If you use common sense, Tanzania is fairly safe. But if you walk around certain parts of cities like Dar es Salaam at night or make yourself a target then you're possibly asking for trouble. Just travel smart when visiting markets or other crowded areas. I felt that Arusha was quite safe to wander around compared to Dar. Oh...don't go sleep walking into the Seregenti at night either, that can be dangerous, ha ha.

No. Like any place you travel to in the world your safety is dependent upon making good decisions. If you go to shady place after dark then you are asking for trouble. There is no state of conflict or situations that make it unsafe for foreigners to visit. This is a country that requires tourism to stay afloat. They are not going to ruin a good thing.

I'm just coming back from Tanzania, especially Arusha where I lived for 4 months and a half and, yes, Tanzania is dangerous, BUT if you act safely, you'll be fine. That includes not walking at night, especially in Arusha, the most dangerous city of the country (seriously, stories of rapes, murders, attacks, robberies and all that stuff are not uncommon in Arusha). So, at sunset (around 7pm), get indoors or grab a cab (deal the price before and don't be scared to cut the price in half when the drivers says something). Being with another white friend won't help; you can walk at night if you're accompanied by a local person, even though you still have to be carefull and carry a flashlight for those dirt roads. Dar is safer in busy neighborhoods; you can walk at night if you're not alone. Smaller places, be careful. In doubt, grab a cab. In Zanzibar, Stonetown is dangerous at night as well and it's a freaking maze so you'll most likely get lost if you don't perfetly know your way around. If you need to get somewhere, don't get a cab, they don't fit in the small streets; pay a cab driver to walk you to where you're going and give him between 2000 and 5000Tsh depending on the distance. Besides that, just use common sense and never expose money of expensive belongings. Careful of when you get your camera out. Use a zipped bag and put your money in a belly pouch (or get some pockets sewned inside your pants). Never put valuable stuff in your pockets, especially if you want to use the daladala (which are the best and cheapest way to travel in town; just be sure of where you're going). Most importantly, don't get overwhelmed with fear. Use caution and you'll be fine. And, especially, enjoy Tanzania! It's one the most beautiful places I've seen in my life!

Yes, IF you exercise caution. Always walk in two, learn where it isn't safe to walk at night. Etc. I disagree with the first poster, Arusha is not that safe of a city. And walking around at night is not really a good idea. Ask around, people there will be able to tell you what areas are especially unsafe. And be honest with yourself, if you are known to be overly trusting or naive, then no, it might not be safe.

I didn't find Tanzania dangerous at all. As long as you are sensible, you will have no trouble. It is a wonderful country to visit, especially Zanzibar. Have fun there!

yea seriously dont leave your hostel aftr dark ( which is lik 6pm!) and if your a girl dont show skin!! lol and the bus station is the worst part of dar es salaam so b careful if your getting a bus! and yea bsides that just dont b flashing the cash!!

I've been living here (Dar es Salaam) for 4 months now, and it's pretty safe indeed. As with all of East Africa, a sense of common sense is required, a good plan and the ability to avoid shady neighborhoods late at night and soforth. A bit of pickpocketing, casual theft. However, there's not too much hassle on the streets, and people are friendly and helpful - far more than they are scammers.

I'd say it's safer than most African countries. Depends of course what sex you are, who you're travelling with (if anybody)and what you plan to do there. In general, cities attract the worst sort of people, so use your common sense, don't flaunt your money, and if you have to turn up at bus stations in the dead of night, travel by taxi and if you're alone, and especially if you're a woman, try to persuade the taxi driver to stay with you until you're on your bus.

well, when taking a tour is not...if you are traveling by yourself, try to have in mind that you are in real africa. different of south africa in infra-structure. i would plan my accommodation and tours prior going! the safaris in the north of the country are the best of the world!!! cheers, erik

I have Traveled Tanzania extensively, including Unguja Island (Zanzibar). The advice D.G. gives is accurate! Use common traveler sense; health, security, etc. A good website to visit is www.LonelyPlanet.com and type in your destination.

I went there and stayed for several nights without incident.

I was just in Tanzania and I never felt unsafe at all. Even felt pretty safe around the animals too! Like DH said, just use common sense. I heard of people who were mugged while we were there, but that also happens pretty frequently at home too. Just use common sense about where you're walking and stick to well populated streets in major cities. Also, since you'll be visiting a lot of Muslim cities make sure you dress appropriately and respect local customs. Shoulders and knees should always be covered!

that would depend on wether you plan on wrestling tigers.

no this is not dangerous

can't say