Tanzania Safety

If you travel to Tanzania, safety and how to protect your health is something you need to research. In this section, you will find the essential advice you need to avoid any medical issues.

• Make sure to purchase travel insurance that includes medical emergency evacuation. In Tanzania safety can be easily risked while out in nature, and the facilities available are few and ill-equipped. Medical evacuation to neighboring countries can sometimes be required, and having it already included in your insurance policy will save you a lot of money and worry. 
• Pack insect repellent to protect yourself against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue or Zika, and also against the tsetse fly. 
• If you go on safari, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid exposure to the elements and insects. A hat, sunglasses, a warm jacket and good walking shoes are also useful on safari. Your clothes should be in neutral colors, nothing flashy that could scare away the local fauna. 
• On a trip to a natural environment like Tanzania, safety isn’t always guaranteed. Consider learning CPR and pack a first-aid kit. 
• Always follow your guide’s instructions, especially on safari. 
• All travelers should pack anti-malaria medication as there’s a risk of contracting the disease, especially if your itinerary includes safaris or a visit to other natural attractions.
• Avoid touching fresh water for the risk of schistosomiasis. 
• Don’t brush your teeth with tap water, and don’t drink it. 
• Don’t forget your sunscreen and water bottle if you plan on spending time outside during the day to avoid heat strokes. 
• In Tanzania a safety risk is HIV/AIDS. Take extreme precautions to protect yourself.
• Don’t pet any animals, domestic or wild. They may carry diseases. 
• Another measure to take while in Tanzania is to avoid eating raw foods and salads. 
• In Tanzania another safety risk is driving. Be careful and avoid driving at night. 
• Ferries are not always well-maintained. Avoid them if you can, as well as boats that go far away from the coast: on top of them being a safety risk, you could run into Somali pirates in open water. 
• Travel to these areas of Tanzania is to be avoided at all costs: the border with Mozambique, the border with Burundi, and the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. 
• Don’t ever leave your vehicle while out on safari. 
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you and avoid displaying your valuables. 
• Bag snatching incidents are common. Don’t resist if it happens. 
• Walking or cycling alone at night should be avoided, especially around big cities like Dar es Salaam. 
• In case of any health-related issues, call the Health Emergency Number: 112.