Tour operators, TANAPA reassure visitors of safety

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S leading tourism institutions have moved to quell safety concerns among prospective international travellers, affirming that the country remains secure and fully operational despite brief, isolated skirmishes recorded on October 29.

The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) and Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) said their on the-ground assessments show no security threats to tourists or disruptions to travel operations.

TATO, the country’s leading members-only association representing more than 450 private tour operators, confirmed that all major tourist hot spots remain calm and fully functional.

TATO Chairman, Wilbard Chambulo said the industry has not recorded a single incident targeting visitors.

“We are satisfied that Tanzania is safe. There’s no fear of a security lapse,” Chambulo said in a statement.

“We are on the ground, so we are in a better position to tell the truth to our clients. We earnestly encourage tourists to come — the destination is safe.”

Supporting TATO’s assessment, TANAPA confirmed that all 21 national parks and associated tourism infrastructure remain unaffected by the brief unrest observed in a few towns.

Conservation Commissioner Musa Nasoro Kuji said lodges, parks and conservation areas continue to operate smoothly.

“All our national parks, lodges and conservation areas remain fully operational, safe and accessible,” Kuji said.

“No incidents targeting tourists were recorded before, during, or after the election.”

Fresh tourism data further strengthens this assurance. TANAPA recorded 48,116 international tourist arrivals in the first two weeks of November 2025, compared to 33,126 during the same period last year— an impressive 45 per cent increase.

October arrivals also rose to 164,781, up from 157,358 the previous year.

The figures indicate that international travellers remain confident in Tanzania as a premier wildlife and adventure destination despite sporadic political tensions.

This reality contrasts with several foreign media reports portraying Tanzania as unsafe, including Germany’s largest online travel magazine, Travel Book, which cited concerns ranging from violent protests to disease risks.

TATO Executive Director Elirehema Maturo strongly disputed the portrayal, arguing that the article relied on generalised health warnings that apply broadly across tropical destinations rather than Tanzania specifically.

The list included HIV/ AIDS, diarrhoeal diseases, tickbite fever, sleeping sickness, meningitis, leptospirosis, schistosomiasis and venomous animals—conditions commonly noted in standard travel-medicine references.

“While these conditions exist in many tropical regions, they are not common among tourists, especially in well-established tourist areas like safari circuits and beach resorts,” TATO said.

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The association noted that millions visit Tanzania annually without encountering such health issues, and basic precautions are typically sufficient.

Safari lodges follow rigorous hygiene standards, malaria-prone areas have effective prevention measures, and the risk of schistosomiasis is “extremely low,” as tourist routes do not involve swimming in freshwater lakes where the parasite is found.

Altitude sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro, TATO added, affects only climbers, and reputable operators mitigate risks through well-designed ascent schedules and health monitoring.

The association also addressed general travel advisories such as avoiding demonstrations, using registered taxis, staying cautious at night and keeping documents secure.

“These are common-sense tips that apply to nearly every destination worldwide and are not specific to Tanzania,” Mr Maturo said.

“The advice to avoid demonstrations or use registered taxis is as applicable in New York as it is in Nairobi.”

Despite the negative press, tourism leaders maintain that Tanzania remains one of Africa’s safest and most rewarding travel destinations, renowned for its wildlife, Mount Kilimanjaro treks and pristine Indian Ocean beaches.

With its rich cultural heritage and reputation for warm hospitality, the country continues to attract adventure seekers, nature lovers and beach holidaymakers.

TATO encouraged travellers to take standard health precautions, choose reputable tour operators and follow basic safety practices—measures that ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip anywhere in the world.

“The concerns raised in the TravelBook article, while important to consider, were presented in a way that could make Tanzania seem more dangerous than it truly is,” Mr Maturo said.

“With proper preparation and awareness, your journey to Tanzania will be one to remember for all the right reasons.”