Is it safe to go to Zanzibar now?

Zanzibar is very safe for travellers from all over the world to visit. The gorgeous, paradisical island offers the best beaches in Tanzania, luxury accommodations, a vibrant historic centre, and a truly relaxing getaway in a temperate climate.

How safe is Zanzibar 2023?

Most tourism hotspots are extremely safe

The Zanzibar Archipelago, off the east coast of the country, is a touch less safe. It's had some crime and terrorism incidents over the years, though not enough for us to consider it a no-go area.

Why not to go to Zanzibar?

Pickpocketing is common in popular tourist destinations surrounding Zanzibar. The UK government advises its people visiting Zanzibar to exercise caution in and around Stone Town, the popular historic hub of Zanzibar, as well as on local beaches. Make sure you stay in a heavily populated section of the beach.

Is Zanzibar safe for Westerners?

If you are wondering is Zanzibar safe, rest assured: the island is extremely safe for tourists. As tourism is the primary source of income in Zanzibar, the local authorities take the safety of tourists very seriously.

Is Zanzibar high risk for malaria?

The islands of Zanzibar have been targeted for malaria elimination; although authorities have met with some success, malaria transmission still occurs on islands throughout the archipelago. In addition, climate change has expanded the range of suitable habitats for Anopheles spp.

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Is it safe to swim in the sea in Zanzibar?

Yes, Zanzibar is very safe for swimming. The Indian Ocean is warm and the waves tend to be small. Zanzibar Island is a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. Conditions do vary from beach to beach and season to season, but overall many of Zanzibar's beaches are ideal for swimming.

How bad are mosquitoes in Zanzibar?

Armed with multiple strategies, such as indoor/ outdoor residual spraying and extensive use of insecticide-treated bed nets, health officials in Zanzibar have been able to keep Malaria-transmitting mosquitoes at bay with the disease's prevalence remaining at 1%.

What should I be careful of in Zanzibar?

Do not carry large amounts of cash or display valuables such as expensive jewellery or watches. Leave your passport in a safe place and carry a copy for ID checks. When in a vehicle, keep car doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight. Be particularly careful at night when there is a higher incidence of crime.

Is Zanzibar safe for females?

Zanzibar is a relatively friendly and tolerant place, especially towards foreign travelers. Generally, women are treated with respect; however, occasional verbal greetings or attempts at conversation from local men can occur. This is usually more of a cultural norm than an intended harassment.

Can you kiss in public in Zanzibar?

Zanzibaris do not kiss in public or display affection. Photographing residents without their permission is considered offensive.

When not to go to Zanzibar?

The weather starts to turn as Zanzibar enters the period known as the 'long rains' and showers become more frequent. It can be very wet from the middle of March onward. The 'long rains' of April and May make the beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline hot and very wet, so this isn't the best time to travel.

Is it OK to wear shorts in Zanzibar?

Wear clothing that covers at least from the navel to the knees, especially when in public areas. Avoid wearing short shorts or revealing clothing.

Is alcohol banned in Zanzibar?

Yes, you can drink alcohol in Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania and has a more relaxed stance on alcohol compared to other regions of Tanzania, which has a significant Muslim population.

Is Zanzibar cheap or expensive?

In short: Is Zanzibar expensive? So the answer to the question Is Zanzibar expensive: that depends on how you look at it. It is not as extremely expensive as tropical islands like … But at the same time, prices are not very much lower than here. And so you could say it's not a cheap island either.

Is it worth it to go to Zanzibar?

With its colourful and rich history, its' great beaches and its warm, temperate climate, Zanzibar has a lot to offer and after we spent 5 relaxing days there, we can confidently say that, Yes, Zanzibar is worth visiting.

Is Zanzibar a luxury holiday?

From exclusive beachfront villas to opulent resorts, your Zanzibar flights and hotel arrangements ensure a luxurious stay in this exotic paradise.

Is Tanzania safe for white tourists?

Tanzania is considered travel-friendly and is one of the safest nations on the continent. With nearly 1.5 million visitors in 2022 (an increase of 64% from 2021), Tanzania is one of Africa's most popular safari destinations and is known as a safe country for safari lovers from all over the world to visit.

What injections do I need for Zanzibar?

Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A; Poliomyelitis; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis B; Meningococcal Meningitis; Rabies; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera; Yellow Fever.

What is prohibited in Zanzibar?

Plastic bags have been banned in Zanzibar since 2019

When packing for your trip, don't carry anything in plastic bags as they have been banned throughout Tanzania since 2019. High fines are paid for bringing plastic bags into the country.

How many days in Zanzibar is enough?

Ideally, seven days. That gives you enough time to really get to see Zanzibar, do lots of activities while you're here, get to know some of the locals, immerse yourself into the local culture, enjoy the amazing beaches, and fully relax.

Can I drink tap water in Zanzibar?

Is it safe to drink tap water in Zanzibar? The tap water in Zanzibar is not safe to drink, so we strongly recommend sticking to bottled water, which is widely available across the island. This includes avoiding ice in your drinks and eating salads which may have been washed in the tap water.

Which side of Zanzibar is best?

Zanzibar North Coast: as a rule, the further north on Zanzibar you go, the more private and less crowded the beaches are. The north coast is also least affected by the tidal range. Zanzibar North-east Coast: the island's prime location, most of Zanzibar's top-end accommodation is set on the north-east beaches.

What foods to avoid in Zanzibar?

It's also a good idea to avoid raw or undercooked food, especially seafood, to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Another potential health risk in Zanzibar is mosquito-borne illnesses, such as malaria and dengue fever.

Do you need malaria pills for Zanzibar?

Malaria is a risk in Tanzania. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor's instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Does Zanzibar have sharks?

White-tip reef sharks do live on Zanzibar reefs and can occasionally be seen in Mnemba Atoll on Big Wall, Shark House and Wattabomi. You might get lucky and see them on your dive, but don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen.