Tanzania’s main safari areas, including the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire, are well managed and see very few incidents involving visitors on guided trips. However, government travel advice for Tanzania changed after unrest around the October 2025 general election, so check your government’s current advisory before you book and again before you travel.
This guide explains what to check, how safety differs between safari areas and cities, and how a well-planned luxury safari reduces risk. It is reviewed every quarter. For trip ideas, see our luxury Tanzania safari itineraries.
Last reviewed: September 2026. This is general guidance, not official travel advice.
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What happened in late 2025
After the general election on 29 October 2025, there were protests and unrest in several Tanzanian cities, and internet access was restricted for a period. The US Embassy announced that the US travel advisory for Tanzania had been raised to Level 3 (“Reconsider travel”) in response.
Advisory levels can change quickly in either direction. Always read the current advice rather than relying on articles, including this one.
Where to check current advice
| Country | Where to check |
|---|---|
| United States | travel.state.gov: Tanzania travel advisory |
| United Kingdom | gov.uk: Foreign travel advice, Tanzania |
| Australia | smartraveller.gov.au: Tanzania |
| Canada | travel.gc.ca: Tanzania |
Look beyond the headline level. Advisories often explain which regions or situations are affected, and whether national parks and Zanzibar are treated differently from cities.
Check that your travel insurance covers you under the advisory level in force on your travel dates. Some policies don’t cover travel against official advice.
Safari areas vs cities
Most risk for visitors in Tanzania comes from cities and from unplanned travel, not from the parks.
- National parks and private reserves. Access is controlled, visitors are with professional guides, and lodges have their own security. Incidents involving visitors are rare.
- Arusha and Dar es Salaam. Petty crime such as bag snatching happens, and protests can occur. On a luxury safari, you are usually met at the airport and spend little unsupervised time in cities.
- Zanzibar. Generally calm for visitors. Take normal care in Stone Town at night. See our Zanzibar resorts guide.
How a luxury safari reduces risk
- Airport meet-and-greet and private transfers, so you are never looking for a taxi.
- Light-aircraft flights between airstrips, which avoid long road journeys and city centres.
- Experienced guides who know the parks, the wildlife and the rules.
- 24-hour ground support from the local operator, who can change plans at short notice.
- Flexible booking terms. Ask about change and cancellation terms if the situation changes.
Wildlife and health safety
- Wildlife. Follow your guide’s instructions, stay in the vehicle unless told otherwise, and never walk alone at night in unfenced camps. Staff escort guests after dark.
- Malaria. Tanzania’s safari areas are malarial. Talk to a travel doctor about antimalarials, and use repellent. If malaria is a concern for your family, see malaria-free family safaris.
- Vaccinations. Check current requirements, including yellow fever rules if you are arriving from certain countries.
- Medical evacuation. Take out insurance that covers evacuation. Many operators also recommend Flying Doctors cover.
Should you still book?
Luxury travellers book Tanzania safaris 9 to 18 months ahead. If you are planning for 2027:
- Read the current official advice and check it again before paying the balance.
- Choose flexible terms and good travel insurance.
- Keep an alternative in mind, such as Botswana or Kenya’s Masai Mara conservancies.
We will give you an honest view of the current situation when you enquire.
FAQs
Is it safe to go on safari in Tanzania?
Guided safaris in Tanzania’s national parks and private reserves have a strong safety record. Check current government advice before you book, as it changed after the October 2025 election.
Is the Serengeti safe?
The Serengeti is well patrolled and visitors travel with professional guides. Wildlife rules and camp procedures keep guests safe.
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally calm for visitors. Take normal precautions in Stone Town at night and check official advice before travel.
What happens if the situation changes before my trip?
Speak to your safari planner about options to change dates or destinations, and check what your travel insurance covers.
Talk to us
We can share the latest on-the-ground picture from our partners in Tanzania. See our luxury Tanzania safari itineraries or ask us below.
