Is Dar es Salaam safe? 🇹🇿

Dar es Salaam requires heightened vigilance but remains accessible to prepared travelers. Street crime including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams targeting tourists are common, especially in crowded areas and markets like Kariakoo. The city experiences occasional political unrest and has been subject to a Level 2 US travel advisory, though some sources note a Level 3 was raised in late 2025. Established tourist areas have reasonable security, and using reputable accommodation, transportation, and guides significantly reduces risks. Solo female travelers should exercise extra caution, particularly at night.

Dar es Salaam ’s safety varies by neighborhood. Upscale diplomatic and expat areas with better security, popular restaurants, and regular police patrols offer a safer environment, especially around Oyster Bay and the Slipway. The downtown business district with major hotels, banks, and government buildings is generally safer during business hours but requires vigilance for pickpockets and street crime, especially around markets. The busy commercial district and largest market in East Africa, Kariakoo, carries high risk of pickpocketing and bag snatching even during daylight hours, and travelers are advised to avoid carrying valuables there.

Most travelers who are in Dar on a short stay will, fortunately, not face serious challenges. Similarly, most expatriates who live in Dar are sequestered well enough (with cars, security guards, in upscale neighbourhoods) not to have to worry about this sort of thing. By far the most common crimes, and the biggest risk for most travelers, will be muggings and petty thefts. Muggings occur very frequently, including sometimes on the street in broad daylight. Sometimes, but not always, the victim gets roughed up. Foreign students at the University of Dar es Salaam have been mugged at machete point. Never carry your wallet anywhere easily accessible (a back pocket, an outside flap of a backpack or purse). Avoid walking on the beach while carrying valuables, as many of these places are invisible from the road. Dar can be very poorly lit, and the city experiences a great many power outages, making lone women particularly vulnerable after dark. Use of ride-hailing apps is strongly recommended over street taxis, especially at night. Keep a photocopy of your passport and carry the original only when needed. Hospitals are readily available, with Aga Khan Hospital and Muhimbili National Hospital being the main facilities within close range. Same-sex relations are illegal in Tanzania and carry severe penalties; LGBTQ travelers should be discreet and avoid public displays of affection. Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a risk country; routine vaccines, typhoid and hepatitis A are advised; consult a travel clinic about malaria prophylaxis. Keep children close in crowded markets, use sunscreen and repellent, and share your itinerary if traveling solo. The U.S. State Department advises exercising increased caution in Tanzania due to crime, terrorism, health, unrest, arbitrary enforcement of laws, and targeting of gay and lesbian individuals, with some areas having increased risk. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the Tanzanian border with Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique due to attacks by groups linked with Islamic extremism, though this does not directly affect Dar es Salaam. Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution with regional advisories. Overall, Dar es Salaam is moderately safe for visitors who take normal urban precautions.