Safety & Health Tips

This is the single most consistent piece of safety advice for Tanzania. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in cities, on beaches, and in unfamiliar areas. Use a taxi or hotel shuttle, even for short distances.

If you do go out at night, go with others, stick to well-lit areas, and let someone know where you’re going. Hotels can arrange reliable taxis.

Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash. Carry only what you need for the day. Keep phones and cameras out of sight when not in use, especially in busy markets, bus stations, and on public beaches.

Avoid flashy jewellery, expensive watches, and large visible sums of cash. Petty theft is opportunistic — don’t make yourself a target.

Traffic accidents are statistically the greatest risk to travelers in Tanzania. Roads can be poorly maintained, driving standards vary, and long-distance bus travel carries real risk.

For intercity travel, use reputable bus companies or fly where possible. On safari, always travel with a licensed driver-guide — self-driving is not recommended for most visitors.

Use taxis arranged through your hotel or a reputable ride-hailing app. Avoid unmarked taxis and shared minibuses (daladalas) unless you’re comfortable with local transport. Agree on the fare before getting in.

For airport transfers, book through your hotel or tour operator. Reputable drivers wait with name boards and are easier to verify.

Political gatherings, protests, and large crowds can turn unpredictable. If you see a crowd forming, move away. Monitor local news and heed any travel advisories from your embassy.

Zanzibar and the mainland occasionally see political activity around elections or sensitive dates — check before you travel if your trip coincides.

Dress modestly outside beach resorts, avoid displaying wealth, and don’t discuss your travel plans or accommodation details with strangers. Blend in as much as possible — this is standard travel advice, and it applies here.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Tanzania. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice in drinks outside reputable establishments. Most lodges and camps provide safe drinking water — bring a refillable bottle to top up.

For brushing your teeth, use bottled water if you’re not sure about the tap supply. This is a small precaution that avoids most stomach issues.

Food safety follows the usual travel rules: eat freshly cooked, hot food, avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit from street vendors, and be cautious with dairy products outside reputable establishments.

Street food is generally fine when it’s freshly cooked and hot. Use judgement — if a stall looks unclean or the food has been sitting out, skip it.

Tanzania is hot, and dehydration sneaks up on travelers — especially on safari, where you may spend hours in the sun. Drink more water than you think you need, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion.

Rehydration salts are useful to carry, especially in hot climates or if you have a sensitive stomach.

Malaria is present throughout Tanzania. Use repellent with DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk, and sleep under a mosquito net. Antimalarial tablets are strongly recommended — see our Health & Vaccinations guide.

Tanzania sits near the equator, and the sun is strong year-round — even on cloudy days. Use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and reapply throughout the day. Sunburn can ruin the first few days of a trip.

Pack painkillers, plasters, rehydration salts, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications. Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip, in original packaging with the prescription — some medications are controlled in Tanzania.