Tanzania is East Africa's premier safari destination, home to the legendary Serengeti plains, Africa's highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro, and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Experience the Great Migration, explore ancient Stone Town, and discover incredible wildlife diversity.
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists who take standard precautions. Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon in tourist areas, but petty theft, pickpocketing, and opportunistic scams are present in cities and tourist hotspots. Zanzibar is considered safer than the mainland.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal caution in most areas. Exercise increased caution in border regions with Mozambique and DRC. Dar es Salaam requires awareness in specific areas after dark.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in most of Tanzania. Use increased caution in certain areas including border regions.
FCDO - Generally Safe for Tourists
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists. Be vigilant in urban areas especially after dark and avoid isolated beaches at night.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings
Limit movements after dark in urban areas
Use reputable tour operators for safaris and excursions
Register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) if US citizen
Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items
Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls during daylight
Hire registered taxis or use ride-sharing apps in cities
Visit the US/UK embassy website before travel and enroll in STEP for emergency alerts
Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination required for entry and checked at borders
Dress conservatively on Zanzibar and in Muslim areas; cover shoulders and knees away from beach
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Gem and Tanzanite Scam
Strangers approach tourists claiming to be miners selling tanzanite or other gems cheaply, often showing certificates. The gems are synthetic, glass, or heavily overpriced low-quality stones.
How to avoid: Only buy Tanzanite from certified dealers in established shops with proper provenance certificates. Never buy from strangers on the street.
Overcharging Taxis
Unlicensed taxis quote high prices to tourists who don't know local rates, especially at airports and tourist areas. Prices can be 3-5x the going rate.
How to avoid: Use Bolt or Uber apps for transparent pricing. Agree on price before getting in any non-metered taxi. Ask your hotel for typical taxi fare ranges.
Forced Friendship Scam
Friendly strangers offer to show you around town, then take you to their 'uncle's shop' and pressure you to buy at inflated prices. Refusal can become uncomfortable.
How to avoid: Politely decline unsolicited guides. Arrange tours through your hotel or reputable agencies. It's fine to say 'no thank you' firmly.
Beach Nuisance Vendors
Persistent beach vendors, especially on Zanzibar, can be very insistent. Some use guilt tactics or follow tourists for extended periods claiming you agreed to buy.
How to avoid: A firm 'hapana asante' (no thank you) repeated calmly is sufficient. Do not engage in extended conversations if not interested.
Fake Safari Operators
Unofficial 'safari agents' approach travellers in Arusha offering cheap safari packages upfront, then disappear with deposits or provide a very poor experience.
How to avoid: Book safaris only through TATO-registered operators. Verify operator credentials online before paying. Be suspicious of unusually cheap prices.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies (if wildlife contact likely), Tetanus, Polio, Measles-Mumps-Rubella
- Water
- Not safe to drink. Drink only bottled water (widely available $0.50-1 per liter). Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks unless from reputable establishments.
- Food
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Generally safe for solo travellers who stay in tourist areas and use common sense. Dar es Salaam requires extra vigilance after dark - stick to the Msasani Peninsula. Zanzibar is one of East Africa's safer solo destinations. Kilimanjaro and northern circuit safaris are very safe as part of guided groups.
Female travellers
Female solo travellers report Tanzania as manageable with appropriate precautions. Dress modestly in Muslim areas (especially Zanzibar). Avoid isolated beaches alone after dark. Use ride apps rather than street taxis at night. Harassment levels in tourist areas are generally low compared to other regions.
Families
Tanzania is excellent for families. Safari lodges are very family-oriented, most parks are easily managed with children, and Zanzibar beaches are calm and shallow. Malaria prophylaxis for children is essential. Most medical facilities for emergencies are concentrated in Dar es Salaam.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Tanzania and Zanzibar under colonial-era laws. Penalties can be severe. There is no visible LGBTQ+ scene. Discretion is strongly advised. Public displays of affection should be avoided by all couples, but especially same-sex couples.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112
- Medical
- 114
- Embassy
- Tourist Police