Is Stone Town Safe to Visit in 2024?
Wondering whether Stone Town is safe to visit?
You’ve come to the right place as I’ve written this complete guide on safety in Stone Town.
The safety of your destination is always an important part of trip planning. No one wants to visit a destination where you are in a constant state of worry.
If planning your first trip to the beautiful island of Zanzibar, you’re probably wondering how safe its most popular historical town is.
After visiting Stone Town solo and spending 3 days there, I feel confident to answer the question of whether Stone Town is safe or not.
Is Stone Town Safe?
Yes, Stone Town is safe to visit.
Zanzibar relies heavily on tourism as it is a major income source for the island. The local government takes security matters seriously and ensures the safety of its visitors.
Stone Town, Zanzibar’s capital and historical city can get very busy and crowded, especially in the peak seasons. This may raise concerns about safety in the town.
I’ve visited Stone Town in the peak months and in the low season and felt safe exploring the town’s narrow alleys. The locals are chill and friendly carrying on with their business.
In peak season, Stone Town is still safe to travel but I’d say be more cautious in crowded areas. Pickpocketing is still common like in any other destination around the world.
In addition, it’s important to note that there’s an increase in touts trying to sell you tours, offering “friendly” help, or selling items you don’t need. Avoid getting scammed by pushy touts and deals that sound too good to be true.
From my experience, I can confidently say Stone Town is safe to visit for everyone. But doesn’t mean you should let your guard down, especially in high season when the streets are very busy. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut.
Is Stone Town Safe at Night?
Some destinations are safe during the day but not so much at night. Stone Town’s safety at night can be uncertain.
Zanzibar’s nightlife can feel very different depending on your location. Nungwi and Kendwa are popular for their vibrant nightlife and beach parties.
Most entertainment joints in Stone Town offer a sundowner-style nightlife due to the Muslim culture. However, you can still find bars and clubs offering a modern club vibe where you can party as hard as you wish.
Sundowners start as early as 5 pm. If looking for a cold drink you don’t have to wait till the night falls. You can be back at your hotel by 7 pm.
After a night out partying avoid walking in dark alleys as this increases the chances of falling victim to mugging. It’s also important to organize your transportation back to your hotel in advance.
In addition, nighttime isn’t the time to go off the beaten path looking for hidden gems. Most places outside the tourist areas are not well-lit.
In summary, it’s important to exercise caution at night in stonetown. Avoid dark narrow alleys where mugging, assault, and robbery can happen.
Is Stone Town Safe for Solo Travel?
Yes, Stone Town is safe for solo travel.
I’ve visited Stone Town, Zanzibar solo and felt safe. I had this concern when planning my first trip in 2019. Being very shy and introverted I was so worried but after my first visit, Zanzibar is now one of my favorite destinations in East Africa.
Is it safe for solo female travelers? Yes, Stone Town is safe for female travelers. Locals treat all visitors with respect.
My Pro Tip: Carry your purse in a crossbody position and not hanging on one shoulder.
You’ll meet many other solo travelers, especially in hostels. If you love partying Stone Town’s nightlife is great for socializing and making new connections.
To summarise, Stone Town is great for solo travel for male and female travelers.
How to stay safe in Stone Town
Staying safe goes beyond how safe the destination is. Taking personal safety seriously is as important as not letting your guard down. Always be alert even in the safest destinations.
Stone Town is safe to visit but petty crimes can still happen especially in crowded places.
Below are some tips to stay safe while in Stone Town;
- Leave your valuables in a safe in the hotel
- Invest in a money belt
- Avoid carrying and flashing huge sums of cash
- Be aware of scams and pickpockets
- Be firm with touts, if you don’t need their services let them know
- Always agree on taxi fares before boarding or organize through the hotel
- Avoid dark alleys at night
- Don’t go drinking alone
- Let your friend/someone know of your whereabouts
- Watch out for carts, bikes, and scooters in the narrow streets
- Don’t accept unsolicited help
- Dress modestly
- Trust your gut!
Don’t forget your travel insurance. It’s not a mandatory requirement but it’s for your own peace of mind if anything happens while on vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some related questions to “Is Stone Town safe?” along with my answers.
Walking around Stone Town at night is not recommended especially after a night of drinking and partying. Avoid dark streets at night.
Yes, Zanzibar and Stone Town are safe for females to visit and travel around.
Yes, Stone Town is safe for tourists. Zanzibar’s main source of income is tourism and they take security seriously. Petty crimes are still common, especially in crowded areas.
Stone Town’s safety at night can be uncertain. Avoid dark places and be more cautious at night.
Conclusion
There you have it, a complete guide to Is Stone Town safe to visit.
remember Stone Town is generally safe to visit but don’t let your guard down.
Whether visiting solo, with family, or with friends Stone Town and Zanzibar in general are safe, keep in mind high seasons can see an increase in crimes such as pickpocketing and scams.
