! I normally wear long pants, and all my travel pants have zipper shorts so legs are 'covered' and I can easily carry long sleeves. But trying to pack light AND respectful sometimes is a chore! Any assistance, oh and advice on other customs so not as to insult my hosts, is appreciated!

[ballu]

My general rule is cover shoulders and knees...head covering (other than the ball cap) won't be necessary.

[geofio]

Thanks Ballu, good to hear, one less thing to pack means more room for souveneirs!

[AdamfromCanada]

Hello! Being a female, and first timer to Tanzania, I am wondering about respectfulness in Country? Should I bring a head covering? I mean besides my ever present ball cap! I normally wear long pants, and all my travel pants have zipper shorts so legs are 'covered' and I can easily carry long sleeves. But trying to pack light AND respectful sometimes is a chore! Any assistance, oh and advice on other customs so not as to insult my hosts, is appreciated!

Worth noting about Tanzania: The mainland has a large Christian population. If you're in, say Arusha, you're really not going to stick out in shorts and a t-shirt, well, other than clearly not being local.

In Zanzibar, it is predominantly Muslim, but when I was there even the locals don't seem to wear a lot of head coverings and if you're at a resort, then you'll be fine to be in your bathing suit. If you're wandering around Stone Town, and especially if you're going to visit any mosques, just be respectful. As the other poster said, shoulders and knees covered is a good idea.

Enjoy your trip.

[catraveller]

Agree with the comments above.

Personally, as a female I would err on the side of caution if you are going into the mainland cities/towns. One of the girls I was with made the mistake of wearing a tank top and shorts into Arusha and felt uncomfortable with the staring and people trying to touch her. I wore knee length shorts and a 3/4 length blouse and was perfectly comfortable.

In Stone Town, I would cover knees and shoulders to be respectful and avoid unwanted attention. Anything is pretty much fair game if you go North or East to the beaches.