Is Tanzania safe? Your essential guide to safety in Tanzania

If you are about to embark on an unforgettable journey to the captivating land of Tanzania, you will need this guide on how safe Tanzania is. Be able to enjoy all of the things to do in Tanzania like exploring expansive plains, discovering its diversity of wildlife, immersing in its vibrant local markets, enjoying its white sandy beaches, trekking in Mount Kilimanjaro, and going on a safari Tanzania without a worry on your mind. 

Here we will answer your questions: is Tanzania safe for tourists, is it safe to travel to Tanzania and how safe is Tanzania.

To travel to Tanzania, you will need an approved visa for Tanzania. This is one of the most important Tanzania entry requirements in order to fully be able to enjoy the country. 

Is Tanzania safe for Tourists?

A trip to Tanzania is perfectly safe. Tanzania is travel-friendly for all tourists. Tourism is very important for the country and around 1.5 million travellers choose Tanzania as their holiday destination. It is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa.

Although Tanzania is safe for tourists, you should always be vigilant. When you travel internationally, you might visit an unknown country, and as such, you must take care of yourself and your belongings even more diligently than at home.

One of the main tourist destinations like Zanzibar is very safe. On this island, you will be able to enjoy some of the best beaches in Tanzania and luxury accommodations. If you are a woman, Zanzibar is also a very popular holiday destination.

How safe is Tanzania?

Tanzania is one of the safest countries in Africa. Tourism hotspots in Tanzania are extremely safe for visitors. Nevertheless, we give you here some of the general precautions and following travel tips for Tanzania: 

• Avoid remote places, especially at night.
• You should be particularly vigilant in big cities such as Dar Es Salaam as there can be muggings on the street. Petty crime is a reality in Tanzania so you should avoid crowded areas and wear visible jewelry or carry valuables.
• Be aware of bag snatching, especially by passing cars or motorbikes. 
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash or your original passport. Always carry a copy version of your passport.
• While driving, keep doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight.
• Avoid any political demonstrations or gatherings.
• If possible, be part of a group when trekking in mountains. Also altitude sickness is a risk in Tanzania’s northeast (Mounts Meru and Kilimanjaro).
• Avoid making use of public transportation as it’s not the safest or most convenient way to get around the city. Local buses (known as ‘dala dalas’), motorbike taxis (‘boda bodas’), and tuk-tuks (known locally as ‘bijajis’) do not meet western safety standards. 
• Keep in mind that road conditions are poor and driving can be chaotic. Road accidents are very common.
• Do not accept lifts from strangers or individuals offering to procure a licensed taxi on your behalf. Only use licensed taxis, and you only trust reputable establishments like hotels to arrange your taxi.
• Be aware that sanitation and hygiene of local food vendors and restaurants might not be the best. If you feel something is unsafe, don’t consume it. 
• Don’t drink tap water. 
• If you need to contact the emergency services, dial 112 and ask for the emergency service you require.

Is Tanzania safe for a safari?

Tanzania is very safe for a safari. In fact, it is one of the main activities in Tanzania and since it is a very profitable source of income for the country, guides will always try to provide you with the best and most secure experience. There is a low chance of you having an unsafe experience or incident during a safari since you’ll spend the majority of your time in national parks and private reserves. 

Our main tips for a safari in Tanzania are: 

• Don’t leave your vehicle and always follow your tour guide's advice, as you are dealing with unpredictable wild animals.
• Don’t touch the animals.
• Make sure that the company you hire for the safari is experienced, reliable, and has good reviews.
• If the safari includes a camping night, never go out alone from your tent, especially at night: these places are usually not enclosed, and animals may roam freely.
• It is especially important, if you are going on a safari in Tanzania, to purchase travel medical insurance. Your policy should include emergency evacuation coverage in case an unforeseen event occurs in a remote location.

Areas of Tanzania to avoid

To maximize your own safety, you should avoid these areas:

• The Mtwara region, specifically the border with Mozambique.
• The border with Burundi (Kigoma region).
• The border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The major cities of Tanzania, such as Dar es Salaam or Arusha, are generally safe, but it is advisable not to walk at night, whether alone or accompanied, and to exercise special caution in crowded areas. Nighttime strolls on the beaches of Zanzibar are also discouraged.

Is it safe for women to travel to Tanzania?

Yes, Tanzania is safe for female tourists, whether they are traveling alone, in women-only groups, or in mixed groups.

However, there are regions where Islam is the predominant religion, and they are characterized by being more conservative than the rest of the country. For this reason, it is recommended that women wear modest clothing (covering arms, legs, and midriff). 

This recommendation is particularly important in Zanzibar: the archipelago in general, and especially Stone Town, are Muslim areas. While women may not need to be fully covered on the beach (although topless is prohibited), it will be mandatory for walking around the city.

Is it safe for members of the LGBTQ+ community to travel to Tanzania?

No, Tanzania is dangerous for the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, same-sex sexual relations are prohibited by law and you can face up to 30 years in prison. People in Tanzania, although welcoming to travelers, tend to be conservative and view LGBTQ+ identities as taboo, particularly in regard to same-sex relations or non-cisgender individuals.

You should avoid public displays of affection to reduce the risk of being subjected to attacks or discrimination. Another potential risk is the presence of HIV/AIDS, a problem that continues to afflict Tanzania. You should take all possible precautions to avoid infection.

More security advice for Tanzania

• Plastic bags are illegal in Tanzania, even for tourists carrying them in their luggage. Travel only with reusable fabric bags.
• Possession or consumption of pornography is illegal.
• If the police are stopping traffic and incorrectly trying to charge you a fine, insist on going to the nearest police station. It is often an attempt to solicit bribes.
• Possession and consumption of drugs are illegal and heavily punished.
• Laws are generally strict, with more severe crimes potentially carrying the death penalty or corporal punishment.
• It is prohibited to enter or exit the country with protected species of flora and fauna. This includes items made from animal skins, ivory objects, etc.