Quick answer: Yes. For most travellers, Tanzania is a safe country to visit, and the safari areas are among the safest places in it. Most problems visitors run into are petty theft in busy towns, not anything dangerous. A few simple habits, and travelling with a licensed operator, take care of nearly all of it.
Is Tanzania safe for tourists right now?
Tanzania has been one of East Africa’s most stable countries for decades, and tourism is a big part of the economy. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come every year for the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Before you travel, read your own government’s travel advice for the latest picture. The US State Department, the UK FCDO and others publish regular updates.
Is it safe on safari?
Yes. On a guided safari you spend most of your time in a vehicle with an experienced guide, inside protected national parks. The real “risks” are wildlife-related and easy to manage when you follow your guide:
- Stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe to get out.
- Don’t stand up through the roof when big cats are very close. Sit down and keep your voice low.
- At camps without fences, walk with a staff member (an askari) after dark.
Our guides know these parks well. Read more about our team and how we work.
Is Arusha safe?
Arusha is a busy, friendly town and the starting point for most northern safaris. Treat it like any city: don’t walk alone at night, keep your phone out of sight on the street and use taxis your lodge recommends. Expect street sellers offering “cheap safaris”. Politely say hapana, asante (no, thank you) and keep walking.
Is Zanzibar safe?
Zanzibar is relaxed and welcoming. Stone Town’s narrow streets are safe by day. At night, stick to well-lit areas or go with a guide. On the beaches, keep valuables in your room safe. Zanzibar is mostly Muslim, so cover shoulders and knees in town out of respect. Swimwear is fine on the beach. Plan your beach time with our Zanzibar guide.
Is Tanzania safe for solo and female travellers?
Yes, many solo women travel here every year. You may get more attention than you would like in town, mostly harmless curiosity or sales pitches. Dress modestly, be firm, and on safari you will be with your guide most of the time anyway.
What about health?
- Malaria: present in most safari areas and on Zanzibar. Ask your doctor about tablets and use repellent.
- Water: drink bottled or filtered water. Lodges and safari vehicles usually provide it.
- Sun: you are close to the equator, so hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
- Insurance: take travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Visa and vaccination rules are in our Tanzania visa and entry guide.
Simple safety habits that work
- Book with a licensed, registered operator, not a street tout.
- Carry a copy of your passport and leave the original in your lodge safe.
- Use small notes for tips and purchases (see our tipping guide).
- Keep our WhatsApp number handy: +255 784 288 741.
The bottom line
Thousands of first-time visitors leave Tanzania wondering why they ever worried. With a good guide and a bit of common sense, it is a safe, friendly and unforgettable place. Ready to start? Browse our Tanzania safaris or tell us about your trip.
