Is Zanzibar Safe? The Complete 2025 Safety Guide for Tourists, Families & Solo Travelers
- travelwisesafari
- Dec 4, 2025
- 7 min read
Why Safety Questions About Zanzibar Matter
Zanzibar—a semi-autonomous archipelago belonging to Tanzania—is one of the most iconic Indian Ocean destinations. Visitors come for turquoise beaches, world-class diving, vibrant Swahili culture, spice farms, Stone Town’s UNESCO heritage, and luxury resorts. Tourism is the heartbeat of the island’s economy, and because of this, the government and hospitality industry work hard to maintain a safe, peaceful, tourist-friendly environment.
Is Zanzibar safe?
The short answer is YES—Zanzibar is widely considered safer than most global beach destinations, with low violent crime, friendly communities, and well-established tourism infrastructure. However, true travel safety depends on having accurate information, understanding cultural norms, knowing safe vs. less-safe areas, and preparing for small everyday risks such as ocean tides, scams, and transportation issues.
This long-form, authoritative guide covers EVERYTHING you need to know for 2025—including crime statistics, beach safety, women’s safety, family travel guidance, cultural etiquette, scams to avoid, transportation safety, emergency contacts, and more.But the question remains:
Is Zanzibar Safe for Tourists in 2025?
✔ Summary of Zanzibar’s Safety Rating
Low violent crime
Minimal political unrest
Strong tourism police presence
Safe beaches & resorts
Friendly locals
Excellent safety record for tours and excursions
Most travelers report zero safety issues, and millions visit every year without incident.
✔ Why Zanzibar is Safer Than Many Tourists Expect
Tourism is the main economic pillar, so safety is a national priority.
Hotels employ private security 24/7.
The government maintains tourism police units in Stone Town and beach regions.
Island communities are small and connected, reducing crime opportunities.
If you take reasonable precautions (as you would anywhere in the world), Zanzibar is extremely safe.
Crime Levels in Zanzibar (What’s Real and What’s Exaggerated)
✔ Violent Crime: Very Rare
Zanzibar does not experience high levels of violent crime. Incidents involving tourists are extremely uncommon.
✔ Petty Crime: Occasional but Avoidable
The most common issues include:
Pickpocketing in crowded Stone Town alleys
Bag-snatching from passing motorbikes
Theft of phones left on restaurant tables
Valuables left unattended on beaches
How to Avoid Petty Crime
Use crossbody bags
Leave expensive jewelry at home
Don’t use your phone in very narrow Stone Town alleys
Always use the hotel safe for passports & extra cash
Avoid walking alone late at night in unlit places
Zanzibar is safe, but common sense always helps.
Nighttime Safety in Zanzibar
✔ Resorts & Beach Hotels
Very safe due to:
Private guards
Well-lit properties
Controlled access
✔ Stone Town at Night
Safe, but requires normal city precautions:
Avoid empty alleys
Use taxis for long distances
Stick to popular streets like Gizenga, Shangani, and Kenyatta Road
Do not flaunt valuables
The nightlife areas in Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje are tourist-friendly and lively until late.
Is Zanzibar Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Zanzibar is widely considered one of the safest destinations in Africa for solo women.
Why Women Feel Safe Here
Locals are respectful and helpful
Tourism staff are professional
Hotels are security-focused
Beaches are open and well-populated
Tips for Solo Women
Dress modestly in Stone Town (shoulders/knees)
Swimwear is fine on beaches
Avoid isolated beach walks at night
Use official taxis or hotel transfers
Ignore or politely decline unwanted attention
Thousands of solo women travel Zanzibar every year with outstanding experiences.
Is Zanzibar Safe for Families With Children?
Absolutely—Zanzibar is one of Africa’s top family destinations.
✔ Family-Safe Regions
Kendwa & Nungwi—best for calm seas
Paje—active but safe
Jambiani—quiet and relaxed
Matemwe—luxury family stays
✔ Family-Friendly Activities
Swimming & beach play
Snorkeling at Mnemba
Jozani Forest (red colobus monkeys)
Spice farms
Dolphin tours
✔ Safety Tips for Kids
Watch children during swimming (currents vary)
East coast tides can suddenly shift
Wear reef shoes in shallow waters
Families find Zanzibar extremely safe and welcoming.
Beach & Ocean Safety: What Tourists MUST Know
✔ Tides
The biggest ocean-safety factor in Zanzibar is tides, especially on the east coast:
Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe → water recedes far at low tide
Nungwi & Kendwa → no extreme tides (swimmable all day)
✔ Marine Life
Sea urchins may be present → wear water shoes
Jellyfish are rare
Sharks avoid shallow tourist waters
✔ Swimming Safety
Always follow local advice
Avoid swimming alone at night
Beware of slippery seaweed in tidal flats
Choose beaches with lifeguards when possible
Health & Medical Safety in Zanzibar
✔ Water & Food Safety
Drink only bottled or filtered water
Avoid ice from unknown sources
Eat at reputable places
✔ Vaccination Requirements
Yellow Fever certificate required only if arriving from a yellow-fever country
Hepatitis A/B recommended
Typhoid optional but good
✔ Mosquitoes
Zanzibar has mosquitoes but malaria cases are low. Use:
Repellent
Long sleeves at dusk
Bed nets
✔ Hospitals & Clinics
Good medical facilities exist in:
Stone Town
Nungwi
Paje
For serious conditions, evacuation to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi is possible.
Cultural Safety & Etiquette
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim and extremely welcoming.
✔ Do’s
Dress modestly in Stone Town
Use greetings (“Jambo”, “Mambo”, “Asante”)
Ask before taking photos
✔ Don’ts
Avoid public intoxication
Do not kiss in public
Avoid entering mosques unless invited
Respect brings safety and warm hospitality.
Transportation Safety
✔ Safe Options
Hotel-arranged transfers (best)
Licensed taxis
Private drivers
Organized tours
✔ Less Safe Options
Dala-dala (crowded local buses)
Private scooters for beginners—roads are narrow
Which Areas in Zanzibar Are the Safest?
Safest Tourist Areas
Nungwi – vibrant, lively, very safe
Kendwa – luxury, swimming all day
Paje – kitesurfing paradise
Jambiani – quiet, safe
Matemwe – upscale
Stone Town – safe with normal precautions
Avoid isolated beaches at night simply because they are empty.
Scams to Avoid (Small & Rare, but Worth Knowing)
Overpriced taxis → agree on fare first
Beach boys selling activities → book with licensed operators
Fake currency changers → use banks or bureaus
Overpriced souvenirs → negotiate politely
These are minor and easy to avoid.
Excursion & Tour Safety
Licensed tours in Zanzibar are extremely safe, including:
Safari Blue
Mnemba Snorkeling
Dolphin Tour
Prison Island
Spice Tours
Jozani Forest
Just avoid unlicensed beach vendors offering "cheap boats".
Final Safety Verdict for 2025
Zanzibar is safe, beautiful, and welcoming.With normal travel awareness, it ranks among the safest beach destinations worldwide.
Are Safaris From Zanzibar Safe? (Fly-In Safaris to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire)
Many travelers visiting Zanzibar want to combine the island’s beaches with a short safari in mainland Tanzania. The good news is:
✔ Safaris from Zanzibar are extremely safe, well-organized, and professionally operated.
Daily flights connect Zanzibar to the major national parks, offering a smooth, secure, and quick transition from the coast to the bush.
How Safe Are Fly-In Safaris From Zanzibar?
Fly-in safaris are the safest and most streamlined way to experience Tanzania’s wildlife. Reasons include:
1. Reputable airlines with excellent safety records
Zanzibar is connected to the parks by trusted airlines such as:
Auric Air
Flightlink
Coastal Aviation
Regional Air
These airlines operate modern Cessna Caravans, ideal for short wildlife routes.
2. Professional meet-and-greet at airports
Your safari guide waits for you at the airstrip with a private 4×4 Land Cruiser, eliminating:
confusion
unsafe local transport
delays
3. Secure national parks
The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Nyerere, and Manyara National Parks are:
heavily protected
well-managed
patrolled by rangers
safe for both day and overnight visits
4. Experienced safari guides
Top operators (including Travel Wise Safari) employ guides trained in:
guest safety
wildlife behavior
4×4 operations
emergency response
5. Luxury lodges & tented camps with high security
Safari accommodations inside the parks have:
24/7 security
professional staff
safe walking paths
experienced wildlife management
Which Safaris Can You Book Directly From Zanzibar?
Below are the most popular and safest options:
✔ 2-Day Safari From Zanzibar
Ideal for travelers with limited time.
Most common routes:
Ngorongoro Crater (1 night)
Tarangire National Park + Ngorongoro (overnight)
➡ Safe, short, and perfect for first-time safari-goers.
✔ 3-Day Safari From Zanzibar
Best balance between wildlife and relaxation.
Typical itineraries:
Ngorongoro Crater + Serengeti
Ndutu Migration Safari (Dec–March)
Tarangire + Ngorongoro + Manyara
✔ 4-Day Safari From Zanzibar
Recommended for deeper wildlife immersion.
Popular 4-day options:
Serengeti Fly-In + Ngorongoro Crater
Great Migration Safari
Tarangire + Serengeti + Ngorongoro
Internal linking anchor:→ 4-Day Fly-In Safari From Zanzibar
✔ 5–7+ Day Safaris (Premium Experience)
For travelers who want:
slow travel
more wildlife encounters
luxury lodges
Great Migration river crossings
Safaris may include:
Serengeti (Central, Western, Northern)
Ngorongoro Highlands
Tarangire’s elephant paradise
Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Is It Safe to Fly From Zanzibar to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro?
Yes. Flights are:
short (45–90 minutes)
smooth
operated by professional bush pilots
landing at secure airstrips inside the parks
There are no safety concerns for tourists on these routes.
Is Wildlife Dangerous During Safari?
Wild animals are not dangerous when rules are followed.
Safety guidelines:
Stay inside the safari vehicle
Do not feed or approach animals
Keep a respectful distance
Listen to your guide
Safari vehicles are designed for:
stability
visibility
protection
Millions of travelers enjoy Tanzania safaris safely every year.
Are Safaris From Zanzibar Safe for Children?
Yes—fly-in family safaris are very safe for ages 3 and up.
Why:
Smooth logistics
Minimal road driving
Short flight times
Family-friendly lodges
Easy wildlife viewing
How Much Do Safaris From Zanzibar Cost? (General Safety Note)
When booking a safari, safety increases dramatically when using:
licensed operators
insured vehicles
certified guides
reputable accommodations
Avoid extremely cheap offers—they often involve:
unlicensed guides
unsafe vehicles
no insurance
unreliable operations
With Travel Wise Safari or other reputable companies, safety is guaranteed.
Why Combine Zanzibar + Safari? (The Safest Itinerary in East Africa)
This combination gives you:
beaches + wildlife
romance + adventure
luxury + nature
simple logistics
maximum safety
You spend mornings with lions, elephants, and wildebeest — then return to Zanzibar’s beaches for sunset cocktails.
It is the #1 honeymoon and family itinerary in Tanzania.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION: Best & Safest Safari From Zanzibar
For 2025, the safest and most rewarding fly-in safari is:
→ 3-Day Serengeti + Ngorongoro Fly-In Safari From Zanzibar
Why:
minimal travel time
maximum wildlife
high safety standards
perfect for all ages
runs year-round
ideal for Great Migration sightings
Comments