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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.

3.9 /5

Based on 19 travel experiences

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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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.

3.9 /5

Based on 19 experiences

Solo travel experience

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 experience

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 experience

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 experience

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 experience

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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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

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Solo travel experience

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 experience

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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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

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Solo travel experience

Zanzibar is a place heavily focused on tourism and is safe, just like most of Tanzania. The majority of the population are Muslims, but they are not strict believers, especially towards tourists, a bit like in Turkey or Jordan. If you're a big fan of diving, check out Mafia Island.

Posted: October 31, 2022

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Before your visit to Zanzibar, it's essential to check travel advisories for United Republic of Tanzania, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Tanzania due to high crime levels and potential terrorism threats. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: April 15, 2024

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Tanzania, overall, due to the risk of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: September 8, 2023

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 19 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

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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Group travel experience

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

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

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