Refunds and cancellations

You should get in touch with your travel agency if you want to change or cancel a vacation that you’ve already booked. You and your travel company should discuss refunds and cancellations. When deciding whether or not to refund customers, travel agencies act independently. Do not hesitate to contact us at Best of Tanzania safaris i to learn more about your options if you want to postpone a vacation, for assistance with flight booking issues or inquiries regarding travel insurance etc.

Terrorism

Tanzania is a likely target for terrorist attacks. Since the bombing of the American embassy in 1998, Tanzania has not experienced a significant terrorist attack, but there have been a number of smaller-scale incidents. Close to the Mozambique border, the village of Kitaya in the Mtwara region was attacked in October 2020. Islamic extremists operating out of northern Mozambique claimed responsibility for the attack. Attacks against western interests are also possible, but most attacks target the local security forces.

Attacks might come without warning and target anyone. Targets may include locations that westerners frequently visit, such as churches, transportation hubs, embassies, hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as large gatherings like sporting or religious events. In the past, terrorist attacks in the area have targeted stadiums where football games are broadcast. Always be on the lookout, but especially in crowded and public places.

Extremists thought to be active in Tanzania and affiliated with the Somali-based Islamic terrorist organization Al-Shabaab are a threat to all of East Africa. Near Tanzania’s border with this region of Mozambique, attacks by IS-Mozambique, which is based in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique, may occur. Additionally, there may be some support for Daesh (previously known as ISIL). In relation to terrorism, the Tanzanian authorities have been successful in making a number of arrests. Many incidents, though, may have been started by criminal gangs in Tanzania and are of unknown origin.

There is a serious threat of terrorism against UK interests and British nationals all over the world, including from organizations and people who see the UK and British nationals as targets. You must always be on the lookout.

Local laws and customs

Tanzanians are friendly and welcoming to visitors, but you should respect the local way of life. Loud or aggressive behavior, intoxication, profanity, and disrespect, particularly toward senior citizens, will offend.

 In Tanzania, particularly on Zanzibar, Pemba, and the coast, there are a lot of Muslims. Always be mindful of your behavior to avoid offending others and respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan or if you plan to visit places of worship.

You should wear modest clothing. Women should refrain from donning shorts and sleeveless tops outside of tourist resorts in Zanzibar and Pemba, especially in Stone Town and other areas where the local populace might be offended.

For wearing inappropriate clothing in public, Zanzibari authorities have the right to fine visitors, tour guides, and travel agencies. Tourists must pay minimum fines of 700 USD, and tour companies must pay minimum fines of 1000 USD. Women who travel alone or in small groups have experienced verbal harassment in some instances.

 In Tanzania, including Zanzibar, homosexuality is against the law and is not accepted by the country’s traditional culture. Kissing or holding hands in public places are examples of public displays of homosexuality that could result in arrest and imprisonment.

Safety and security

Mozambique border: Near the border between Tanzania and the Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado, extra caution should be exercised. This is because there is a chance that attacks by organizations associated with Islamic extremism will spark unrest and instability across international borders. Islamic extremist organizations operating out of northern Mozambique claimed responsibility for an attack on Kitaya village in October 2020.

Crime

Tanzania is generally a trouble-free destination, but there is armed and violent crime there. In addition to an increase in armed robberies and burglaries across the nation, the British High Commission continues to receive frequent reports of British nationals who have been mugged and had their bags stolen (especially by passing cars or motorbikes). At South Beach, 20 kilometers southeast of Dar es Salaam, a European family was robbed at gunpoint, and their campsite guard was killed in December 2016. Tourists in Dar es Salaam have been kidnapped, assaulted, robbed, and threatened with violence in order to get them to use unlicensed taxis, withdraw money from ATMs, and arrange cash transfers of up to £5,000 through Western Union.

Never accept a ride from a total stranger or someone who offers to call a taxi on your behalf. Use only authorized taxis. If at all possible, book a taxi through a reputable business, like a hotel, and always request to see the driver’s identification. Taxi services offered through apps are unreliable.

Walk as far away from the road as you can, and steer clear of nighttime cycling and walking. If you must cross the street, move in the direction of the traffic. Avoid exercising alone, especially on beaches and in remote locations.

 Keep large amounts of cash and valuables out of your pocket, such as pricey jewelry or watches. Keep a photocopy of your ID on you at all times, and leave your passport in the hotel safe.

When being attacked, do not fight back. It is safer to hang a bag off your shoulder or hold it loosely by the handle when carrying one than to cross the strap across your chest. Both cyclists and pedestrians have been the targets of bag thieves.

 Pay close attention in areas where tourists and foreign residents congregate. Tourists and locals in Dar es Salaam have been targeted in key locations such as the city center, the Ubungo bus station, the Masaki/Oysterbay peninsula, and particularly Coco Beach and Toure Drive. On the island of Zanzibar, incidents have happened in Stone Town, at hotels, and on well-known tourist beaches.

Ensure the safety of residential property by locking all windows and doors, especially at night. Before allowing anyone to enter your property or compound, your security guard should demand official identification. In any case, sound the alarm and refuse to let them in.

 You must always be on the lookout. Dial 112 and request the appropriate emergency service if you need to get in touch with the emergency services.

Road Safety

Poor driving practices and poor road conditions prevail. Road accidents frequently result in fatalities and severe injuries. Road users and drivers frequently drive recklessly and break the law. Driving on your own in Tanzania can be difficult. Before you drive, verify the posted speed limits.

Always be on the lookout for other drivers, and drive carefully. Any lane of the road, including the hard shoulder of a highway, is open for vehicles and motorcycles to attempt overtaking maneuvers. Drivers of all types of vehicles frequently perform maneuvers without giving any advance warning.

Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, and slow down before intersections and roundabouts. At roundabouts, you should yield to the right, but be careful because people frequently break the rules. Always fasten your seatbelt when driving. You shouldn’t drive a car if you have any doubts about its safety or roadworthiness.

Car rental companies’ quality varies. Use reputable taxi services as an alternative. Roadside assistance for breakdowns or rescues is nonexistent. Road maps are difficult to find and occasionally out-of-date. Service stations are scarce and occasionally run out of fuel.

Numerous roads, including those in significant towns and cities, require repair and have varying road surfaces. Roads may flood, and their surfaces may deteriorate during rainy seasons. If you’re driving during the rainy season, use extra caution and get local advice before embarking on a long drive. The ‘Natural Disasters section has more details on the rainy season.

 The roads surrounding Tanzania’s national parks, which are primarily dirt tracks, are typically in poor condition and can become dangerous or impassable after heavy rain, making driving conditions in the parks unpredictable. Frequently, a 4×4 vehicle is needed. Avoid leaving major cities and towns at night.

Keep windows closed, doors locked, and valuables hidden because thieves occasionally target moving vehicles. Be extra cautious at night, when crime and drunk driving are more prevalent. Avoid leaving town at night. It is frequently safer not to stop if you learn about an unusual incident or if someone in plain clothes tries to flag you down.

 Police roadblocks are frequently encountered. Ask for identification if you are pulled over by the police before paying any fines for any traffic violations. Cooperate with the local police if you are in a car accident.

Local transport

Avoid using local public transportation for quick trips within towns and cities. If you have the option to use a legally registered taxi instead, you should. Local ‘dala dalas’ (buses), ‘boda-bodas’ (motorbike taxis), and ‘bajaji’ (Tuk-tuks) do not adhere to western safety standards. Vehicles are frequently in poor condition, are frequently driven carelessly, and are rarely properly insured.

Dala dalas, boda bodas, and tuk tuks are frequently involved in accidents, some of which are fatal. Pickpockets might operate on crowded Dala Dala buses.

Licenses and documents

To drive in Tanzania, you must possess an International Driving Permit (IDP). IDPs can only be purchased over the counter at 2,500 UK post offices as of February 1, 2019. Get an IDP before you leave because you cannot purchase one outside of the UK.

You will need both your UK driver’s license and an international driving permit if you intend to drive while visiting Tanzania. You will need your UK driver’s license and a local Zanzibar driving permit (which you can obtain through your rental car company) in order to drive in Zanzibar. Your driver’s license, permits, and insurance documents should all be carried in multiple copies.

Burundi border/Kigoma region

Pay close attention to the region bordering Burundi and Kigoma. Armed robberies, including car hijackings, have occurred in this region. Only drive during daylight hours. There aren’t many visitor amenities.

National Parks

Planning ahead is crucial to making the most of your safari. If you decide to camp, only use recognized locations. When visiting remote locations, make sure you are prepared and get local insight. Some parks are very far away, making emergency access and evacuation challenging.

 Viewing wildlife can be dangerous, especially when done on foot or up close. Follow all rules and directions from park wardens, and make sure you have the proper identification or a permit before entering a national park.

Trekking

Use only a reputable travel agency such as Select Adventure Safari when trekking or climbing, stay on well-traveled paths, and always walk in groups. Make sure you are outfitted and prepared to handle the terrain and chilly weather. In the northeast of Tanzania, which is where Mounts Meru and Kilimanjaro are located, altitude sickness is a possibility.