Zanzibar Island Travel Forum

AFTER READING THE STORY OF THE LADY TELLING ABOUT THEIR TROUBLE AT THEIR RESORT IN ZANZIBAR IN SEPTEMBER , I AM WONDERING IF ANY ONE ELSE HAS FELT THREATENED THERE? I AM GOING WITH MY KIDS IN JAN 2009 AND WOULD LIKE TO HEAR IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THREATENING EXPERIENCES IN ZANZIBAR LATELY??? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP SANDRA

You might want to check the state department warnings: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1038.html

I've been to Zanzibar recently on the East Coast, possibly the same resort they stayed in (Crystal) and did not feel threatened once. Not at any point did we feel unsafe.

The people we encountered here were very friendly and we had no hassle whatsoever compared to many other places we've been to.

If Crystal is the resort referred too (I think I've heard of this on another website) the problem with it is that it's easily accessible from the beach, practically open for anyone to walk in. But this is a budget resort - basically wooden shacks on the beach, I'm sure there are other hotels that are more secure which you can stay in if this worries you.

Every country has it's troubles, it would be really unfortunate if this incident puts people off from going to this beautiful island.

We were in Zanzibar July 08 and had no problems at all. The only "hassles" we got was the hawkers trying to sell you something.
Be careful & safe as you would normally be in any other place in the world, but you really have nothing to fear.

THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY, IM NOT TO CONCERNED AS THINGS HAPPEN ANYWHERE.. DID YOU LIKE ZANZIBAR, WHAT WERE THE BEST BEACHES??? CHEERS SANDY

I was in Zanzibar the first week of September. I spent 2 nights in Stonetown and 4 in Paje. While I didn't feel threatened, I didn't feel safe either. We were two women traveling alone and the beach boys were extremely aggressive, pesty, and repeatedly grabbed at and touched us. I felt like I was being stalked all the time, and we were not comfortable walking up or down the beach to restaurants (other than 1 or 2 hotels away from ours) much after dark. Needless to say, it was NOT the relaxing beach vacation that I hoped for.

I did observe that the beach boys weren't nearly as aggressive and tended to respect couples and families more than they did our requests to leave us alone.

While many of the kids seemed polite and friendly, there were a couple who asked me for money and pens. When I told them I didn't have any on me, a couple actually tried shoving their hands in my pockets to check. My travel mate's flip flops were stolen when she went into the ocean for 5 minutes. Don't let your children take anything to the beach that they aren't willing to lose.

Hi Sandra... I just returned (a week ago) from Zanzibar.
I spent my first 24 hours ALONE in Zanzibar - with only a guide/taxi driver the hotel organized for me - on the west coast. I never ONCE felt threatened. btw (I am female).
I then went on to the east coast to join up with a team of co-workers. One evening (around sunset) me and one other girl decided to walk on the beach... and well.. turned back about 3 hotels further. Simple reason... my friend had a huge handbag with all her valuable in with her... STUPID STUPID.
I wasnt bothered - had nothing with me - and did not make a lot of chit-chat or eye contact with the beach boys. Just did my own thing.

If I can give you advise... as long as you are sensible - and lock up your valuables... stay with your family... don't go out alone... you should be safe.

In fact.... I LOVE Zanzibar - and will definitely go back -taking my family along. The local people are friendly, and the place is just magic. Please feel free to msg me should you have any more questions!!!

Hi Sandra, Just to let you know the outcome regarding Crystal Hotel (which is NOT a cheap bunch of bungalows on the beach but a mid sized hotel BTW). The thieves approached this resort during Ramadan, they approached as the sun went down and knew most people (including the police) were off to prayers and to break their fast which is why the cops showed up so late. The Mayor of the village of Page since this terrible thing happened cleaned up the whole village and kicked out any strangers there that did not have a permanent job, permanent place to live etc. Page is now much quieter because of this. Bwejuu is still a safer environment. I have been a female traveller in Zanzibar on many trips and never encountered any problem. My advise would be to NOT walk down the beach with a camera or a big backpack full of stuff. I know you have kids so you need to carry things but even trading in your backpack for a African basket to carry stuff will make you less of a risk for someone to try and grab your stuff (which rarely happens but you are concerned so I am giving you worse case scenario). Upepo Boutique Beach Bungalows is a great safe place in Bwejuu if you were looking for someplace to stay. They have a big house / bungalow that could accomodate kids and yourself so problem. Any more questions just ask. Cheers

Hi Sandra, Just to let you know the outcome regarding Crystal Hotel (which is NOT a cheap bunch of bungalows on the beach but a mid sized hotel BTW). The thieves approached this resort during Ramadan, they approached as the sun went down and knew most people (including the police) were off to prayers and to break their fast which is why the cops showed up so late. The Mayor of the village of Page since this terrible thing happened cleaned up the whole village and kicked out any strangers there that did not have a permanent job, permanent place to live etc. Page is now much quieter because of this. Bwejuu is still a safer environment. I have been a female traveller in Zanzibar on many trips and never encountered any problem. My advise would be to NOT walk down the beach with a camera or a big backpack full of stuff. I know you have kids so you need to carry things but even trading in your backpack for a African basket to carry stuff will make you less of a risk for someone to try and grab your stuff (which rarely happens but you are concerned so I am giving you worse case scenario). Upepo Boutique Beach Bungalows is a great safe place in Bwejuu if you were looking for someplace to stay. They have a big house / bungalow that could accomodate kids and yourself so problem. Any more questions just ask. Cheers