How Safe is Tanzania for Tourists
This country is bursting with joie de vivre, colour and contrasts – from the vast plains of the Serengeti to the turquoise beaches of Zanzibar.
Tanzania is one of the safest and most hospitable destinations in Africa. This is the honest opinion of NitoursandSafaris.
Tanzania is known for its political stability and peaceful atmosphere. Tourism plays a major role in the country, and visitors are treated with genuine warmth and respect, which is also expected of tourists. The general atmosphere is friendly, a smile is part of everyday life here, and the locals are usually happy to help or tell a story.
Crime in Tanzania.
Serious crimes affecting tourists are extremely rare. Petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur, mostly in busy urban areas, as is the case anywhere in the world.
A few simple precautions will ensure you travel safely and without worry:
Avoid wearing conspicuous jewellery or carrying expensive equipment.
Keep your bag and mobile phone with you at all times, especially in crowded places.
Be careful when out and about in city centres after dark.
Following these simple tips will help you relax and enjoy your stay to the full.
Driving in Tanzania?
Yes, definitely! Driving through Tanzania in a hire car is one of the best ways to experience the country. You can stop whenever you want to explore further or take photos, take the scenic routes and discover hidden corners that most visitors never get to see.
Yes, some roads may not be tarmac, but with a reliable 4×4 and a little patience, it will be an unforgettable adventure.
Tips for a trouble-free journey:
Avoid driving after dark as visibility is poor and wildlife often crosses the roads
Watch out for potholes and unexpected speed bumps
Take it easy, as long journeys can be tiring and spoil the fun.
Drive at a leisurely pace in towns where children, goats and motorbikes fill the streets.
Before you set off, all travellers receive a comprehensive briefing from us prior to departure, driving tips and round-the-clock support whilst on the road.
If you don’t want to drive yourself, hire a local driver and guide, as they know every shortcut, every viewpoint and the best stopping points along the route.
Health in Tanzania.
Due to Tanzania’s tropical climate, mosquitoes are a daily occurrence, and malaria is present in some areas.
Protect yourself by:
sleeping under a mosquito net;
using insect repellent containing DEET;
wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings;
seeking advice on malaria prevention before your trip
Also:
Tap water is NOT safe to drink. Please drink only bottled or filtered water.
Avoid ice unless it has been made with filtered water.
Find out in advance about recommended vaccinations such as hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus.
Is Tanzania safe for female travellers?
Absolutely yes, and many women travel through Tanzania, even on their own, and feel completely at ease doing so. The locals are respectful, and staff in the tourism industry are used to hosting guests from all over the world.
However, there are some areas, particularly along the coast, that are more conservative.
A few tips for female travellers:
Dress modestly in rural or religious areas; cover your shoulders and knees.
Avoid being out alone at night.
Be wary of overly friendly strangers.
Stay in well-reviewed, reputable accommodation.
Here too, the advice applies: if you wish to travel alone, hire a driver and guide. You will feel safer and gain insights into the local culture that will only enrich your journey.
Safety for LGBTQ+ people in Tanzania.
We want to be completely open here: same-sex relationships are illegal in Tanzania, and social attitudes can be conservative. Traditions and religions are highly valued.
Nevertheless, many LGBTQ+ travellers visit the country and have wonderful experiences. The key is to remain discreet and respect the local culture.
Most safari lodges and camps are professional, hospitable and accustomed to hosting a diverse range of guests from all over the world.
Everyone has a different comfort level, and it is important to make decisions that feel right for you. nitoursandsafaris is happy to offer honest advice and help you plan a trip where you feel safe and comfortable.
Travelling solo in Tanzania.
Tanzania is a great place for solo travellers to meet friendly locals and fellow adventurers, and to experience the country’s natural beauty. All of this offers plenty of peaceful moments to reflect on.
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and connected:
Share your itinerary with someone at home
Check in from time to time
Get a local SIM card for easy communication and data
Avoid hiking alone in remote areas
Whether you’re on safari or exploring the coast, you’ll meet plenty of friendly faces along the way.
Discover Tanzania with a local driver.
Driving yourself is great, but if you’d rather relax and soak it all in, a local driver and guide could be your perfect travel companion.
Drivers and guides from nitoursandsafaris aren’t just excellent drivers; they’re storytellers, nature lovers and local experts who know Tanzania like the back of their hand. They’ll show you hidden gems, provide cultural insights and ensure every part of your journey runs smoothly.
The drivers speak fluent English and are trained in bush mechanics – they can fix almost anything on the road! – ensuring your adventure is both safe and unforgettable.
Reviews from our clients
EXCELLENT
Based on 16 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Marko HVerified
Schnorcheln, Delfine, Sandbank und Seesterne Es war wirklich ein schöner Tripp für einen fairen Preis. Zuerst sieht man ein paar Delfine schwimmen, dann geht's zum Schnorcheln und zur Sandbank wo man wirklich sehr schön relaxen kann und frisches Obst bekommt und Wasser. Es ist alles im Preis mit inbegriffen. Zum Schluss fährt man noch Seesterne im Meer anschauen. Der Kapitän war sehr freundlich und man fühlt sich wohl an Bord. Ich würde diesen Tripp mit guten Gewissen weiter empfehlen.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Gregorio EVerified
Zanzibar Día perfecto un 5 fuimos a nadar con delfines después hicimos snorkel a continuación fuimos a un átomo. Para comer fruta y terminamos viendo estrellas de marPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Cristobal RVerified
Sitio seguro y buen precio. Muy buen trato gente sonriente y conseguimos negociar un buen precio. Lo recomiendo de corazón . Somos españoles y nos gusta las cosas buenas.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Daniel DVerified
Not only an incredible travel agency, but also our new friends in Tanzania We were lucky to find this travel agency at the beginning of our trip. We booked 5 activities with them and all were organized flawlessly and with great care. They always made sure that we had a great time and even came with us on the trips (in addition to the boat/taxi drivers). Amon and Nema became our friends for the week in Zanzibar - hope to see them again on future Tanzania trips! Great value for money as well (half compared to our hotel). Highly recommend this agency.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
manny955Verified
A great day trip to Stone Town We met Amon at his office by the beach first. His friendly and quiet, non - pushy manner was appealing after meeting other tour operators. He listened well to my questions and spoke very good English saying he could help us with personalised private tours and get back to me on prices, which he did later that day. We agreed on private Stone Town tour with a local guide we would meet there. Amon and taxi driver picked us up at 8.30 am . We enjoyed conversation on the journey, learning about each other’s countries , families and life styles. It was good to see the countryside and village life on the journey. Amon showed us many photos and videos he had taken with other clients on different trips. The taxi driver was a good driver and the taxi itself clean and comfort . We had to do a few errands before meeting with the guide which Amon was happy to help with. Stone Town was very interesting and the guide Suliman very informative and spoke English very well. We learnt a lot, went at our own pace and got a feel of the atmosphere of the place and its mix of cultures. We saw the sights, had plenty of time to talk , learn and take photos. Must have had the guide for about 2 hours and then we continued with Amon to the slave museum which is a must see to anyone visiting Stone Town. It was very well presented and documented, very poignant and moving. We did not leave until 4 pm to return to Nungwi , a journey of about 1.5 hrsPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Bilel LVerified
Perfect experience I am very happy with this experience, the person who accompanied us is a superb person, there were zero faults, everything was perfect, the person accompanied us from start to finish and he welcomed us very well.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
yuxi xVerified
很棒的体验! 棒的海上钓鱼体验!船员专业又友好,提供了一切所需。船只干净安全,我们收获了不少鱼。既有冒险的刺激,又有休闲的放松。强烈推荐给热爱大海并想留下难忘钓鱼回忆的人!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Atheer FVerified
Outstanding Experience with Zanzibar Activities Office I had an outstanding experience with this activity office in Zanzibar. The team was extremely friendly, professional, and always willing to help. I didn’t need to worry about going anywhere else – they provided everything I needed with great care and efficiency. What impressed me the most was their honesty, reliability, and deep knowledge of the island. They truly made my stay smooth and enjoyable. I highly recommend working with them to anyone visiting Zanzibar – their credibility and expertise are second to none. -AtheerPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Pioneer42052656303Verified
Best tours ever I came here with my dad my mom and we all had a great time with them thanks for sharing a beautiful experience with us. we hope to see you guys again in the future. - AliPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
onverdiendVerified
Good tours and a even greater tour operator Good tours and a even greater tour operator, who is also a very nice person (Amon). The prices are fair and the Dolphin tour for example was beautiful.