What is the Crime in Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro Mountain doesn’t really have a crime rate as the only people climbing are guides, porters, and tourists. Items being stolen and violent crime are extremely rare on the mountain.
Since the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities require all climbers to be accompanied by a licensed guide, you can be sure that you are protected from crime and any dangerous activities while on the mountain.
During your time off the mountain in Tanzania, it’s good to be aware of potential crime and know the best ways to protect yourself.
The good news is that violent crime in Tanzania is not common, especially for those who are traveling here from another country.
Crime in Tanzania
Tanzania is considered a safe country to travel to especially when you are coming for a tour such as a safari or climbing Kilimanjaro.
The most common crime in Tanzania is petty theft and mugging. It’s not unheard of to have a bag snatched when you’re not paying attention, especially in the evening and at night. Pickpocketing is also possible especially when you are in a crowded place like a bus park or market.
This is why we recommend never to carry your passport or large amounts of cash with you. Only carry the cash you need for that day and leave the rest in the safe in your hotel room. Some people choose to carry a copy of their passport with them, but it’s not a good idea to carry the original with you.
In large cities, like Dar Es Salaam, violent crime is more common, but still rare compared to other places. Vehicle theft, mugging, and home invasions are possible in Dar Es Salaam, so you need to take extra precautions if you are traveling there before or after your climb.
When climbing Kilimanjaro including before and after the climb, you will be in the city of Arusha. This is a popular city for expats and tourists where petty crime and violent crime are both rare.
You also never have to worry about your safety while on safari with us as you will always be with a guide. All the national parks and safari accommodations are extremely safe with full-time security guards.
How to Protect Yourself From Crime in Tanzania
When traveling to Tanzania, you don’t need to do anything special or out of the ordinary to protect yourself from crime as crime rates are relatively low.
However, you still need to take the same precautions that you would when traveling to any country including:
- Don’t flash your valuables or large amounts of money
- Don’t carry around large sums of cash, especially to busy and crowded places
- Keep your bag close to you at all times
- Avoid carrying backpacks and purses over the shoulder which are easy to get stolen
- Only join tours with licensed companies that have plenty of reviews
- Never be alone with people you have just met or that you do not know well
- Always stay in hotels with plenty of reviews and 24/7 security
- Avoid walking around alone at night
- Avoid streets and parts of town that are isolated or without lights at night
- Always listen to and follow the advice of your guides and tour operators
Overall, Tanzania is one of the safest countries in Africa especially compared to their neighbors Kenya and Uganda who have high crime rates in their capital cities.
Safety on Kilimanjaro
As mentioned previously, there is no crime or theft on Kilimanjaro. However, there are other other dangers like altitude sickness and hypothermia.
These things are easily avoided though when you climb with a reputable company like Climbing Kilimanjaro.
We have Wilderness First Responder trained guides who can easily spot the symptoms of altitude sickness and other illnesses that can happen on the mountain.
Our daily health checks also allow us to monitor all climbers’ oxygen levels.
Should you fall ill while climbing, we have strict evacuation procedures in place and also carry portable stretchers, first aid kits, and emergency supplemental oxygen.
When you climb with us, you never have to be worried about safety or health while on the mountain.
Safety While on Safari
Safaris are incredibly safe. The only time a safari is dangerous is when people don’t listen to the guides and drivers. When you are accompanied by a licensed safari operator, they know exactly where to drive you inside the parks to make it a safe and fun time for everyone involved.
Keep in mind you are in the animal’s natural habitat so you should never venture out by yourself or try to get up close to any of the animals.
You might have heard a few stories of tourists being hurt by the wildlife, but this only happens when people are not following directions and they do something the guides tell them not to do.
In case any of the animals get too close or there is another potentially dangerous situation, our guides and drivers know exactly how to act with everyone’s safety in mind.
Safety in Zanzibar
Many travelers decide to visit Zanzibar before or after their climb. Zanzibar is a safe destination for tourists.
Mugging is unfortunately common in Stone Town though, so make sure not to flash your valuables and always keep your bag close to your body to avoid someone snatching it off of you.
If you decide to do any watersports, make sure you sign up with a reputable company and knowledgeable guides who know how to keep you safe on the water. If you’re not sure who to go with, you can always ask your hotel reception desk as they usually have a list of guides that they know and trust.
And as with all your tropical vacations, make sure to wear sunscreen and hydrate! Zanzibar has a wonderful hot climate, but it’s easy to fall ill because of too much sun and not enough water intake.
Have any questions about crime on Kilimanjaro or Tanzania in general? Feel free to contact us with all your questions and we will be happy to answer!
