Staying Safe in Arusha and Moshi: Local Advice

Most northern Tanzania adventures begin in Arusha or Moshi. Arusha is the safari capital and our home base, while Moshi sits at the foot of Kilimanjaro and fills with climbers. Both are lively, welcoming towns where most visitors have nothing but good experiences.

Like busy towns anywhere, they have petty crime and a few common scams aimed at visitors. Here is what our team tells guests who want to explore beyond the hotel.

Getting around safely

Walking in the town center during the day is generally fine, and it is a great way to see the markets and cafes. After dark, take a taxi, even for short distances, because some streets are poorly lit and pavements can be uneven.

Ask your hotel or our office to arrange a trusted driver rather than flagging down a car on the street. Motorbike taxis, known as boda bodas, are everywhere, but they are involved in many road accidents and we do not recommend them for visitors.

If you arrive late at Kilimanjaro International Airport, book your transfer in advance. The drive to either town takes time, and it is much easier to be met by a known driver holding a sign with your name.

Dealing with street touts

In Arusha you will probably meet friendly young men offering safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs or a walk to a shop. Locally they are sometimes called flycatchers. Most are simply looking for commission, but some sell trips through unlicensed operators or ask for deposits and disappear.

A polite but firm hapana, asante (no, thank you) and walking on usually ends the conversation. Never pay money for a tour on the street, and only book with an operator whose office, license and reviews you can verify.

Protecting your valuables

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common problems in crowded areas such as markets and bus stations. A few simple habits help:

• Leave your passport, spare cash and extra cards in the hotel safe.
• Carry a small cross-body bag worn in front, not a backpack, in busy places.
• Keep your phone out of sight near roads, where passing bikes can snatch it.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying a large camera loosely around your neck in town.
• Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during daytime.

Photography and respect

People in Arusha and Moshi are generally warm and curious, but many do not like being photographed without permission, and Maasai visitors to town are no exception. Always ask first, and accept a no gracefully. Avoid photographing police, military sites, government buildings and airports, which can lead to awkward questions.

A few words of Swahili go a long way. Greeting people before asking for anything, even a simple habari or jambo, is considered good manners and often makes interactions smoother.

Health and road safety in town

Traffic is the biggest everyday risk. Look both ways carefully, as vehicles and motorbikes may not stop for pedestrians, and remember that traffic drives on the left. Wear a seatbelt in every vehicle where one is fitted.

Both towns have pharmacies and private hospitals for minor issues. Keep your insurance details and our contact number with you, so we can help quickly if something goes wrong.