Health Tips for a Tanzania Safari in 2025

Health Tips for a Tanzania Safari in 2025 : Traveling opens a great door to adventure and authenticity. It gives us interaction with different cultures and more than enough, we enjoy ourselves a lot during safaris. But changing environments might be a big compromise to our immunity since we can contract new diseases or weaken our immunity.
Tanzania is an incredible destination known for life-changing wildlife adventures. Hikers can also take on the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Not to forget those who want to mingle with locals or learn a new language: Tanzania has over 120 ethnic groups. However, staying safe during your safari is paramount. You’ll have to observe some essential health tips before traveling to Tanzania. If you’re thinking of a Tanzania safari in 2025, this article is for you.
Before Your Safari
The concept of staying safe should begin before you start your safari. So, you start the journey; make sure you arrange some vaccinations, medications, and travel insurance.
Vaccinations
While Tanzania is amazing due to its wildlife richness and many other attractions, you should not ignore the risks of diseases. And for this, seeing a medical expert before traveling is essential. No special vaccinations for travelers coming from the US, the UK, the European Union, and other countries around the world. But the following vaccinations are highly recommended.
- Yellow fever vaccination
Tanzania demands a yellow fever vaccination certificate for anyone coming from a yellow fever-endemic country. This vaccine is also mandatory for those who have been in transit through a yellow fever-endemic country (12 hours). If you haven’t acquired this vaccine, a single vaccine (or dose) is enough to protect you from this fever. Yellow fever vaccination costs $50 for foreigners and TSH 30,000 for East African residents.
- Other vaccinations
It’s essential to vaccinate for other diseases as well. We recommend shots for Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies, Meningitis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Measles, Polio, Rabies, Rubella, etc. Tanzania doesn’t require mandatory vaccines for COVID-19. But it’s a wise idea to take a shot for this pandemic.
Malaria prevention
Tanzania, like any other tropical country, is at risk for malaria. This disease is terrible not only for children but also for adults. Therefore, you’re advised to carry a specific prescription to avoid contracting this tropical disease.
How to protect yourself from malaria
Avoiding malaria is so important when you’re in Tanzania. There are plenty of ways to do so, including.
Taking drugs. The most common is taking drugs for prevention. Common drugs include Lariam, Doxycycline, and Malarone (or Malanil). But consult your medical expert before you pack any drug.
Sleep under a treated mosquito net. Mosquitoes are very active in the dark. So, before you sleep, make sure you set up a treated net.
Bring some insect repellents. Before you get into the wild, make sure you use insect repellents. Permethrin is highly recommended.
Choose the best place to stay. Anopheles are prevalent in stagnant water and tall grass. So, selecting an accommodation facility near stagnant water increases the risk of contracting malaria.
What to do in a health emergency
When you’re feeling uncomfortable in the middle of your safari, consult your tour guide. Call 112 for an emergency. This is a general emergency number in Tanzania.
You can also contact your country’s embassy for any assistance regarding legal matters like passports and so on. Make sure you have contact information for your travel insurer. It’s important to be sure your policy includes an emergency evacuation. This is essential when you’re traveling to remote areas. You’ll be evacuated to reputable health facilities.

Other health and safety tips
Food
Eating like a local in the street is an authentic experience. However, street food comes with health risks like communicable diseases like typhoid, cholera, etc. If you’re out there without a local guide, please pay attention to the sanitation practices of the lodge before you eat. But if there’s a guide, he/she probably knows where safer restaurants are. Do not buy street foods from vendors if you have issues with your stomach. Avoid eating fresh fruits or salads in the street if you’re not sure of the source.
Water
Do not drink tap water. Always drink bottled water throughout your trip. Pack enough water bottles when going for a trip. For emergency needs, make sure you boil and filter water. Use bottled water for a toothbrush. Never use ice if you’re unsure of the source.
Sun protection
Tanzania’s equatorial hurts. You’ll have to protect yourself from it. Always wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Safety in the parks or reserves
Animals are always unpredictable. While observing them, consider your safety as your foremost concern. They may charge unexpectedly. Avoid getting too close to animals. Also, do not feed animals. Always listen to your guide on the instructions, and do not get out of the vehicle without permission.
For more tips before going on a Tanzania safari, please contact our safari experts. Tanzania has incredible wildlife, breathtaking mountains, diverse culture, and more. Focus East Africa Tours organizes unforgettable safaris.
