Tanzania ,safe or not .

[shai2000]

Hi guys .
Can you tell me if it's safe to work in Tanzania especially in Dar es Salaam?
I heard rumors about robbery and assault against foreigns .
thanks
shai2000

[Foxyflyer]

If you want to be safe duckie, best give Africa a miss :}

[anjouan]

Most of Africa is not the sort of place to visit if you need answers to such a question.

I have heard that many big cities in USA are not safe to visit because of armed robberies. I have heard the same about almost every big city in Europe and most in Africa. I have heard that Tiananmen square is not safe to visit if you're a student.

If you're the sort of person who is easily frightened, then you should probably stay away from Africa. It's just like anywhere else: a robbery can occur on the next street, but it doesn't mean that you're next in line. There are many big cities where you'd be advised not to walk out at night and areas to avoid. Africa is the same.

[ugflyer]

Foxflyer, I hope you were being sarcastic, but if you were not, I do not think it is fair to boldly make such a statement. Which part of Africa are you, and if so why are you in Africa if it is so unsafe? And if you are not in Africa, then how do you know about the security situation in Africa. I cannot stand people that bad mouth this place and all that just from hearsay.
Check this, there was that shooting down at Virginia Tech in the USA......33 dead in one morning. So shall we all stay away from colleges in Virginia because of that? Do not generalise for the whole of Africa because you surely have not been to every part of Africa. There are bad people and good people everywhere of every race. There are robberies in every city of the world, and there is all sorts of crime everywhere.
Shai2000, see you in Dar and good luck

peace out:8

[Foxyflyer]

:} Fair enough UG. I was being a bit ironic. On the other handf I have worked in or visited almost every country in sub-saharan Africa. Been to Darfur lately? How about Lagos. Don't try to compare Europe to Africa in respect of personal security. It's no contest. Why am I here? Because I work here.

[Foxyflyer]

PS., Ug. Tanzania is a lovely place and pretty safe on the whole :)

[ugflyer]

Foxy, quick change of mind there eh!
Good laugh for the morning though.........cheers mate!

[Foxyflyer]

No change of mind UG. Africa is more dangerous than Europe. In Europe they might rob you but in Africa they kill you. Which would you prefer. :hmm:
But of course it would be true to say that 95% of people in Africa are nice, law-abiding people just like everywhere else. Trouble is, the bad guys here are really bad. FF.

[Gooneybird]

The problem with africa, well one amongst many and I'm going to generalise horribly here, is that the security situation is a mess: No adequate policing or legal recourse coupled with huge diparity between rich and poor. The recipe will always lead the same place. Dar isn't the worst but, you have to keep your wits about you wherever you are in the world.

If anyone tells you that any place in this continent is "safe" it just means that they didn't stick around it long enough for the honeymoon period to wear off.

That said there's many places in Europe I wouldn't want to walk alone at night. Coldharbour lane, Brixton anyone?!!

[ugflyer]

Good post gooney!

[Mukosha]

"Havent stuck around long enough for the honeymoon to wear off"!! What a ridiculous comment to make! Been here all my life and pretty happy with things so far. Sure there are bad spots on the continent. BUT, the number of people I know who have had something happen to them.. something worth really worrying about in Tz are extremely low. Almost zero. The people who generally get themselves into trouble are backpackers and naive tourists.

[Soap Box Cowboy]

I rember some poor guy who spent several years in Tanzania, then moved back to London, within a few days of arriving he'd been mugged and roughed up.

Keep your wits about you and you will be fine. I've seen and experienced bad things, but on the whole I consider Tanzania one of the safer places in Africa to live.

[MacChimpman]

Cowboy is exactly correct.

In my experience, Tanzania is a very civilized place. I've lived in TZ for 8 years now, have been in East Africa for the last 15. I think it's a great place with good people.

I haven't lived in Dar es Salaam, but have spent a lot of time there over the years. I'm sure it has it's places, but overall I've found it very safe. When I think of Dar compared to other cities- Nairobi or Kampala, Dar seems very tame indeed!

I'm more nervous walking around European or US cities.

[Gooneybird]

Whilst peoples subjective opinions "I feel that" "in my experience" etc... are very interesting I thought I'd include this somewhat outdated survey:

http://www.iss.co.za/Pubs/ASR/9No4/Schonteich.html

It indicates that Tanzania does indeed have a low per capita crime rate. However it also indicates that where crimes do occur, the proportion carried out with a weapon are higher than average and actually higher than South africa. i didn't spend that long looking at the survey so please browse it yourself.

Bear in mind too that statisical evidence gathering is also less reliable than in more developed countries.

I've also spent several years on this continent and I'm sorry Mukosha but many visitors do experience a "honeymoon period". I've travelled here extensively using local transport, hitching and eating at roadside restaurants. Whilst I've usually had an interesting and pleasant time it is none the less a place where the onus for personal security is on you and not the state. In fact, the most threatened I've fealt here has usually been due to the police or military. That is a major diference between Africa and Europe or in fact East Asia.

Personal experiences will always differ due to length of stay, race and gender to name but a few, since we all experience different risks for different reasons.

It can be a great place to live, if you're relatively affluent but, I wouldn't like to be an uneducated local here!

[ugflyer]

Hey gooney, ever heard of the statistic that 75% of statistics are made up on the spot.......In otherwords, unless you go find all those criminals and get first hand info, just let it go ma man!

[MungoP]

shy (sic) 2000... a wimpish Q... I can't believe anyone would ask it

[koalorka]

You guys comparing Africa to Europe?!

[Gooneybird]

Ok I agree with you UGFLYER Enough already!!!

To answer the original question: Tourists and backpackers go there on vacation to enjoy the beaches, rainforests and wildlife. It's not covered in landmines and you're not likely to be kidnapped by fundamentalists.

[Zenj]

Hi

Shai2000 wanted help to know more about TANZANIA, some said its HELL and many said its HEAVEN, just by its name DAR-ES-SALAAM , Heaven of Peace.

The thread left her with unanswered questions while we embarked on discussing and comparing 3rd World and the rest of the World.

I think the best way for Shai, she or her, cant tell by the name is to get hold of those who are in DAR right now and get some first hand info.

It depends whom are you going to work for but I'm sure someone from the Company will be there to receive you, and thats the starting point of what and how in DAR !

There are few rules and few places to avoid for your own sake, I have been told to avoid places even in the nicest places like Dubai, so this is normal but its much remarkable in third world countries.

Welcome to Tanzania !

[Hoveronly]

Dar is just like anywhere else, do your homework and avoid the less 'exciting' places. Personal security awareness is required wherever you goe, Dar is no different. Foxy did say something right', the crimes are more violent in nature. So if the crook want your wallet, give them your watch as well! However, don't be put off, come, enjoy but be aware!!

[helldog]

Cowboy, still in Dar huh? I reckon you could run for president you have been there so long.;)

[Lex44]

Dar is one the best cities to be in. Local folks politely ask if they can mug you. They are that cool - friendly and get used to guys politely asking for everything. Must use the word please.
Karibu.

[Soap Box Cowboy]

Hey there Helldog, hmmm maybe I should look into the next elections :}

I'm up in the great white north right now trying to get these damn night hours for my ATP. I forgot the places you rent planes have crazy restrictions. I'm stuck waiting for the damn weather since I need SIX THOUSAND foot ceilings in order to fly cross country night. What you been up to these days?

And yes Dar is safe, just be carefull where you live and walk, all kinds of shadey Characters as in anyplace in the world. But when compared to Nairobi Dar Es Salaam literaly is a haven of peace.

Nothing really bad ever happened to me in Dar but friends of mine have had some things happen but that was and is not the Norm.

The bad stuff I've experienced has usually been out of Dar in Dodgy places or flying High risk flights. Which thankfully we no longer do and if we do it's on the discretion of the pilot if he wants to do it.

Tanzania is the actually the best place to Experience real Africa safely. A great expereince and an eye opening one fantastic flying and plenty of nice people around.

Though I am in need of a change of scenery and a career upgrade so hopefully back to the middle east. I'm sure many would think that place is even less safe :E

[Busher]

Hello there,

How is the employment situation in Tanzania for an old bush pilot with 2.000 PISTON TT. I am in Malaysia as a flying instructor but might have to leave soon.

Thanks

[flyhardmo]

bush pilot with 2.000 PISTON TT
Plenty of jobs with those hours. shouldn't be a problem unless your tosser :}

[Soap Box Cowboy]

Heard Jules has quit so there is a Van job going in Dar. Also Coastal will probably still be looking for Van drivers, will find out in a few days when I get back.