Is Zanzibar Safe for Solo Female Travellers : Zanzibar is generally a secure vacation location for all kinds of visitors and travelers. Many people, especially women, worry about their safety and security when they travel alone. Female visitors to the island can travel in complete safety. Since tourism is Zanzibar’s main source of income, the local government takes its responsibility to protect visitors seriously. Although the island is fairly safe in and of itself, it is wise to use caution when traveling near Zanzibar because there may be pirates waiting in the shadows.
Safety of solo female travelers on the beaches of Zanzibar: There are two sides to Zanzibar. The side of Zanzibar you experience when traveling more locally and the tourist side. Traveling alone is completely safe in Zanzibar since we put our guests’ security first.
Dress conservatively in Zanzibar to avoid unwanted attention.
Wearing appropriate clothing that covers your body will help you avoid receiving unwanted attention and unwelcome calls from street men in Zanzibar, a Muslim vacation. It is advisable to dress modestly, especially outside of closed resorts and in Stone Town.
Cover your shoulders, cover your cleavage, and avoid wearing miniskirts or shorts that expose your butt. There’s no topless sunbathing on the beaches, and it’s wise to wear a pareo when strolling along the shore.
SAFETY OF SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS IN STONE TOWN
If you are alone when exploring Stone Town, be sure to keep your bearings. You should be alright during the day, barring any attempts to sell you something or invite you into their businesses, but at night, be careful not to wander the streets alone. Make sure someone, preferably a guide, guides you to your accommodation or hires a taxi.
Despite being steeped in history, Stone Town is also a vibrant, active neighborhood. The vibrant, exotic street food market held each evening at Forodhani Gardens is another option, as are the neighborhood restaurants and cafes. Zanzibar has some of the best fresh seafood in the world, from towering piles of battered squid and spicy prawns to octopus and coconut curries.
Although Stone Town’s tourism district is quite active during the day, after 10 p.m. it is a ghost town. In a foreign country, drink in moderation and keep an eye on your drinks as you would anywhere else in the world.
Avoid describing where you stay; occasionally, a casual conversation will elicit a question about the hotel you’re staying at or your next destination. It’s best to remain purposefully ambiguous in these instances or to have a backup hotel or guesthouse in mind.
TIPS FOR YOUR SAFETY IN ZANZIBAR
- Leave your valuable items at home.
The people of Zanzibar are poor, and those from abroad who can afford to visit the islands are typically seen as wealthier by the natives. Leave your valuables, such as jewelry or watches, in the hotel’s safety deposit box, as you would in any other location. It is not safer for your trip to stroll through the streets or along the beach in Zanzibar at night.
- Show respect for local traditions.
Zanzibar is a largely Islamic region, so people there dress conservatively. We advise you to dress modestly while visiting the islands, especially when venturing into more rural areas. Respect the Ramadan season by covering your knees and shoulders, abstaining from wearing short skirts or pants, and dressing modestly. In general, public expressions of affection are discouraged.
- In religious institutions
Exercise extra caution when visiting places of worship. Avoid crowded locations and religious protests, particularly on Fridays in and near Stone Town.
- Consult a physician.
The danger of catching malaria in Zanzibar Island is far lower than it is in the rest of Tanzania. However, it is still advisable to speak with a doctor beforehand in order to get the right guidance on immunizations and preventative medication.
- Eat and drink safely.
Never, ever, ever drink tap water! The tap water is unsafe to drink, and most of Zanzibar’s drinking water is imported from the mainland. If you have a sensitive stomach, be careful when purchasing fruits and other foods from street vendors.
