Zanzibar Beer Buying Guide: Where To Purchase

Zanzibar is an autonomous part of Tanzania, so while it has its own government, it still falls within the country. The most popular beer in Zanzibar is Kili (Kilimanjaro), followed by Safari, Serengeti, and Tusker. The local spirit is called Konyagi, which is similar to gin but is entirely chemical-based. Beer prices in Zanzibar have soared by almost 100% due to scarcity, as most of the alcohol sold on the islands is imported from the mainland or South Africa. The best place to buy beer in Zanzibar is ZMMI, which has the largest wine and spirits selection on the island.

Local beers

Zanzibar is an autonomous part of Tanzania, so while it has its own government, it is still considered part of Tanzania. The most popular beers in Tanzania are produced by Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) and Serengeti Breweries (SBL). TBL has an 80% market share of the Tanzanian beer market, so its beers are likely to be widely available in Zanzibar.

• Kilimanjaro Premium Lager (alc. 4.5%) - one of the most famous beers in Tanzania. It is available in 0.375 and 0.5-litre glass bottles and 0.33-litre aluminium cans. It costs around $2 to $5 at Silver/Gold Safari lodges.
• Safari Lager (alc. 5.5%) - the most famous beer in Tanzania, according to one source. It is available in 0.375 and 0.5-litre glass bottles. It costs around 2,500 TSH (about 1€) in local bars and shops.
• Serengeti Premium Lager (alc. 4.8%) and Serengeti Lite (alc. 4%) - the most sold beer of the SBL brewery. It has received the Golden Award from the German Food Society (DLG). It is available in 0.375 and 0.5-litre glass bottles.
• Ndovu Special Malt (alc. 4.8%) - unlike other TBL beers, Ndovu is brewed using only water, hops, malt and yeast (no maize). It is sold in 0.375-litre glass bottles and is the most expensive local beer in Tanzania.
• Tusker Lager (alc. 4.2%) - originally from Kenya, this is probably the most famous beer from East Africa. It is named after an elephant bull that fatally injured one of the brewery's founding fathers.
• Raha Banana (alc. 10%) - a local specialty from Arusha, brewed by a medium-sized brewery. It is only sold in small 0.33-litre bottles and cannot be found in tourist accommodation.

In addition to these beers, there are a few craft beers hitting the Tanzanian market, such as Zanzibeer from Twiga Brewery.

Where to buy local beer in Zanzibar

You can buy local beer at bars, groceries, and supermarkets in Zanzibar. One source mentions that beer is usually cheaper in local bars than in lodges.

If you want to stock up on alcohol, one source recommends ZMMI on Airport Road (Julius Nyerere Road). ZMMI claims to have the "widest selection of wines and spirits on the island". It has a retail outlet in Migombani, near Stone Town, and another store in Paje on the East Coast.

If you are staying in a hotel, you may also be able to buy beer there, although one source mentions that beer is usually more expensive in hotels.

Drinking culture in Zanzibar

It is worth noting that it is strictly forbidden to drink and drive in Zanzibar.

While locals in Tanzania typically drink beer "moto" (warm), if you want to fit in with the locals, you can order your beer in Swahili: "Kili moja baridi" (one cold Kili) or "baridi sana" (one very cold Kili).

Beer is usually drunk with nyama choma, the national classic barbequed meat.

Beer prices

The most popular brand is "Kili" (Kilimanjaro), followed by Safari, Serengeti, Tusker, and the "gourmet" Ndovu. These beers typically come in 500ml bottles, but some hotels stock 350ml bottles.

Zanzibar is facing an alcohol shortage, with beer prices soaring by almost 100% due to scarcity. This is due to supply chain disruptions and licensing delays. As a result, some tourist hotels and bars have been forced to serve only soft drinks.

Beer importers

Zanzibar is facing an alcohol shortage, with beer prices increasing by almost 100% due to supply chain disruptions. The local manufacture of alcohol is banned in Zanzibar, so most of the alcohol sold on the islands comes from mainland Tanzania, while some is imported from South Africa.

The alcohol shortage was initially triggered by the Zanzibar Liquor Control Board (ZLCB) delaying the renewal of permits for its three established importers: One Stop, Scotch Store, and ZMMI. These companies had supplied alcohol to the islands for over 20 years. In January 2024, the ZLCB granted licences to three new companies: Kifaru, Bevko, and Zanzi Imports. However, these new firms are reportedly caught up in a lengthy vetting process, and it is unclear when they will be able to start importing alcohol.

ZMMI is Zanzibar's premier wine and spirits specialist and has a retail outlet in Migombani and a 350 sqm warehouse. They have three liquor shops on the island, with one in Migoz, near Stone Town, a second in Paje on the East Coast, and a third store that was set to open in Fumba Town soon. They supply wines and spirits to hotels and restaurants and offer bar academy training for bar professionals.

One Stop, Scotch Store, and ZMMI have filed appeals to request a renewal of their liquor import permits. It is not clear why their licences were not renewed in the first place, but importers must be Zanzibari-born residents with a clean tax record, a warehouse, and a delivery van to obtain a licence. They must also pay a $12,000 annual fee to the regulatory board.

Alcohol laws

While Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, the island is more tolerant of alcohol consumption than other Muslim countries. As a semi-autonomous state, Zanzibar has its own rules regarding alcohol. Alcohol is available in designated or licensed areas such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and resorts. You can drink in these areas without getting into any trouble with the local police. However, consuming alcohol in public or in non-designated places is illegal.

During the holy month of Ramadan, the rules may be tighter. As the locals fast, some designated drinking areas may remain closed until the evening. It is respectful to those fasting to plan accordingly and stock up if you wish to drink during the day.

It is important to avoid public displays of drunkenness, especially during religious events or in conservative neighbourhoods. Understanding and adhering to local customs ensures a pleasant stay and fosters a sense of cultural appreciation.

The legal drinking age in Zanzibar is 18 years old. Tourists are allowed to drink but must follow the island's alcohol rules. Alcohol prices vary depending on where you purchase it, with local beers costing around $1.50–$2 a bottle in local areas, and double or triple that price in high-end resorts and hotels.

Local drinking customs

While the majority of Zanzibar's population is Muslim, the island is more tolerant of alcohol consumption than other Muslim countries. As a semi-autonomous state, Zanzibar has its own rules regarding alcohol. Drinking is only permitted in designated or licensed areas such as hotels, bars, and resorts. Drinking in public or non-designated places is prohibited.

The local drinking customs in Zanzibar include the consumption of local beers and spirits. The most popular beer brand is "Kili" (Kilimanjaro), followed by Safari, Serengeti, Tusker, and the "gourmet" Ndovu. These beers typically cost $1.50-$2 per bottle in local areas, but prices can be double or triple in high-end resorts and hotels. The locals drink beer "moto" (warm), but you can order yours cold by saying "Kili moja baridi" (one cold Kili) or "baridi sana" (one very cold Kili).

In addition to beer, Konyagi, a clear spirit made from pure cane juice, is widely consumed on the island. It is often mixed with sodas such as Sprite, Stoney (the Tanzanian ginger ale), or ginger ale. Another popular drink is Dawa, a cocktail made with honey, brown sugar, vodka, and lime, served on crushed ice.

When drinking in Zanzibar, it is important to be respectful of local customs and avoid public displays of drunkenness, especially during religious events or in conservative neighbourhoods. Additionally, if you are visiting during the holy month of Ramadan, some designated drinking areas may remain closed until the evening.

Frequently asked questions