Travelling to Zanzibar alone? Here’s How to Stay Safe and Make Genuine Connections

I’ve come across two recurring questions in various online forums: Is it safe to travel to Zanzibar solo? And how do you make friends when travelling solo to Zanzibar?

Mostly, it’s solo female travellers asking. But honestly, anyone heading to the Isles solo and unfamiliar with its ways would likely be wondering the same.

Before we delve into the story (me rolling my eyes at my use of the word delve), let’s explore a bit of context around why many female solo travellers still question whether Zanzibar is a safe solo destination.

As you may well know, the internet never forgets, and in 2022, Zanzibar went viral, not because of its pristine beaches, but after a female tourist alleged sexual assault at a hotel.

Sexual assault at any time, let alone in a foreign land, is every woman’s worst nightmare. Stories like that linger. They plant fear and hesitation, especially among women travelling alone. Unfortunately, this incident is still being referenced in forums today and continues to influence perceptions of the island.

So, I reached out to my sister, friend, and business partner Joyce, the one person I know who’s been exploring solo since I’ve known her and even lived in Tanzania and visited Zanzibar more than once, to share her thoughts on travelling solo and how to safely make friends or connections on the island.

Joyce has written loads of helpful guides about Zanzibar, which you can read more about here.

So, is it safe to travel to Zanzibar solo?

Joyce: “Zanzibar has become quite commercialised, for solo travellers, honeymooners, and all sorts of visitors. I think it’s one of the perfect places for summer travel.”

“Generally, I find it safe, but I always recommend taking precautions. Every country has its own rules and laws, so always check local legislation and guidelines,” she adds.

Joyce shared a few golden rules to keep in mind when considering a solo trip to Zanzibar:

• Respect the culture. Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim and conservative island. Be mindful of how you dress and speak. Yes, you can still be stylish, but dress appropriately depending on where you are. Swimsuits are fine in hotels or on the beach, but not when walking through the streets of Stone Town.
• Time your trip wisely. Zanzibar observes Ramadan, and during this period, things can be strict. Research the seasons and cultural calendars to plan your trip around a time that offers more flexibility and fewer restrictions.
• Choose your spot wisely. Joyce personally avoids Nungwi; it’s busy, and the beach boy situation is a bit much (read: too many, too persistent). If you’re into the party scene, Paje still has a vibe. But if you prefer slow, quiet places, Jambiani, Matemwe or Kizimkazi will feel more like your pace.
• Book with reputable providers. Stick to established hotels, trusted tour operators, or platforms like Airbnb and GetYourGuide.
• Take basic safety precautions. Don’t walk alone late at night. Don’t share your location with strangers. Separate your money. Keep copies of important documents. Most hotels have safes; use them. Because, yes, things can go wrong.

Now let’s talk about making friends when travelling solo.

Travelling solo is empowering, yes. But there are moments when you just want someone to talk to or share a meal with. The how to make friends question pops up often, and for good reason. Some people struggle with it.

Joyce is good at making friends; it’s almost like second nature to her. We first connected on Instagram! (You can read more about how we met here)

If you’re the shy type or not sure how to break the ice, here are Joyce’s go-to tips:

• Join a group tour. Ask your hotel if any group excursions are happening, or book through platforms. These range from spice farm tours and Dhow cruises to beach parties. You’ll often end the day with a few new contacts, and maybe a new bestie or two.
• Stay in hostels. Hostels are natural friend-making zones. You’ll find like-minded travellers and other solo wanderers in no time.
• Talk to people. Hotel staff, other tourists, and even locals are mostly friendly, especially when they realise you’re travelling alone.
• Join online communities. Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or solo travel apps can be goldmines. They’re not just for advice; you might even find someone nearby to link up with for lunch or an excursion.

Like Joyce says (and I wholeheartedly agree), sometimes, the easiest way to make friends is to stop being shy and just start a conversation.

And there you have it! Zanzibar, like any other destination, has its pros and cons. But overall, it’s a great and generally safe choice for female solo travellers. The cherry on top? It recently won Africa’s Leading Beach Destination at this year’s World Travel Awards. A shiny title that’s well deserved.

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If you’ve made it to the end, thank you. It was a bit of a read, but I hope it was worth it!