IS IT SAFE TO VISIT TANZANIA?
Overall, Tanzania is a safe country to visit. It’s the safari capital of Africa and government ensures safety of foreign tourists is a priority. That being said, Tanzania is a poor country and is burdened with the same socio-economic conditions of other impoverished countries in Africa. You’ll be safe in Tanzania as long as you travel in the care of a reputable tour operator and take the usual precautions to stay out of harm’s way and avoid falling ill.
Terrorism incidences are very rare as the last terrorist attack was in 1998 since the Tanzania is safe. Otherwise, general crime such as petty theft, bag snatching and street muggings can easily be avoided by staying away from crime hot spots in the city centers, not travelling at night, staying in up market accommodation in safe tourism destinations in Tanzania and keeping your valuables safe and out of sight.
Healthcare facilities in Tanzania are reasonable in the large cities but poor in the rural areas. It’s highly recommend that you take out travel insurance for a holiday to Tanzania with good medical insurance that includes cover for an emergency evacuation if needed. Make sure your general vaccinations are up-to-date and get the travel vaccinations required before arriving in Tanzania.
IS IT SAFE TO GO ON SAFARI TO TANZANIA?
A safari tour of Tanzania should be nothing more than a life-long memory of outstanding wildlife sightings, stunning scenery and the rich culture heritage of the people of Tanzania. As long as you follow the rules of staying safe on a safari, you should have a thoroughly enjoyable holiday in Tanzania.
Simple rules for a safari tour in Tanzania include:
always follow your guide’s instructions
stay in the safari vehicle at all times until your guide says it’s safe to get out
stay seated and keep your arms inside the vehicle; never hang out a window or stick your head out a sunroof
never wander off away from the safari vehicle; if you need a pee break, ask your guide where to go before heading off into the bush
keep quiet at animal sightings; don’t disturb them or your fellow safari travelers
keep children quiet on safari vehicles; no loud noises or shouting
stay close to your guide on a walking safari; keep in a single line and keep up with the group
wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts in the evening to cover your arms and legs to prevent mosquito bites, and use an effective insect repellent throughout the day
wear a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen to prevent sunburn
drink plenty of bottled water to keep hydrated
wear ‘safari’ colors that aren’t too bright or colorful, especially on walking safaris because you don’t want to stand out like a beacon for wild animals to spot
use mild deodorant and avoid applying heavy-smelling perfume before a game drive
bring a warm jacket, beanie and gloves for the early morning and evening drives; even in summer, it can be cold on sunrise and sunset game drives
TOP SAFETY TIPS FOR TANZANIA
Be vigilante
Take care when walking around the large towns and cities of Tanzania. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and petty theft of phones and electronics is fairly common in crowded market areas. Avoid attracting unwanted attention to yourself in the large towns and cities in Tanzania. Don’t flash fancy camera equipment, cash or expensive jewelry; leave your valuables at home or in a safe in your hotel.
Don’t walk alone or travel solo at night
Avoid at all costs walking around after dark, particularly if you’re on your own. Most crimes committed in the city are non-violent but it’s not worth taking the risk. At the very least, a mugging where you lose your camera, phone and possibly important documents can derail your holiday plans.
Keep windows closed and doors locked
Car jackings and smash & grabs are common in certain areas in Dar es Salaam. Keep your door locked and window closed when travelling in Tanzania.
Don’t do drugs in Tanzania
The possession, use and trafficking of drugs in Tanzania is illegal and offenders will be fined heavily and face potential jail time. Do not offer to carry a package from an unknown of suspicious source in your luggage as you risk being used as a drug mule.
Be careful what you photograph in Tanzania
You are prohibited from taking photographs of military, government buildings and border crossing points. If you’re unsure if it’s safe to take a photograph of something, ask your tour guide for permission.
Don’t drink and drive in Tanzania
Drinking and driving is illegal and punishable by a heavy fine or possible jail time. The same applies to using your mobile phone while driving. Remember, if you get tipsy or very drunk on a night out on the town, you are vulnerable. Your senses are dulled and you make poor decisions. You risk being followed home, falling victim to a crime and being seriously hurt.
Do your research on common tourist scams
Whether you’re in Paris or Nairobi, you’ve got to watch out for the same old tourist scams. This includes card cloning, online fraud and overcharging. Do research on common ways tourists are ripped off in foreign countries and keep your wits about you so you don’t fall victim to whatever is popular in that country. Don’t trust people too quickly, rather rely on the advice and help of your tour guide.
Book your holiday in Tanzania with a reputable tour operator
For a memorable safari tour in Tanzania, always book a tour with a reputable tour operator. These tour operators make your safety a priority and will be quick to alert you to potential risks that could see you get badly hurt or put in a dangerous situation that could get you killed.
Only use trusted transport options
Only take taxis from established taxi ranks or hotels. Never enter a taxi that already has someone else in it other than the driver.
Be respectful of local cultures in Tanzania
Tanzania’s citizens are very conservative and as a whole, protected from modern ways and behaviour. It’s important to remember that you are a visitor and you need to respect their cultural values and beliefs. Avoid wearing skimpy clothes in public and be polite and friendly to the local people you encounter.
Be law abiding
You do not want to find yourself locked up in a Tanzania jail so it’s highly recommended that you abide by the country’s laws and stay out of trouble. Tanzania’s legal system is efficient and relatively uncorrupted, although it’s fairly common you’ll be asked to pay a bribe to get off a traffic fine. If arrested, you’re treated as ‘innocent until proven guilty’ in TANZANIA and you have a legal right to a lawyer.
Note: Beware of thieves posing as police officers. If you have a problem, ask your tour operator or the manager or receptionist at the place you’re staying at to summons the police.
Make photocopies of important documents
It’s recommended you take photocopies and have certified important documents such as your airline bookings, travel insurance, passport and visa. Keep the photocopies in a separate travel bag. It’s also a good idea to leave copies with someone at home.
Don’t accept drinks from strangers
Drink spiking is common throughout the world, and extremely dangerous. Take the same precautions as you would at any club or public eatery anywhere else. Don’t accept a drink or food from a stranger, and insist that a barman/waiter opens a capped beverage bottle in front of you.
Don’t engage with touts
A tout is any person who solicits business or money in a persistent and annoying manner. Don’t engage with touts at all; once they think they’ve got your attention, they won’t leave you alone. Be confident and push past them. Don’t worry about being rude; your safety is a priority.
Never show someone selling you how much money you have in your wallet. Negotiate a price and if you’re not happy with what they want, walk away.
IS IT TANZANIA SAFE FOR CHILDREN?
It’s safe to travel around Tanzania with children in the company of adults, as long as you follow the usual precautions to keep them out of harm’s way. Children are welcome at restaurants and safari lodges and it’s an opportunity of a lifetime for them to go on a safari in one of the Tanzania national parks.
However, there is an age restriction on safari tours in Tanzania, in particular travelling on open safari vehicles. Children between 6 to 12 years may join a safari tour in Tanzania at the discretion the professional game ranger in charge. Younger than that may only join a safari tour as part of a private safari group and at the discretion of the game ranger in charge.
Warning
Child kidnapping is a high threat around the world. Be extremely vigilante when travelling with children, even older teenage children. Don’t allow them to wander off unsupervised and under no condition, allow them to go to a public bathroom and such on their own.
FAMILY TRAVEL IN TANZANIA
For the family that has a sense of adventure Tanzania is an exciting, educational and memorable destination.
Tanzania is a country rich in natural beauty and diverse culture
Enjoy pristine beaches in Tanzania
The locals are friendly, warm hearted people always willing to help
Home to the world famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
Sitting on the edge of the African continent and facing the Indian Ocean, Tanzania is a place of beauty, rich culture, diverse wildlife and friendly people. Whether you want to go on safari in the Serengeti or relax on the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania is the place to be.
Tanzania is a warm and welcoming country, mainly due to its friendly, warm hearted and generous locals who are always ready to help. When traveling to Africa, make sure Tanzania is on your list of exciting places to visit.
When considering family travel, Tanzania is a safe country to visit. As with all other countries in the world, petty theft and robberies could arise in the cities, but if reasonable precautions are taken, you and your family will have a safe and enjoyable trip.
There is nothing like an exciting safari in the parks of Tanzania. From rich and diverse wildlife, uninterrupted forests, panoramic views and sweeping plains to the cultural heritage of the Maasai people and trips to the spice island of Zanzibar, this holiday destination is world class.
Tanzania is increasingly opening up to family holidays and safaris, especially in Zanzibar, where a number of excellent resorts offer activities and facilities to suit the whole family.
Many Tanzania safari lodges and resorts have child care facilities and games available for younger guests to enjoy. However, some activities are aimed more for the guests older than 12 years of age; safaris, diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, boating and mountain climbing are all activities available in Tanzania.
Tanzania is an amazing place to visit and offers a holiday experience families will remember forever.
