based on 8 experiences
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.
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.
I felt fairly safe. I went travelling solo just over a year ago, and when I went to bars I did feel like a piece of meat that just landed fresh at Lion's feeding time. They do want a piece of you and your money, like you're a sugar mama.
I went solo and was safe, but I would hire drivers to help you get from between Stonetown and any other destinations (not expensive) because Its safer to be with someone who knows the areas and that will help you be less of a target. I highly recommend the day tour of chumbe island eco resort!! Also, if you are there on a Friday I recommend hiring a car/driver to get out of the city in the mid afternoon time frame as people are getting off of work. Be prepared that in Stonetown you will have guys approach you, but just be firm/don’t engage if you’re not comfortable and you’ll be fine. Some women come looking for a male companion (ahem you know what I mean) so if you have conversations you may find a guy offering this. Again, just refuse. I love engaging with/chatting to locals so I’d talk to people, but I’m also really confident of my “no”. I never felt unsafe but did get tired of the consistent attention. I headed up to Nungwi and loved it there. Overall I loved Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is very safe place. You will have attention, but it's depend on you - chat with locals or not. I spent 2 nights in Stonetown and a week in Nongwi. Both places were nice.
Zanzibar is very safe during the day... but people will talk to you constantly and try to sell stuff to you which can be a bit annoying. People who help you find your way if you get lost will expect money from you and they may get very upset if you don't give them something. I was advised not to be out at night unaccompanied. I felt like I was a walking ATM. Everyone wants (and needs) money. The poverty is staggering if you look deeper. Be wary of very handsome local men who strike up a conversation. Very wary!!! Everyone is hungry... and it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen....once you kind of get used to the rhythm of it. It is not recommended to wear too revealing clothes. Be aware of the strong Muslim customs to cover arms and legs ... except at the beach of course.
Everyone was very friendly and I felt safe, but like any solo travel I don’t suggest broadcasting that you are alone. Stonetown can be especially confusing at night, - I get lost typically- I don’t recommend walking alone at night. True, men will want to walk with you, sell you stuff, help you and say they don’t expect money, but most do. There’s plain clothed police on Shanghai street-main tourist street. Like any place don’t flash your stuff, money and pay attention to your surroundings.
Zanzibar is great and safe for tourists. However, it’s probably not the best place for a girl to always be solo, unless you know how not to (over)react to the attention you will be be getting from the local salesmen and tour guides. Also, Zanzibar is a known sex-tourism destination for women, so you may get some “unconventional” offers, if you’re alone. I ended up hiring a tour guide to be left alone and it worked great.
Yes, Zanzibar is generally safe for solo female travellers. However, it is important to take the usual precautions when travelling alone, such as avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of your surroundings, and not carrying large amounts of cash.
Yes, Zanzibar is a great destination for solo travelers. The island is generally safe and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. There are also plenty of hotels and resorts that cater to solo female travelers.
Zanzibar can be expensive for solo travellers, depending on the type of accommodation and activities you choose. Generally, budget travellers can find affordable accommodations and activities, while luxury travellers may find Zanzibar to be more expensive.
Explore Stone Town
Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar City and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a great place to explore on your own, with its narrow streets, old buildings, and bustling markets.
Visit the Spice Plantations
Zanzibar is known for its spices, and you can visit the plantations to learn more about them.
Go Snorkeling or Diving
Zanzibar is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world.
Take a Boat Trip
There are many boat trips available in Zanzibar, from day trips to longer excursions.
Relax on the Beach
Zanzibar has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so take some time to relax and enjoy the sun and sand.
Visit Prison Island
Prison Island is a small island off the coast of Zanzibar, and it is home to a giant tortoise sanctuary.
Take a Cooking Class
Zanzibar is known for its delicious cuisine, so why not take a cooking class and learn how to make some of the local dishes?
Go on a Safari
Zanzibar is home to some amazing wildlife, so why not take a safari and see some of the animals up close?
Yes, Zanzibar is generally considered safe to travel alone. However, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, as with any destination. Be sure to research the local laws and customs before you travel, and take the necessary safety precautions.
Yes, Zanzibar is generally safe at night. However, it is always advisable to take the usual precautions when travelling in any unfamiliar area, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight.
Zanzibar
Tanzânia
Dar es Salaam
Serengeti
Kilimanjaro
Moshi
Arusha
Lushoto
Michamvi
Kizimkazi Dimbani
Kizimkazi
Zanzibar City