Yes, most tourists can visit Tanzania safely with sensible precautions. The UK government (advice updated 20 October 2026) warns against all but essential travel only within 20 km of the Mozambique border, far from Zanzibar, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The real risks are petty crime, road travel, protests and malaria.
Last updated: 28 October 2026. Prices checked against the live trip pages on lekobeadventures.com.
If you are planning a Zanzibar beach holiday or a Tanzania safari, it is normal to ask whether the country is safe right now. This guide sums up what official government advice actually says, what the specific risks look like on Zanzibar and on safari, and the practical steps that keep a trip smooth. We are a Zanzibar-based safari operator, so we also explain how our trips are set up, with prices taken from our live trip pages.
What official travel advice says about Tanzania
Safety advice changes, so the most reliable starting point is your own government’s travel advice. Your travel insurance can depend on it too: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) states that your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against its advice.
UK FCDO advice (USA, UK and European travellers often use it as a benchmark)
According to the FCDO Tanzania travel advice (updated 20 October 2026), the only area it advises against all but essential travel to is any area within 20 km of the border with the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique, because of attacks by groups linked with Islamic extremism. That is in the far south-east of the mainland. Zanzibar, Arusha, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Mikumi and Nyerere are not in that zone.
The FCDO also reminds travellers that no travel can be guaranteed safe, that terrorist attacks in Tanzania cannot be ruled out, and that attacks could happen in places visited by foreigners, such as hotels, transport hubs and crowded places.
US State Department and other governments
American travellers should read the current US State Department Tanzania travel advisory, which uses a numbered level system. If you live in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Poland or elsewhere in Europe, check your own foreign ministry as well, because levels and wording differ between governments and can change quickly.
Protests and the 29 October election anniversary
Tanzania held a general election on 29 October 2025. The FCDO’s safety and security page says protests after that election and the security response led to fatalities and injuries in many areas of mainland Tanzania, and that further demonstrations are possible at any time. Its latest update adds information about the risk of protests on 29 October, the first anniversary. The advice is clear:
- Stay away from all demonstrations, rallies and large crowds, and leave the area if protests start nearby.
- Do not photograph or film protests or violence. The FCDO says this is illegal in Tanzania.
- Keep some cash on hand. The FCDO notes that cash and fuel shortages were reported during the unrest after the 2025 election.
- If you are travelling around a sensitive date, keep in touch with your operator and hotel so plans can be adjusted.
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is where most of our guests start and end their holiday. Most visits are relaxed, but the FCDO notes that crime incidents have taken place in Stone Town, at hotels and on popular tourist beaches across the island, and that assaults against foreigners have occurred, including at beach resorts. Sensible habits make a big difference. For more on the island itself, see our Zanzibar Island destination guide.
Crime and everyday precautions
- Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewellery and watches in public.
- Bag snatching from cars and motorbikes is a known tactic, so carry bags on the side away from the road.
- Avoid walking alone on beaches or in quiet streets after dark, and never leave a drink unattended.
- Use pre-arranged transfers or licensed taxis rather than accepting rides from strangers.
Local laws and culture
Zanzibar is a conservative, mainly Muslim island. The FCDO says Zanzibari authorities can fine visitors US$700 or more for inappropriate clothing in public, so cover shoulders and knees away from the beach and your hotel. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public outside hotels and restaurants. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Tanzania, including Zanzibar, and public displays of affection can lead to arrest, which LGBT+ travellers should weigh carefully.
Ferries and mandatory insurance
If you take a ferry between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, the FCDO advises not to board a vessel that looks overloaded or unseaworthy, and to beware of aggressive ticket touts at ports. Most visitors must also buy government-provided inbound travel insurance; if Zanzibar is your first port of entry, it comes from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. Our guide to mandatory inbound travel insurance for Zanzibar explains the process.
Is it safe to go on safari in Tanzania?
For most travellers the safari itself is the most controlled part of the trip. You spend the day in a vehicle with a professional driver-guide, inside national parks with rules designed to protect both visitors and wildlife. The main things to understand are wildlife behaviour, roads and who you book with.
Follow your guide and the park rules
The FCDO advises always following park regulations and the advice of wardens. In practice that means staying inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe to get out, keeping noise down near animals and never feeding wildlife. Your guide knows the animals’ behaviour and keeps a safe distance.
Road travel is the bigger risk
The FCDO describes Tanzanian roads as dangerous, with serious accidents common, and advises against driving outside major towns at night. It also notes that dirt roads inside national parks can become hazardous after heavy rain. This is one reason many Zanzibar visitors choose a fly-in safari: a short flight replaces a long road transfer, and drives happen in daylight with an experienced driver.
Never buy a safari from a tout
The FCDO specifically warns: do not buy safari tours from touts. Book with an established operator that gives you a written itinerary, clear inclusions and a direct contact. If you are still deciding on a format, our comparison of shared vs private safaris in Tanzania explains the trade-offs.
Health safety: malaria, vaccinations and Ebola screening
Health preparation matters as much as security. According to the UK’s TravelHealthPro Tanzania page, there is a high risk of malaria in all areas of Tanzania below 1,800 m, including Zanzibar, and antimalarial tablets are recommended. Travellers who develop a fever of 38°C (100°F) or higher more than a week after being in a risk area, or within a year of return, should seek medical care immediately.
- Malaria: see a travel clinic well before departure, use repellent and sleep under a net where provided.
- Yellow fever: a vaccination certificate is required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. See our Tanzania travel requirements guide.
- Ebola screening: the FCDO entry requirements page says Tanzania’s Ministry of Health has stricter screening at all points of entry for travellers from high-risk areas, and all travellers must complete the Travellers Health Surveillance Form.
Tanzania safety at a glance
| Risk | Where it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Petty crime and bag snatching | Stone Town, beaches, towns | Carry little cash, keep valuables hidden, use arranged transport |
| Protests | Mainland cities, around 29 October | Avoid crowds, do not film protests, follow operator updates |
| Road accidents | Long-distance roads, night driving | Fly where possible, travel by day with a professional driver |
| Wildlife | National parks | Stay in the vehicle, follow your guide and park rules |
| Malaria | Everywhere below 1,800 m, including Zanzibar | Antimalarials, repellent, nets |
| Dress code and local laws | Zanzibar outside resorts | Cover shoulders and knees, respect Ramadan customs |
| Border security | Within 20 km of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado border | FCDO advises against all but essential travel |
Safer ways to safari from Zanzibar: our trips and prices
Every trip below includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Zanzibar, park fees for non-residents, a professional driver-guide and all taxes. All transportation in the day-by-day itinerary is included. Prices are “from” prices per adult; your final quote depends on group size, travel dates and accommodation.
| Trip | Duration | Format | From (USD per adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Fly-in Shared Safari to Nyerere NP | 1 day, 5:00 am pick-up, back around 6:00 pm | Shared, fly-in | $460 |
| 1-Day Private Safari to Mikumi NP | 1 day, 5:00 am pick-up, back around 4:30 pm | Private, fly-in | $550 |
| 2-Day Safari to Tarangire NP & Ngorongoro | 2 days, 1 night | Private, mid-range, flights included | $1,186 |
| 3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Fly-in | 3 days, 2 nights | Private, mid-range, flights included | $2,068 |
| 5-Day Zanzibar Beach Holiday Adventure | 5 days, 4 nights | Private, mid-range island tour | $1,210 |
Not included: international flights, travel insurance, visa fees, drinks and tips (our guideline is US$10 per person per day). For a full cost breakdown, read our guide to the cost of a safari from Zanzibar, and explore the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater destination pages.
Practical safety checklist before you fly
- Read your government’s latest Tanzania advice the week you travel, and again the day before.
- Buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers safari activities and medical evacuation, plus the mandatory inbound policy.
- Apply for your e-visa in advance and carry proof of an onward or return ticket.
- Complete the Travellers Health Surveillance Form and pack your antimalarials.
- Share your itinerary and your operator’s WhatsApp number with family at home.
- Pack modest clothing for Stone Town and village visits.
Our safari packing guide has a full list of what to bring.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tanzania safe to visit right now?
For most tourists, yes, with precautions. As of the FCDO’s 20 October 2026 update, the UK advises against all but essential travel only within 20 km of the Mozambique border. It also warns about possible protests, including around 29 October. Check your own government’s advice shortly before you travel and avoid demonstrations.
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally a relaxed holiday destination, but petty crime does happen in Stone Town, at hotels and on popular beaches. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid lonely beaches after dark, dress modestly away from resorts and use arranged transfers. Most visitors also need the mandatory Zanzibar inbound travel insurance.
Is it safe to go on safari in Tanzania?
Safaris are among the most structured parts of a Tanzania trip. You travel with a professional driver-guide, stay inside the vehicle unless told otherwise and follow park rules. The bigger risk is road travel, which is why many Zanzibar visitors choose fly-in safaris and daytime driving with an experienced operator.
Is Tanzania safe for solo female travellers?
Solo women do travel in Tanzania, but the FCDO notes that assaults against foreigners have occurred, including at beach resorts. Dress modestly, avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink and book transport in advance. A private guided safari adds structure; note that some private trips require at least two travellers.
Do I need malaria tablets for Zanzibar?
Yes. TravelHealthPro lists a high risk of malaria in all areas of Tanzania below 1,800 m, including Zanzibar, and recommends antimalarial tablets. See a travel clinic several weeks before departure, use insect repellent and seek medical care quickly if you develop a fever during or after your trip.
Plan a safe Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday with Lekobe
We are based in Zanzibar and run every trip with professional driver-guides, hotel pick-ups and clear written itineraries, so you always know who is looking after you. Tell us your dates, group size and budget and we will suggest the right safari, then keep you updated if travel advice changes before you go.
- WhatsApp or call: +255 676 68 1293
- Email: info@lekobeadventures.com
- Or use the enquiry form on any trip page, such as the 3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Fly-in from Zanzibar.
