Question 1

What is the "Fake Zanzibar Fast Ferry Operator" scam in Dar es Salaam?

Accepted Answer

Street-level touts near Kivukoni Ferry Terminal sell tickets for "fast ferries" to Zanzibar at prices slightly below the established operators Azam Marine and Coastal Fast Ferries. The tickets are counterfeit or for a non-existent sailing. Victims only discover the fraud when they arrive at the terminal and are turned away. In some cases touts direct victims to an unofficial jetty where overcrowded wooden boats pose serious safety risks. Buy Zanzibar ferry tickets only at the official Azam Marine or Coastal Fast Ferries counters at the Kivukoni terminal. Verify the vessel name and departure time on your ticket before leaving the counter.

Question 2

What is the "Overpriced Ferry to Zanzibar" scam in Dar es Salaam?

Accepted Answer

Touts near the Dar es Salaam ferry terminal sell tourist-class Zanzibar ferry tickets at inflated prices, or sell economy tickets claiming they are tourist class. Economy class ferries have had safety incidents. Buy ferry tickets only at the official Azam Marine or Coastal Fast Ferry counters inside the terminal. Do not purchase from anyone outside the terminal building. Stick to tourist class on the main licensed operators.

Question 3

What is the "Zanzibar Ferry Ticket Touts" scam in Dar es Salaam?

Accepted Answer

Outside the Dar es Salaam ferry port, touts sell tickets for Zanzibar-bound ferries at prices higher than official rates, or for inferior slow ferries when the fast ferry is what was requested. Buy ferry tickets only at the official Azam Marine or Coastal Fast Ferries counters inside the terminal building.

Question 4

What is the "Fake Safari Booking Agent" scam in Dar es Salaam?

Accepted Answer

Street-level agents near the major hotels sell safari packages to Serengeti and Ngorongoro at prices that seem competitive but cover unsafe operators, overloaded vehicles, or non-existent bookings. Book safaris through TATO (Tanzania Association of Tour Operators) accredited agencies. Verify all operator credentials independently.

Tour & Activity Scams in Dar es Salaam

Fake Zanzibar Fast Ferry Operator

Overpriced Ferry to Zanzibar

Zanzibar Ferry Ticket Touts

Fake Safari Booking Agent

Experienced a scam here?