Sub Saharan Africa

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Tanzania.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

There were simultaneous terrorist attacks on the US Embassies in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi (Kenya) in August 1998.  These killed 12 people in Dar es Salaam and 232 in Nairobi.

 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Dar es Salaam

On 24 September 2009 two children died as a result of the ongoing clearance of unexploded ammunition and ordnance dispersed during the accidental detonation of the Mbagala ammunition storage depot (to the south of Dar es Salaam) on 28 April 2009.  We advise that anyone visiting the area of Mbagala should not pick up any metal or suspicious objects and should report such findings to the local authorities.

Crime

Although most visits to Tanzania are trouble-free, violent and armed crime is increasing, with incidents reported both on the mainland and the islands.  Mugging and robberies, sometimes accompanied by violence or the threat of violence, occur throughout Tanzania.  All visitors, particularly women, should avoid walking alone, especially in isolated areas and on beaches, particularly (but not only) after dark.  Do not make yourself an obvious target for muggers and pickpockets.  Do not carry cameras or large sums of cash in the streets or wear expensive-looking jewellery or watches.  Be alert to the risk of thefts of personal property from cars and taxis stationary in traffic; always drive with your doors locked and windows up.

 

Since 2006 there have been a number of serious incidents, some including physical attacks, involving British nationals and other expatriates. Several of these attacks were in Arusha Region.

 

Specific incidents in popular tourist areas from 2007 to date have included:

• An attack on a group of tourists, including a British national, by armed robbers near Lake Duluti in Arusha resulting in two tourists and a tour guide being shot. 
• A party of five tourists being robbed by armed bandits near the Ngorogoro crater.
• Tourists and residents, including three British nationals, robbed by armed bandits at a private bar in Arusha.
• A British national was seriously attacked and robbed by an armed group at his private residence in Arusha.
• Tourists were robbed by armed bandits whilst travelling from Lake Natron to Arusha. 
• An Australian charity worker was shot dead by armed bandits in northern Arusha.
• In September 2008 a large group of armed bandits carried out two separate attacks on European tourists staying in tented camps near Tarangire National Park.
• In January 2009 a group of Western tourists were robbed at gunpoint whilst returning to Moshi after climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.
  

There are cases of armed crime in Dar es Salaam, including in the peninsula area and Coco beach, which is popular with expatriates.

Travellers should also exercise caution at the Ubungo bus station in Dar es Salaam where muggers and pickpockets have singled out tourists.

In Zanzibar there have been several reports of robberies, some accompanied with violence, occurring on popular tourist beaches.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Political Situation

 

Tanzania Country Profile

Political demonstrations are relatively rare although they do occasionally take place in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and elsewhere in Tanzania. With Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for 2010 they are likely to occur with higher frequency.  These demonstrations usually pass off peacefully, however you should exercise caution and avoid the area.  You should check local media reports for information on future demonstrations.

Local Travel

 

Information about travel away from areas regularly frequented by foreigners can be patchy.  You are advised to invest in an up-to-date travel guide and use only the services of reliable tour companies.

National Parks

Tanzania's national parks are popular destinations for tourists.  Careful planning is important to get the best out of your safari.  If you choose to camp use official sites only.  Ensure that you are properly equipped and seek local advice when entering isolated areas.  Some of the parks are extremely remote, and emergency access and evacuation can be difficult.

 

There are risks associated with viewing wildlife, particularly on foot or at close range. You should always follow park regulations and wardens' advice and ensure you have the correct documentation or permit before entering a national park.

Trekking

You should be aware of the risks involved in the more hazardous activities in Tanzania.  If trekking or climbing, you are advised to use reputable agencies, to remain on established routes, and always to walk in groups.  You should ensure that you are well prepared and equipped to cope with the terrain and low temperatures.  The extreme altitude on Mount Kilimanjaro can cause altitude sickness.  If you are elderly or have a heart condition, pulmonary or bronchial problems you should seek medical advice before travelling to Kilimanjaro or other mountains in the region.  You should take out full insurance cover for medical treatment, accidents and evacuation by helicopter.

For more general information see GOGAPYEAR.COM and backpackers.

Burundi border areas

You should exercise particular caution if you intend to travel to the area bordering Burundi.  There have been a number of armed robberies in this area, including vehicle hijackings.  There are few facilities for visitors.

River & Sea Travel

You should be aware of concerns about the safety and reliability of ferry services in Tanzania. Particular concerns have been raised about the Kigamboni ferry service (across the mouth of Dar es Salaam harbour), although the provision of new vessels has improved this situation. Alternative road routes are available. There have also been reports of similar concerns about the ferry service on Lake Victoria and the one crossing the river Kilombero in the south of the country.

Mariners should be aware that there is the possibility of attacks against ships and yachts in the Indian Ocean off the East African coast.  Piracy remains a problem.  The latest example is the hijacking of the Sirius Star super tanker approximately 450 nautical miles (800 km) east of Mombasa, Kenya.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Road Travel

 

UK driving licences are acceptable for visitors, but British residents are expected to obtain a Tanzanian driving licence. Should you wish to operate a motorcycle a motorcycle licence (Class A) is also required. 

Take extra care when driving.  Road conditions are generally poor and there are a large number of accidents, often involving inter-city buses.  In 2008 and 2009 overland buses have been involved in serious crashes that resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries to several tourists.  If you have concerns over the safety of the vehicle, or the ability of the driver, you should use alternative means of transportation.

Keep doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, as vehicles are sometimes targeted by thieves.

Be particularly careful driving at night, as there have been isolated incidents of attempted thefts from cars and there is a higher incidence of drunk driving at night time.  Avoid driving out of town at night.  If you are driving and become aware of an unusual incident, or if somebody out of uniform tries to flag you down, it is often safer not to stop your car and to continue on your journey.

If renting a motorcycle (available in Zanzibar), you should adopt the same safety precautions as you would in the UK.  Check for serviceability, wear a helmet and ensure that you are capable of handling the machine.

If you are stopped by the police, you should ask to see identification before making any payments for traffic violations.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Train Travel

There have been several accidents on Tanzanian railways in 2009. It is worth asking for the latest information before committing to long-distance train travel in Tanzania.