Doreen Rheinstein
Weeks after election-related unrest in Tanzania, the U.S. State Department’s Level 3 advisory (“reconsider travel”) remains in place, even as operators report that conditions on the ground are “returning to normal.” This has raised questions for U.S. travel advisors, operators and safari partners about what’s really happening beyond the headlines.
The State Department strengthened its guidelines for Tanzania on October 31, citing “insecurity, crime, terrorism, and targeting of homosexuals.” The update follows protests surrounding the controversial re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The British Foreign Office issued a similar warning, but it was toned down a few days later when calm returned. However, while the situation on the ground appears to have stabilized, the U.S. recommendation continues.
For Tanzania, where international arrivals will surge 17.5% in 2024, reaching over 2 million visitors, the reputational risks posed by ongoing foreign consultations are real and immediate. A recent poll by South African travel trade publication Tourism Update found that 60% of industry respondents believe Tanzania has suffered a serious reputational decline, while more than 23% are uncertain about the long-term impact.
“Continued Level 3 travel warnings will erode traveler confidence, slow bookings in key long-haul markets and put pressure on lodges, tour operators and beachfront hotels that rely on advance bookings,” said Barry Clemens, CEO of HospitalityEQ, an Africa-based hotel consultancy. “Even if the main safari areas are quiet and operating, awareness alone can lead to cancellations and shortened booking periods.”
However, on site, operators are reporting to work as usual. “Things are back to normal. Tanzanians are very confrontational, so whether the elections are fair or unfair, most choose the peaceful path,” said Jean Du Plessis, Tanzania regional director for Wilderness Safaris.
“We’ve seen a metric increase in inquiries and requests for updates on the situation,” AndBeyond COO Ryan Powell said. “However, all guests traveling during this period have decided to continue their travel as the situation in their travel area has remained stable. We have not had any cancellations.”
Kate Waite, head of corporate communications for NawiriGroup, a safari travel group in sub-Saharan Africa, describes the response from American customers as “wait and see.” She said most wanted direct reassurance, not last-minute rerouting or refunds. “During the post-election period, more than 250 reservations came in and out with minimal impact.”
What Travel Advisors Say
Most US-based agents see this pattern. “I’ve never had a question about the civil war in Tanzania,” said Jim Holden, president of Holden Safaris. “The DMC in Tanzania keeps us well informed about the scale of the disturbance, its location and the actions being taken. Information is everything!”
For some agents, managing election-related risk is about strategic timing. “As an experienced African safari expert, I tend to avoid booking travelers until a month after the election,” said Raza Visram of African Mecca Safaris. “This can help lower the political temperature, move contested elections and disputes to the courts, and curb post-election destruction and damage.”
The consensus among trade experts was clear. Travelers remain confident when information flows directly between reputable local partners and their U.S. agents. A good ground operator provides what government advisories cannot: real-time, detailed information about actual conditions and perceived risks.
“What made a significant difference was proactive communication, providing regular updates, managing expectations and quickly making case-by-case itinerary adjustments where necessary, including rerouting through Kenya to provide a more seamless experience,” said Waite. The crisis protocols her team established allowed for a flexible response only possible through 24/7 communication and established partnerships.
Powell says, “I advocate working with reputable partners. For those within a consortium, continue to work with vetted and approved partners, as consortia perform extensive due diligence on partner selection to help mitigate risk.”
Practical recommendations include encouraging customers to enroll in the State Department’s STEP program, maintaining open communication with operators on the ground, and sharing verified updates to counter misinformation.
“More accurate and reliable information that can be shared with all parties about what is happening will help keep everyone informed of the situation and reduce anxiety,” Holden agreed.
global reality
Powell said he sees the situation in Tanzania as part of a broader challenge.
“The answer goes beyond the Tanzania example. Globally, instability is more common than it used to be. Clear and unified messaging is essential to set realistic expectations for clients,” he said.
Tanzania shows how important it is for agents to have a trusted partner in the field. This is especially true when government advice does not keep pace with changing circumstances.
