Is Dar es Salaam safe for solo female travelers?
Dar es Salaam, like many other large cities, has areas that are safe and areas that are less safe. As a solo female traveler, always be aware of your surroundings, especially during the night or in less crowded places. It's advisable to avoid public transport at night and hire a reputable taxi instead. Dress modestly to respect the local culture which can also help avoid unwanted attention. Locals are generally friendly and helpful. Extra caution is required while handling personal belongings due to the risk of pickpocketing.
Safety rating
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How safe is Dar es Salaam?
Safety at night:Unsafe
While Dar es Salaam is generally a safe city during the day, it's highly recommended not to walk alone at night. The city is known for pickpocketing and occasional muggings, especially in isolated or poorly lit areas. There's also risk in using public transport at night, including taxis. It's highly advisable to use reputable transport services and avoid displaying valuable possessions. Most importantly, always trust your instincts.
Public transportation:Moderate
Public transportation in Dar es Salaam is generally reliable, mainly consisting of the 'Dala Dala' minibuses. However, these get overcrowded, especially during peak times, which can lead to discomfort and possibly pick-pocketing incidents. Taxis are also an option, though ensure they have genuine licenses. It's advisable to avoid traveling alone at night, especially in isolated areas. Despite these issues, the locals are friendly and generally helpful.
Street harassment:Low
In Dar es Salaam, the level of street harassment is relatively low compared to other major cities in Africa. As a solo female traveler, you may occasionally receive unsolicited looks or mild remarks, but confrontations are usually non-aggressive. Tanzanians are generally respectful and friendly to foreigners. However, it's always wise to take normal precautions such as being extra cautious in crowded places and not walking alone late at night.
Petty crimes:Moderate
In Dar es Salaam, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can be common particularly in crowded public places. Employ common safety practices like keeping your belongings close and avoiding displaying valuables in public. And also be cautious of scams or fraudulent activities. However, if you remain vigilant, your risk of becoming a victim to these crimes can be minimized.
Tap water:Unsafe
While in Dar es Salaam, it's generally inadvisable to drink tap water. This is due to potential bacteria and parasites, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Filtered or bottled water is recommended for consumption instead. Boiling tap water can also kill the majority of pathogens if no other options are available.
Is Dar es Salaam safe to travel?
Solo travel experience
I felt safe, but the language barrier was serious, as almost everyone spoke Swahili, including Uber drivers. I stayed in two Airbnb apartments and visited downtown Dar es Salam alone, where I also felt safe. I did not experience any harassment or anything of that sort. I didn't like Dar, as there really wasn't much to do, and the women were very hostile, which combined with the language barrier, made me feel really frustrated. I always had to have cash on me, as most places did not accept credit or debit cards.
Posted: December 10, 2022 63
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Safety in Tanzania
