How safe is Tanzania?

I may be going there this summer and I'm completely clueless on the topic of safety. In other words, how is the crime rate, potential wars etc. etc.?

Terrorist incidents in the recent past highlight the continuing threat posed by terrorism in East Africa and the capacity of terrorist groups to carry out such attacks. On August 7, 1998, terrorists bombed the U.S. Embassies in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, Kenya. On November 28, 2002, terrorists bombed a hotel in Mombasa, Kenya, approximately 50 miles north of the Kenya-Tanzania border, and unsuccessfully attempted to shoot down an Israeli charter plane departing Mombassa Airport. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets including usual gathering places of tourists and Westerners. At all times, travelers should maintain a high level of security vigilance. They should avoid political rallies and related public gatherings. In the past, peaceful demonstrations have turned violent with little or no warning as riot police clashed with demonstrators.
A continuing concern is Tour猫 Drive on Msasani Peninsula in Dar es Salaam. It is the beach front road leading from the Sea Cliff Hotel into town and provides an inviting view of the ocean. However, there are regular reports of daytime muggings, pick-pocketing, and theft from cars. This road continues to be an area of concern for any time of day, on foot, or in vehicles. US government personnel are expressly advised to avoid walking or running along Tour猫 Drive

Crime is a serious problem in Tanzania, and visitors should be alert and cautious. Street crime in Dar es Salaam is common and includes mugging, vehicle theft, "smash and grab" attacks on vehicles, armed robbery, and burglary. Thieves and pickpockets on buses and trains steal from inattentive passengers.

Crime involving firearms is becoming more common. A series of robberies involving increasing levels of violence has occurred along the coast and on Zanzibar. Robbers have held up tour buses and dive boats at gunpoint. In July 2004, a group of volunteer conservation workers was attacked on Pemba Island. Two of the group suffered gunshot wounds.

Pedestrians on beaches and footpaths, both in isolated areas and in popular tourist venues, are often targeted for robbery or assault. This is especially true on Zanzibar and in Dar es Salaam and its environs. Visitors should limit the amount of cash they carry and leave valuables, such as passports, jewelry and airline tickets, in a hotel safe or other secure place. Cameras are highly coveted by thieves, and should be guarded carefully. Because of the potential for fraud, credit cards should only be used in reputable tourist hotels. Sexual assaults involving tourists are also an increasing concern. Travelers are warned to avoid walking alone after dark.

Carjacking has occurred in both rural and urban areas. Visitors are advised to drive with doors locked and windows rolled up. Travelers are urged not to stop between populated areas and to travel in convoys if possible.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw...

Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/

I'm not really up to date on Tanzania... But a few years ago I went to Uganda... They're going through a civil war with rebels killing people left and right... Idk. I was 14 when I went For missionary work.. But I didnt find Africa nearly as dangerous as people made it out to be... Research current events on BBC news and such... But remember, anything bad you hear, that's only PART of the country and PART of the population.

Be prepared for a shock. It is very sad. People are very poor and hungry. But from then on... You'll think a lot more about complaining about petty things...

Also. I obviously, don't know why your going... But make sure everything is very structured. Make sure you have guides, translators etc. Read up on customs... For ex: in uganda, pointing, is the same as flipping some one off... That can get shady if you don't know stuff like that...

REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR MALARIA MEDS!!!! Malaria is not fun.

And get a money belt!!

if you need any more African traveling tips, feel free to email me!!!