The dark side of a party island dubbed the ‘new Magaluf’ has been revealed as Brits flock to the hotspot for £1 beers. Travel agents claim that Brits are swarming to Zanzibar, Tanzania, located off the East African coast.
Well-loved holiday spots closer to the UK, such as Amsterdam, Canary islands including Tenerife and Lanzarote and even Magaluf, Majorca, are urging Brits to “stay away”. Yet, it doesn’t seem to deter British party-enthusiasts who look to have discovered a new paradise for revelry.
The Daily Star reports that Zanzibar, a stunning island in Tanzania, is booming in popularity owing to its abundant lounges, clubs and remarkable white sand beaches. It’s now one of the hotspots for UK holidaymakers in 2024 with abundant activities available whilst there.
Nonetheless, despite being dubbed the latest place to party where return flights can be bagged from just £492 and hotel rooms shared by two for as low as £10 a night on Booking.com, warnings have been issued for visitors by the UK government on the official Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website.
The majority of the official travel advice for Tanzania isnt applicable to Zanzibar, such as avoiding the Mtwara Region neighbouring the Tanzania-Mozambique border due to insurgency linked with Islamic extremism. Nevertheless, travellers should always keep updated with the most recent notifications about the country via the GOV, reports the Daily Star.
In relation to travel advice for Tanzania, The GOV. UK site declares: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
“Extremists linked to the Islamic terrorist group Al-Shabaab based in Somalia pose a threat across the East Africa region, and are thought to be active in Tanzania. Attacks by IS-Mozambique, who are based in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique, are possible near Tanzania’s border with this area of Mozambique.”
It continues: “There is also thought to be some support for Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL). The Tanzanian authorities have successfully made a number of arrests in connection to terrorism. However, many incidents in Tanzania are of unclear origin and may be conducted by criminal gangs.”
Concerning the political situation, FCDO says: “On occasion demonstrations and political rallies across Tanzania have turned violent, resulting in fatalities. Police may use tear gas or live ammunition for crowd control. If you’re in and around areas where demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of disorder.”
On the subject of violent crime, the government issued a caution: “There is a risk of armed crime, including armed robbery, throughout Tanzania. Take particular care in places frequented by tourists and foreign residents.”
They pointed out that this includes Zanzibar stating “incidents have taken place in Stone Town and at hotels and on popular tourist beaches throughout the island”.
Holidaymakers are also warned about bag-snatching incidents as well as an “express kidnap” situation where a person is “assaulted, robbed and forced with the threat of violence to withdraw cash from ATMs”. Break-ins and harassment of women are also a concern in Tanzania.
It’s important for Brits visiting Zanzibar to respect local customs so as not to cause offence. Given the high proportion of Muslims on the island, visitors ought to “respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions”, especially “during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas”.
They continued: “Dress modestly throughout Tanzania. Women who wear shorts or sleeveless tops away from tourist resorts in Zanzibar and Pemba, especially in Stone Town, may offend the local population.”
“The authorities in Zanzibar can fine you upwards of 700 US dollars (£549) if they deem your clothing inappropriate in public. If you’re a guide or tour operator, the fine could be at least $1,000.”
