Island, Tanzania
Zanzibar for solo travelers
Is Zanzibar good for solo travel?
Spice island of white beaches, kitesurfing, diving and a historic old town. Cheap for beach life but costs rise in tourist zones; mind modest dress, the island's tides and Tanzania's strict laws.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Common in tourist areas |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Harassment from hawkers is common; dress modestly in villages and towns and avoid solo beach walks at dusk. Assaults have occurred, so use trusted taxis at night. |
How to meet people in Zanzibar
Hostels in Stone Town and Paje, kitesurf schools, dive centres, rooftop bars in Nungwi, yoga retreats and group spice and Prison Island tours.
Good things to do alone
- Wander Stone Town's alleys and Darajani Market
- Eat at Forodhani Night Market
- Dive or snorkel at Mnemba Atoll
- Learn kitesurfing in Paje
- Watch the sunset at Nungwi
Where to stay in Zanzibar
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Stone Town | Culture, food and history; base for ferries and day trips |
| Nungwi and Kendwa | Swimmable beaches at all tides, sunsets and nightlife |
| Paje and Jambiani | Kitesurfing, hostels and laid-back nomads |
| Matemwe and Kiwengwa | Quiet east-coast resorts and diving trips |
Solo travel across Tanzania
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Stone Town | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Nungwi | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Moshi | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Paje | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Arusha | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Dar es Salaam | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
Quick answers
Is Zanzibar good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Spice island of white beaches, kitesurfing, diving and a historic old town.
How do you meet people in Zanzibar?
Hostels in Stone Town and Paje, kitesurf schools, dive centres, rooftop bars in Nungwi, yoga retreats and group spice and Prison Island tours. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Zanzibar?
Common in tourist areas.
Is Zanzibar safe for solo female travelers?
Harassment from hawkers is common; dress modestly in villages and towns and avoid solo beach walks at dusk. Assaults have occurred, so use trusted taxis at night.
More about Zanzibar
Going to Zanzibar solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Zanzibar meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.