Tanzania
🏛️ Capital: Dodoma
👥 Population: 68.6 million
💬 Language: Swahili, English
💰 Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Serengeti safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar beaches, Ngorongoro Crater, rich wildlife
📈 High Season: June to October
📉 Low Season: March to May
☀️ The warmest month: February
❄️ The coldest month: July
🌧 The rainiest month: April
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Exercise increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 21/100
Rank: 156th/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Tanzania:
- Cholera
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases in Tanzania with no vaccine currently available:
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Leishmaniasis
- Malaria
- Schistosoma
- West Nile virus
- Zika
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
A vaccination certificate is required upon entry if arriving from a country at risk, or after transiting for more than 12 hours at a country at risk.
Would you like to learn more about Tanzania?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Tanzania is already available there.
Tanzania FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Tanzania in terms of health risks?
Yes, Tanzania is safe for travelers, but health risks include malaria, foodborne illness, and limited healthcare in rural areas. Safaris and mountain trekking also bring risks such as dehydration and altitude sickness. With good preparation, most visitors enjoy a healthy trip.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Tanzania?
Recommended vaccines for Tanzania include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Hepatitis B, rabies, and cholera may also be advised depending on your activities. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. MyGlobdoc can create a tailored vaccination guide for your trip.
Are there any common diseases in Tanzania that travelers should know about?
Yes. Malaria is widespread, particularly in rural and coastal regions. Other risks include dengue fever, hepatitis A, typhoid, and traveler’s diarrhea. In trekking areas like Mount Kilimanjaro, altitude sickness is also a common health issue.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Tanzania?
Eat freshly cooked food from reputable restaurants or lodges. Avoid unwashed produce, unpasteurized dairy, and tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and carry hand sanitizer for use before meals.
Is malaria a risk in Tanzania, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
Yes, malaria is a major risk across most of Tanzania, including popular safari destinations and Zanzibar. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for all travelers. MyGlobdoc can help you determine the best preventive medication for your itinerary.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Tanzania?
Mosquito-borne illnesses include malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya. These are most common during the rainy season, but precautions are needed year-round. Use DEET-based repellent, long sleeves, and sleep under insecticide-treated nets.
Do I need travel health insurance for Tanzania?
Yes, travel health insurance is essential. Medical facilities outside major cities are limited, and serious conditions may require evacuation to Kenya or South Africa. Insurance ensures access to quality care and covers emergencies or evacuation.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Tanzania?
Pack anti-malarial medication, insect repellent, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal tablets, pain relievers, adhesive bandages, and prescription medicines. For safaris or trekking, add blister care, altitude sickness remedies, and a small first aid kit. MyGlobdoc can generate a checklist tailored to your travel plans.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Tanzania?
Stay hydrated, protect against mosquito bites, and avoid overexertion in hot climates. Choose food carefully, especially in remote areas, and carry a compact medical kit. Allow time to acclimatize if climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or visiting high-altitude regions.
Is Tanzania safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Pregnant travelers should reconsider travel to Tanzania due to the high risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Travelers with chronic respiratory or heart conditions may face challenges at high altitudes like Kilimanjaro. Carry enough medication, a doctor’s note, and confirm that insurance covers pre-existing conditions.
What should I do if I get sick in Tanzania?
For minor issues, pharmacies are available in towns and cities. For serious conditions, seek care at private hospitals in Dar es Salaam or Arusha, or prepare for medical evacuation. Always carry insurance details and emergency contacts.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Tanzania?
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Other travelers do not need special health certificates. Always verify the latest entry and health requirements before departure.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map By Marcos Elias de Oliveira Júnior – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15556836 / CC-BY-SA-3.0 edited in Canva
Travel safety map from https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
More From Blog
Motion Sickness and How To Handle It
Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026 Guide (Route, Costs & Tips)
Blood Clots and Long Flights: What Travelers Must Know
Popular topics
Tags