Is Tanzania safe for solo female travelers?

Just as it did hundreds of years ago, Tanzania continues to attract travelers from around the world with its rich history, azure shores, and unique, nearly untouched wildlife. Today it is a democratic secular state in East Africa. Unlike many other destinations in Africa, Tanzania is generally not affected by dangers such as human trafficking, piracy, or high criminal activity.

Nevertheless, as a country with a developing economy and high levels of poverty, questions arise about its safety for tourists, particularly for women traveling alone. This article by Altezza Travel explores how safe Tanzania is for solo female travelers, the potential risks, and the necessary precautions.

Tanzania on the Global Peace Index

"Avoid walking alone at night," "stay away from empty streets and alleys," "if you hear screams, walk in the opposite direction," "if a situation gets out of control, call the police." These recommendations might sound alarming, but they are the same for those traveling to Paris or New York. Similar advice can be found in guides to Ottawa, Berlin, Rome, Sydney, and other world capitals.

Tanzania is considered one of the safest countries in Africa, outperforming many more popular tourist destinations on other continents. This has been confirmed multiple times by reputable research centers, including the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), whose analytical reports are referenced by governments and international organizations like the World Bank and the United Nations.

One of IEP's latest works, the 2024 Global Peace Index, covers 163 countries that account for 99.7% of the world's population. The index is based on 23 indicators that directly or indirectly affect social, economic, and political stability. In this ranking, Tanzania is positioned at 65th place, significantly ahead of not only more popular charter destinations like Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Turkey, Thailand, and Egypt, but even the USA, France, China, India, and Brazil.

Understanding the significant potential of the tourism sector and its impact on the economy, the Tanzanian government pays special attention to the development of the industry and public safety. For example, in May this year, the government announced plans to install 6,500 AI-equipped surveillance cameras in four major cities—Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Mwanza. Along with other measures aimed at developing human capital and improving living standards, Tanzania's rising prominence, as noted by the World Bank, suggests that several countries may soon need to cede their positions in global rankings in favor of Tanzania.

Tips for solo female travelers in Tanzania

No country in the world, even one with such hospitable people, can be considered 100% safe. While in Tanzania, there’s no need to hire security for walks or rush back to the hotel before dark, but caution and common sense should not be overshadowed by the carefree attitude that many tourists have.

What you need to know before traveling to Tanzania as a solo traveler

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months before it expires. Also, you will likely need a visa to enter the country, which can be obtained either online in advance or upon arrival by paying the fee in US dollars. 
• Choose reputable tour operators who can arrange transfers and accommodations in a good hotel. If you plan to travel independently, select a hotel located as close as possible to central city areas and main attractions.
• At the airport, it’s best to order a taxi through an app like Uber (available only in Dar es Salaam) or hire a car at a designated counter. Avoid using private drivers or hitchhiking, especially at night. 
• Upon arrival, consider purchasing a local SIM card. Many hotels and restaurants offer Wi-Fi, but it’s good to stay connected outside of these areas.
• You may not always be able to pay with a card in Tanzania. To avoid any unpleasant situations, always carry enough cash. Keep in mind that tips are customary everywhere, from safari drives to restaurants.

Local laws and cultural traditions in Tanzania

• In cities and densely populated regions, most residents practice Christianity and Islam, while traditional African religions are widespread in provinces and villages. Often, they represent a blend of conservative tenets and superstitions. During your travels, you will likely encounter representatives of different faiths and ethnic groups whom you may want to photograph. To avoid conflicts, always ask for permission first. The same applies to religious cults and sacred sites.
• It’s also best not to photograph police stations, military, or other protected government facilities. Your actions may be deemed suspicious, and questions from law enforcement would be unavoidable.
• Choose modest and covered clothing. Keep in mind that a third of the country's population practices Islam. In Zanzibar, 99% of the residents are Muslim. There is no strict dress code for female tourists in Tanzania, but as a sign of respect for the culture and traditions, it is best to cover your shoulders and knees.
• Consuming alcoholic beverages, driving under the influence, smoking in public places, as well as the possession and use of drugs, are prohibited. Public displays of affection should best be avoided.
• Tanzania is the only country in the world that has dedicated more than a quarter of its territory to wildlife reserves and national parks. The local government places great importance on ecology and nature conservation. Campfires are allowed only in designated areas, and depending on the season and fire risk levels, a complete ban may be imposed. This ban, by the way, also applies to the use of plastic bags.

Tanzania Travel Advice & Safety

• It’s better to leave valuable items and documents in the hotel safe. An alternative could be a suitcase with a combination lock or a storage facility. Carrying a bank card, a small amount of cash, a phone, a copy of your passport, or a voucher with you is more than enough.
• Gadgets and wallets always attract attention. Do not keep them in plain sight and store them in inner or well-secured pockets. This is especially important when using public transportation or in crowded places.
• While walking around the city, stay on the right side of the street, as it is the side facing oncoming traffic. Snatching bags from the back by motorbike is a common type of theft in many cities around the world.
• Remote and residential areas, empty streets, and beaches are not the best way to get to know the country, especially at night. Exploring the countryside after dark as a solo female traveler might not be the best idea. If you plan to stay out late, arrange for return transfers with the hotel staff in advance or use official taxi services.
• In Tanzania, hitchhiking is quite common, and many truck and bus drivers agree to give tourists a lift. This, of course, is not the most preferred mode of transportation for solo female travelers in the country, but if you decide to try it, here are a few recommendations: refrain from such trips at night, as it can be dangerous even due to the lack of lighting on the road. Outside major cities, not everyone speaks English, so learn a few phrases in Swahili in advance. Discuss the terms of the trip with the driver beforehand, but even if he asks for payment, it is usually no more than three to five dollars. And yes, when outside the city, don't forget that you are in Africa, where encountering wild animals is not a matter of probability, but time.
• All excursions and safari tours should be purchased only from reliable operators. Such operators do not sell their services on the streets, do not drop their prices to the minimum, have many positive reviews online, customer support, and professional guides. Only in this case will your trip be comfortable and safe and not spoil the overall impression of the trip.

A solo female traveler's guide to Tanzania

By adhering to basic safety measures, Tanzania becomes the best place for solo travel. Here, you will discover the opportunity to visit unique safari parks, conquer the highest point of the continent, and see the ruins of ancient cities that were once major trading centers in the East. Our guide highlights the most interesting corners of this amazing country.

Serengeti National Park

The iconic Serengeti National Park is a world-famous National Park renowned for its wildlife diversity and natural beauty. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists come here to witness one of the most impressive natural phenomena on the planet: the Great Wildebeest Migration. The park is home to about two million ungulates, lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and about 500 species of birds.

Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area

Ngorongoro is a truly unique place with the world-famous giant crater of an ancient volcano. Here, you can observe not only the big African five: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes but also hundreds of other unique animals. It is considered one of the most beautiful safari parks in the world.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Climbing the highest point on the African continent, 5,895 meters (19340 feet), is perhaps the best experience for adventure lovers and those seeking lifelong memories. Every year, over 5,000 people, most of whom (about 55%) travel alone, and about half of them are women, reach the summit of the volcano with the Altezza Travel team. This doesn’t mean they ascend alone, though. With 10 years of experience organizing group climbs, we guarantee comfortable and safe conditions for all expedition participants. All you need is the right mindset and good physical fitness. Experiencing Kilimanjaro is a fantastic option for a solo traveler. You can assess your chances of conquering Kilimanjaro using our climb success rate calculator.

Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara Ruins

As promised, the ruins of ancient trading cities. The remains of Kilwa Kisiwani date back to the 10th century, while Songo Mnara is from the 14th century. The tour includes walks among the once-majestic palaces, bustling city squares, apartment buildings, and even a prison built on the site of a Portuguese fleet.

Island Getaways

Tanzania offers a wide range of options for beach vacations. For example, Zanzibar boasts a wide selection of hotels, a rich cultural program, including visits to Stone Town, and an active nightlife. Mafia Island is perfect for a more tranquil vacation with opportunities for diving, birdwatching (over 120 species), and a chance to see whale sharks. Pemba Island is known for the best massages and spa treatments at The Aiyana Resort & Spa. Thanda Island is ideal for those seeking a secluded retreat in the truest sense—there’s only one hotel here, meant for a single group of guests.