Advice for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Travellers in Zanzibar

All that said, we know of very few occasions where such laws have actually affected travellers. The primary incident we have heard about occurred when a married, gay couple (not traveling with Expert Africa) with the same surname on their passports were asked what their relationship was. We understand that when they answered that they were married, they were refused entry and deported. So, while incidents of LGBT travellers falling foul of the law in Tanzania and Zanzibar do happen, they are exceptionally rare.

While much of this sounds quite negative, there is a ray of hope. Over recent years there have been a number of protests in support of LGBT rights in Tanzania. We remain hopeful for Tanzania and Zanzibar’s future, and that the government will become more tolerant in the years to come.

Zanzibari attitudes towards LGBT travellers

Most people in Zanzibar live in small, traditional communities, where conservative attitudes are dominant. Islam is Zanzibar’s dominant religion, and most people in these communities are religious.

A recent survey in Tanzania found that 95% of participants felt that homosexual behaviour should not be tolerated in society. As with many other African countries, the subject remains taboo in general conversation.

Public displays of affection and overtly sexual behaviour of any kind are strongly are frowned upon; many locals will consider these as offensive. This is equally as applicable to heterosexual or homosexual displays, and the advice just as relevant in and around Stone Town, as it is in small, rural villages.

To avoid confusion, be aware that in many parts of Africa it is common to see friends holding hands; this doesn’t imply any sexual relationship, but is common throughout traditional areas of Africa. However, to see unmarried visitors from overseas doing the same would be unusual, and might cause problems.

LGBT travellers on holiday

On the whole, the hotels and lodges that we send travellers to in Zanzibar typically have a fairly mixed, international clientele who come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

The staff here are typically very used to this, and we’ve rarely even had any raised eyebrows when we’ve requested rooms to be configured as twins or doubles. It’s been done without fuss or comment. So regardless of a staff member’s personal views, these very seldom impact on our travellers, or causing tensions or offense.

In early 2023 we did have one gay couple visiting Zanzibar who reported that they were “made to feel very uncomfortable” by one staff member at a lodge who didn’t interact with them as he had with other guests. However, the same travellers also noted that “the other staff we interacted with were polite and friendly” – so we understand that the problem came from just one person on the hotel staff.

Incidentally, we’d always advise our travellers, gay and straight, to behave fairly conservatively while on Zanzibar – avoiding any public displays of affection.

Please do give us a call to talk through any concerns if you are thinking about traveling with us to Zanzibar.