Health preparation is one of the most important parts of planning a Tanzania safari — and one of the most frequently left until the last minute. The good news is that with the right preparation, the health risks of a safari are very manageable. Thousands of travellers visit Tanzania safely every year.

This guide covers everything you need to know, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a travel medicine specialist or your GP at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure.

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania if you are travelling from a country where yellow fever is endemic. This includes most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. Even if your country of origin is not on the list, some airlines and border officials may ask for proof of vaccination.

The yellow fever vaccine requires a single dose and provides lifelong protection. You will receive an International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) which you should carry with your passport.

If you have a medical reason for not receiving the yellow fever vaccine, obtain a medical exemption certificate from your doctor before travel.

The following vaccinations are recommended for Tanzania, though not legally required for entry:

Hepatitis A — Transmitted through contaminated food and water. Highly recommended for all travellers. Two doses provide long-term protection.

Hepatitis B — Transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. Recommended if you may receive medical treatment abroad or engage in activities with exposure risk.

Typhoid — Transmitted through contaminated food and water. Recommended, particularly if you plan to eat outside of established camps and lodges.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and polio — Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Most adults need a booster every 10 years.

Rabies — Recommended for travellers spending extended time outdoors, particularly those who may be in contact with animals. The pre-exposure course requires three doses over 21 days — start early.

Meningococcal meningitis — Recommended for travellers visiting during the dry season or spending time in crowded areas.

Check with your travel medicine clinic for the most current recommendations, as guidelines are updated periodically.

Tanzania is a malaria zone, and malaria prevention should be taken seriously by every traveller. The risk varies by region and season — it is generally higher in coastal areas and lower at altitude — but the northern safari circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) carries a real risk throughout the year.

Consult your doctor about the right antimalarial for you. The main options are:

Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) — Taken daily, starting 1–2 days before arrival and continuing for 7 days after departure. Well-tolerated by most travellers. The most commonly prescribed option for Tanzania.

Doxycycline — Taken daily, starting 1–2 days before arrival and continuing for 4 weeks after departure. Effective and affordable, but can cause sun sensitivity — important to note in a country with intense UV. Not suitable for pregnant women or children under 8.

Mefloquine (Lariam) — Taken weekly. Requires starting 2–3 weeks before travel. Can cause vivid dreams and mood changes in some people. Less commonly prescribed now but still used.

No antimalarial is 100% effective. Medication must be combined with bite prevention.

• Use DEET-based insect repellent (at least 30–50% DEET) on all exposed skin, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
• Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings
• Sleep under a mosquito net — all reputable camps provide them
• Consider permethrin-treated clothing for extended trips
• Avoid standing water near your tent in the evenings

Malaria symptoms typically appear 7 to 30 days after a bite: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. If you develop these symptoms during or after your trip, seek medical attention immediately and tell your doctor you have been in a malaria zone. Early treatment is highly effective.

Drink only bottled or filtered water. This includes water used for brushing teeth. All reputable safari camps provide safe drinking water — ask your camp if you are unsure.

Avoid ice in drinks unless you are certain it was made from purified water. In established safari camps this is standard practice; in local restaurants, exercise more caution.

Safari camps generally maintain high food safety standards. The risk of food-borne illness is higher in local markets and street food settings. If you are spending time in Arusha or Dar es Salaam before or after your safari, exercise the usual precautions: eat at established restaurants, avoid raw vegetables washed in tap water, and be cautious with shellfish.

Carry oral rehydration salts in your medical kit. Traveller's diarrhoea is the most common health complaint among visitors to Tanzania and is usually self-limiting, but dehydration in the heat can become serious quickly.

The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits at approximately 2,300 metres above sea level. Most travellers experience no difficulty at this altitude, but those with heart or lung conditions should consult their doctor before travel. Mild headaches and fatigue are possible on the first day — rest, hydrate, and avoid alcohol.

Mount Kilimanjaro climbers face more significant altitude challenges — see our dedicated Kilimanjaro guide for full details.

The Tanzanian sun is intense, particularly at altitude and during the dry season. Sunburn can happen quickly, even on overcast days.

• Use SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every two hours
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat on game drives
• Stay hydrated — drink more water than you think you need
• Avoid alcohol in the middle of the day
• Wear UV-protective clothing on long game drives

Heat exhaustion is a real risk. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, cold or pale skin, and nausea. Move to shade, drink water, and rest. If symptoms progress to confusion or loss of consciousness, seek medical help immediately.

A well-stocked travel medical kit covers most minor issues that arise on safari:

• Antimalarial medication (prescribed)
• Oral rehydration salts
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic (prescribed — for traveller's diarrhoea or respiratory infections)
• Antihistamine tablets and cream
• Ibuprofen and paracetamol
• Antiseptic wipes and cream
• Plasters and blister treatment
• Tweezers (for thorns and splinters)
• Insect repellent (DEET-based)
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Any prescription medication in sufficient supply, plus a copy of the prescription
• Travel insurance documents and emergency contact numbers

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for a Tanzania safari. Ensure your policy covers:

• Medical evacuation — this is the most important element. Medical facilities outside Arusha are limited, and evacuation to Nairobi or South Africa may be necessary for serious conditions
• Trip cancellation and curtailment
• Lost or delayed baggage
• Adventure activities if you plan to walk, climb, or participate in any activity beyond standard game drives

Flying Doctors (AMREF) offers an annual membership that covers emergency evacuation across East Africa — worth considering for frequent visitors to the region.

Arusha has several private clinics that cater to international travellers, including the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre and Selian Lutheran Hospital. For serious conditions, Nairobi (approximately 4 hours by road or 45 minutes by air) has significantly better facilities.

In the national parks, camps have first aid equipment and trained staff, but serious medical emergencies require evacuation. This is why medical evacuation insurance is non-negotiable.

The health preparation for a Tanzania safari is more involved than for many destinations, but it is entirely manageable. Start early — ideally 8 weeks before departure — see a travel medicine specialist, take your antimalarials as prescribed, and use your insect repellent consistently. Do these things and the health risks of your safari are very small.

The rewards, on the other hand, are very large.

Contact us if you have questions about health preparation for a specific itinerary — we are happy to share what we know from years of operating in Tanzania.