Solo Female Travel & Backpacking in Zanzibar

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.

Solo travel experience

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.

Solo travel experience

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.

Solo travel experience

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.

Solo travel experience

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.

Solo travel experience

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.

Solo travel experience

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.