Health and Safety Tips for Safari Travelers in Tanzania: When traveling to Africa, Health and Safety are a priority and a must think about. Tanzania is generally a safe, hassle-free country, however, this does not mean it has no share of its own crime and safety concerns. You still need to take the usual safety precautions and keep up with local travel advisories to ensure your safety while on safaris in Tanzania. If you are wondering how you can stay safe during your Tanzania safari, here are the Best Tips for Safari Travelers in Tanzania.
Our complete guide here is a compilation of different safety precautions and measures that have been provided to our past travelers, approved by their successful and safe tours in Tanzania. Although we provide these Tips for Safari Travelers in Tanzania, the Ultimatum of safety on safari in Tanzania still remains with travelers since its them who either chose or do not choose to adhere to our tips and guidelines.
Here is how you can stay safe on a safari in Tanzania; How to Stay safe in Tanzania during safaris
Avoid isolated areas, especially remote stretches of beach or at city centers.
Do not walk alone at night in cities and tourist areas. We recommend taking a taxi at night and only from established taxi ranks or hotels. Also, be kin while booking a taxi, never enter a taxi that already has someone else in it other than the driver.
If you are planning to use public transport in Tanzania, don’t accept drinks or food from someone you don’t know. Take requests for donation support from ‘refugees’ or ‘students’ with a pinch of salt since contributions to humanitarian causes are best done through an established agency in Tanzania. You can also do further research before you donate.
We recommend being vigilant and sceptical of anyone who approaches you on the street, at the bus station, or in your hotel, offering safari deals or claiming to know you. To avoid such scenarios, we recommend booking your safari with a well-established tour operator.
Be mindful when traveling to some areas of the country, especially the no-go areas like western Tanzania, especially along the Burundi border where there are sporadic outbursts of banditry and political unrest. We recommend being updated and seeking travel advise before you visit such areas.
Pack your luggage very well, with your valuables well-hidden under your clothes – when arriving at a major bus station for the first time. Before booking a taxi, try to spot the taxi rank. Walk with purpose. If you are planning to use a bus while in Tanzania, it is recommended to buy your bus tickets a day or two in advance (without your luggage).
To avoid attracting unnecessary attention, carry your passport, money, and other documents in a pouch against your skin, hidden under loose-fitting clothing. You can also secure your valuables in a hotel safe and ideally inside a pouch with a lockable zip to prevent tampering. Money belts are best recommended for carrying money while on safari.
In case you are traveling by car keep your car windows closed at all times unless if stopped by a traffic officer. While in traffic, keep your bags out of sight (e.g. on the floor behind your legs).
When negotiating prices it is recommended to keep your wallet not exposed or visible since it may attract attention or cause temptation.
Before you embark on your safari tour, check out different Government travel advisories for updated security information.
The Ultimate Dos and Don’ts
The Dos
- Listen to your guide at all times
- Be respectful to the locals
- Cary along with sunscreen at all times
- Bring quality sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Pack appropriately for your safari
When choosing attire for your safari, pack long-sleeved, lightweight shirts and long pants with closed-toe shoes in the evenings. This kind of clothing will protect you from nasty insect bites during safaris.
The Don’ts
While in safari areas like National Parks, never step out of your safari vehicle unless told by your guide.
Avoid walking alone at night in wildlife areas
Don’t make any sharp movements when you’re close to an animal.
Don’t wear dark-colored (black, dark blue) clothing during the day.
