Solo Female Travel Guide to Tanzania
Planning a solo trip to Tanzania as a female traveler is one of the most rewarding adventures you can experience in Africa.
Our fellow blogger, Ella, will share her expertise on the destination and show us how it is possible to travel safely in Tanzania as a solo traveler. First, a little bit about her. Ella is a UK national who fell in love with Africa when she first travelled to Zambia at the age of 17. Now, over 12 years later, she has visited more than ten countries on this incredible continent and been on countless safaris. Tanzania is a particular favourite of hers, and she has been visiting this magical country at least once a year for the past 5 years. You can find her on YouTube or her beautiful blog. So let’s hear her out.
As a female traveller planning a solo trip, safety will always be a top priority. But it shouldn’t come at the cost of adventure. With a little research and planning, you can make sure you feel safe on your travels while still enjoying the adventure of a lifetime. There are many destinations that offer unforgettable experiences for solo female travelers without jeopardising your security – and for me, Tanzania is among the first that come to mind.
Home to the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as a wealth of incredible national parks, Tanzania solo travel offers plenty to attract adventurous women. From wildlife safaris to relaxing on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar, this East African destination delivers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. And thanks to its well-developed tourism infrastructure, it’s easy to meet other travelers through group outings and guided tours, no matter what you decide to do with your time.
With friendly, hospitable locals and an unbelievable breadth of natural wonders and cultural activities, I’m keen to show you why solo travel in Tanzania is a really rewarding experience.
Is Tanzania safe for solo female travelers?
The short answer to this question is yes: Tanzania is generally considered one of the safer African countries for solo female travelers. The tourism industry is well established, with many reputable local operators offering safe, structured tours, excursions and group experiences.
As solo female travel is relatively common here, there’s a good chance you’ll run into fellow female travelers doing the same as you. What’s more, the locals are friendly and helpful, which really helps you feel at home.
That said, it is important to remain vigilant, take sensible precautions, and familiarise yourself with potential scams and other safety issues to avoid risky situations.
Solo Female Travel Tips for Tanzania
While I have always felt safe travelling solo in Tanzania, there are a few things you should bear in mind to ensure your experience is as enjoyable as possible.
1. Choose a Trusted Tour Operator
When booking your trip, it’s absolutely essential to choose a trusted tour operator. Check reviews carefully, looking for both positive and negative feedback from other travelers on review aggregators like Google Reviews and TripAdvisor. Travel bloggers and forums can also offer helpful recommendations for Tanzania solo female travel.
2. Arrange Safe Airport Transfers
On arrival in Tanzania, I strongly recommend either asking your safari company or hotel to pick you up at the airport. Otherwise, choose a high-end taxi service to reach your accommodation. Avoid using services like Uber, as although they are convenient, in my experience, they can be unreliable and even reckless.
3. Stay Connected with an e-SIM
While staying connected is especially important when travelling solo, it can be a challenge on safari, where coverage can be patchy. I’d recommend purchasing a low-cost eSIM so you’re still connected even when there’s no router in sight!
4. Protect Your Valuables from Pickpockets
As with any country, visiting urban areas in Tanzania carries a risk of pickpocketing, muggings, and various tourist scams. Avoid walking alone at night and carrying any valuables on display while you’re out and about. Travelling with multiple copies of your passport and visa is useful, as you can simply bring one with you while out and about and leave your passport in the hotel safe.
5. Dress Respectfully in Muslim Areas
Tanzania has a large Muslim population, especially in Zanzibar, so dress accordingly when in towns and cities. Beaches, hotels and the safari circuit are more relaxed, but modest clothing is appreciated when exploring Stone Town and other cultural sites.
6. Take Health Precautions
In addition to getting the required vaccines before you leave, it’s important to look after your health during your trip. Use insect repellent to protect yourself from malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and when on safari, wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts in neutral colours to discourage tsetse flies, which have an unpleasant bite.
7. Drink Only Bottled Water
Avoid drinking tap water; it is unsafe. Always use bottled water, even when brushing your teeth as the water is very mineral-rich in areas like Serengeti. And be sure to apply sunscreen liberally, as the sun can be very intense. Or use the practical filter bottle below.
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8. Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Lastly, be sure you have adequate travel insurance – better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! This is essential for any solo female traveler in Tanzania. I use and recommend SafetyWing because they offer quite comprehensive coverage, and if health expenses are included, they refund within 3 to 5 business days. Check out their terms and conditions, or get a quote using the box below.
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Best Places for Solo Travelers to Visit in Tanzania
There is no shortage of things to see and do as a solo traveller in Tanzania. Some activities depend on the time of year you travel, and others may simply reflect your personal preferences. I’ve created a shortlist of the country’s top destinations below to help you decide what experiences you want to include.
Serengeti Safari
The Serengeti is, without question, Tanzania’s most famous site, boasting an unparalleled density of wildlife, including the Big Five. You might be afraid it can’t live up to the hype, but I can honestly say that this vast wilderness has surpassed my expectations every time I’ve visited. Every game drive is packed with incredible animal and bird sightings, not to mention nail-biting predator activity!
Hosting the jaw-dropping annual Great Wildebeest Migration that sees huge numbers of wildebeest cross the crocodile-infested Mara River in search of greener grazing lands, it is top of most safari enthusiasts’ wishlists. I will never forget the rush of emotion as I finally got to witness the incredible sight of thousands of wildebeests approaching the river, while crocs watched on.
The Serengeti is a fantastic destination for a solo female traveller, with many group tour options available to help you share the costs (and excitement!) of your visit. The park welcomes large numbers of tourists every year, and the staff are courteous and kind. Booking with a reputable operator will leave you in the expert care of a professional guide who will put your safety first.
Due to the close proximity of Tanzania’s northern national parks, they can be seamlessly combined into a 7-day itinerary.
Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Originally a towering volcano that stood even taller than Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most visually spectacular safari destinations. The crater floor is flanked by forest-covered crater walls that reach up to 600 metres in places.
With grasslands, swamps and a soda lake, this national park houses an unbelievably dense and diverse collection of wildlife within a relatively small area, making for excellent sightings during your visit.
As another well-organised conservation area, Ngorongoro Crater is very safe for solo female travelers, with excellent guides and wonderful sighting opportunities.
The area is regularly patrolled, and its compact size is reassuring. Accommodation is also great, with many lodges catering to solo travelers just outside the crater walls.
Arusha
Arusha is the gateway to northern Tanzania’s safari circuit. The city has great hostels, including the Banana Farm Eco-Hostel, which is a great place to meet people. There’s lots to do here, such as Arusha National Park, Chemka Hot Springs, Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour. If time allows, you could also plan a day trip to Tarangire National Park or one of the nearby Maasai villages.
As a city, Arusha is arguably less safe than the national parks, but with a bit of common sense, you should have no problems. Walking purposefully (even if you don’t know where you’re going!) is a good way to avoid being harassed by people trying to sell you tours or souvenirs.
Keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone at night – your accommodation will be happy to help you book a reputable taxi when needed.
Zanzibar
The island paradise of Zanzibar has so much to offer, with flawless beaches, clear, turquoise waters and the historic Stone Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Snorkelling around Mnemba Island in the North East is excellent, and the tranquil Jozani National Park has Colobus monkeys to admire.
With friendly locals and incredible food, Zanzibar is a fantastic destination for anyone travelling solo. There are so many activities that you can enjoy alone, but if you’re keen to meet other travelers, you could stay in a hostel or go on the free Stone Town walking tour.
Mount Kilimanjaro
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might consider hiking Mount Kilimanjaro during your time in Tanzania. Summiting Africa’s tallest mountain features on many people’s bucket lists. The trek takes 7 – 9 days in total, depending on your chosen route, and will lead you through a range of habitats with spectacular views. But of course, the best view of all is the one from the Roof of Africa!
If you’re a woman travelling alone and want to hike Kilimanjaro, your best bet is to join a group tour. Almost half of those who climb the peak each year are female, and many of them are solo travelers who have joined a group.
I’d advise researching group tours in advance to find a reputable operator – reviews are very useful in helping you identify the better options, and travel blogs and forums also have some great tips.
Dar Es Salam
Tanzania’s most populous city, Dar es Salaam, is a busy and often chaotic metropolis with several lovely beaches, a thriving nightlife, and exquisite restaurants. The National Museum and House of Culture offer fascinating insights into Tanzania’s history, and the Mwenge Woodcarvers Market is a great place to pick up some local souvenirs and watch local artists showcase their crafts.
There’s no shortage of accommodation, from luxury and mid-range hotels or Airbnbs to hostels. In addition to being more affordable, hostels make it easy to meet other travelers. I recommend The Slow Leopard; it’s popular with solo travelers and offers free breakfast. Gallivanters and L&K Modern Backpackers B&B also rate highly.
If you want to be on the beach in a more boutique-style hotel, The Mediterraneo Hotel is another great option.
Dar es Salaam is much larger and busier than Arusha, so be extra cautious when exploring. Traffic can be crazy, so watch out when crossing roads. Use reputable, high-end taxis to get around rather than public transport (they don’t always drive sensibly) and avoid walking around after dark – even between bars.
How to get around Tanzania as a Solo Traveler
There are a few different ways to get around Tanzania as a solo traveller. For transport to/from the airport, it’s best to stick with transport organised through your trusted tour operator or high-end taxi services.
When travelling further afield, you can choose from the options below.
Joining a tour
The best way to find a tour as a solo traveller is to book through a reputable tour operator. They can advise you on the best option that fits your budget and requirements so you can make the most of your time in Tanzania.
You can then join an existing group and share the costs, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket costs. Many lodges also offer the option to join group tours, but you don’t have much say in terms of group size, guide choice, focus of the trip, etc.
Joining group tours is a great way to explore Tanzania at a relatively low cost while also getting to know other like-minded travelers. I would recommend this budget-friendly option unless you prefer to book a significantly more costly private safari.
Public transport
Public transport is also an option, but it can be difficult to organise, especially when trying to access the national parks. I wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re already confident travelling in similar environments.
Dala dalas (minibuses) and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) are available all over the country. Dala dalas are usually the cheapest option, but can be very packed. Boda bodas are faster, but can be a little scary if you’re not used to riding on a motorcycle. Though cost-effective, this isn’t the safest way to get around unless you are very experienced and used to driving in Tanzania.
Self-driving
While renting your own car will give you added freedom to explore, I don’t recommend self-driving, as many roads in Tanzania are often in poor condition, and roadblocks are common. In addition, a number of the national parks have strict rules, requiring you to hire a large 4×4, which is relatively costly. Driving at night can also be dangerous; many vehicles don’t have working headlights and drive erratically.
Flights
Domestic flights link up national parks via airstrips and also connect the key destinations in Tanzania. While flying is quick and easy, this is an expensive option, especially when travelling between parks (for example, it costs $300 per person to fly from Arusha to Serengeti).
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Tanzania at various times of year, and my experience has taught me that the best time to visit the country really depends on what you wish to see and do.
If you want to witness the dramatic Great Wildebeest Migration and watch thousands of wildebeest cross the treacherous Mara River, the best time to visit is between mid-July and September.
To take in the wildebeest calving season when an unbelievable 8,000 baby wildebeests are born every day surrounded by hungry predators, you should head to the Southern Serengeti in January or February.
If your aim is to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), you have a little more flexibility. While the general consensus is that the best time to see the Five is during the dry season from June to October, when animals gather around water sources, and vegetation is thinner, my best sightings of the extremely elusive black rhino were during the wet season.
This is because black rhinos retreat to forests during the dry season but are drawn to open ground during the wet season by the lush, thick grass.
My favourite month to visit Tanzania is September. The weather is fabulous, it’s quieter than peak season in August, and prices are lower. The Mara River crossing as part of the Great Wildebeest migration is at its height, and big cat sightings are incredible!
But you might feel differently depending on your own preferences – I recommend asking your operator and doing a little research of your own to find the perfect time for your trip.
Conclusion
Tanzania is a beautiful country with incredible wildlife and outstanding national parks. With a well-developed tourism infrastructure and friendly, welcoming locals, it is an excellent destination for solo female travelers.
As with all travel, once you exercise some common sense and take reasonable precautions, you should be able to enjoy your trip to the fullest. I hope you’ll come to love this amazing country as much as I do!
