How to Stay Safe in Serengeti – Serengeti National Park is located far from towns and cities, near the Kenya border and northwest of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As a wilderness area, it is naturally peaceful and has a low human population, making it a very safe destination for your safari.
The park is well-protected by trained park rangers and wildlife wardens. However, personal safety is always important. Below are tips to help you stay safe in Serengeti.
General Safety Tips in Serengeti
Traveling in Serengeti is generally safe, especially if you are on an organized tour or safari. Professional guides ensure your safety, and on self-drive safaris, you can stay safe by respecting wildlife and following park rules:
- Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines.
- Keep your voice low when near animals.
- Stay inside the vehicle during game drives except at designated areas where getting out is allowed.
- Avoid standing up, hanging out of windows, or sitting on the roof of the car.
- If on a self-drive safari, do not drive close to animals. Back off if animals seem disturbed.
- Never drive between elephants in a herd, especially mothers with young calves.
- On walking safaris, stay in a group, close to your guide, and always walk in a single file.
- Never run or jog in wildlife areas, as this may trigger a predator to attack.
- Avoid walking between a hippo and water, as this may cause the hippo to panic and charge.
- Do not leave food in your tent as it may attract wildlife.
- In the evenings, cover your arms and legs and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes.
- Wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid wearing bright or colorful clothing and strong perfume, especially on walking safaris.
- In tsetse fly areas, do not wear dark-colored clothing such as black or navy blue, as it attracts these flies.
- Bring warm clothing for early morning game drives in open vehicles.
Urban Area Safety Tips
As with many places worldwide, there is an increased risk of crime in cities and urban areas. Guided activities shield visitors from these risks, but if you are unguided, the following precautions will help:
- Ask your hotel if it is safe to walk around the local area. Seek local advice on safety issues.
- Do not wear jewelry when walking in cities, and leave valuables in a hotel safety deposit box.
- Avoid walking alone in large, unfamiliar cities.
- Avoid walking at night; take a taxi instead.
- Do not engage with strangers who approach you on the street.
- Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs. If you suspect suspicious individuals nearby, go elsewhere.
- Lock your car doors and close the windows when driving in busy towns.
- Do not leave valuables or luggage visible in an unattended car.
General Travel Safety Precautions
- Purchase good travel and health insurance.
- Check the passport and visa requirements for your destination.
- Get the required vaccinations, anti-malarial medication, and insect repellent (preferably those containing DEET).
- Lock your travel bags and keep valuables in your hand luggage.
- Make duplicates of important travel documents or store copies online.
- Pack appropriate clothing to protect against the sun, mosquitoes, and cold during open-vehicle game drives.
- Check luggage restrictions for all flights, including domestic ones.
- Avoid driving at night.
- Use the hotel’s safety deposit box for valuables.
- Always be polite and respectful to police officers and military personnel. If asked for a bribe (on a self-drive safari only), a light attitude and a joke might help diffuse the situation.
If you follow the rules, regulations, and guidelines, you can be confident that you will stay safe in Serengeti while enjoying your Tanzanian safari.
