Is It Safe To Travel To Tanzania in 2026?

Your Safety Is Our Priority at Glitzy Safaris

Is Tanzania safe for tourists? Absolutely! At Glitzy Safaris, nothing matters more to us than the wellbeing of our guests. We would never send you somewhere we haven’t personally explored and verified ourselves.

Our experienced team has spent years traveling throughout Tanzania, building relationships with local partners, and gaining intimate knowledge of every destination we recommend. We live by a simple philosophy: we only share what we know firsthand. With round-the-clock support from our safari specialists, you’ll have expert guidance from the moment you arrive until you return home safely.

While Tanzania is an exceptionally safe destination for international visitors, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to give you complete confidence as you plan your East African adventure.

How Safe Is Tanzania For Travel?

Tanzania ranks among Africa’s safest and most welcoming countries for tourists. With nearly 1.5 million visitors in 2022—a remarkable 64% increase from the previous year—Tanzania has established itself as one of the continent’s premier safari destinations, attracting wildlife enthusiasts from every corner of the globe.

Here’s an important perspective: when you’re on safari in Tanzania, you’ll spend most of your time in protected national parks and private reserves, far removed from urban environments. Even when you overnight in cities like Dar es Salaam or Arusha, there’s minimal cause for concern when you follow basic precautions such as securing valuables in your room safe and avoiding late-night walks alone.

As with traveling anywhere unfamiliar, practicing common-sense safety measures is always wise. We recommend researching Tanzania’s current situation before your trip to ensure you feel completely comfortable with your decision. The advantage of booking with Glitzy Safaris is having dedicated experts available whenever you need advice or reassurance.

Is Tanzania Safe For Americans And Other Nationalities?

Tanzania welcomes visitors of all nationalities with open arms. The safety concerns occasionally mentioned in travel advisories typically relate to specific non-tourist regions that you’ll never visit on your safari.

The areas included in Glitzy Safaris itineraries are low-risk zones that have safely hosted countless international guests. When you travel with a reputable company that possesses deep local knowledge and experience, your chances of encountering any safety issues are extremely low.

First-time safari travelers often have questions and concerns—that’s completely natural. Every trip involves some level of risk without proper planning and local expertise. This is why we encourage you to bring all your questions to our team. We’re here to provide honest, informed answers based on our extensive experience.

A word of caution: the internet contains considerable misinformation that can create unnecessary anxiety. While research is valuable, it’s easy to be misled. Thousands of travelers explore Tanzania’s incredible wilderness areas every year without incident. At Glitzy Safaris, our on-the-ground expertise ensures you receive accurate, trustworthy information.

What Are The Risks For Traveling To Tanzania?

While Tanzania’s tourism areas are remarkably safe, understanding what to expect helps you travel with confidence. Here are the key considerations:

Crime

Like cities worldwide, Tanzania’s urban areas experience some petty crime. In crowded spaces, particularly in larger cities, opportunistic theft can occur. Avoid displaying expensive items in public and store valuables in your room safe. Refrain from walking in cities after dark. However, these precautions only apply to urban areas—when you’re on safari, you’ll be treated with exceptional care and respect at every lodge and camp.

Border Areas

Despite misconceptions, terrorism is not a widespread concern in Tanzania. Any risk exists only in the far south along the Mozambican border. All tourist destinations and safari areas are located far from these regions, making this a negligible concern for visitors.

Public Transport

We strongly recommend avoiding public transportation in cities, as it’s neither the safest nor most convenient option. During your safari, you won’t need public transport—Glitzy Safaris arranges all transfers and provides excellent safari vehicles with professional drivers.

Wildlife

Tanzania’s magnificent wildlife poses no danger when you follow park regulations and guide instructions. Your professional guides are experts trained to keep you safe. Always respect their advice and adhere to park rules. Proper guidance ensures safe, thrilling wildlife encounters.

Natural Disasters

Tanzania experiences few natural disasters. The main consideration is seasonal flooding during heavy rains. Fortunately, Tanzania’s weather patterns are predictable, and our safari experts can advise you on optimal travel times to avoid any disruptions.

Food & Water

The luxury lodges and camps in our Glitzy Safaris itineraries serve exceptional, high-quality cuisine. From traditional Tanzanian dishes to international favorites with African flair, every meal is carefully prepared to exacting standards.

When exploring city streets, use your judgment regarding local food vendors and restaurants. Trust your instincts and avoid establishments that seem questionable.

Don’t drink tap water in Tanzania. Bottled water is widely available and provided at all lodges and camps.

Is Tanzania Safe For Female Travelers?

Yes, Tanzania is very safe for women traveling on safari, whether in groups or solo. Female travelers can explore with complete confidence.

Within national parks and private reserves, women are treated with utmost respect and professionalism by all staff members. The safari lodges and camps maintain high standards of security and hospitality.

Is Tanzania Safe For LGBTQ+ Travelers?

This question requires a nuanced answer. While Tanzania has laws against same-sex relationships and conservative social attitudes persist, LGBTQ+ travelers can enjoy safaris in Tanzania with appropriate discretion.

Tourist areas, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar’s beaches, have welcomed LGBTQ+ visitors from around the world. Safari lodges and tourist accommodations are typically welcoming and professional.

The key is exercising discretion and avoiding public displays of affection in local areas—a recommendation that applies to all couples, regardless of orientation. By being respectful of local customs in public spaces, LGBTQ+ travelers can have wonderful, safe experiences in Tanzania.

How Safe Is Zanzibar in 2026?

Zanzibar is exceptionally safe for international travelers. This stunning island paradise offers pristine beaches, luxury resorts, fascinating historical sites in Stone Town, and a perfect tropical escape.

Zanzibar is particularly popular among solo female travelers and women’s groups, and rightfully so. The island maintains good safety standards, though standard travel precautions apply as they would anywhere.

Is Dar Es Salaam Safe For Tourists?

Dar es Salaam is generally safe for visitors. Tanzania’s largest city and economic hub serves as the gateway to the country’s spectacular southern safari circuit. Many of Tanzania’s finest safaris begin here.

You’re unlikely to encounter problems in Dar es Salaam, which maintains reasonable safety levels. As with any major city worldwide, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against opportunistic theft.

Is Arusha Safe For Tourists?

Arusha is considered safe for tourists and offers numerous attractions, from game drives in Arusha National Park to peaceful walks through working coffee plantations. While you’re unlikely to experience any issues, maintaining sensible precautions is always advisable.

Essential Tanzania Health & Safety Tips

Keep these important points in mind when planning your Tanzanian adventure:

• Pack a travel first aid kit with basics plus anti-gastro and anti-nausea medication
• If taking prescription medications, verify they’re legal to bring into Tanzania and carry a doctor’s letter explaining what they’re for
• Obtain anti-malaria medication before departure, as malaria risk exists in Tanzania
• Bring plenty of insect repellent as an extra precaution
• Store valuables in your room safe and never leave belongings unattended
• Stay vigilant in cities and crowded areas where pickpocketing occasionally occurs
• All couples should avoid public displays of affection around locals, as Tanzanians hold conservative values
• Don’t walk alone in cities after dark—always travel with companions
• Tanzania prohibits single-use plastic bags, including in travelers’ luggage—avoid packing Ziploc bags or similar items

Ready To Book Your Tanzania Safari With Glitzy Safaris?

Contact our expert team at Glitzy Safaris to begin planning your safe, unforgettable Tanzanian adventure. With our extensive experience and local knowledge, we’ll craft a personalized itinerary that exceeds your expectations while prioritizing your safety and comfort every step of the way.