Tanzania SKETCH SCORE: 57/100Tanzania moved +9 this weekNo major changes since yesterday.Tanzania SKETCH SCORE: 57/100Tanzania moved +9 this weekNo major changes since yesterday.
Tanzania

Go with a plan.

No major changes since yesterday.

Verified Jul 12, 2026Confidence high▲ +9 this week
57Sketch Score
90-day trend

Governments, one trip

What they're telling their own citizens about Tanzania

The real score

The breakdown

56advisoryConsensus
48Political Stability
40Police Trust
48Health
93Crime
20LGBTQ+

See it from your perspective

57

Go with a plan.

The general Sketch Score, unweighted for any specific traveler.

Don't fall for it

Scams to know

Child pickpockets

Small children are often forced by adults to pickpocket tourists. Do not carry valuables in your pockets and keep camera equipment secured.

Taxi driver robbery

Taxi drivers occasionally rob passengers. Use only drivers recommended by your hotel or a trusted local contact.

Don't do this

Laws that jail tourists

Police report requirement

You must obtain a police report if documents are stolen to ensure you can leave the country. Ensure the report explicitly states your papers were taken.

Staying healthy

What to watch out for, health-wise

Active notices

  • • Global Polio
  • • Global Measles

Vaccines

Recommended:

From people who've been there

Local know-how

Staying safe

  • Theft: As in many impoverished countries, caution should always be exercised, particularly in tourist areas, such as Arusha, Stone Town (Zanzibar), and Dar es Salaam.
  • See specific area or city articles for details.
  • In general, avoid isolated areas, especially after dark.
  • The safest way to travel is by taxi with a driver you know, especially when it's dark out (late night or early morning).
  • Buses have infrequently been stopped by robbers on long-distance (often overnight) routes.
  • In the event of an incident, the police may or may not make a strong effort to identify the culprits, but obtaining a police report is necessary if you plan on filing an insurance claim later, or if important documents are stolen.

Staying healthy

  • Bottled water is cheap and widely available throughout the country.
  • Illnesses and diseases: As in most African countries, the AIDS/HIV infection rate is high.
  • After food-borne illnesses, malaria should be your greatest concern.
  • Prior to leaving for Tanzania, you may also wish to consult a physician about taking some anti-malarial medication -- before, during, and after your trip.

Adapted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA — edited by travelers, not us.

Right now

In the news the last few days

Real talk

What travelers actually say

Tanzania is a secure destination for travelers, particularly those on organized safari tours where staff prioritize tourist safety. While anxiety about personal security is common for first-time visitors, the reality is that the country is welcoming and protective of its guests. Solo female travelers find the environment comfortable, as locals are friendly without being intrusive. While the experience is rewarding, it is not a budget-friendly destination; park entrance fees are significant, and costs for food and souvenirs add up quickly. Whether you are driving through rural areas or visiting national parks, the infrastructure for tourism is well-managed, making it an ideal spot for those who prefer a structured, worry-free trip.

I booked a tour, I had never been to Africa and I was very worried about safety, especially with my camera. In hind site this was unnecessary, it was very safe and they are VERY protective of tourists.

— r/travel

I think Tanzania is an absolutely perfect travel destination for a solo female traveler. Everyone was friendly but not overly friendly, they were perfectly happy to let me do my own thing and chat in Swahili while I photographed birds.

— r/travel

Overall, I would highly recommend the serengeti to anyone who loves animals and has a tendency towards anxiety, they handle everything.

— r/travel

Pack this, know this

The little things that trip people up

🔌

Plug & voltage

D / G · 230V

🚗

Driving side

left

🚨

Emergency

police: 112 / ambulance: 114 / fire: 115

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Printable pre-trip checklist for Tanzania →