Is Tanzania Safe?
Honest answer from people who live and work there.
Tanzania is one of the safest countries in sub-Saharan Africa for tourists. The country is politically stable, has a well-developed tourist industry and in 30 years of safari travel there has never been a security incident with our travellers.
Safety by area
On safari
Very safe- ✓National parks are well-regulated and patrolled
- ✓You always move with an experienced local guide
- ✓Animals are wild but attacks on tourists in vehicles are extremely rare
- ✓Campsites have security (askari)
- ✓Our guides have known the parks for 15–20 years
Zanzibar
Safe- ✓Popular tourist island, well-infrastructured
- ✓Beach areas and resorts are generally safe
- ✓Pickpocketing can occur in Stone Town — keep valuables secure
- ✓Respect the local Islamic culture (clothing, behaviour)
- ✓Never swim alone from a remote beach
Cities (Arusha, Dar es Salaam)
Be alert- ✓As in any large city: be alert in crowded areas
- ✓Do not wear expensive jewellery or display your phone in public
- ✓Take a reliable taxi or use apps like Uber
- ✓Lit city centres in the evening are generally safe for groups
- ✓We always arrange reliable transport for our travellers
Health & Vaccinations
Malaria
Tanzania is a malaria zone. Consult your GP about prophylaxis (e.g. Malarone). Wear long clothing at dusk and use mosquito repellent.
Vaccinations
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (for extended stays). Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if entering from a risk country.
Drinking water
Only drink bottled or filtered water. No ice cubes of unknown origin. In lodges and hotels, bottled water is always available.
"After 20 years of Tanzania travel with hundreds of guests I can honestly say: Tanzania is safer than many European cities. The biggest risks are illness (take malaria prophylaxis) and road accidents. For the rest: enjoy."
— Allard, Simba Tours
Frequently asked questions
How safe is Tanzania for solo travellers?+
Is Tanzania safe for women?+
Do I need travel insurance?+
Practical safety tips
Save emergency numbers in your phone: police 112, Dutch embassy +255 22 211 4281
Bring two payment methods: cash and a credit card. ATMs are limited outside Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
Take out travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage. Evacuation costs can reach €10,000–20,000.
Avoid walking alone outside the lodge around sunset and after — not because of people, but animals (hyena, buffalo).
Always use reliable transport. Don't take unknown taxis; ask your lodge or use Uber/Bolt in cities.
Start malaria prophylaxis on time — with Malarone 1–2 days before departure, with other medications sometimes up to 2 weeks in advance.
Questions about safety or preparation?
Allard and Laurene give personal and honest advice — no sales pitch.