Tanzania: High-Risk Areas in Dar es Salaam and Long-Distance Buses

1. Caution Regarding Dangerous Areas in Dar es Salaam
Recently, at around 8 PM, a Japanese traveler walking in the Kariakoo area of Dar es Salaam had their bag snatched. While Tanzania is considered relatively safe compared to other African countries and walking during the day is generally possible, there have been previous reports of snatch thefts, pickpocketing, luggage theft, and robberies in isolated areas.
If you lose your passport, cash, or cards, it may not only make it difficult to continue your trip and force you to return home, but staying in the country without a passport is also problematic. Foreigners in Tanzania are required to carry their passports, which are necessary for air travel and hotel accommodations.
Although walking is considered relatively safe during the day, walking at night is very dangerous. Most robberies occur at night. Avoid walking and use taxis or other forms of transportation after dark.
Please be cautious not to enter “particularly dangerous areas” marked on the map in the safety guide, including the Kariakoo area where the recent bag-snatching occurred.
2. Caution Regarding Long-Distance Bus Travel
Every year, many long-distance bus accidents are reported across Tanzania. On October 4th, a night bus traveling from Dar es Salaam to Arusha overturned in Tanga, killing four people and injuring 22 others. On September 28th, a large trailer overturned in Mbeya, killing 11 people and injuring 23 others. Earlier on September 9th, a long-distance bus heading to Tabora overturned in Mbeya due to reckless speeding, resulting in 12 deaths and 36 injuries.
Additionally, there has been an incident in the past where a Japanese student was offered sweets laced with sleeping pills by a fellow passenger on a long-distance bus, leading to unconsciousness and the theft of their valuables.
The risk of encountering accidents or incidents on long-distance buses is high, so it is not recommended to use them. Instead, consider alternative methods of transportation, such as air travel or hiring a car and driver from a travel agency.