Tanzania is the largest nation in East Africa and is often regarded as the most peaceful country in the region. However, you may have some concerns about traveling to Tanzania, particularly in light of recent global health issues. Some sources caution that travel to Tanzania might pose risks due to potential violence and terrorism. This leads to important questions: Are these concerns valid? What is it truly like in Tanzania? Is it a safe destination to visit?
Currently, there is heightened apprehension surrounding travel anywhere due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s important to remember that travelers have always taken risks associated with their journeys. We encourage visitors to exercise common sense and reasonable caution, but also to embrace the opportunity to explore the wonders of Tanzania.
We would like to specifically address concerns related to crime and the potential risks faced by LGBTQ individuals.
It’s a valid question to wonder why you might trust our travel advice. We have been living in the Kilimanjaro region since 2012, which gives us in-depth knowledge of the area and its culture. This local insight is one of the reasons top travel agencies frequently choose our team to lead their expeditions.
Contrary to what many travelers think, no special vaccinations are required for those entering Tanzania from the USA, the UK, European Union, or most countries around the globe.
Like any vacation destination, Tanzania experiences some petty crime. However, we wouldn’t say it is more prevalent than in places like the Dominican Republic, Thailand, Egypt, or Kenya. In fact, it may be less common than in cities such as Paris, France; Venice, Italy; or Barcelona, Spain, which are notorious for pickpockets and passport thieves near popular tourist attractions.
Exercising reasonable travel caution is highly advisable. Here are some tips for travelers:
1. Beware of Pickpockets: These individuals often operate in crowded areas like markets and public transport hubs. If you visit such places, it’s best to leave most of your cash and valuables in your hotel safe. For small amounts of cash, carry it in a hidden pouch, your front pocket, or a purse held close to your body. Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket or your purse on your side or back.
2. Be Cautious at Beaches: When visiting beaches, especially in Dar es Salaam, do not leave your belongings unattended. Be wary of local “beach boys”—overly friendly young men who may try to engage you in conversation or sell inexpensive souvenirs, often as a way to gauge where you keep your wallet.
3. Robbery Awareness: In larger cities like Dar es Salaam, there have been reports of robberies, typically using a “snatch and run” technique where an attacker grabs a bag and disappears into the crowd. It’s safer to avoid carrying valuables in bags and instead lock them in a hotel safe. Always keep an eye on your luggage and avoid leaving it unattended.
4. Travel Safely at Night: We recommend using a hotel taxi after dark rather than walking. Stick to official white-and-green taxis and avoid private cars.
When exploring Tanzania, having a knowledgeable driver or guide can greatly enhance your safety and experience. If you choose to visit an area or tour a city without a guide, be sure to do so at your own risk.
In spite of numerous misleading articles available online—some even from reputable sources—violent crime against tourists is exceptionally rare in the northern part of Tanzania, particularly in popular tourist cities like Arusha and Moshi.
Over nearly a decade of experience in Tanzania, we have encountered only a few isolated incidents of armed robbery, all of which occurred in the coastal areas of Eastern Tanzania rather than in the northern regions. There have been isolated reports of individuals being targeted while withdrawing money from ATMs at night in Dar es Salaam; however, to our knowledge, these incidents did not result in injury, though money was stolen. We strongly advise against visiting ATMs after dark and recommend using those that are monitored by security personnel, which is common in both Arusha and Moshi.
It’s essential to emphasize that the vast majority of Tanzanians are kind and peaceful individuals who greet foreigners with respect and hospitality. Violence as a means of conflict resolution is largely absent among the general population. Additionally, the tourism industry plays a significant role in the economy of Northern Tanzania, particularly in Arusha and Moshi. This creates a strong incentive for many locals to maintain a positive image of the country and to assist travelers, even going out of their way to help those who may be lost or struggling with language barriers.
Overall, the likelihood of a traveler falling victim to robbery or mugging in Tanzania is no greater than in popular travel destinations in the United States or Europe. To minimize risks, it is advisable to use common sense: avoid unlit or suspicious areas, take taxis instead of walking at night, visit banks and ATMs during daylight hours, refrain from carrying large amounts of cash, and keep personal belongings secure and close at all times.
Categorizing Tanzania as a country with a threat of terrorism is certainly disputable. The latest act of terrorism in Tanzania was in 1998, well over 20 years ago.
More recently, there was an attack on a small Tanzanian village in the southernmost part of the country, along the border with Mozambique. Reports suggest the extremists hail from Mozambique and have a history of violence and attacks throughout Mozambique, and question the safety and security of this neighboring nation than of Tanzania. The Tanzanian military is working in conjunction with the Mozambique Army to capture and bring these assailants to justice.
Beyond these rare attacks, Tanzania is not only a generally safe and peaceful nation, but takes in refugees from neighboring countries, as UNICEF considers Tanzania a safe haven. Refugee camps near Kigoma continue to care for those fleeing violence from neighboring nations. This is one of the reasons why, out of all East African destinations, Tanzania has quickly grown into the most popular destination for safari goers.
The claim that Tanzania is a country where LGBTQ individuals may face targeting is inaccurate. For instance, well-known LGBTQ couples, such as Ellen DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi, have publicly shared their experiences while visiting Tanzania, including their time at Serengeti National Park in 2018.
This misconception seems to stem from a misunderstanding of Tanzania’s conservative culture. Generally, expressions of intimacy and love are considered private matters in Tanzanian society, and public displays of affection are uncommon among both heterosexual and LGBTQ couples. Such displays are often frowned upon in Tanzania, not out of discrimination but because they are seen as inappropriate in this conservative context.
With this in mind, we can confidently state that during our time in Tanzania, we have never witnessed a tourist being mistreated based on their sexual orientation. As long as common standards of decency are respected, no one should face trouble because of their partner preference.
Yes, it truly is! Just ask the travelers from Roots and Routes Africa who have recently explored the breathtaking wonders of Kilimanjaro, the enchanting safari parks, and countless other remarkable locations throughout Tanzania. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated Travel Consultants. We are passionate about Tanzania and firmly believe that it is not only a safe country to visit but also one of the most stunning, natural, and fascinating destinations in the world! Don’t let misleading information deter you from embarking on the adventure of a lifetime in East Africa.
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