From being bitten by a malaria-carrying mosquito to suffering from altitude sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro, there are plenty of ways you can inadvertently become sick while traveling in Tanzania. Here’s what you need to know about staying healthy in Tanzania.
Is Tanzania safe to travel? For the most part, Tanzania is a safe destination for international travelers. But there are some things to be aware of for your health and safety.
- Staying Healthy in Tanzania
- Common Diseases Found in Tanzania
- Required Tanzania Vaccinations for US Travelers
- Medical Assistance
- Travel Insurance
- Water and Swimming
- Mosquitoes
- Wildlife Safety
- Altitude Sickness
- Sun and Heat Protection
- Staying Safe in Tanzania
- Civil Unrest
- Terrorism
- Climate and Natural Disasters
- Local Laws in Tanzania
- Embassies and Consulates in Tanzania
- Tanzania: Know Before You Go
Staying Healthy in Tanzania
Common Diseases Found in Tanzania
- Malaria
- Dengue fever
- Cholera
- African Sleeping Sickness (African Trypanosomiasis)
- Chikungunya
- Leptospirosis
- Schistosomiasis
- Hantavirus
Required Tanzania Vaccinations for US Travelers
In addition to being up-to-date on your regular vaccinations, like flu, polio, shingles, and measles, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires or recommends the following vaccinations or prescription medications before traveling to Tanzania.
- COVID-19: Recommended
- Cholera: Recommended
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year or older and infants ages six to 11 months
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers ages 60 or older
- Yellow fever: Vaccination required if coming from known yellow fever-infected country or region
- Rabies: Recommended
- Typhoid: Recommended
- Malaria: Highly recommended
You should get any recommended or required vaccinations at least a month before your trip.
Medical Assistance
Due to a deficit of available doctors, limited supplies, and low quality of care, most medical services in Tanzania are not on par with the healthcare most travelers may be accustomed to having.
If you find yourself in need of medical attention during your time in Tanzania, you’ll have several options. You’ll find healthcare options in major cities and urban areas, like Dar es Salaam and Arusha. But medical care facilities are extremely rare in rural areas, like national parks and game reserves. If you fall ill while on safari, you may need to be air-lifted to the nearest hospital, which may or may not be in the same country.
At public hospitals and medical facilities, the quality of care and medical treatment is not always the best. The equipment and quality of care are often better at private facilities, where you’re also more likely to find English-speaking doctors. The US Embassy in Tanzania has compiled a list of vetted private healthcare providers around Tanzania in case you’re in need of medical treatment. As private providers, treatment at private facilities can be more expensive.
If you’re having a medical emergency, call 112. This is the Tanzania emergency number and connects you to emergency resources, like ambulances, police, and fire departments.
Travel Insurance
Due to Tanzania’s poor healthcare system, it’s highly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance prior to your trip. Not only can travel insurance protect you from delays, cancellations, and if you get robbed, but it can also protect you from unexpected medical expenses.
Companies like battleface, Allianz, World Nomads, and HTH Worldwide all offer customizable insurance plans designed for your needs.
Water and Swimming
While the local tap water is safe for doing things like showering and washing your hands, you should avoid drinking it whenever possible.
With its protected marine reserves and beautiful beaches, the offshore Zanzibar archipelago is a popular destination for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. There are few predators in these waters, and it’s generally safe for swimming, but you should still follow any local advice, signage, or guidance for places or times to avoid swimming.
On the mainland, you shouldn’t swim in freshwater water sources, like rivers and lakes, due to the risk of wildlife or contaminated water.
Mosquitoes
One of the biggest health concerns in Tanzania is mosquito bites. Malaria is still a major issue in Tanzania, but mosquitos can also carry other diseases, including dengue fever, Rift Valley fever, and African sleeping sickness. The tsetse fly can also carry diseases.
The worst times for mosquitos are in June, July, and December following the rainy seasons, as there’s more stagnant water. During this time (and in general throughout the year), you should take steps to protect yourself. Carry and use mosquito and insect repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, and sleep under a mosquito net at night.
Wildlife Safety
Tanzania’s amazing wildlife is one of its biggest draws, but you’ll also need to stay safe from native wildlife while out on safari. Keep a fair distance from animals and follow the advice of your guide. If you’re on game drives, stay inside the vehicle (that includes arms, legs, and head) unless your guide says it is safe to do otherwise.
Wear boots and socks to avoid bites from snakes and scorpions. Don’t approach or engage with wildlife, and never wander off without a guide. If you do happen to get bitten or hurt by wildlife, inform your guide and seek immediate medical attention.
Altitude Sickness
Lots of people travel to Tanzania with the goal of summiting Mt. , the highest mountain in Africa. But at 19,341 feet high, some travelers may suffer from altitude-sickness symptoms, like vomiting, headaches, lack of sleep, and fatigue that impacts your ability to move and think. If you start experiencing these symptoms while climbing Kilimanjaro, you should descend right away and seek medical treatment.
Mt. Kilimanjaro’s altitude also brings risks of hypothermia, so you should ensure that you’ve packed sufficient cold-weather gear.
Sun and Heat Protection
It’s important to be sun-smart while traveling in Tanzania, due to the hot weather and persistent sun. Stay hydrated, wear protective clothing, wear sunscreen, and avoid the extreme heat of the day to avoid heat stroke or exhaustion.
Staying Safe in Tanzania
Here’s what you should know as a traveler about staying safe in Tanzania.
Crime in Tanzania
Petty and violent crime are both issues in Tanzania, from scamming, pickpocketing, and mugging to more serious violations, like assaults, carjackings, and robberies. This mostly takes place in major cities, like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, as well as tourist attractions, like Stone Town in Zanzibar, and areas, like airports, where foreign travelers congregate. Toure Drive in Dar es Salaam is notorious for carjackings and muggings, so travelers should avoid the area, especially at night.
Exercise common sense and keep yourself safe from petty crime in Tanzania by:
- Staying in busy, well-lit areas
- Avoid badly lit and unfamiliar areas at night
- If carrying a bag, keep it attached to your person so someone can’t grab it and run off
- Never leave bags unattended
- Don’t wear flashy jewelry or expensive goods
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuable personal belongings on your person
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Don’t accept food, drinks, or cigarettes from strangers
- Be careful on public transport or when driving; lock all doors and keep windows up
Crime Against Women
Tanzania is generally a safe destination for women travelers, both solo and in groups. However, instances of harassment and sexual assault have taken place, so women visiting Tanzania should follow standard safety precautions to keep themselves safe. That includes not accepting drinks from strangers, avoiding unfamiliar areas at night, and being aware of their surroundings.
LGBTQ+ Safety
Due to its anti-homosexuality laws and hostile cultural attitudes toward homosexuality, Tanzania is not a safe country for LBGTQ+ travelers to be openly out. LGBTQ+ travelers should keep a low profile and avoid any public displays of affection.
Civil Unrest
Demonstrations and other forms of civil unrest are occasionally an issue in Tanzania, but generally only in specific areas, like Dar es Salaam or border regions. In Dar es Salaam, there are sometimes demonstrations or protests related to the economy or politics, which will often take place close to government buildings or embassies.
While it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter civil unrest like protests or demonstrations during your time in Tanzania, here are some ways you can be prepared:
- Monitor local media for news of any upcoming or ongoing protests, demonstrations, or riots.
- If there is a protest or demonstration going on where you’re traveling, avoid the area.
- Don’t take part in these events, as Tanzanian authorities or local police could arrest you for participating.
- If demonstrations escalate, stay indoors and await instructions from local authorities.
Terrorism
The US Department of State has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Tanzania. As such, US travelers should exercise increased caution in major cities, like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, due to threats from terrorist groups, violent crime, and the targeting of LGBTQ+ travelers.
A Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory is also in place for the southern Mtwara Region near the Mozambique border, due to an increased risk of terrorist attacks from Islamic extremist groups. The border areas with Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are also risky areas due to political unrest, attacks, and kidnappings.
During your time in Tanzania, you can keep yourself safe from terrorist attacks by:
- Stay informed of local news and events
- Avoid strikes, protests, demonstrations, and riots
- Stay indoors and safe during attacks
- Contact emergency services and your country’s embassy
Climate and Natural Disasters
Depending on where you’re traveling in Tanzania, you may encounter natural disasters, like flooding during the rainy season and earthquakes.
While traveling around Tanzania, monitor local media and weather reports to avoid disaster areas. If you do find yourself experiencing a natural disaster, follow instructions from local authorities and contact your country’s embassy as soon as possible.
Local Laws in Tanzania
While traveling in Tanzania, it’s important to obey the local laws and customs —including those regarding smoking in public places, not taking photos of military sites, and not bringing plastic bags into the country—to avoid getting fined, arrested, or deported.
Embassies and Consulates in Tanzania
If something happens to you during your time in Tanzania, reach out to your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance. While they can’t provide legal assistance, they can offer guidance and advice for next steps.
Tanzania: Know Before You Go
Doing your research before traveling helps you avoid issues and be prepared in case of an emergency. For more information on other aspects of travel to Tanzania, including banking and money, local laws, and airport transportation, visit our Tanzania content hub.
Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a Tanzanian visa. Start your visa application process.