Is Dar es Salaam safe?
Manageable with caution. Bag snatching, thefts from cars and express kidnaps occur; stick to Masaki and Oyster Bay, use apps, and avoid walking at night.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2025-10-30.
- Homicide rate in Tanzania: 3.7 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Tanzania: 31.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 112.
Safety in Dar es Salaam at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bag and phone snatching from motorbikes, thefts from vehicles stuck in traffic, armed robbery after dark and express kidnaps via unmarked taxis. |
| At night | Use Bolt or hotel drivers door to door and avoid walking, even short distances. Keep windows up and phones out of sight. |
| Solo women | Verbal harassment is common; dress modestly and use apps after dark. Solo women should avoid walking alone and unlit beaches. |
| Other risks | Severe flooding in Mar–May rains; Reckless driving and heavy traffic; Malaria and dengue; use repellent |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unlicensed taxis driving to ATMs
- Fake guides at ferry terminals asking for fees
- Street money changers using sleight of hand
Take care
- Walking along roads or beaches after dark
- Open car windows in traffic jams
- Kariakoo and Ubungo bus stand: crowds and pickpockets
- Unlicensed taxis; use apps or hotel cars
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Filming or sharing protest footage is illegal, and police may search phones.
- Zanzibar can fine visitors US$700 or more for 'inappropriate' clothing in public.
- Exporting shells, horns or other animal products without a permit can lead to arrest.
How Dar es Salaam compares in Tanzania
Quick answers
Is Dar es Salaam safe for solo female travelers?
Verbal harassment is common; dress modestly and use apps after dark. Solo women should avoid walking alone and unlit beaches.
Is Dar es Salaam safe at night?
Use Bolt or hotel drivers door to door and avoid walking, even short distances. Keep windows up and phones out of sight.
What is the crime rate in Dar es Salaam?
Bag and phone snatching from motorbikes, thefts from vehicles stuck in traffic, armed robbery after dark and express kidnaps via unmarked taxis. Nationally, Tanzania records 3.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2020).
What number do I call in an emergency in Dar es Salaam?
All emergencies 112.
More about Dar es Salaam
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Tanzania Airports Authority
- Tanzania Railways Corporation (SGR)
- Tanzania Immigration
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.