Travel health tips for Tanzania

Tanzania might serve up beachside bliss and epic safaris, but don’t let the postcard scenes lull you into complacency. Whether you’re tracking the Big Five in the Serengeti, hiking the slopes of Kilimanjaro, or chilling on the shores of Lake Victoria, your adventure can unravel fast with a bad case of traveler’s tummy, malaria, or heat exhaustion. The country’s wild terrain and varying infrastructure mean healthcare access isn’t always within reach. The good news? With a bit of prep and common sense, you’ll be set to soak up every moment. These Tanzania travel health tips will help you stay fit while you roam with elephants, dodge street food disasters, and maybe even conquer Africa’s highest peak.

Essential vaccines for traveling to Tanzania

Before you’re snapping selfies with giraffes in the Serengeti or soaking up the spice-scented air of Stone Town, get your shots in order. Some vaccines are non-negotiable; others depend on how deep into the bush you're going. If you’re planning a trip to Tanzania, one of the smartest Tanzania travel health tips is to hit a travel clinic before takeoff – especially if you're heading to rural regions or island-hopping in Zanzibar.

Which vaccines do you need?

Just because you got a few shots in school doesn’t mean you’re set for East Africa. Talk to your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 6-8 weeks before your trip.

Mandatory vaccines

Yellow fever – Required only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (including layovers longer than 12 hours). But even if it’s not mandatory for you, it's recommended if you’re heading to the northwest near Lake Victoria or planning onward travel in the region.

Recommended vaccines

Tetanus and diphtheria – If your last booster was more than 10 years ago, you’re due.

• Hepatitis A – Transmitted through contaminated food and water. From beach bar snacks in Zanzibar to street samosas in Arusha, better safe than sorry.
• Typhoid – Worth it if you’ll be sampling street food, staying in villages, or going off-grid.
• Hepatitis B – Spread via blood and bodily fluids. Good to have if you’re staying long-term, might need medical care, or are thinking of getting inked with local flair.
• Rabies – Stray dogs, monkeys, and even bats can be carriers. If you're trekking, cycling, or the type who can’t resist petting animals, consider it.

Pre-travel health checklist

Before you’re watching wildebeest thunder across the plains or catching sunrise at the Ngorongoro Crater, take time to prep. Tanzania’s healthcare is decent in major towns but limited elsewhere. Planning now means fewer problems later.

Packing for a healthy trip

Skip the suitcase pharmacy, but do bring the basics – Tanzania isn’t the place to be caught off guard.

• Mosquito repellent: Go strong – at least 20–30% DEET or picaridin. Malaria is widespread, and dengue can hit coastal areas and Zanzibar.
• Antimalarial tablets: Depending on where you’re going, you’ll likely need them. Talk to your doctor about the right kind.
• Sunscreen: The equatorial sun is no joke. Use SPF 50+, especially if you’re summiting Kilimanjaro or lounging on the beach.
• Oral rehydration salts: Crucial if you get a stomach bug or just spend a little too long in the midday heat.
• Basic first-aid kit: Include plasters, antiseptics, paracetamol, antihistamines, and anything you usually rely on.
• Hand sanitizer: For ferry rides, long-distance buses, or when soap’s nowhere to be found.
• Prescription meds: Pack enough for your whole stay, plus a copy of the prescription. Pharmacies may not stock your usual.

Travel clinics

Make an appointment with a travel clinic early. Vaccines take time to kick in, and some need more than one dose. You’ll also get up-to-date advice on disease outbreaks or special precautions for areas like the Maasai Steppe or Lake Tanganyika.

How to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses in Tanzania

You might dream of lions, beaches, and epic sunsets – not buzzing insects. But in Tanzania, mosquitoes are more than just annoying. Malaria is a real risk almost everywhere, and dengue fever is becoming more common, especially around the coast and on Zanzibar. Skip the bites, and you skip the drama – one of the most important Tanzania travel health tips to keep in mind.

Malaria, dengue, and chikungunya

Malaria is caused by parasites and spread by night-biting Anopheles mosquitoes.

Dengue and chikungunya come from day-biting Aedes mosquitoes. These are more common in urban and coastal areas like Dar es Salaam and Stone Town.

Tips to avoid getting bitten

• Use mosquito repellent day and night. Choose one with at least 30% DEET or 20% picaridin.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially during peak biting times – dusk and dawn.
• Sleep under a mosquito net treated with insecticide. Many budget lodges provide them, but check for holes.
• Choose air-conditioned rooms or ones with screened windows and doors.
• Drain standing water around your accommodation – even flower pots and bottle caps can be breeding grounds.
• Take antimalarial tablets if recommended. They don’t prevent bites, but they can prevent the worst-case scenario.

If you develop fever, joint pain, or a rash, seek medical help. Avoid anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen until you rule out dengue – they can increase bleeding risk. Stick to paracetamol for fever.

Staying healthy in Tanzania

Once you’ve got mosquito warfare sorted, don’t drop your guard. Tanzania’s wild side is part of the draw, but it comes with a few health considerations.

Rabies Risk

Rabies exists in Tanzania and isn’t just a “deep wilderness” problem. Monkeys, stray dogs, and bats can carry it, especially in rural areas and near national parks.

If you’re bitten or scratched:

• Immediately wash the wound with soap and lots of water.
• Use antiseptic if you have it.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible – even if you had the vaccine, follow-up shots are essential.

Planning a multi-day trek, volunteering, or spending time in remote villages? Pre-exposure rabies shots are worth considering.

Food and water safety

Tanzanian food is flavorful and fun, but hygiene can be hit or miss.

• Eat at busy local restaurants or hotels where food turnover is high.
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat, especially roadside skewers.
• Drink bottled or filtered water. Tap water isn’t safe, even in big cities.
• Skip ice in drinks unless you're sure it was made from clean water.
• If you’re heading off-grid, pack water purification tablets or a portable filter.

What to do If you get traveler’s tummy

Even seasoned stomachs can revolt in a new environment.

• Rehydrate fast with oral rehydration salts.
• Follow the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast.
• Avoid street food for a few days.
• Skip anti-diarrheal pills unless you have to travel – it’s better to let your system clear itself.
• If symptoms last more than two days, or you see blood or have a fever, see a doctor.

Coping with heat, altitude, and dust

Tanzania can hit hard with heat, especially inland or during the dry season (June to October).

• Stay out of the sun during the peak heat (noon to 4 pm).
• Drink more water than you think you need – dehydration creeps up fast.
• Wear a hat and sunscreen, even if it feels cloudy.

Going up Kilimanjaro or to the Crater Highlands?

• Ascend gradually – take acclimatization days seriously.
• Don’t push through if you feel dizzy or nauseous.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine early on.
• Stay hydrated and keep meals light but regular.

And for dusty regions like the Serengeti or dusty towns like Dodoma, consider wearing a mask or scarf if you’ve got asthma or allergies.

Why travel insurance is a must

Healthcare in Tanzania ranges from decent in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam to basic or non-existent in rural areas. Break a bone in a national park, get a nasty infection on Zanzibar, or come down with malaria miles from the nearest clinic, and you’ll find yourself in deep trouble fast. Medical care can be costly, and emergency evacuation from remote areas? Eye-wateringly expensive. In a country where wildlife outnumbers ambulances in many regions, travel insurance isn’t just smart – it’s essential.

What to look for in a policy

Not all travel insurance is built for bush safaris and mountain treks. Before you buy, make sure your policy includes:

• Medical coverage – Aim for at least $100,000 in coverage. You'll need it for hospital treatment, prescriptions, and possibly a hospital bed in Nairobi or even a medevac home.
• Emergency evacuation – Think helicopter from Kilimanjaro, or a flight out of Zanzibar during a health scare. This can easily run into the tens of thousands.
• Adventure sports – Climbing Kilimanjaro? Scuba diving in Mafia Island? Even a bumpy game drive can count. Make sure your policy covers “risky” activities.
• Trip cancellation and delays – Weather, flight schedules, and ferry hiccups are part of the game in East Africa.
• Lost or stolen belongings – Opportunistic theft does happen, especially in bus stations and city centers. Coverage for phones, cameras, and essentials is worth it.

Trusted providers

These companies are popular with travelers heading to East Africa and offer reliable coverage for Tanzania:

• World Nomads – Great for backpackers and anyone climbing Kilimanjaro or diving off Pemba.
• SafetyWing – A good pick for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
• Allianz Travel – Offers strong global coverage and good emergency response.
• IMG Global – Includes plans with evacuation, medical, and travel disruption coverage.

Always read the fine print. Some policies won’t cover injuries from safaris, motorbike rides, or hikes over a certain altitude unless you add on specific extras.

Hospital costs in Tanzania

Tanzania does have public hospitals, but they’re often overcrowded, under-resourced, and may lack English-speaking staff. Private hospitals are better equipped – but they don’t come cheap.

Here’s a rough guide to what you could pay without insurance:

• Doctor’s visit: $20–$100
• Emergency room visit: $100–$300
• Private hospital room: $150–$400 per night
• Malaria treatment: $100–$300, depending on severity
• Evacuation to Nairobi or Johannesburg: $10,000–$30,000+

Even something minor like an infected mosquito bite or a stomach bug can throw your whole trip into chaos – and your budget out the window. Don’t gamble with your health in Tanzania. Get insured, and travel with peace of mind.

Emergency help: what to do if you get sick

Even the best-prepped trips can go sideways – a dodgy seafood skewer in Zanzibar, a twisted knee on Kilimanjaro, or a mystery fever after a Serengeti safari. If things take a turn, knowing where to go and who to call can make all the difference. When it comes to Tanzania travel health tips, this one’s key: be ready for emergencies before they happen. Here’s how to get help fast in Tanzania.

Emergency numbers

Tanzania’s emergency infrastructure is patchy, especially outside major cities. Still, it helps to have these numbers saved – and written down, in case your phone dies.

• Medical emergency/ambulance: 112 or 114 (coverage varies – don’t count on a fast response in rural areas)
• Police: 111
• Fire: 114
• Tourist police (available in big cities and national parks): Ask at local police stations or tourist offices for the nearest contact.

Tip: Ask your accommodation for the best local emergency contacts – they often know which clinics and ambulances actually respond.

Best hospitals and clinics

Tanzania’s public hospitals are basic, especially outside of Dar es Salaam or Arusha. If you’re sick or injured, aim for a private hospital – you’ll pay, but you’ll get faster, more reliable care, often with English-speaking staff.

• Dar es Salaam – Aga Khan Hospital, Regency Medical Centre, IST Clinic (international standard).
• Arusha – Selian Lutheran Hospital, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre.
• Moshi (near Kilimanjaro) – Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), St. Joseph Hospital.
• Zanzibar (Stone Town) – Global Hospital, Tasakhtaa Global Hospital.
• Dodoma – Benjamin Mkapa Hospital.
• Mwanza – Bugando Medical Centre (large public referral hospital).
• Mbeya – Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (basic but serviceable).

Remote areas: Health posts may be little more than a single nurse and a supply shelf. For anything serious, get to the nearest major town or call your insurance for an evacuation.

Pharmacies and minor issues

Pharmacies (called “dawa” shops or “pharmacy”) are common in cities and towns. Many are open late, but 24-hour pharmacies are rare outside Dar or Arusha.

• Look for signs with a green cross or ask locals for the "duka la dawa" (medicine shop).
• Pharmacists can usually help with minor issues: stomach meds, painkillers, anti-malarials, and basic antibiotics.
• No prescription? Often not a problem – many meds are available over the counter.

If your meds are specific (like insulin or asthma inhalers), bring extras and carry a copy of your prescription.