Tanzania Horizon

Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?

If you have concerns about the safety of Zanzibar, you can be reassured that the island is generally considered safe for tourists. Since tourism is the main economic activity, the authorities prioritize the safety of visitors. However, it’s still important to exercise caution. We’ve prepared some travel tips for your Zanzibar trip.

Our tips for your safety:
  • Leave your valuables at your accommodation
    It is advisable to store your valuable items, such as jewelry, watches, bracelets, and your wallet, in the safety deposit box provided at your hotel or accommodation. As a tourist, you may be perceived as wealthier by the locals, so it is important to take precautions. It is recommended to only carry a small amount of cash with you when going for a walk, and avoid walking on the beach or empty streets at night.
  • Show respect for local traditions
    Zanzibar is mainly inhabited by people practicing Islam, and their dressing is conservative. If you plan to vacation in the region, it is advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting remote areas. It is recommended that you cover your knees and shoulders and refrain from wearing short skirts and shorts. Public displays of affection are not commonly accepted.
  • Visiting religious institutions and historical sights
    It is advisable to be cautious when visiting religious sites, particularly in crowded areas and during religious demonstrations, especially on Fridays in and around Stone Town.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine, but safely!
    It is strongly advised to avoid drinking tap water in Zanzibar due to safety concerns. The majority of the drinking water is imported from the mainland. Additionally, it is recommended to exercise caution when consuming food and fruits sold on the streets, as these may not be suitable for those with a sensitive stomach.
  • Behavior in public
    Zanzibar is largely a Muslim community. Although locals are familiar with Western ways, tourists should always be respectful. This means not displaying too much public affection, making an effort to cover arms and legs and being discreet when consuming alcohol. This is especially relevant during Ramadan, the month of fasting when daytime eating and drinking should be done with respect. Keep in mind that as a traveler, you are also an ambassador of your own home country.

What do I need to know about crime in Zanzibar and street vendors?

Visitors should be mindful of their unfamiliar surroundings and stay alert at all times. In Zanzibar, many locals pose as tour guides for various activities such as historic tours in Stone Town or swimming with wild dolphins. These street vendors and so called “beach boys” can be persistent and pushy, so it’s important to politely inform them that arrangements have already been made. It’s best to book such activities through reputable tour operators or local hotels in Zanzibar.

  • Beach boys & beach vendors
    Keep in mind that many of them are trying to make a living from this as a result of lack of alternatives. They will try to approach you and tell you all kind of stories to get your attention. It is advisable not to respond and to not believe in their stories and not to follow them into unfamiliar places.
     
  • Local Police
    If you’re wondering about the safety of Zanzibar, it’s worth noting that most police officers are generally friendly and willing to assist tourists during their visit. However, there have been incidents where tourists have been fined for minor offenses without receiving a formal ticket. If this happens to you, be sure to request a proper ticket, as this may result in the fine being waived.

General Safety Tips:

A few safety tips you might find useful while traveling to Zanzibar:

  • Keep your passport, jewelry, and other valuables in the hotel safe.
  • Stay alert for pickpockets and keep your money hidden.
  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
  • If you’re robbed, don’t resist.
  • Avoid walking alone at night and exercise caution in isolated areas and on beaches.
  • If you’re staying in a residential property, lock all doors and windows at night.
  • If police fine you for an infraction without providing a ticket, ask for one.
  • To avoid bag-snatching, keep your distance from the road and keep your bag close to you.
  • In case of an emergency, dial 112.
  • Gay travelers should be aware that homosexuality is considered illegal in Tanzania and public displays of affection can lead to arrest and imprisonment.

Safety travel tips for solo travelers in Tanzania and Zanzibar:

If you are a solo traveler, Zanzibar is generally considered to be a safe destination. However, it’s advisable to avoid drawing unwanted attention to yourself. 

  • Try to blend in and immerse yourself in the local culture as much as possible. 
  • It’s also recommended that you don’t go out alone at night and avoid drinking alcohol to prevent getting into trouble. While no place is completely free from danger, it’s important to be mindful of your behavior and surroundings when traveling alone. 
  • Seek advice from your accommodation and let them know where you plan to go, and ask them to arrange your transportation. 
  • Purchasing a local phone card and obtaining the phone numbers of local taxi and bajaji drivers can also be helpful in communicating with them directly for pickup.
 
Safety travel tips for female travelers in Tanzania and Zanzibar:

While Zanzibar is considered a safe destination for travelers, it’s essential to take extra precautions as a female solo traveler to ensure your safety. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind when traveling solo as a woman in Zanzibar:

  • Do your research: Familiarize yourself with the culture, customs, and laws of the area before you travel.
  • Stay in a safe area: Choose a hotel or guesthouse in a well-lit area and avoid staying in isolated areas or walking alone at night.
  • Dress modestly: Avoid wearing revealing clothing to avoid unwanted attention from locals.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Trust your instincts and leave immediately if you feel uncomfortable in a certain area.
  • Avoid traveling alone at night: If you must, make sure you have a trusted companion with you.
  • Use cards instead of carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Stay connected: Keep a working mobile phone with you at all times to stay connected with family and friends and call for help if needed.
  • Use a reputable taxi service if you need to get somewhere.
  • Keep an eye on your drink: Never leave it unattended to prevent being drugged and robbed.
  • Stay in touch with your family and let them know your whereabouts to ensure your safety.


We hope that those tips will help you to fully enjoy your Zanzibar vacation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information. We are happy to assist you.

EXCELLENT
154 reviews on
Dennis S
Dennis S
2021-10-16
The ultimate experience with top-notch guides! Tanzania Horizon Safaris coordinated my 6 day climb of Kilimanjaro via the Machame route and four day safari to Ngoronoro, Tarangire and the Serengeti. They did a remarkable job coordinating everything down to the very last detail. Special thanks to Elizabeth for addressing my endless list of questions. Jonas was my guide on the Kilimanjaro climb and he was phenomenal. He is very experienced and sincerely cares about your well being and will do what it takes to ensure you reach the summit. The chef and porters were also top notch! I couldn't have been happier with my climbing experience. Bakari was my guide for the safari and he was equally phenomenal. He is very knowledgable and went out of his way to ensure it was the best safari experience. He is also passionate about what he does which makes the experience even better. The chef and the food were also incredible. Overall, I was very pleased with my experience and would highly recommend Tanzania Horizon Safaris.
Joe R
Joe R
2021-08-12
If you're planning to climb the Lemosho Route, Tanzania Horizon Safaris is without doubt the tour company for you. T The whole experience was fantastic start to finish, from Elizabeth's operational skills and superstar Jonas's expert guidance and support on the climb, through to the main men Jackson, Elisha, chef Wilson, our boy Arnold and the whole crew of porters. Needless to say we couldn't have reached the top of Africa without them, and they each played a huge role in making it a life-changing trip. Also a shout out to the team at Lindrin Lodge in Moshi – a truly blessed group of people.
Marwa E
Marwa E
2021-07-03
One of the best lifetime experiences we had one of the best lifetime experiences climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! Guide Jonas and his team were astonishing , they were very sweet and caring, they supported us all the way with an awesome positive energy and smile! Everything was planned and went smoothly, they didn’t hesitate one second to give us the help if we need it ,the good vibes made the hard climb easier, Besides We had an amazing food, the chef was super! Jonas and his teams deserves all the best because they truly work from heart
Cristopher M
Cristopher M
2021-06-28
Best Trekking Experience Possible I have dreamt of summiting Kilimanjaro ever since the 1990s when I was an undergrad studying geology at UT Austin. It’s been a long time in the making, but now I can say that my lifelong goal has become a reality!. I can wholeheartedly say that Tanzanian Horizon Safaris (THS) helped make my dream come true. I highly recommend them for anyone that is considering either a Kilimanjaro Trek or a Safari Trip (which we did also) to Tanzania. First of all, I cannot speak highly enough of Elizabeth, the Sales Manager. When I was looking into guide companies, it was overwhelming to try and sort through all the possibilities. There are well over 400 guide companies for Kilimanjaro, so where does one start? I emailed several companies in November of 2020 and Elizabeth with THS replied immediately with answers to all my questions. I followed up with her several times, and with her quick and thorough replies it became very apparent that THS was going to be our company! We reserved our Trek for June of 2021. Never did I imagine that I would be fulfilling a lifelong dream during a global pandemic (Covid). The health concerns made everything more complicated, but Elizabeth kept reassuring me that we would be well taken care of. Indeed, when our flight got cancelled 3 months before the trip and we had to move the TREK dates, she was on top of it and made it happen with no problem. Such great customer service! When we had to add a couple of extra days at the hotel, she was on top of it and made it happen without any problem at all. In fact, another great perk of THS is that there are 2 nights hotel in the town of Moshi included with the Kilimanjaro Trek price. The staff at our hotel was so kind, and the facilities were top notch (free WiFi, breakfast included, beautiful landscaping, swimming pool, etc…). In addition, transport to and from the airport is also included with THS. Such great customer service! The day before the Trek (which we built into our itinerary), our head guide, Jonas, came to our hotel for a pre-trip briefing. Jonas has a lot of reviews for THS and everything positive you might have read about him is entirely true. He asked us questions, explained the route, and told us a little of what to expect along the way. He told us that he was excited to help us fulfill our goal of reaching the summit. He did recommend that we purchase the supplemental bottled O2, which we weren’t planning to do. He strongly recommended it, and we agreed, and the extra $80 expense gave us some piece of mind about the summit. We ended up not using it, but still paid the $80. I didn’t mind. If you are certain that you don’t want O2 or don’t need it, be prepared to tell your guide a strong no. But again, we weren’t sure how we would handle the altitude, so it gave us great piece of mind. The next morning the van with the guides (Jonas and Isaac), the cook Wilson, and the 8 porters arrived at our hotel. At the pre-trip briefing, Jonas told us to leave all our valuables in the hotel safe to ensure that we weren’t mugged or robbed on the mountain (which can happen). He said the customary tipping would happen afterwards once we were back at the hotel. Jonas actually had us inventory what valuables and cash we had with us when we departed for the mountain. The possessions that we did not need for the trek were left at the lodge in a specific room that is designed just for that—a place for tourists to store their luggage while trekking or on safari. Our money, wallets, and credit cards were stored in the hotel safe. It was amazing customer service! Off we went to the Lemosho 8 day Route. The Trek was absolutely amazing and I have no doubt that it is because of Tanzania Horizon Safaris that we had the experience of a lifetime! First of all, we were blessed with amazing weather. It never rained on us and there was only one light snow flurry the night before our summit—not within the guide’s control, but I would SO recommend to anyone to hike Kili during the dry seasons. From the word go it was clear that Jonas and our assistant guide (Isaac) were watching us and determining how fast or slow we could go. My friend and I are very strong hikers/climbers so it became obvious to them that we were able to pick up the pace and ultimately give ourselves more options as the week wore on. Every campsite was bustling with other companies and other groups. But every campsite is HUGE (several acres), and each tour company sets up their tents near and around each other. Remember dear reader, we went during 2021 Covid, and it was explained to us that the mountain was not very crowded compared to what it is usually like. So there really weren’t that many other clients. Each day, our porters raced ahead carrying their 20kg and would set up camp. Our tent and duffle bags were already set up every single day when we arrived. The provided sleeping pads were very nice and thick—3/4 inch insulating foam. My friend brought his own inflatable sleeping pad in addition to the foam pad that was provided, so he was extra comfy. I did not, but I was still comfortable every night. Make sure to bring your own camp pillow if that is important to you. (We did!) Also, each campsite does indeed have buildings with toilets...think of them as squatty hole in the floor latreens (3-4 mens and 3-4 womens along with urinals). They certainly can be dirty if there are a lot of climbers at each campsite, but they do have tile floors and doors--I believe they were constructed about 5-7 years ago. So, unlike my false preconceptions, climbers are NOT going to the RR behind trees and rocks. There are also several other older individual wooden outhouses with the same squat and go set up. Our guides provided the toilet paper. What was each night like at camp? We were ridiculously pampered. We felt like we were royalty! We couldn’t believe how much service we received and what was included. Each porter has a designated job so we interacted with some more than others. Our waiter (Erick) boiled water for us twice a day and provided soap for washing. This was unexpected. We thought we were going to be filthy at the end of the trip, but the reality was that we were extremely clean and not stinky even when we descended! Tea and coffee was served twice a day (sometimes 3 times depending upon when we arrived at camp). And the food, oh my goodness the food! Every single meal was a banquet! I am not exaggerating. We sat in nice folding chairs inside a client specific mess tent which was shielded from the wind. Breakfasts included hot cream of wheat with honey, omelettes, sausage, fruit, pancakes, veggies, toast, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Lunches were just as awesome. And the dinners! Each meal was unique and was incredible! The different dinners included pastas, rice, veggies, stew, chicken, beef, beans, bbq, etc... Every meal started with a hot soup (potato, pumpkin, cucumber, carrot, etc…), and ended with a fruit or dessert-like masterpiece! Wilson, the cook, came in during each meal and made sure everything was to our liking. Erick would check on us and make sure we were content and happy. The guides would come in and make sure we were eating enough—this was of great concern to them as we were ascending to each camp. As one goes to altitude, it is common to lose your appetite. We needed to keep our energy levels up for as long as possible and they made sure to give us seconds at each meal! It turns out, it was never a problem, and we summited without issue. But the guides were CONSTANTLY making sure we took care of ourselves, our bodies, and our minds. Twice a day after each meal, Jonas and Isaac took our pulse oximeter readings and asked us health questions. As a science guy, it was interesting to watch our O2 levels drop and then rise/recover as we acclimatized to higher altitudes. Each day’s TREK started early (6-7am) and the routes were beautiful. Jonas and Issac pointed out aspects of the trail, the history, and the ecology. They were both very knowledgeable. The pace was always very slow and we never asked him to push it. We probably could have asked him to speed up a little, but it wasn’t important to us. We did move faster than other groups that were climbing with other companies, but we trusted that our guides were doing what was necessary for us to become acclimatized, and that the pace was adequate for us to ultimately reach the summit. And indeed, by the time we reached the Barafu Camp (base camp at 15,200 feet), which is the last camp before the summit, we felt physically strong and our cardiovascular systems were primed and ready to go. This is a testament to the training we had done before our trip, but also to the plan that Jonas and Issac had prepared for us. Like I always say and tell my sons, “plan your trek and then trek your plan!” Other clients departed very early (around midnight or 1am—and indeed we heard them waking and pushing out of camp while we were still in our tent). Jonas had prepped us the night before and he was determined that we were strong and there was no doubt that we were going to be successful. He told us about altitude sickness, and what to do if we started experiencing headaches or vomiting. To minimize our time in the cold we departed a little later than most groups heading out around 3:20am. Interestingly, Jonas and Issac carried our packs for us on summit day. They simply wanted us to have the best chance of success. We didn’t argue. All we had to do was hike. As mentioned, the later departure was to ensure that we were not exposed to the cold for too long before the sun came up--it was probably around 10F (-12C). This gives climbers a better chance of success and also helps with the mental aspect. It’s tough hiking hour after hour in the dark. And indeed, on our summit push, we passed a few clients that had turned around due to cold and exhaustion. We watched the glorious sunrise above the clouds around 17,600 feet. And after slowly marching through 1000 feet of the steepest switchbacks, we arrived at Stella Point on the southern slope of the massive crater rim. There is then a 30-45 minute gradual ascent to Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet. I had so much energy at that point, I was singing and dancing my way to the top! Hugs, celebrations, congratulations, and photos were enjoyed by all! All four of us were laughing and smiling from ear to ear! The descent was fine and when we had gotten back to 1000 feet above Base Camp we were greeted by one of the porters who had hiked up to us. He gave us hugs, and high fives. But his real reason for being there was to serve us hot soup and lentils for an extra boost of energy! Incredible! This porter, Elisha, had hiked an extra hour just to serve us snacks on the mountain after our successful summit! That right there should tell you dear reader, that Tanzanian Horizon Safaris is a company that values the comfort of its clients above everything else. We made it back down a day and half later to the Mweka Gate. There we received transport back to our hotel where we said goodbyes, exchanged gifts and hugs, and did the customary tipping to all of the team. In summary, let me add two final aspects of my review. Jonas was very quick to congratulate us every evening, so I always, ALWAYS felt encouraged. There was never any doubt in my mind that he was confident in us and his team. Furthermore, he was completely in charge of the expedition. He repeatedly told us that the main goal of our trek was to “reach the top.” That sounds like an obvious thing, but personally, I’m tired of hearing from leaders of organizations that their number one goal is to “keep me safe.” What we were doing was risky, and there were dangerous hazards that had to be dealt with. It was so refreshing to hear our expedition leader say that his MAIN goal is to get us to the summit! Safety was certainly an integral part of the TREK, but it didn’t supersede the goal of summiting Kilimajaro. But know dear reader, that I never ever felt unsafe. There were no reckless decisions made, nothing was compromised, and everything went according to plan. One last note: we had to get a PCR covid test after our TREK to ensure that we could get on the plane and return to America. Elizabeth coordinated all of this while we were still up on the mountain and provided transport to and from the Hospital the day after we got down. Amazing customer service! It was truly the trip of a lifetime. Thank you to Jonas, Issac, Wilson, all the porters, and to Elizabeth with Tanzanian Horizon Safaris. If you want the best that a guide service has to offer, go with Tanzanian Horizon Safaris. You will absolutely have the BEST TRIP POSSIBLE!
jennifer j
jennifer j
2021-06-08
I was treated very well and my dream would not have happened without Tanzania Horizon Safaris!! Absolutely incredible service provided by Tanzania Horizon. My boyfriend and I decided on a 14-day Mt. Kilimanjaro hike, with a safari on the second half. Based on their recommendation we opted for the 8 day Lemosho route up to Uhuru Peak, and we couldn't be happier with their advice, the route was beautiful and the longer trek allowed for better acclamation giving us the best chance for a successful summit. Our head guide, Abuu and assistant guide Isaac were incredibly experienced and were committed to our safety and well being, but without taking away from any of the adventure or fun of the incredible journey. The rest of our 13-man crew of porters, cook, and wash facility carriers were friendly and committed to our success. Perhaps the most surprising part of the hike was how amazing the food was, 3 freshly cooked and delicious meals a day made sure we were always ready for more hiking, I dare say I probably gained weight during the hike! Overall, an amazing experience that I will always be grateful for, I could not recommend Tanzania Horizon Safaris any more!
Samer Aladem
Samer Aladem
2021-06-03
Palestine on top of Kilimanjaro Despite the Covid-19 situation we decided to go climbing Kilimanjaro in May 2021. This trip was planned for a long time, and after searching we found Tanzania Horizon Safaris and we could not be happier. My team was 13 people… all friends and we came from Palestine. Some of them were first time to climb a mountain. And the good news that all of us (13) made it to the summit. We took the Machame route in 7 days, but we managed to finish the mountain in 6 days… 4 up and 2 down. The head guide Mr. Jounus was a very experienced guide and knows how to lead the team, and the crew on the mountain was amazing and helpful at all times. On top of that very easy and clear communication from beginning to the end. Tents and camping equipment were excellent, food on mountain were also excellent and large portion were provided… nobody feels hungry! Management of the company (Elizabeth) helped us a lot in Moshi town for hotel booking and PCR tests in the hospital. All trip aspects were managed perfectly… nothing at all to complain about. For me, this was my second time to summit Kilimanjaro, and I will do it again and again… and all with Tanzania Horizon Safaris. I highly recommend this company.
Raed A
Raed A
2021-05-28
Summery Great staff .. experienced guides .. food was very great each day of the trip .. overall i totally advice..the bad thing is that it was very cold inside the tents each night
Michael J
Michael J
2021-02-27
5/5 - amazing crew and service Despite the covid situation we decided to go to Tanzania for climbing Kilimanjaro and doing a 3 days safari. We choose Tanzania Horizon after some research and we could not be happier. Both crew on the mountain and the safari was amazing and super helpful at all times. On top of that very easy and clear communication from beginning to the end. If you go to Tanzania and want to see the country in its best possible way, book with these guys! Thanks a mill again 🙏🏻
elaprincess2006
elaprincess2006
2021-02-25
Excellent safari! Just finished a great expey woth Patrick from Tanzania Horizon! Was the best experience ever! We had the chance to see and learn so many things and Patrick is the right person to do that with. He is an excellent driver, has patience and he loves all animals. Will definitely come back to join him for another adventure!
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