Tanzania is known to be one of the best locations to go on safari in the world. The country is bustling with life and a constant flow of visitors so locals are very accustomed to embracing new people. Over the years, I’ve been to Tanzania many times and had the pleasure of experiencing this hospitality first-hand.
My first trip to Tanzania as a solo traveller was 10 years ago and it took quite a bit of courage to book. Such a faraway country and so very different from where I call home. Yet, the eagerness to see wild animals in their natural habitat and experience the sweeping vistas on a Serengeti safari made me go for it without hesitation.
Travelling solo throughout Tanzania isn’t as dangerous or difficult as one might think and I personally found it one of the safer countries to visit in Africa. It’s pretty accessible and if you are prepared well and plan ahead, you can feel comfortable and confident once you land. My first trip was booked through a travel operator and that first visit gave me enough confidence to pursue all planning for the subsequent trips on my own.
Solo female travel tips for Tanzania
One: Book your trip with a trusted tour operator
If you opt for a solo safari Tanzania has a lot of tour operators to choose from. Pick a trusted company that you feel secure with. Look at their reviews and ask as many questions as you can before booking. A good tour operator will make sure you are safe at all times and arrange all transportation, from airport pick-ups to shuttles. I’ve travelled with G Adventures and BornWild. G Adventures offers affordable safaris as well-planned adventures. Even though camping was basic, it felt like a truly authentic experience hosted by friendly guides. BornWild is an adventure company I started after falling in love with Tanzania. We pride ourselves on offering great customer service and thoughtful travel experiences through every corner of Tanzania.
Two: Share your itinerary with family or friends
Share your complete itinerary with a family member or friend to make sure someone always knows where you are and what you are doing. Good practice for any travel.
Three: Make sure you can use your phone
Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel in case of emergencies. You can purchase a local SIM on arrival or pre-buy an eSIM so you are set on arrival.
Four: Don’t step into any unlicensed mini-cabs or taxis
It is best to organise all transportation before you arrive. If, however, you need a taxi to pick you up from the airport or other transportation make sure you organise it with licensed firms or through hotels to ensure safety and security. Your accommodation staff can help with transportation to and from the airport and are always there to advise on getting to places securely. Hotel staff are also a great resource on which areas are safe and unsafe. Carry their number with you wherever you go in case of emergency.
Five: Don’t go out after dark
Plan your day to be back at your lodge or camp before the dark sets in. Navigating your way through the dark unlit streets of Tanzania can be very dangerous if you are not accompanied by a group or by a local you know and trust. Tanzania is known for muggings and bag snatching so solo female travellers can be targeted.
Six: Leave expensive items and jewellery at home.
Theft is a common occurrence in Tanzania so keep any expensive items like phones, tablets, watches or jewellery out of sight when travelling.
Seven: Don’t hold eye contact with the opposite sex
Men in Tanzania can often assume holding eye contact with women is a sign of romantic interest. If you prefer not to draw attention to yourself then it’s best to avoid maintaining eye contact with men you don’t know.
Eight: Avoid public transport as an added safety measure
Using public transport in Tanzania is generally fine. However, public buses are known to be jam-packed at peak times which may leave you waiting a long time at the bus stops thus exposing you to potential threats. Travelling by bus also means you have to walk from the bus stop to your desired location requiring good knowledge of the area and the ability to be discreet if looking up directions. Factoring in unwanted male attention it might be worth skipping public transportation altogether.
Nine: Dress appropriately
Covering your shoulders, midriff, legs and arms is very important to respect the culture and avoid unwanted attention.
Ten: Be aware of the crimes in Tanzania before you travel
Tanzania is typically only affected by petty crimes such as bag snatching and mugging, however, sometimes crimes can be much worse including sexual assault, robbery, and carjacking. Being aware of these crimes will help you understand the region better. Check alerts for your destination on the official government websites (Canada, USA, UK) and do general research ahead of time. You can also register your travel plans with your local government as a precaution (example).
Guest author: Kate K.F.
bornwild.rocks | @bornwild_rocks
Kate K.F. is a keen traveller. She uses her love for Tanzania to create tailored safaris for her travel company BornWild. She has also created the ground-breaking African Lion Safari that bridges lion conservation with adventure travel. She also enjoys globetrotting with her family and seeing as much of the world as she can.
