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

3.4 /5

Based on 3 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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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.

Is Dar es Salaam worth visiting?

Overall rating

3 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

1/5

Safety

3.4/5

Food

3.3/5

Budget-friendly

2.8/5

Dimana

United Republic of Tanzania

Solo travel

It was amazing before we got to the market. I got groped (in order to be pickpocketed). My phone went missing, me and a friend I found chased it for half a day because the guy aged to give the phone for money, I paid well over what I should have. It was fucking stressful. I mean it, yet it’s my best story till now. I got the phone and I was so scared for my things safety. Looking back it’s a good story but at the time I was crying and hating every second of it

Posted: November 3, 2024

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Couple travel

Our experience in Dar es Salaam was really good. We had lots of fun, and what was so mind-blowing was that the people were so kind to us. They helped by giving directions and pointing out good places to eat. I remember we once got stuck with transport while on a bus going back home, and a lady offered us to stay at her place. It was truly a wonderful experience.

Posted: June 26, 2024Experienced: November, 2023

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Solo travel

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

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Is Dar es Salaam safe for women?

Dar es salaam is generally very safe , especially if you are not engaged in any sort of crimes or politics . Have lived here all my life and never have I experience any troubles like crimes on daily basis , rapes robberies nothing at all very rare

Posted: June 2, 2024

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