Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful places in Africa, situated off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is a renowned destination for beach lovers, honeymooners, and those who love history and culture due to its rich heritage.
Safety in Zanzibar is a significant concern for prospective visitors, many of whom worry about the crime or safety situation on the island. While the majority of beach resorts are safe, visitors have concerns about freely walking in the neighborhoods.
However, rest assured that the island is generally safe for tourists. Safety is relative and can vary depending on factors such as personality and luck.
Someone who has spent days or weeks in resorts will assure you of safety, but the narrative may change after spending just a few days on the streets of Stone Town or elsewhere in Zanzibar.
Just like the streets of Toronto, New York, London, Madrid, Cape Town, Los Angeles, or any other part of the world, safety in Zanzibar is not fundamentally different.
Do people get robbed? Yes, just like anywhere else in the world, but it’s not an everyday occurrence, as many might assume.
7 Common Safety Rules in Zanzibar
Visiting Zanzibar may not always be trouble-free, and regardless of the safety and security of the hotel or resort you choose, it’s important to maintain personal vigilance.
Here are some safety rules to follow:
- Avoid offering information about your place of stay: Engaging in casual conversations sometimes leads to random questions about where you are staying. Avoid giving out too much information about your accommodation, especially if you are a female or a solo traveler.
- Avoid crowded places: Zanzibar Island attracts visitors from around the world, and with numerous small shops in the streets, it also attracts numerous muggers, robbers, and pickpockets. Avoiding crowded places can help you avoid trouble. Always inquire about the safety situation of the area before booking. If you are renting a property rather than staying in resorts, lodges, or hotels, always inquire about the safety situation of the area. Ensure that security is provided (locally known as Askari).
- Leave valuables at the hotel: Robberies in public places, especially on beaches in broad daylight, are common, and visitors are advised not to carry valuables in such areas. It is essential to leave valuables in the hotel, especially if you plan to explore alone.
- Dress decently to avoid unwanted attention: Zanzibar Island is predominantly Muslim, and dressing decently can help minimize unwanted attention and catcalls from men on the streets. You don’t need to wear a niqab, but wearing modest clothing within Stone Town or outside closed resorts is advisable. Decency here means avoiding showing cleavage, covering shoulders, refraining from wearing shorts or mini-skirts that expose your body shape or legs, and avoiding topless sunbathing at the beaches.
- Be mindful of what you eat or drink: Travelers with sensitive health are advised to be cautious about what they eat or drink. Street foods, tap water, and unwashed fruits can sometimes lead to stomach upsets or diarrhea.
- Health concerns: The main health concerns for visitors to Zanzibar Island are yellow fever and malaria. Yellow fever can be addressed by presenting a yellow fever inoculation certificate when applying for the Tanzanian Tourist Visa or Zanzibar Visa at the point of entry. Regarding malaria, it’s advisable to carry anti-malarial drugs and insect repellents, and sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net when on a holiday in Zanzibar. The sun in Zanzibar can be extremely hot, so wearing sunscreen or avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun is recommended.
- Avoid walking alone after dark: Walking alone after dark is not safe in Zanzibar, as it is elsewhere in the world, even in more developed cities.