Solo Female Travel in Tanzania

Solo travel experience

I was alone in Tanzania and I felt safe. I started in Arusha for a safari. Then I took a bus to Moshi, then a bus to Dar es Salaam, and finally a ferry to Zanzibar. Generally, I felt safe, except Dar Es Salaam is not a place where wandering alone at night is a good idea. Many local men approached me in the streets. Usually, they just wanted to chat, and some proposed to me right away, but I learned to ignore them.

Solo travel experience

I traveled solo in Tanzania, which was harder to organize compared to solo travels in Europe. I was constantly harassed and did not feel comfortable. The persistence of the locals quickly became tiring. Prices for a white person were higher and I had to haggle to avoid overpaying. On the positive side, it is easy to communicate in English.

Solo travel experience

Recently, I spent several months in Tanzania and visited many places. This country is relatively easy to travel around and diverse, leaning more towards nature. The people are kind and helpful. They often approach you, but I never felt threatened. You should be careful, just like everywhere else, avoid walking at night etc.

Solo travel experience

Tanzania is an amazing country. I was in Arusha in January and absolutely loved it there. I stayed in a hostel with other solo travelers and had the best time. The locals were very hospitable and I had a wonderful time.

Solo travel experience

I went for 6 weeks in January and there were plenty of things to do. Lots of hiking (I conquered Mt Kilimanjaro, which was incredible), hot weather, delicious food (including street food) and lots of markets (including night markets). Honestly, it was just amazing.

Group travel experience

I spent 9 days on a safari in Tanzania, touring 3 national parks: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti. I saw lions, monkeys, hippos, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, elephants, hyenas, buffalos, antelopes, wildebeests, and even a single rhino. Then I went to relax on the beach and explore the island of Zanzibar for 5 days. I went with two friends and I felt safe.

Group travel experience

I recently visited Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar in Tanzania and I can't recommend this country enough! I have never felt safer as a woman walking alone in the streets - my Uber drivers always made sure I knew where I was going, and one even offered to help me buy a SIM card at a local shopping center to make sure I wouldn't get ripped off. We booked a safari through Serenity, but spent the rest of the time on our own. The staff, no matter where you stay, are always eager to help and make you feel like family - I spent many hours talking to some of the guards, trying to learn Swahili, and after that we became best friends!

Having several years of experience living in Tanzania, I personally never had any issues, though I've heard about a few serious matters. Here are some tips to make the most out of your stay: 1. Use common sense, meaning don't walk alone after dark/ don't agree to go with a young man to a beach party a few hours after meeting him. 2. Be aware of cultural norms, dress to cover your arms and knees and nothing too tight. Zanzibar is primarily a Muslim country and some may feel uncomfortable if women are dressed in tight or revealing clothes. I often wear tops, but I always have a scarf or pashmina with me to wrap around myself if I think someone might disagree or feel uncomfortable. 3. Be conscious when traveling. For example, during Ramadan try to be more conservative and considerate of others. This includes avoiding eating, drinking, and smoking in public places (i.e., on the street or in parks, not in a bar or restaurant) 4. Try to learn a few basic phrases in the language. A strong 'sitaki' I don't want this, 'hapana' no or more polite 'sihitaji' makes a big difference. 5. When it comes to transport, look for recognizable taxis or use referrals from friends / people you've met. Avoid Bodabodas (motorbike taxis), especially at night. As I've said, I personally never had any problems and I spent a lot of time there, it's also the place of my first solo journey!