Is Zanzibar Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

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.

Safety rating

3.9 /5

Based on 19 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Zanzibar is currently ranked #1 safest place in United Republic of Tanzania for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.9 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Zanzibar?

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.

Is Zanzibar worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 19 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Solo travel

How safe is this place for female solo travelers? I have been there four times and always loved and enjoyed it. It is a budget-friendly destination and a lot of fun. The best sunset and sunrise I’ve ever experienced in my life.

Posted: February 3, 2024

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Solo travel

Zanzibar is beautiful and amazing. Don’t miss out on activities such as Swimming with horses and turtles. It’s safe to move around alone even at night. I moved around stone town, Paje and Nungwi. Nungwi has the best beaches.

Posted: January 28, 2024

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Solo travel

I went to Zanzibar by myself and it is one of the few places where I felt that I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't there alone. It wasn't dangerous, at least I didn't feel threatened at all, and everyone was very nice, but maybe too nice. I like to walk around alone, immersed in my thoughts and in silence and peace, I don't mind occasional street vendors, etc., but there was too much of that, people would stop me asking if I want to use a tour guide, if I refused, they would insist and chase after me asking why not, etc. It was a bit overwhelming for me.

Posted: December 24, 2023

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Solo travel

I was alone in Nungwi for a week. I really liked it and felt safe, but I didn't go out much in the evening. Maasai and tour guides were bothering me on the beach, but after a few days, when I said no, they stopped asking me to buy things. One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen.

Posted: December 2, 2023

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Solo travel

I spent 3 weeks on a solo trip to Zanzibar and was thrilled with it. I felt absolutely safe, but unfortunately, interactions with locals were a bit overwhelming. The inhabitants have good intentions, but they are certainly very persistent in establishing social contacts or selling things. When I felt very uncomfortable, I would pretend to answer a phone call or that I was running late and needed to continue on my way.

Posted: November 8, 2023

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Sille

Denmark

Group travel

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

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Solo travel

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

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Group travel

Zanzibar was a big disappointment for me. The sand and the water color can be beautiful, but I was very bored there, though the truth is, I've never been the type who enjoys the beach. We stayed close to Nungwi in the north of the island. The tides were so extreme that either there was water, or a very wide beach on which hustlers would constantly approach you (which strongly discouraged me from solitary walks). We went snorkeling with some locals by boat, and yet some of the reefs were badly damaged in some places. We managed to visit the rest of the island (Stone Town, Jozani Forest, Spice Farm) with a rented driver within one day.

Posted: October 11, 2023

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Solo travel

I spent over a month alone in Zanzibar and never felt unsafe there, but I used a guide/taxi wherever I went. There are certain rules that should be followed, such as not walking alone on the beach after dark, not notifying people that you are traveling alone, not walking alone on small paths, and firmly refusing people trying to sell you things, if you do not want to buy anything. I do not recommend trying to save on accommodation. I suggest choosing a hotel with excellent reviews and having dinner at the hotel in the evening.

Posted: October 2, 2023

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Solo travel

I have been to Zanzibar alone many times. The only place where I didn't feel completely safe was Stone Town. Narrow streets, full of local men, I didn't know what to think about it. Besides, Zanzibar is very touristic and safe for solo female travelers. However, you need to be assertive because many men will likely try to talk to you, get your phone number, and maybe even propose.

Posted: September 20, 2023

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Meet locals in Zanzibar

Dimana

About Me

Hi, I’m Dimana. I’m originally from Bulgaria Sofia, but moved to Zanzibar Tanzania few years ago. I want to travel around and see the world but I would love to do it meeting new people

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Dimana

Zanzibar

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I’m Dimana. I’m originally from Bulgaria Sofia, but moved to Zanzibar Tanzania few years ago. I want to travel around and see the world but I would love to do it meeting new people