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United Republic of Tanzania

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Still, as with any destination, it is important to be mindful of your surroundings. The locals are friendly, but it is advisable to respect local customs and dress modestly. Street crime is relatively low, although pickpocketing and purse snatching can happen. It's sensible to avoid deserted beaches or secluded places, especially after dark. While travelling, trusted taxis or arranged transportation are safer options compared to random tuk-tuks or motorbikes. Always keep emergency numbers and have a reliable contact in the country.

3.7 /5

Based on 16 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety at night:Moderate

Zanzibar is generally known for its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. However, like any other location, it can have exceptions at night. Even though the majority of local citizens and tourists enjoy the nights without notable incidents, it's advisable for a solo female traveler to stay alert and avoid wandering alone in the less crowded or unfamiliar areas after dark.

Public transportation: Moderate

Public transportation in Zanzibar consists mainly of minibusses locally known as 'Dala Dala'. It's a cost-effective way to move around, but it can be crowded, which might be uncomfortable for some travelers. Furthermore, they do not have a specific schedule, which can be challenging if you're in a hurry. However, incidents of crime on public transport are not widespread. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure to avoid petty thefts.

Street harassment: Low

Zanzibar is a relatively friendly and tolerant place, especially towards foreign travelers. Generally, women are treated with respect; however, occasional verbal greetings or attempts at conversation from local men can occur. This is usually more of a cultural norm than an intended harassment. It's essential to dress modestly to respect local culture and religion especially, outside of resorts and beach areas. Just remember, these interactions are primarily friendly in nature and easily handled with a polite decline or ignoring if one feels uncomfortable.

Petty crimes:Moderate

While Zanzibar is generally a safe place for solo female travelers, there is a moderate risk of petty crimes such as opportunistic theft, pickpocketing, and bag snatching. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid flashing expensive items in public. However, serious crimes are relatively rare, especially against tourists.

Tap water:Unsafe

While tap water in Zanzibar can be used for simple washing and cleaning, it is not recommended to drink directly due to potential bacteria or parasites. Most locals and tourists rely on filtered or bottled water for drinking to ensure health safety. Boiling water for at least one minute can kill most harmful organisms if bottled water isn't available.

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4.2 /5

based on 16 experiences

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.7/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Solo travel experience

I was in Nungwi solo for a week. I loved it and felt safe but didn’t venture out too much at night. The Masai and tour guides bothered me on the beach but after a couple of days of me saying no they stopped asking me to buy stuff. One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen.

Posted: December 2, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

I spent 3 weeks on a solo trip in Zanzibar and loved it. I felt absolutely safe but unfortunately, the interactions with locals were a bit overwhelming. They mean well but they are definitely persistent in socializing or selling things. Whenever I felt very uncomfortable I pretended to take a call or that I was late and had to continue on my road.

Posted: November 8, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5

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Sille (24)

Denmark

Group travel experience

It was an amazing experience. People are very friendly, but you also get a lot of attention as a woman. Especially from men, but we just politely said no and kept walking. The food was great, and very cheap in the local restaurants. The weather was very nice and very warm, and it is overall a very nice place.

Posted: November 2, 2023Experienced: August, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Zanzibar is one of my favorite places on earth , people there were friendly and just so sweet , it’s safe even at night , food is delicious and there are plenty of activities to do there or you just simply relax at the beach if u feel so .

Posted: October 28, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Group travel experience

Zanzibar was a big disappointment for me. The sand and the color of the water may be beautiful, but I was very bored there, although it's also true that I've never been the type to enjoy the beach. We stayed near Nungwi in the north of the island. The tides were so extreme that either there was water or a very wide beach where you would be constantly approached by hustlers (which strongly discouraged me from taking solitary walks). We went snorkeling by boat with locals, and even then, some of the reefs were heavily damaged in certain places. We managed to tour the rest of the island (Stone Town, Jozani Forest, Spice Farm) with a hired driver in one day.

Posted: October 11, 2023

Things to do: 3/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

I spent more than a month solo in Zanzibar and I never felt unsafe, but I used a tour guide/taxi wherever I went. There are certain rules to keep like not walking alone on the beach after darkness, not telling people you are traveling alone, not walking alone on small paths, and saying a definite no to people trying to sell you things if you don’t want to buy anything. I don't recommend trying to save money on the accommodation. I recommend choosing a hotel with excellent reviews and eating at the hotel in the evening.

Posted: October 2, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

I’ve been to Zanzibar solo many times. The only place where I did not feel fully safe was Stone Town. Narrow streets, full of local guys, I did not know how to feel about it. Other than that Zanzibar is very touristic and safe for a female solo traveler. You just need to be assertive as many guys will probably try to talk with you, get your number, and possibly propose.

Posted: September 20, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5

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Family travel experience

It's a beautiful place, historical place and amazing environment, I loved the ocean and all the games the hotel could offer, also there are genuine transportation you don't need to worry about your safety

Posted: May 24, 2023Experienced: March, 2021

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Zanzibar is quite touristy and safe, just like most of Tanzania. It is predominantly Muslim, but not strict, especially not for tourists, sort of like Turkey or Jordan. If you are really into diving, check out Mafia island.

Posted: October 31, 2022

Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5

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Group travel experience

Will there be men commenting - most probably yes, either commenting or offering their help as guides etc. Safety - we visited last year and felt quite safe (all the commentings and cat calls aside). However I have read lots of incidents of laptops and phones being stolen at hostels. Thieves usually got in through the window. Crime seem to have increased after the pandemic and their tourism got hit hard.

Posted: October 30, 2022

Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 3/5

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Sam

Speaking

About Me

French girl expatriated in Belgium and curious about the world 🌍 big foodie, always up to try new things and for new adventures. I like to mix a bit of party and relaxing in my trips 🧘🏻‍♀️

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇫 French Polynesia, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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