Want to enjoy the most beautiful beaches in Tanzania but wondering if Zanzibar is dangerous?
Indeed, you think that there are risks in traveling to Tanzania and you also wonder about Zanzibar.
So here's a guide to which areas of Zanzibar to avoid in 2024 and my tips for choosing the best place to stay.
Tanzania dangerous country?
About ten years ago, the question of security in Tanzania did not arise.
Indeed, Tanzania was not a dangerous country for tourists. But in recent years, the country has changed.
It is indeed experiencing political tensions and the risk of terrorist attacks. See the recommendations on France Diplomacy
See the map below Numbeo.com which ranks cities according to their crime index for 2024:
We see that Tanzania is in orange which means that it is not a very safe country, particularly because of the terrorist threat.
Travelers visiting Tanzania should therefore exercise caution as there is a real threat of militant attacks, terrorism and kidnappings in some places.
Dangerous areas 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 particularly in Dar-Es-Salam. See all areas formally discouraged on the map published on France Diplomacy.
Is it dangerous to go to Zanzibar at the moment?
Currently, traveling to Zanzibar is not dangerous.
Indeed, the island of Unguja, which is called Zanzibar, is not mentioned as a risky destination in the travel recommendations currently published by the French Government.
However, on the Numbeo 2024 ranking, Zanzibar has an index of crime of 52.74 which is a high average.
Indeed, if we compare at the global level, Zanzibar is classified more dangerous than Rome, New York ou Cairo.
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 the main places to avoid in 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, very 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: “ 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.
Best place to stay in Zanzibar
All the coasts are beautiful around Zanzibar. Wherever you go, you will have magnificent beaches, white sand and turquoise waters.
So, I am not going to 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 show you the place where the 2 most legendary beaches are located: Nungwi and Kendwa.
Indeed, these beaches are among the most beautiful beaches in the world in numerous rankings. They are located in the extreme north of Zanzibar (place where the tidal phenomenon is the least sensitive).
Otherwise, it is on the East Coast (less isolated and more lively) that I recommend you stay because it is on this coast that the most of Zanzibar's heavenly beaches are located.
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 of Zanzibar.
With its 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 in Zanzibar including:
If you are looking for an EXCEPTIONAL hotel on the most beautiful beach in Zanzibar, I recommend you The Island - Pongwe Lodge.
And for a nice, well-located and inexpensive hotel, here is a 5-star hotel with the best value for money that I have 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:
The sources for this article are diverse and very serious: Statistics, government recommendations, economic studies, international media, press articles.