How safe is Tanzania for tourists?

Tanzania is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes, wildlife, and culture. It is one of the most popular destinations in Africa for safari, hiking, and beach holidays. But how safe is Tanzania for tourists? This is a common question that many travelers ask before planning their trip to this East African nation.

The answer is not simple, as safety depends on many factors, such as where you go, when you go, how you travel, and what you do. However, in general, Tanzania is a reasonably safe country, both for locals and tourists. In fact, as of 2023, it is the sixth safest country in Africa according to the Global Peace Index. Most visitors have a trouble-free experience and enjoy the hospitality and warmth of the Tanzanian people.

However, this does not mean that Tanzania is without risks or challenges. Like any other country in the world, Tanzania has its share of crime, terrorism, and health issues that travelers should be aware of and take precautions against. Here are some of the main safety concerns and tips for tourists visiting Tanzania in 2023.

Crime

Crime is one of the most common safety issues that tourists face in Tanzania. Although violent crime is rare, petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and phone theft is prevalent, especially in urban areas and crowded places like markets, bus stations, and beaches. Tourists are often targeted by opportunistic thieves who see them as easy prey.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime, you should follow these basic rules:

• Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you. Use a hotel safe or a lockable bag to store your passport, money, cards, jewelry, and electronics.
• Do not flaunt your wealth or belongings. Avoid wearing expensive watches, jewelry, or clothing that might attract attention. Keep your phone and camera out of sight when not in use.
• Do not walk alone at night or in isolated areas. Use a reliable taxi service or arrange transportation with your hotel or tour operator. If you have to walk, stay on well-lit and busy streets and be alert to your surroundings.
• Do not resist if you are confronted by a robber. Hand over your belongings calmly and do not try to fight back or chase them. Your life is more important than your possessions.
• Report any incident of crime to the local police and your embassy or consulate as soon as possible. Get a police report if you need to make an insurance claim.

Terrorism

Terrorism is another potential threat that tourists should be aware of when visiting Tanzania. Although there have been no major terrorist attacks in Tanzania since 1998, when the US embassy in Dar es Salaam was bombed by al-Qaeda, there is still a risk of terrorism from extremist groups operating in the region, such as al-Shabaab in Somalia and Ansar al-Sunna in Mozambique.

The most vulnerable areas are the border regions with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Mozambique, where there have been sporadic clashes between security forces and armed groups. The Mtwara region in southern Tanzania has also been under a travel advisory by the US government since 2023 due to the threat of terrorism. Travelers should avoid these areas or exercise extreme caution if they have to visit them.

To reduce the risk of being caught up in a terrorist attack, you should follow these guidelines:

• Stay informed of the current security situation and travel advice for Tanzania from your government and reliable sources. Check for updates regularly and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Avoid political rallies, demonstrations, protests, or large gatherings that might turn violent or be targeted by terrorists. If you encounter one, leave the area immediately and find a safe place.
• Be vigilant and alert to any suspicious behavior or activity around you. Report anything unusual or alarming to the police or security personnel.
• Have an emergency plan and contact details for your family, friends, embassy or consulate, and insurance provider. Know what to do and who to call in case of an emergency.

Health

Health is another important aspect of safety that tourists should consider when traveling to Tanzania. Tanzania faces many health challenges that can affect travelers,
such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, cholera, Zika virus, filariasis, East African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Rift Valley fever, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases. Some of these diseases can be prevented by vaccination or medication before or during your trip. Others require careful hygiene practices and avoidance of certain foods or water sources.

To stay healthy in Tanzania, you should follow these recommendations:

• Visit your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to get the necessary vaccines and medicines. Some of the diseases that are prevalent in Tanzania include yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies, and meningitis.
• Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice cubes in your drinks. Tap water may be contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses that can cause diarrhea, dehydration, or other illnesses.
• Eat only well-cooked food and avoid raw or undercooked meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. These may carry pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, or tapeworms that can make you sick.
• Protect yourself from insect bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing. Sleep under a mosquito net or in an air-conditioned room. Insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and flies can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and sleeping sickness.
• Avoid contact with animals and do not feed or touch them. Animals such as dogs, cats, monkeys, and bats may carry rabies or other zoonotic diseases that can be fatal if you are bitten or scratched.
• Be careful when swimming or wading in freshwater lakes, rivers, or streams. These may contain parasites such as schistosomiasis or bilharzia that can infect your skin or internal organs. Also avoid swimming in the ocean near coral reefs or rocks where you may encounter venomous fish or sea urchins.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you have any symptoms of illness such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or bleeding. Do not self-medicate or buy drugs from street vendors. Some of the drugs may be counterfeit, expired, or inappropriate for your condition.

The bottom line on how safe Tanzania is for tourists is that it is a reasonably safe country, especially if you book an organized safari. Tanzania is one of the safest African countries, according to the 2022 Global Peace Index, and most tourism hotspots are extremely safe. However, you still need to exercise some precautions, as there is an elevated risk of violent crime and terrorism in some areas, particularly near land borders. You should also follow the local laws and customs and avoid any political demonstrations or gatherings.