Is Zanzibar Dangerous in 2025 & Lova Nantenaina

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Is Zanzibar Dangerous for Tourists? Zanzibar Is It Safe?

I can tell you from personal experience that Zanzibar is very safe but if you would like to hear more about it from Redditors, here are some threads for you to read:

Keeping on the subject of ‘is Zanzibar dangerous?’, in the 18 years since I have been visiting Zanzibar regularly, the majority of which I lived a short distance across the Zanzibar Channel in Dar es Salaam, I have heard of insecurity in Zanzibar only once around 10 years ago.

For a short couple of months (and I mean really about two) there was brief religious-driven anti-tourist sentiment in Zanzibar, and the primarily Muslim local community complained about the total disregard that visitors showed towards the religious values of most of the local community, especially with regard to the level of body exposure of female tourists.

I remember hearing at the time that two sets of foreign white women had been attacked for indecent exposure, but I had never heard of any such incidents before then nor have I since.

Around this same time, I remember visiting Zanzibar with a gentleman friend who presented like a local Zanzibari.

I, a black Tanzanian woman, was wearing a sleeveless, backless, knee-length dress and for the first time, as I strolled through Zanzibar, I heard locals—male and female alike—comment loudly at my attire and my supposedly inappropriate behavior as a woman.

Personally, I had no clue what they were saying, and never did I feel in danger, but my gentleman friend who had spent a lot of time in Zanzibar during his childhood was incensed by what I was being called.

I had never had an experience like that before in Zanzibar, and I have been back many times and I have never had an experience like that again, so I think it is safe to say that it was an isolated season on the island.

Another situation about which I have heard white (so visibly foreign) friends complain about during visits to Zanzibar is how much they are harassed by locals trying to sell them stuff.

This could be curios, jewelry, taxi rides or travel services such as guiding services and day trips.

Although such situations may feel unsafe, there is really little to worry about.

Keep a tight hold of your valuables, keep walking and keep telling whoever is harassing you that you already have everything you need.

Eventually, they will get the message and leave you alone.

Like in many places, especially where there is a crowd such as at the Zanzibar port where you catch or get off the ferry, petty thieving can occur.

If possible keep your valuables hidden, be alert, and get through the crowded situation as quickly as possible.

So…is Zanzibar dangerous?

To that I can answer a big resounding ‘no’!

Dangers in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but like any travel location, it has its share of potential dangers and things to watch out for.

Here are the main concerns:

Zanzibar Dangers #1. Petty Crime

Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas like Stone Town, markets, or ferry terminals.
Beach theft is also a concern—don’t leave belongings unattended.

Tip: Avoid walking alone at night, especially on beaches or in poorly lit areas.

2. Scams and Overcharging

Some tourists report taxi scams, inflated tour prices, or fake tour guides.
Watch for ATM skimming or being charged for things not agreed upon in advance.

Tip: Agree on prices before accepting services and use registered providers where possible.

3. Road and Ferry Safety

Road conditions outside Stone Town can be poor, and driving standards are often erratic.
The ferry between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar has a history of overcrowding and, in rare cases, safety violations.

Tip: Use reputable ferry companies like Azam Marine, and avoid small boats in rough seas.

4. Health Risks

Zanzibar is a malaria-risk area, especially during and after the rainy season.
There’s also risk of food poisoning from undercooked seafood or unfiltered water.

Tip: Use mosquito repellent and a bed net, drink bottled water, and eat at well-reviewed places.

5. Cultural Sensitivities

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, and conservative dress is expected in towns and villages.
Public displays of affection or wearing revealing clothing can draw unwanted attention or offense.

Tip: Cover shoulders and knees in public areas and avoid PDA, especially during Ramadan.

6. Water Safety

Some parts of the coast have strong currents, especially during tide changes.
Sea urchins and jellyfish can also pose risks when swimming or walking barefoot in shallow water.

Tip: Swim in designated safe areas and wear reef shoes if walking in the sea.

7. Political Unrest

While rare, Zanzibar has seen sporadic political tension in the past, particularly around election periods.

Tip: Stay updated on local news and avoid political demonstrations or rallies.

Overall

Zanzibar is safe for most travelers who take basic precautions.

Most visits are trouble-free, especially if you stay in well-reviewed accommodations, book with registered tour operators, and respect local norms.

Zanzibar Dangereux?

Voici ce qu’il faut savoir à propos des dangers potentiels à Zanzibar :

Zanzibar est-il dangereux ?

Zanzibar est une destination touristique populaire et relativement sûre. Cependant, comme partout, il existe certains risques qu’il vaut mieux connaître pour voyager de manière responsable et prudente.

1. Petits délits

Vols à la tire et vols à la plage peuvent se produire, surtout dans des zones très fréquentées comme Stone Town, les marchés ou près des terminaux de ferry.
Il est déconseillé de se promener seul la nuit, surtout sur les plages ou dans des rues peu éclairées.

Conseil : Gardez vos objets de valeur hors de vue et utilisez les coffres-forts des hôtels.

2. Arnaques touristiques

Certains touristes se font surfacturer par des taxis, ou rencontrent de faux guides.
Des cas de fraude aux cartes bancaires ou de factures gonflées dans des restaurants ont été signalés.

Conseil : Convenez toujours du prix à l’avance, et utilisez des services enregistrés ou recommandés.

3. Risques liés aux transports

Les routes en dehors de Stone Town peuvent être en mauvais état, et la conduite est parfois imprudente.
Les ferries entre Dar es Salaam et Zanzibar peuvent être surchargés. Il y a eu dans le passé des accidents mortels.

Conseil : Utilisez des compagnies réputées comme Azam Marine et évitez les bateaux douteux.

4. Santé et hygiène

Zanzibar est en zone à risque de paludisme, surtout après la saison des pluies.
Des cas de diarrhées ou d’intoxications alimentaires sont possibles à cause d’eau ou de nourriture mal préparée.

Conseil : Dormez sous une moustiquaire, utilisez un répulsif anti-moustiques, buvez de l’eau en bouteille et évitez les fruits de mer crus.

5. Respect des coutumes locales

Zanzibar est majoritairement musulman, donc les tenues trop découvertes et les démonstrations d’affection en public peuvent choquer.

Conseil : Couvrez épaules et genoux dans les lieux publics et soyez particulièrement respectueux pendant le Ramadan.

6. Risques en mer

Certaines plages peuvent avoir des courants forts ou des animaux marins dangereux comme les oursins ou méduses.

Conseil : Renseignez-vous avant de vous baigner, portez des sandales de mer et suivez les conseils des locaux.

7. Instabilité politique (rare)

Zanzibar a connu quelques tensions politiques lors des élections, bien que les troubles soient rares et généralement localisés.

Conseil : Évitez les manifestations et suivez les actualités locales.

En résumé

Zanzibar n’est pas dangereux si l’on respecte les consignes de base et la culture locale. La majorité des voyageurs n’y rencontrent aucun problème. Il suffit de faire preuve de bon sens, de vigilance, et de respect envers les habitants.

Nantenaina Lova

Lova Nantenaina, born 7 March 1977, is a Malagasy film director.

Eva Lova & Endemika Films

Alongside his wife Eva Lova and Candy Radifera, he formed the production company Endemika Films in 2008.

Most of Endemika Films’ output has been short programming for children. The company also produces documentaries.

Lova Nantenaina released his first feature documentary Avec Presque Rien… in 2013, featuring the poverty that he grew up with in Antananarivo, Madagascar. It received the Sustainable Development Award at the Vues d’Afrique festival in Montreal.

In 2014, Lova Nantenaina directed the documentary Ady Gasy, which details Nantenaina’s interviews with Malagasy people about the conditions in their country.

It received the Eden Grand Prize for best documentary at the Lumière d’Afrique festival as well as the Indian Ocean Prize at the International Film Festival of Africa and the Islands.

Photo Credits: François Terrier

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