Dangerous Zanzibar?

Want to go on safari or on the most beautiful beaches in Tanzania but you wonder if Zanzibar is dangerous? Indeed, you know that there are risks when traveling to Tanzania, but is this also the case for Zanzibar?

Safety of tourists on the island

So here's a guide to which areas of Zanzibar to avoid in 2024 and my tips for choosing the best place to stay.

Additionally, below you will find the map of Zanzibar to spot the places to avoid and the best areas to stay.

The sources for this article are diverse and very serious: Statistics, government recommendations, economic studies, international media, press articles.

Tanzania dangerous country?

5 or 6 years ago, the question about security in Tanzania did not arise. Indeed, Tanzania was not a dangerous country for tourists. But in recent years, Tanzania has changed with political tensions and the risk of terrorist attacks.

See the map below Numbeo.com which ranks cities according to their crime index for 2024:

Tanzania and Zanzibar dangerous

Travelers visiting Tanzania are therefore recommended to exercise caution as there is a real threat of militant attacks, terrorism and kidnappings in some places.

Dangerous regions in Tanzania

As recommended in 2024 by Government of Canada, the United States and France, here are the regions where tourists should not go:

  • on the border with Mozambique,
  • in the Mtwara region (threat of militants attacks, terrorism and kidnappings).
  • border with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa),

Tourists are advised to be extremely careful throughout the territory and in particular Dar-Es-Salaam. See all areas formally discouraged on the map published on France Diplomacy.


Is it dangerous to go to Zanzibar at the moment?

NO, currently, traveling to Zanzibar is not dangerous. L'island of Unguja called Zanzibar is not mentioned as a risk destination in the travel recommendations currently published by the French Government.

This is what you can see on the map below where the island of Zanzibar on the east coast of Tanzania is not on the way or in orange:

French government map indicating whether zanzibar is dangerous or not
Site Map https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/tanzanie/#securite

Moreover, since the arrival of the Covid, Zanzibar has become one of the most popular seaside destinations in the world. Indeed, the borders having remained open to tourists, the magnificent beaches of this island off the Indian Ocean have filled up! You should know that tourism is the island's main economic resource, so everything is done to protect them!

According to forums, travel agencies and blogs, Zanzibar is not dangerous for tourists. Indeed, we often talk about theft or scams but it is the same thing on all tourist sites around the world! So OK to go but be careful…

« Violent incidents are to be reported not only in Dar es Salaam but also in other cities (notably in Arusha and Zanzibar), as well as in resorts in Zanzibar where tourists have been assaulted. Vigilance is therefore essential. » Extract from the latest recommendations of Diplomatie.belgium.be

Zanzibar dangerous in terms of crime?

To be able to assess whether Zanzibar is a dangerous place, I studied the Numbeo 2024 ranking.

However, on this site, in 2024 Zanzibar has an index of crime of 57.27 which is a high average. Indeed, if we compare with other cities around the world Zanzibar would be more dangerous than Las Vegas, Casablanca, Istanbul, Cancun ou Medellin.

In fact, the overall crime rate has been increasing in recent years but it is mainly non-violent crimes (theft, pickpockets, scams). Indeed, the rate of homicide and violent crime have decreased in recent years. According to the latest data, the homicide rate is 6 per 100 inhabitants, which is a moderate rate.

Furthermore, insecurity in Zanzibar presents a great geographical disparity. Apart from a few areas to avoid, the island is completely safe.

Below are some places to avoid in Zanzibar:

Dangerous Zanzibar – Places to avoid in Zanzibar

There are no truly dangerous areas in Zanzibar where tourists could risk their lives. However, there are places that are less suitable for tourists and therefore less safe.

This is the case of Stone Town, capital of Zanzibar, popular with tourists for its old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But even if it is interesting to make a short visit there during the day, it is not the ideal place to choose your accommodation. Indeed, as in many poor cities, drugs wreak havoc and can lead to violence. See the article in Le Monde: “ Zanzibar: among the old junkies of Stone Town« 

Other places to avoid in Zanzibar, especially at night, are beaches or areas that are too isolated from tourist places, poorly lit or not very busy.

Map of Zanzibar

To better identify the best places to stay in Zanzibar, here is the map of the different regions of the main island:

Best place to stay in Zanzibar

All the coasts are beautiful around Zanzibar. Wherever you go, you will have beautiful beaches, white sand and turquoise waters. As a result, I will not detail here the characteristics of all the coasts of the Island. For more information on the most beautiful places on the island, see my article: Where to go in Zanzibar – Which coast to choose?

However, I will tell you where the 2 most legendary beaches : Porcupine et Kendwa. Indeed, these beaches are part of most beautiful beaches in the world on many rankings. They are located at theextreme north of Zanzibar (place where the tidal phenomenon is the least sensitive).

Most beautiful beach in Zanzibar

Otherwise, it's on the East Coast (less isolated and more lively) that I recommend you to stay because it is on this coast that there are the most paradisiacal beaches of Zanzibar.

Pongwe most beautiful beach in Zanzibar

Pongwe beach is reputed to be one of the most beautiful in Zanzibar. It is located on the East Coast from Zanzibar.

With secluded lagoons and idyllic beaches along the entire length of this stretch of coastline, this dream beach is home to some very beautiful 5 star hotels of Zanzibar including:

recommended beach hotel far from dangerous areas of Zanzibar

Which hotel in Zanzibar?

If you are looking for an EXCEPTIONAL hotel on the most beautiful beach in Zanzibar, I recommend you The Island - Pongwe Lodge :

best place in Zanzibar

And for a nice hotel, well placed and cheap, here is a 5 star hotel in best quality price report that I had the chance to test: the Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa.

Find out below what this hotel looks like that I recommend for those looking for low prices:

Karafuu hotel picture
Main hotel pool facing the lagoon
DREAM AND SAFE BEACH IN TANZANIA
Karafuu hotel beach on the east coast of Zanzibar
Hotel beach front bungalows on one of Tanzania's most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar
Cheap hotel Zanzibar

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