Papaasi or Guide? Navigating Zanzibar as a Tourist
When visiting Zanzibar, many tourists use the services of a guide, particularly when exploring historic Stone Town, spice plantations, or going on excursions. In many cases, guides are included in organized tours, arranged before arriving or booked locally through tour companies. However, there's a key distinction to be aware of: registered guides vs. papaasi—unofficial and often unreliable touts.
In this article:
Registered Guides vs. Papaasi
Registered guides are professionals licensed by the Tourism Commission. They carry identity cards and work through reputable tour companies, ensuring that tourists receive proper services and fair pricing. Whether you're booking a spice tour, a walking tour of Stone Town, or a trip to Prison Island, it’s crucial to use these licensed guides.
On the other hand, papaasi—also known as "beach boys"—are unregistered touts who hang around docks, beaches, and tourist hotspots, hustling tourists for boat rides, shopping trips, or transport arrangements. While some may seem helpful, many papaasi can be overly aggressive, unreliable, and even dishonest, leading to potential scams or unsatisfactory experiences.
Where Papaasi Operate
You will often encounter papaasi at Zanzibar’s ferry dock, where they gather as ships arrive from Dar es Salaam. They may offer to help you find accommodations or arrange transport, but their services often come at a hidden cost. Papaasi earn commissions from the hotels and services they recommend, and this can limit your options.
In some cases, papaasi may claim that a certain hotel is closed or fully booked, directing you to places that pay them the highest commission. This misinformation can be frustrating and costly for tourists hoping for an authentic experience. It’s always best to have a hotel reservation in advance and confirm your bookings before arriving.
Why This Plan Doesn’t Always Work
Papaasi rely on commissions, and this often leads them to prioritize personal gain over tourist needs. Some hotels offer higher commissions than others, incentivizing papaasi to bring you to certain places, regardless of your preferences. This may result in tourists being directed to subpar hotels or attractions that do not align with their expectations.
Many tourists have reported incidents where they aimed to stay at a particular hotel, only to be misled by papaasi into choosing another. This can be avoided by booking hotels in advance and avoiding reliance on beach boys or touts for such arrangements.
Beware of Guide Offers
After finding accommodations, many papaasi will offer to be your guide for the rest of your stay, showing you around popular sites like Stone Town or organizing transport for excursions to places like Nungwi or the east coast. While this may seem convenient, it often comes with inflated prices as businesses pay commissions to the papaasi. Whether you're booking a boat trip, car rental, or even a snorkeling adventure, the added cost can be passed on to you.
Risks Associated with Papaasi
Some papaasi are not only unlicensed but also engage in illegal activities. There have been reports of theft, fraud, and scams involving tourists. Here are some common risks:
Accommodation Scams: Papaasi may take a deposit for accommodations or services and then disappear, leaving tourists stranded.
Money Exchange: Be wary of unofficial money changers. Some papaasi offer good exchange rates but use tricks or outright theft to cheat tourists.
Car Rentals: Some tourists have been scammed when renting cars through papaasi, paying deposits only to find the cars were never delivered.
Drug-Related Scams: Some tourists have reported being framed for drug possession by papaasi, leading to fines, often with a kickback to the touts.
Safety Concerns with Unregistered Boats
If you book a boat trip or excursion through a papaasi, there’s a chance you’ll end up on an unregistered boat. This can mean compromised safety and little recourse if something goes wrong. Always insist on booking excursions through reputable agencies or hotels that work with registered operators.
How to Avoid Issues with Papaasi
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay in Zanzibar, consider the following tips:
Book in Advance: Arrange accommodations and tours before arriving, or through your hotel or a reputable tour company. This way, you avoid reliance on touts for essential services.
Be Polite but Firm: If approached by papaasi, it's best to decline politely but firmly. A simple “No, thank you” or “I’ve already made arrangements” can go a long way.
Use Reputable Tour Agencies: Whether you’re on a budget or looking for luxury, reputable tour companies offer transparent pricing and reliable services.
Verify Guide Credentials: Registered guides carry ID cards, and you should always ask to see them. If in doubt, verify the legitimacy of a guide through your hotel or the Zanzibar Tourism Commission.
A Need for Regulation
The growing tourism industry in Zanzibar calls for better regulation of tour guides and stricter enforcement of licensing laws. While papaasi are part of Zanzibar's informal economy, their activities sometimes harm the tourist experience and the island’s reputation. It is hoped that local authorities will address these concerns, ensuring that tourists can explore Zanzibar without being harassed or scammed.
Zanzibar is a beautiful island with a rich history and culture, and a knowledgeable, licensed guide can enhance your experience by providing insightful information and ensuring your safety. By staying informed and avoiding the pitfalls of papaasi, you can fully enjoy all that this island paradise has to offer.