Is Tanzania safe to visit?

While frightening, robberies and attacks thankfully remain extremely rare in Tanzania, and the overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy their trips without incident. However, like anywhere in the world, crime exists in Tanzania. Tourists in any country are particularly susceptible because they may carry large amounts of cash and other valuable items, and are often unfamiliar with the local language, environment, and customs. We advise you to review the United States’ Department of State travel information page for Tanzania for travel and security information.

Common sense and some basic precautions are the best protection against becoming a crime victim during your visit.

PRACTICAL ADVICE WHEN ON FOOT
• Whether in cities, towns, or villages be conscious of your surroundings at all times;
• Do not walk alone, especially in isolated areas, on beaches, or after dark;
• Do not carry cameras or large sums of cash or wear expensive-looking jewelry or watches;
• When a situation feels threatening, follow your instincts and leave the scene;
• In the unfortunate circumstance of encountering thieves demanding money and valuables, hand over what they ask for and avoid violent confrontation;
• If you are the victim of a crime, report it immediately to the police and/or park officials; contact SENE as we will provide any needed assistance.

PRACTICAL ADVICE IN OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
• Use the hotel safe to store large amounts of cash and valuables;
• Never leave cash or valuables in your hotel room;
• Lock your door when you are not in your room;
• Lock your door when you are in your room;
• Know the procedure for contacting hotel staff in emergency.

SENE SECURITY MEASURES.
Through monitoring of public news reports and the alerts provided by the Tanzania National Park Authority and the Tanzania Tourist Board, SENE is aware of isolated incidents against tourists when and where they do occur. Using such information, SENE regularly assesses the security situation and revises itineraries if we determine that the existing program would put our guests at risk.

SENE mountain guides and safari drivers all carry radios or phones so they can be in contact with our main office in Moshi. When on safari our drivers travel only the main roads from Moshi to Arusha and the main roads into the safari parks. We travel only during daylight hours, except for the heavily trafficked road between Kilimanjaro International Airport and Moshi and Arusha Towns in the case of guests arriving on flights after sunset. We set up our overnight camps on Kilimanjaro and on safari only in official camp sites established by the Tanzania National Park Authority or at private, secure tourist camps.