Solo Female Guide to Traveling in Tanzania in 2026
Tanzania, an East African country, is known for its beautiful landscapes, pristine forests, majestic mountains, and diverse culture. It’s an ideal destination if you want to witness the wildebeest migration, climb Africa’s roof, or learn about African culture.
For years and years, Tanzania has been an incredible destination for anyone seeking adventure, relaxation, and pleasure. The country is also peaceful and welcoming to every kind of traveler, including females traveling alone.
Global stats show a sudden surge in solo female travel. Women are also interested in discovering the world alone and that’s why the number of solo women travels is expected to continue rising from 2025 onwards. In this guide, we’ll explore safety, culture, and top destinations for solo female visitors in Tanzania.
Safety concerns
Women, also dream of traveling alone. But sometimes they don’t know if they can be safe out there. As for any traveler, safety is their first and foremost concern. They also think people have different assumptions about them.
Tanzania is, however, a safe place for females going on safari alone. The crime rate is low, especially among female tourists. Many crimes also happen in urban areas where big crowds are common. The rural areas, where many parks and reserves are located, are generally safe.
Common Crimes and Safety Tips
Petty theft and pickpocketing. Be careful when you’re visiting markets, crowded beaches, and when you are in public transportation hubs. Thieves can take advantage of your hand pocket, phone, or any valuable thing handy.
Scams and fraud. Be careful of a strange person trying to help you, especially regarding credit and debit cards. Some thieves come in distraction groups to confuse you. In moments like this, trust your instincts – if you feel uncomfortable, please walk out.
Additional safety tips include:
- Avoid walking in isolated areas at night. It’s unsafe for a female to walk alone at night. Criminals do hide in such places; you can be
- Do not carry valuables in public areas. Leave your valuables at the hotel. If you’re going out, only carry the necessary items.
- Do not leave your possessions unattended, especially in cafes, bars, and other places. The moment you leave them, someone can snatch them.
- Join a group of fellow females. When you feel unsafe being alone during an activity, it’s better to join other visitors, especially females.
Cultural etiquette
Tanzania is warm and welcoming, but it’s culturally conservative. This is common in rural areas and along the coast, where the majority of residents are Muslims. As a female traveler, you have to respect local communities. Here are some tips to observe:
- Dress modestly in public areas and when visiting local villages. Make sure you cover shoulders, cleavage, and knees. You may be treated badly if you wear see-through clothes or shorts, though some locals won’t tell you.
- Remove shoes before getting into a mosque or someone’s home. Women also have to cover their heads and dress conservatively when attending worship. Do the same.
- Ask for permission before taking photos of people. Never take photos of military buildings.
Top Destinations for Solo Women in Tanzania
Whether you want to see wildlife or climb mountains, Tanzania has a lot to offer. You’ll be surprised by the richer biodiversity in destinations such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and so much more. Here are the top destinations for solo women tourists.
- Serengeti National Park
This is arguably a standalone park where you can watch stunning wildlife moments. It hosts the wildebeest migration, the Big Five, and many other animals. Witnessing all this magic alone is unforgettable. Imagine watching a wildebeest giving birth in the south of the Serengeti. The views of herds crossing the Mara River are also sensational.
For so long, safari-goers have longed to see the Big Five in a single-go safari destination. Serengeti can offer such an incredible experience. Buffalos, lions, and elephants are abundant. You can see them every time you go on a game drive. The black rhino is extremely rare, though, with a good driver, you can encounter this giant mammal. Leopards are abundant, but not readily available. These elusive creatures stay in trees for most of their daytime.
There are plenty of activities to engage in the Serengeti. As a solo traveler, don’t miss out on doing some of them, for instance:
- Balloon safaris.
Set an early alarm to catch up with a morning balloon safari. Floating over Serengeti’s endless plains is extraordinary. You witness the sun staining the grassy plains brown. It’s also a unique way to view landscapes, rivers, and wildlife from atop. This experience, however, requires a reasonable budget if you don’t want to share.
- Bush dining
You can have a dinner, or two, served in the bush. A camp is prepared before sunset, and the experience begins with sundowners around a campfire. It’s at campfires like these where mythical stories in Africa are made, and your expert guides will share a few of them. You also decide on the meal you want.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
It’s hard to skip this place if you’re after wildlife. It’s also in this area where you can meet the Ngorongoro Crater, the most stunning crater in the world. The crater not only hosts the Big Five but also the highest concentration of wildlife.
A game drive in the crater is awesome. You drive on the wildlife-infested floor in search of the Big Five or just to explore the landscape, etc. Watching the crater from the rim is eye-catching. You can try this from your lodge on the rim (if you stay inside the area).
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro was perceived as a very tough hike for women until the first woman, Sheila MacDonald (United Kingdom) managed to reach the summit in 1927. That feat unlocked exploration and adventure for women. Nowadays, women on solo travel can attempt to climb Africa’s highest peak.
The journey takes 6 to 11 days. The main challenge is altitude sickness, especially if you’re not used to high altitudes. The easiest route is Marangu, and the toughest one is Umbwe. The former is good for first-timers, while the latter is good for experienced hikers.
- Visit local communities
Most solo women find it interesting to interact with friendly locals on their journey. The Maasai are, of course, friendly and warm, just like the other over 120 tribes of Tanzania. A day with these societies underpins your connection with Tanzanian culture, making you make new friends, learn a new culture, and adopt a new dressing style.
The Maasai live in Arusha and Ngorongoro. Head out for a visit to their homes to learn more about them. It’s more exciting to try on their unique outfit (Lubega).
You can visit the Hadzabe bushmen. They’re hunter-gatherers living in the forests of Lake Eyasi. It’s astonishing how these people manage to survive in a jungle full of predators. They also do not use formal medications, don’t go to school, and are away from the civilized world. However, they’re welcoming to tourists.
- Nyerere National Park
Formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, the Nyerere is a less-visited destination in the southern part of Tanzania. The wildlife, landscapes, and forests are untouched. Also, a few visitors get to this unusual location, so you’ll enjoy surveying this wonderful park alone.
The Nyerere is known for the highest concentration of wild dogs, which is not common in the northern parks. Additionally, you can watch elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and occasional rhinos. The Park is also budget-friendly all year round.
- Zanzibar
Zanzibar is another picturesque destination for solo women. There’s much to discover on this idyllic island – from historical architecture in the Stone Town, and the exquisite beaches like Nungwi and Kendwa, to the spices.
A walk through the busy streets, markets, and old ruins is more than an adventure. You can enjoy pilau (spiced rice), which is served with mussels and seafood at the Forodhani Markets – a famous food point in the Stone Town. Complement your meal with a Zanzibar Mix (Urojo), a common local dessert, or a soft drink.
If you don’t fear water, head to the Mnemba Island – and go beneath the waters to view coral reefs and a plethora of marine species. You can also full-day sailing to nowhere on this blue ocean.
The night vibes of a full-moon party at Kendwa Rock Hotel are unmatched. And if lucky, you can attend any of the famous festivals – Sauti za Busara, Zanzibar International Film Festival, Mwaka Kogwa, and others. These events carry the beliefs and feelings of the locals.
The best time to visit Tanzania.
Tanzania is nice year-round, but June to October is generally better. However, it depends on what you want to experience. Wildlife safaris and hiking trips are more rewarding in the non-rainy season, while birdwatching is great during the green season.
If it is your first visit to Tanzania, we highly recommend coming in the dry season. You’ll enjoy the best experience in parks, mountains, or beaches.
There’s a short dry spell from mid-December to February, which is more affordable than the peak season. It’s excellent for watching the calves in the south of the Serengeti. There are heavy downpours from March to May, making your safari more challenging. One of the pros of traveling in this period is affordability and seclusion.
Where to book your trip?
You need a careful study of the best tour operators for women who travel solo. Always read reviews and ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor and SafariBookings to see what other travelers have to say about the tour operator.
At Focus East Africa Tours, we have extensive experience in handling solo travel. Our guides are well-trained to deal with solo travelers, especially women. We also work with exquisite lodges and camps that can accommodate you comfortably, meeting every demand a female traveler could need. If you want to inquire more about solo female travel in Tanzania, please contact us.
