Question 1

What is the "Unofficial Spice Tour Upfront Payment Demand" scam in Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Self-appointed "spice tour guides" position themselves near Forodhani Gardens and the Stone Town waterfront, offering spice farm tours at attractive prices. They collect full payment upfront, then either disappear before departing or deliver a drastically shortened tour that skips most farms and ends at a commission-paying shop. The guides carry no official credentials and are not affiliated with licensed operators. Book spice tours only through your hotel, a licensed Stone Town tour agency, or operators recommended by the Zanzibar Tourism Commission. Never pay the full amount upfront to a street tout. Legitimate guides will show a printed itinerary and registered business paperwork on request.

Question 2

What is the "Stone Town Medina Fake Guide" scam in Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial guides attach themselves to tourists wandering Stone Town's narrow streets, leading them through the medina and to specific shops (earning commissions) before demanding large guide fees not agreed upon upfront. Hire guides only through your hotel or the official Stone Town tourism desk. Agree on price and scope before starting any tour.

Question 3

What is the "Overpriced Dhow Sailing Trip" scam in Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Touts on Stone Town waterfront sell dhow sunset cruises and fishing trips. Boats are overcrowded, safety equipment is absent, and the "snorkeling" location is a degraded reef with little to see. Prices bear no relation to the quality delivered. Book water activities through your hotel or a licensed tour operator with a physical office. Ask to see the boat in advance. Check that life jackets are available. Read TripAdvisor reviews specifically for the operator, not just Zanzibar in general.

Question 4

What is the "Dhow Cruise Hidden Fee" scam in Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Dhow sunset cruises are advertised at one price but frequently have add-on charges for food, drinks, or "harbour fees" that only appear on the bill at the end of the trip. Get a fully inclusive price in writing before boarding any dhow. Confirm what food and drink is included.

Question 5

What is the "Spice Tour Commission Shops" scam in Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Spice tour operators take tourists to overpriced spice and souvenir shops during the tour, earning commissions. The same spices cost a fraction of the price in Stone Town's local markets. Book spice tours through your accommodation or a reputable agency. Be aware that some stops are commission-oriented and purchase independently at your own pace.

Tour & Activity Scams in Zanzibar

Unofficial Spice Tour Upfront Payment Demand

Stone Town Medina Fake Guide

Overpriced Dhow Sailing Trip

Dhow Cruise Hidden Fee

Spice Tour Commission Shops

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