Yes, for most travellers a Tanzania safari is a safe trip, and it is one of the most supervised kinds of travel there is: you have a private vehicle, a professional guide and staffed lodges, mostly in remote national parks far from big cities. That does not mean there is nothing to think about. Here is what we tell our own guests.
Check the official travel advice first
Tanzania's general election in October 2025 was followed by several days of unrest, mainly in Dar es Salaam, with curfews and internet restrictions. Several governments raised their travel advice at the time and have updated it since. Before you book, and again before you fly, read your own government's current advice, for example the US State Department or the UK Foreign Office pages for Tanzania.
Advisories single out the Mtwara Region near the Mozambique border, in the far south-east, as the area with the highest risk. It is a long way from the northern safari circuit, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Wherever you are, avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.
In towns: normal city sense
- Do not walk around Arusha or Stone Town after dark; we drive you
- Keep phones, cameras and cash out of sight in busy places
- Use the lodge safe and carry a copy of your passport
- Only use transport arranged by us or your hotel
On game drives and in camp
Wildlife incidents with tourists are very rare when the rules are followed, and your guide knows them well.
- Stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe to get out
- Keep your voice low and never feed animals
- In unfenced camps, walk with a staff escort after dark
- Zip your tent and follow the camp briefing
On the roads
The biggest everyday risk on any safari is the road. Our drivers know the northern circuit well, drive in solid 4×4 Land Cruisers, keep in radio and phone contact with our Arusha office, and plan the day so that we do not drive between parks after dark.
Health
- Ask your doctor about malaria tablets; northern Tanzania and Zanzibar are malaria areas
- Bring a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from or through a yellow fever country
- Drink bottled or filtered water, which we provide in the vehicle
- Take travel insurance that covers medical evacuation; the best hospitals in the north are in Arusha
Solo women and LGBTQ+ travellers
Women travelling alone are very welcome, and our guides look after every guest like family. For LGBTQ+ travellers, be aware that same-sex relationships are illegal in Tanzania and official advice recommends discretion, including avoiding public displays of affection. Our team will plan quietly and respectfully with you.
How we look after you
- Met at the airport and driven everywhere by our own team
- Private vehicle and guide, never shared with strangers
- Our Arusha office on WhatsApp every day of your trip
- Lodges and camps we know personally
Questions about a specific date or route? Message us on WhatsApp and we will give you a straight answer.
Ready to plan?
Tell us your dates and travel style and we will shape a route around them.
