Is Tanzania Safe?
Tanzania is widely known as one of Africa's more stable and welcoming safari destinations. It is a diverse country with more than 120 ethnic groups, and visitors travel here every year for safaris, mountain trekking, cultural experiences, and beach holidays.
Formerly known as Tanganyika, Tanzania gained independence from Britain in 1961. Zanzibar became independent in 1963, and the two joined in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
As with any international trip, safe travel still depends on good planning, local guidance, and common-sense decisions during the journey.
Safe Travel With Mima Adventures
Your safety on safari is one of our highest priorities. Our trips are planned by local guides who understand Tanzania's parks, roads, distances, seasons, and travel conditions.
Before and during each safari, we think through the practical details: route planning, vehicle readiness, communication, park regulations, food and water, and what to do if plans need to change. This local experience helps us reduce avoidable problems and respond properly if something unexpected happens.
Your Safety on Safari
Many first-time safari travellers ask the same question: "How safe is it to be close to wild animals?"
Safaris are safe when they are guided properly and when guests follow the guide's instructions. Our guides understand animal behaviour and know how to approach sightings with care. They also know when to keep distance, when to move the vehicle, and when to leave an animal undisturbed.
The most important rule is simple: stay inside the vehicle unless your guide tells you it is safe to get out in a designated area. Wildlife can be difficult to see in grass, bush, or shade, and trained guides are there to manage those risks.
During game drives, your guide will help you view wildlife in a way that is respectful, calm, and safe.
Reliable Safari Vehicles
We provide 4x4 Toyota Safari Land Cruisers and Land Rover Defenders for our safaris, with no minibuses. The original safety policy notes that the vehicles are less than 2 years old.
Our vehicles are maintained, inspected, cleaned, and tested before and after safaris. They are equipped with:
- 2 spare tyres
- First-aid kit
- Radio communication with our office, park rangers, base camp, Flying Doctors, and the Tanzanian police
The vehicles are built for Tanzania's safari roads and are spacious enough to give guests a window seat.
Guide Knowledge and Animal Behaviour
Our guides do more than identify animals. They help you understand what you are seeing and how to view wildlife safely.
Wild animals should never be approached casually. A trained guide can read animal behaviour, keep the vehicle at a suitable distance, and explain what is happening without disturbing the sighting. This matters during game drives and, on camping safaris, around the campsite as well.
Food Safety and Bottled Water
We provide complimentary bottled water for guests during safari. The original safety policy also states that bottled water is used for food preparation.
We pay attention to food safety at the lodges and bush camps used by our guests, including checking kitchen standards where relevant.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend travel insurance for your safari or trekking trip. Your policy should include trip cancellation, travel delay, baggage loss or delay, and medical cover.
If you need to cancel close to departure or stop your trip after it has begun, you may lose a significant part of your payment. Travel insurance helps protect you from these costs.
Mountain Safety on Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru
High-altitude trekking in Tanzania brings different safety considerations from a safari. Climbs on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru require experienced guides, careful pacing, weather awareness, and good communication.
Our mountain guides have experience on both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. The mountain crew carries radios and mobile phones for communication within the group and with mountain rangers. They are trained in first aid and carry a medical bag for emergencies.
