Tanzania Safety Guide 2026
Essential safety information for mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar, safari and Kilimanjaro
Overall Safety Rating
Tanzania welcomes over 1.5 million tourists annually. The country is politically stable and has a strong tourism infrastructure. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar are world-class destinations with excellent safety records. Dar es Salaam has urban crime but tourist-focused areas are well-managed.
Safety Assessment by Category
| Category | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Petty Crime | Medium | Pickpocketing in Dar es Salaam and Stone Town markets |
| Road Safety | High | Poor driving standards, overloaded vehicles, bad rural roads |
| Health Risks | Medium | Malaria throughout; limited medical facilities outside cities |
| Violent Crime | Low | Rare against tourists; occasional robberies in Dar es Salaam |
| Scams | Medium | Safari price scams, beach seller hassle, taxi overcharging |
| Terrorism | Low | Very low risk for tourists; some concern near Mozambique border |
| Safari Safety | Low | Very safe with licensed operators; follow guide instructions |
| Kilimanjaro | Medium | Altitude sickness is main risk; use licensed KINAPA operators |
| Food & Water | Medium | Bottled water only; eat at established restaurants |
| Women Travellers | Medium | Dress modestly in Zanzibar; normal precautions elsewhere |
Safe Areas vs Areas to Avoid
Generally Safe Areas
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire - Safari areas are extremely safe within parks
- Kilimanjaro region (Moshi, Arusha) - Well-established tourist infrastructure
- Zanzibar beach resorts - Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani are safe and tourist-friendly
- Dar es Salaam (Masaki, Oyster Bay, Msasani) - Upmarket areas with restaurants and hotels
- Lake Manyara & Selous/Nyerere - Remote but safe safari destinations
Areas Requiring Caution
- Dar es Salaam city centre after dark - Pickpocketing and mugging risk
- Kariakoo Market area (Dar) - Very crowded; pickpocketing hotspot
- Stone Town alleys at night - Stick to main streets after dark
- Isolated beaches (Zanzibar) - Don't walk alone on deserted beaches at night
- Mozambique border area - Some security concerns from cross-border activity
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 112 or 114 | Tanzania Police Force |
| Fire Brigade | 114 | Fire and rescue services |
| Ambulance | 114 | Emergency medical services |
| AMREF Flying Doctors | +255 784 240 222 | Safari emergency evacuation |
| Tourism Police (Zanzibar) | +255 24 223 3456 | Zanzibar tourist police unit |
| Aga Khan Hospital (Dar) | +255 22 211 5151 | Best private hospital in Dar es Salaam |
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them
Cheap Safari Scams
Budget operators offer impossibly low prices then cut corners on vehicles, food or park fees. Prevention: Use TATO-licensed operators. If the price seems too good, it is.
Taxi Overcharging
No meters in taxis; drivers inflate prices for tourists. Prevention: Agree price before boarding. Use Bolt app in Dar es Salaam. Airport has fixed-price taxi desk.
Beach Sellers (Zanzibar)
Persistent sellers of tours, spice trips and souvenirs on beaches. Prevention: Firm "no thank you" works. Book activities through your hotel, not beach sellers.
Money Changing
Street money changers use distraction techniques to short-change you. Prevention: Only change money at banks, official bureaux, or use ATMs.
Health & Medical Safety
Vaccinations
| Vaccination | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Required | Certificate checked on arrival; essential if arriving from endemic country |
| Hepatitis A & B | Recommended | Food/waterborne and blood-borne risk |
| Typhoid | Recommended | Especially outside major cities |
| Rabies | Recommended | Essential for safari and remote area travel |
| Cholera | Consider | For extended stays in rural areas |
Malaria
Malaria risk exists throughout Tanzania including Zanzibar. Take antimalarials (Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine), use DEET repellent, and sleep under treated nets. Risk is highest during rainy seasons (March-May and November-December).
Kilimanjaro Health Risks
- Altitude sickness is the main danger - acclimatise gradually, choose longer routes (7+ days)
- Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness - descend immediately if severe
- Ensure insurance covers trekking above 4,000m and helicopter evacuation
Safety by Traveller Type
Women Travellers
- Tanzania is relatively safe for women travellers with normal precautions
- Zanzibar: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) as it's predominantly Muslim
- Avoid isolated beaches alone, especially at night
- Organised safari trips are very safe for solo women
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Zanzibar vs Mainland
- Zanzibar is semi-autonomous with different cultural norms (conservative Muslim)
- Dress modestly in Stone Town and villages - swimwear is for resorts only
- During Ramadan, avoid eating/drinking in public during daylight hours
- Alcohol is available in tourist areas but not freely elsewhere on the island
Essential Safety Tips
Before You Go
- Book safari with TATO-licensed operators
- Get AMREF Flying Doctors cover for safari
- Start antimalarials before arrival
- Ensure insurance covers Kilimanjaro altitude
While in Tanzania
- Carry USD cash in small denominations
- Use Bolt app for taxis in Dar es Salaam
- Dress modestly in Zanzibar
- Keep copies of your passport separately
- Drink bottled water only
Quick Emergency Numbers
Police: 112 / 114
Fire/Ambulance: 114
AMREF Flying Doctors: +255 784 240 222
Aga Khan Hospital: +255 22 211 5151
Zanzibar Note
Zanzibar is semi-autonomous with different laws and cultural norms from mainland Tanzania. It is predominantly Muslim - respect local customs, dress modestly outside resorts, and be mindful during Ramadan.