Is Tanzania Safe For Tourists? Exercising Caution For A Trip To Tanzania

The hiccups are not ending for the tourism industry of Tanzania. 

Despite being one of the best countries for exploring local cultures on an African Safari, Tanzania, the home to Masaai Culture, now faces threats such as an increasing crime rate, a ban on Air Tanzania from the EU Airspace, and now the Marburg Virus cases. 

So, the Tanzanian tourism, even after welcoming a record-breaking 5.36 million tourists in 2024, is now facing the question “Is Tanzania safe to for tourists?”

Now, we are in love with the Tanzania Safari Tours, and we even think that Tanzania is the best country in Africa to go on safari. 

However, we cannot ignore the rising safety concerns. So, in this Dream and Travel Guide, we will portray an objective picture of tourist safety in Tanzania.

Is Tanzania Safe For Tourists? Understanding The Current Tourism Landscape Of Tanzania

The rich cultural heritage and the amazing wildlife of Tanzania have always created a sense of intrigue among tourists. 

Also, the revenue of $4 billion in 2024 also vouches for how the tourism industry of the country is growing.

Further, the strategic involvement of the government has been a key force in taking Tanzanian tourism to great heights. 

In fact, Pindi Chana, the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism in Tanzania, has mentioned, 

“These efforts have effectively showcased Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, positioning the nation as a desirable travel destination.”

However, the sudden growth in the crime rate in the country has been a major hurdle to realizing the true potential of the tourism industry in Tanzania.

Is Tanzania Safe For Tourists? Quick Facts You Need To Know

Let’s have a look at the latest crime records and ratings of Tanzania.

Is Tanzania Safe For Tourists: The Three Major Safety Concerns

A rise in the crime rate, the Marburg Virus cases, and the banning of Air Tanzania from EU Airspace are three major concerns fueling the question of “Is Tanzania safe for tourists?” or not. 

So, let’s briefly assess the three parameters. 

Tanzania And Rising Crime Rate

Despite having a moderate crime rating of 55.78, Tanzania has been witnessing a massive growth in the crime rate for the last five years. 

Furthermore, the table below explains all the details. 

Is Tanzania Safe After The Breakout Of Marburg Virus Cases?

The outbreak of Marburg virus cases in the Kagera region of Tanzania has further raised concerns among tourists planning to visit the country. 

Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed this disease is very virulent and can cause symptoms similar to Ebola. Furthermore, the WHO has stated that this disease can be transmitted from person to person through human-to-human contact. 

Additionally, infection can occur if you come into contact with infected materials or surfaces, such as clothing and blood. 

Moreover, making the matter worse, there is no licensed vaccine or treatment available to fight the Marburg Virus. 

However, Dr. Richard Dawood, an advisor to the African Travel & Tourism Association, has stated that there is no need to be overly cautious about the travel restrictions related to the Marburg Virus outbreak.

He has said that overprotective measures can impact the economy and society of Tanzania.

Moreover, he has opined that with the right safety protocols and health precautions, tourism can continue in full swing in the unaffected areas of Tanzania.

“Being open, honest and encouraging pretravel health measures allows informed travelers to continue with evidence-based practices.”
Dr. Richard Dawood, Advisor to the African Travel & Tourism Association.

Additionally, Tanzania is highlighting its efforts to combat the Marburg outbreak in the Kagera region in 2023. 

Also, Kagera region is not one of the high-traffic tourist destinations in the country. So, hopefully, there is nothing much to worry about for the tourists and local authorities.   

Is Tanzania Safe After Air Tanzania Getting Banned From The EU Airspace?

Air Tanzania is now on the EU Air Safety List. So, it is banned from the Euro Airspace because of safety concerns. 

The announcement of this ban came on 6th December 2024 after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) addressed the concerns. 

The Commission has not issued any detailed input about the reasons for banning Air Tanzania. However, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, said, 

“The decision to include Air Tanzania in the EU Air Safety List underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards for passengers in Europe and worldwide.

We strongly urge Air Tanzania to take swift and decisive action to address these safety issues. I have offered the Commission’s assistance to the Tanzanian authorities in enhancing Air Tanzania’s safety performance and achieving full compliance with international aviation standards.“

Unfortunately, it has been a big blow to Air Tanzania, which was planning to fly the B787

Dreamliner to London after Athens and Frankfurt. 

Now, as there is no clarity about the “safety concerns” related to the Air Tanzania ban from the EU Airspace, the question, “Is Tanzania Safe to Travel?” becomes more prominent. 

Is Tanzania Safe For Tourists? The USA And UK Issue Travel Advisories

In response to the growing crime, terrorism, and attacks on LGB people, the USA government has issued a travel advisory for tourists to Tanzania. 

The Governments of the UK and Canada have issued similar advisories. 

Let’s take a look at the table below to get a brief idea about travel safety in Tanzania. 

Bado Tunakupenda Wewe, Tanzania: It Is Still On Our Travel Bucket List

Tanzania, despite all the safety threats, remains a popular travel destination in Africa. In fact, the northern part of the country, including Zanzibar, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and Arusha are safe place for tourists.

Furthermore, despite a rising crime rate over the last five years, the country’s overall crime rate remains moderate. 

Additionally, the Tanzanian Government utilizes “The National Strategy for Urban Crime Prevention” as a tool to manage the crime rate and foster a safe environment locally. 

On the other hand, Tanzania has ratified international treaties and conventions aimed at combating organized crime. These treaties include the EU Action Against Drugs and Organized Crime and the Indian Ocean Forum on Maritime Crime initiative.

So, hopefully, the country will overcome the concern of rising crimes in the near future. 

Tutakutana Tena, Tanzania!!