Zanzibar tour operator scams and how to avoid them
Quick answer
Zanzibar risk concentrates in walk-up excursion sales, unlicensed boat operators and prepaid transfers that never arrive. Book excursions through your accommodation or a licensed operator, pay as late as possible, and never prepay a stranger on the beach.
Last reviewed by the SafariVerify team.
Excursions and boats
Ask who operates the boat, whether life jackets are provided for every passenger, and what the cancellation policy is in bad weather.
Prepaying a beach seller for a next-day trip is the classic loss. Pay on the day where possible.
Transfers and accommodation
Confirm airport transfers with the accommodation directly, using contact details you obtained from the booking platform rather than from a WhatsApp message.
Your checklist
- Book excursions through licensed operators or your accommodation
- Confirm life jackets and weather cancellation terms for boat trips
- Avoid prepaying walk-up sellers
- Reconfirm transfers using contact details from the booking platform
Sources
- UK FCDO travel advice — Tanzania
- US Department of State — Tanzania international travel information
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) — member directory
Licensing rules, fees and directories change. Always confirm details with the issuing body on the day you pay. See our methodology for what we can and cannot know.
Check the operator before you pay
Free, no account, about 60 seconds. One verdict — safe, caution or stop — with the sources shown.
Check an operator