Has anyone been to Kenya or Tanzania?

Tanzania elections 2010 - will it be safe to travel?

• I'm planning to do some traveling and volunteering in East Africa in the fall and winter. I hope to be in Tanzania in September/October and I just found out that national elections will be held in the Fall. I know that post-election violence can be a real threat (see Kenya 2007) so I'm just wondering if I should change my plans because of this? If anyone lives in Tanzania or knows the situation, what would you suggest? Would I be placing myself in danger? I could change my plans to leave Tanzania in early October but I don't know if this would escape any potential danger? I would be staying near Arusha, if that makes a difference. Any help or advice you have is greatly appreciated!

• Answer:

  Although Kenya and Tanzania share a lot of history, the differences are many between the countries since independence. The rifts between the main ethnic groups are much wider in Kenya than in Tanzania. You can't really compare the level of political competition and violence. So I would say, it's fairly safe to travel to Tanzania during the elections, with one exception: Zanzibar. There has been violence on Zanzibar during the last elections and most likely there will be some this year as well. Just stay away from Zanzibar during the elections and you will be safe.