Travel advisories after Tanzania’s 2025 elections: Is it safe to visit in December?

Is it safe to visit Tanzania?

After the 29 October 2025 elections in Tanzania, the US, some EU countries, and several other governments updated their travel advisories. Some ask visitors to be more careful. Others recommend reconsidering travel. International media outlets, including the BBC, reported that disorder took place in certain crowded areas of Tanzania. These reports referenced Dar es Salaam and Arusha, the main gateway for safaris. 

The protests continued for several days after the elections, and a curfew was introduced for several days, with the internet restricted until 4 November. There has also been speculation that protests may return between 07 and 09 December, despite official statements that the situation is stable.

Understandably, this has caused concern among many travelers, including those with confirmed trips. We are sharing this update to explain what is happening in Tanzania right now in a clear and factual way.

Why you can trust our opinion

We understand that our perspective as a tour operator may seem biased because our work depends on visitors. Any disruption affects us, just as it did during COVID, and a long disruption could put us at real risk because no travelers means no income.

This leads some people to think that tour operators will say anything to keep travelers coming, even if that means downplaying risks. We believe this idea is wrong. One serious incident involving a visitor would harm a travel company far more than any short pause in operations. If someone is injured or killed during unrest, the company that brought the visitor to Tanzania faces severe damage to its reputation and serious legal consequences.

A responsible operator treats visitor safety with utmost care, perhaps even more so than any government. And as a certified B Corporation, we do not place profit above visitor safety.

What we observe on the ground right now

As of early December 2025, the situation looks the same as before. Our managers drive between Moshi and Arusha several times every day and see peaceful city life as usual. Our vehicles, as well as those of other operators, continue to move throughout Kilimanjaro, Arusha, and the national park areas, just as they have in the past. Souvenir shops, supermarkets, banks, restaurants, and other businesses are open as usual, flights and other transportation operate normally, and Mount Kilimanjaro trails remain busy.

Inside the national parks, everything has remained calm, even after protests in several large cities earlier. Many visitors did not even hear about the events until they returned home.

After living in Tanzania for more than 12 years, we have noticed one constant. People here are not inclined to use violence. Tourism is the country's most important industry, and almost every family has someone who works in it. There is a strong understanding that visitors support the economy. If visitors do not come tomorrow, many households will lose salaries and future opportunities.

These are not just our personal views. According to the Global Peace Index, which also reflects the chance of physical attack, Tanzania is ranked 73. France is ranked 74. The United States is ranked 128. In simple terms, a trip to Tanzania is statistically safer than a trip to the United States or France.

Large demonstrations also take place in many developed countries. In France, the Yellow Vest movement drew hundreds of thousands of people and included cases of violence. The same happened in the United States during the Capitol storming in 2021.

Why do media stories sound alarming?

As far as we know, no foreign media representatives came to Tanzania during these events. When they speak about large violent protests, they rely on interviews with protesters. Protesters want attention, so they naturally tend to overstate what is happening.

Several trusted international media groups also noted that reports from Tanzania required further verification. With no reporters on the ground, they could not confirm the information they received and clearly stated this.

Is Tanzania safe to visit in December 2025?

Like any country, Tanzania has normal travel risks. All airports operate normally. Flights are not cancelled, and roads remain open. There is a possibility of protests in large cities on 9 December. This does not affect travelers visiting the national parks or Kilimanjaro, as these areas are calm and far from city centres.

For those arriving to or departing from Tanzania between 8 and 10 December, we recommend keeping a close eye on updates from your airline about any potential flight schedule changes. If protests happen, roads near city centres may be closed, which could delay transfers. These potential disruptions are logistical rather than safety-related. Based on our observations, Tanzania remains safe to visit.

Why have some countries increased their advisories?

From our perspective, the advisories reflect hypothetical risks rather than the situation on the ground. National governments want to prevent their citizens from facing any trouble abroad, so they often raise advisory levels as a precaution.

Not all countries changed their guidance. The Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, and Austria have already returned to their usual pre-election advisory levels. The US, the UK, and Germany are the main exceptions. These countries are typically cautious, and we expect them to review their positions after Tanzania’s Independence Day on 09 December.

What if something happens on my trip to Tanzania?

In the very unlikely event that unrest takes place, we will act as we always do, elections or not. We will do everything within our control to keep our guests safe. 

For travelers staying in Arusha between 8 and 10 December, we have already upgraded hotels at our own cost. These hotels are closer to the city limits and near the safari exit points, so any protests in central areas will not affect their trips.

If actual protests and unrest occur in Tanzania, we will also temporarily ease our cancellation policy. Guests will receive a refund if their flight is cancelled by the airline, or if they cancel their trip on short notice due to confirmed risks posed by the unrest. Many hotels in Tanzania cannot cancel bookings without penalties. However, if date changes are due to protests in Tanzania, most hotels are willing to reschedule your stay to any future dates without any fees. If you prefer to postpone rather than cancel, we’ll handle all the arrangements for you.

Final note

We publish this statement independently, without trying to hide facts or silence concerns. Our intention is to explain the real situation and allow travelers to make informed decisions.

Right now, based on daily observations, Tanzania remains calm, functioning normally, and safe to visit. If that changes, we will inform our guests immediately and take action to protect them.

Want to know more about Tanzania adventures?

Get in touch with our team! We've explored all the top destinations across Tanzania. Our Kilimanjaro-based adventure consultants are ready to share tips and help you plan your unforgettable journey.

Discover more interesting articles