Travel and Safety in Tanzania
Travel and Safety in Tanzania
To ensure you are prepared for your upcoming safari, we have put together this guide to help you be well-prepared for your adventure. From obtaining your Tanzania e-visa to ensuring your personal safety during your travels, here's everything you need to make your Tanzania safari a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Health and Vaccinations
Before heading to Tanzania, it's important to ensure you're up to date with necessary vaccinations and preventive health measures. Some important vaccinations to consider include:
-
Yellow Fever:
If you are traveling from or transiting through a country where Yellow Fever is common, you will need to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. -
Routine Vaccines:
Ensure you are up-to-date with standard vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. -
Malaria Prophylaxis:
Malaria is present in some parts of Tanzania. Consult your doctor about taking anti-malarial medication and using insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites. -
COVID-19:
While Tanzania has relaxed most COVID-19 restrictions, always check for current entry requirements (testing or vaccination) prior to travel.


Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend securing travel insurance before departing for Tanzania. This is particularly important for safari travelers, as it covers potential trip cancellations, medical emergencies, evacuations, and lost luggage.
A policy tailored to safari activities is essential it ensures coverage for game drives, off-road excursions, and emergency medical evacuations.
Safety in Safari Parks
While Tanzania is a safe safari destination, following your guide's instructions is crucial for a safe experience:
-
Stay Inside the Vehicle:
Always remain in your vehicle during game drives unless your guide explicitly instructs otherwise. Wild animals even the calm-looking ones should never be approached on foot. -
Listen to Your Guide:
Safari guides are skilled professionals trained for safety in the wild. Their instructions are designed to protect you and enhance your wildlife experience. -
Wildlife Awareness:
Animal behavior can be unpredictable. Respect wildlife, keep a safe distance, and never attempt to feed or provoke animals.

Personal Safety & Etiquette
Tanzania is a warm and welcoming country. By observing local customs and showing respect, you'll enjoy a more meaningful and authentic experience:
-
Dress Modestly:
Outside tourist areas, Tanzania is more conservative. When visiting villages, religious sites, or towns, wear long sleeves and pants to show respect. -
Respect Local Traditions:
Tanzanians appreciate politeness. Simple Swahili greetings such as "Jambo" (hello) or "Habari" (how are you?) are always warmly received. -
Be Mindful of Your Belongings:
Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas like markets or bus stations. Use hotel safes whenever possible.


Safety in Tanzanian Cities
While safari parks are safe and well-regulated, larger cities such as Arusha and Dar es Salaam require standard travel awareness:
- Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
- Use reliable transportation preferably pre-arranged taxis or hotel shuttles.
- Keep copies of important documents in a safe place and carry only what's necessary when exploring.
Currency & Payments
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and national parks.
We recommend carrying a combination of cash and cards for convenience.
- ATMs: Available in cities and towns; however, bring cash when traveling to remote safaris.
- Tipping: Customary for safari guides, with a recommended tip of around $20 USD per day (per guide), depending on service quality and safari type.

Why Choose Sema Africa Tours
Sema Africa Tours is dedicated to offering personalized, unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking to explore the best of northern Tanzania. Our team of expert guides is passionate about the wildlife, culture, and landscapes of Tanzania, and we pride ourselves on providing sustainable, responsible travel that benefits both the environment and local communities.
From tailor-made safari itineraries to insider knowledge of the best places to visit, Sema Africa Tours ensures that every moment of your journey is exceptional. Whether you're embarking on a classic game drive, a walking safari, or a hot air balloon adventure, we are here to make your dream Tanzanian safari come true.
Authentic Local Knowledge
Authentic Local Knowledge As a proudly local company, we offer authentic cultural encounters and off-the-beaten-path experiences you won't find in any guidebook.
Experienced Guides & Staff
With extensive experience organizing safaris in Tanzania and beyond, our friendly guides and staff ensure every detail of your journey runs smoothly, sharing stories, wildlife insights, and hidden gems along the way.
Value – Driven Practices
We strive to improve the tourism industry by committing to fair compensation, supporting local communities, and protecting Tanzania's environment through responsible, ethical tourism.
COMMUNITY FOCUSED
We aim to support and empower local communities through responsible tourism, providing income-generating activities as well as funding community projects.
CUSTOM-MADE EXPERIENCES
Your safari should reflect your dreams! We tailor every itinerary to match your interests, schedule, and budget for a truly personal experience.
