Is Tanzania safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Tanzania's main safari circuit and Zanzibar are visited by many travellers each year, and most trips are trouble-free. The realistic risks are petty theft and bag snatching in towns, road accidents, and wildlife (always follow your guide). Some border areas are covered by government warnings, but they are not on tourist routes.
The real risks
Petty theft and bag snatching
Happens in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Stone Town, sometimes from passing motorbikes. Keep bags on the side away from the road and avoid walking alone at night.
Road safety
Long safari drives on rough roads and fast traffic on highways. Use reputable operators with well-maintained vehicles.
Wildlife
Animals walk through unfenced camps. Stay in the vehicle on game drives and follow staff escorts at night.
Beach touts and scams
On Zanzibar, 'beach boys' sell tours and may overcharge. Book through your hotel or licensed operators.
Health risks
Malaria is present; take antimalarials as advised and use repellent.
Areas and times to take care
Arusha, the national parks and Zanzibar's tourist areas are generally comfortable by day. Take taxis rather than walking at night in towns, including Stone Town's quieter lanes and parts of Dar es Salaam. Government advice warns against some areas near the borders with Mozambique; these are far from the safari and beach routes.
Getting around safely
Most safari travel is with your operator's driver-guide. In towns, use taxis arranged by your hotel or ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Uber where available. Avoid overland travel after dark. Ferries between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are frequent; use the larger, established operators.
Solo and women travellers
Many women travel Tanzania solo, especially on organised safaris. Expect attention on Zanzibar beaches and in towns; dress modestly in Stone Town and villages (shoulders and knees covered), use hotel-arranged taxis at night and book tours with reputable companies.
Health, water and heat
Drink bottled or treated water. Malaria is a risk in most of the country, including Zanzibar; consult a travel clinic about antimalarials and yellow fever requirements. Sun is strong near the equator. Zanzibar requires visitors to buy mandatory travel insurance (about US$44) before arrival; general travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Most trips on the safari circuit and Zanzibar are trouble-free. Watch for petty theft in towns and follow your guide around wildlife.
Do I need malaria tablets for Tanzania?
Malaria is present in most areas, including Zanzibar; ask a travel clinic about antimalarials.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Zanzibar?
Yes, Zanzibar requires visitors to buy a mandatory insurance policy (about US$44) online before arrival.