Is Serengeti Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Serengeti is considered relatively safe for female solo travelers. Its established tourism industry ensures infrastructure and amenities catering to tourists' safety. Parks are usually visited in guided groups which provide protection from animal threats, and locals are often friendly and respectful to visitors. However, standard precautions still apply, like not wandering alone at night and being aware of one’s belongings at all times.

Safety rating

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Safety index

Safety at night:Unsafe

The Serengeti in Tanzania is generally not considered safe for solo female travelers to explore at night. It is important to remember that it is a vast, wild environment teeming with potentially dangerous wildlife. Walking alone at night can pose physical hazards since it is home to a vast range of large animals and can also be challenging due to the remote location and lack of modern infrastructures. Also, it's generally recommended for visitors to remain in the safety of their accommodations during the evening and night hours.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in the Serengeti region of Tanzania can be quite an adventure. The primary option is 'Dala dala' mini-buses which are often overcrowded. There may be limited service in more remote areas and the vehicles are not always in optimal condition. However, despite these challenges, locals use them regularly and incidents are relatively minimal. Typical issues include pickpocketing or petty theft, so it's recommended to secure all belongings. It's also recommended to plan your trips during daylight hours for increased safety.

Street harassment:Very low

Serengeti, in the United Republic of Tanzania, generally sees very limited levels of street harassment, if any. Most interactions with locals are respectful and courteous, focused on tourism and wildlife. It's a large nature reserve with minimal urban settings, thus street harassment is rare. However, be sure to maintain sensible precautions as you would in any travel situation.

Petty crimes:Low

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag snatching are not prevalent in the Serengeti region of Tanzania. However, as it is a popular tourist destination, it's important to remain alert of your surroundings and belongings. Deep in the reserves, interaction with potential criminals is very limited, making such crimes quite scarce. Keep in mind that most of your time in Serengeti will be spent on game drives or within the confines of your chosen accommodation, providing a level of safety from such occurrences. Ultimately, on a trip to Serengeti, you are more likely to encounter wildlife than petty criminals.

Tap water:Unsafe

Drinking tap water in Serengeti is generally not recommended. Although it may be treated, inconsistencies in the water supply in some areas may pose a risk. It's recommended to drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes made from tap water.

Is Serengeti safe to travel?

Is Serengeti safe right now?

Before your visit to Serengeti, it's essential to check travel advisories for United Republic of Tanzania, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
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Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Tanzania due to high crime levels and potential terrorism threats. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 17, 2024
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Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Tanzania, overall, due to the risk of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 8, 2023

Safety in United Republic of Tanzania