Tanzania General Safety Tips

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGES ARE MADE ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS, PLEASE CONTACT YOU NEAREST TANZANIA EMBASSY FOR MORE ACCURATE VISA POSTING AND UPDATES

UYAPHI SAFARIS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGES IN GOVERNMENT POLICY, SHOULD CHANGES TO THE BELOW OCCUR!

'A guide on basic safety practices while on safari and or in the African bush'

Tanzania Safety Tips:

If you're on a mobile, packaged safari and/ or tour, encountering safety risks are minimal - tour operators make it their business to know the areas they travel to so risk is kept to a minimum.

Try not to travel alone, always keep to small groups, never hitch hike or get a lift from a stranger when you are on your own. Always read the local news and keep up to date on current happenings around the world and in Africa.

Websites like www.news24.com, www.iafrica.com,www.africanews.org and www.iol.co.za are updated with top stories almost hourly.
Ask a few locals to give you a run-down on all safe and unsafe areas, dress codes as well as areas where the tourist are.

Safety Rules within Cities:

The central areas of the larger cities (e.g. Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar) have a criminal element that preys on unwary tourists! Do not walk alone in apparently deserted places especially at night; wherever possible walk with a group. Be on the look out for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Do not carry more cash than required. Do not wear jewellery. Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes. Don't carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities. Keep a photocopy of the first few pages of your passport, visas and air tickets, separately from the original documents. Beware of thieves posing as police officers.

Safety on Roads:

When driving in Africa there are a few simple rules, drive carefully and slowly (speed kills), remember animals and humans can cross the road at any time (quite often just in front of you), try never to drive at night, stay alert as roads are often poorly maintained and pot holes are to be found. Another fairly common occurrence are vehicles with missing headlights. Always wear you seat belts. If you are renting a car, keep the doors and windows locked while driving in the major cities. Car-jacking occurs fairly regularly but may not end in violence as long as you comply with demands made.

Political Unrest in Tanzania:

Political tension on Zanzibar and Pemba can be extremely high. In the past, riot police have clashed violently with demonstrators on several occasions, and a number of small explosions have occurred on Zanzibar and Pemba islands, as well as on the mainland. U.S. citizens are reminded that violent demonstrations and bombings could recur with little warning. To avoid potential violence, travelers should maintain a high level of security vigilance at all times and avoid political rallies and related public gatherings.

Political demonstrations and civil unrest occur intermittently in Zanzibar. Small-scale attacks, possibly linked to religious or political extremists, have occurred sporadically since 2000. Throughout the spring of 2004, a series of small explosive devices exploded in and around Stonetown. Some attacks have occurred in tourist areas, such as bars or restaurants where alcohol is served. The most recent series of attacks caused minimal damage and no injuries. Historically, political conflict on Zanzibar has increased during electoral campaigns, and in the immediate aftermath of an election. Tanzania will have general elections on October 30, 2005. Travelers to the area should monitor the situation, and take care to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, especially on Zanzibar.

The area near Tanzania's borders with Rwanda and Burundi has been the site of minor military clashes, and refugee flows across the borders into Tanzania continue. There have been a number of incidents of criminal and violent activity in the region. Travelers to this area should exercise caution. U.S. officials when traveling near the border with Rwanda, following UN security procedures, may request police escorts on parts of the Rusomo to Kahama road because of an increase in armed bandit attacks.

On August 7, 1998, terrorists bombed the U.S. Embassy in Dar Es Salaam. The United States has had excellent cooperation with Tanzanian police and security forces since the bombing. However, Tanzania's borders remain porous, and tourists should remain aware of their surroundings.

Generally people are very friendly towards tourists in Tanzania and you will be humbled by their hospitality. However, poverty is rampant in Tanzania and you will soon realize that you are far richer and more fortunate than most local people you meet. You will probably attract your fair share of souvenir hawkers and beggars, but try and take the time to meet ordinary people going about their day to day business too. The experience will be worth it. Don't be afraid to step out of that tour bus, just take some precautions. Stay aware of what's going on around you, you have a good chance of enjoying a problem-free safari!

Safety on Safari:

Always listen to your guide!

When visiting wildlife areas do not walk into the bush without your guide!

Do not approach any wild animals: It is dangerous!

Do not swim in any rivers (presence of crocodiles and hippo's)!

Never feed any animals, however inquisitive they may appear to be!