Tanzania has been politically stable since independence. Caution should be taken in regards to your safety and belongings in all our major cities as in anywhere in the world. Generally the rural areas are free of trouble but always take care of your belongings. Remember that the animals you encounter are wild and you are in their environment. Please use common sense and always listen to the advice of your guide at all times.
Consult you doctor or Health Travel Advisory Service for advice on vaccination and malaria prophylaxis. Bring a personal first aid kit including any over-the-counter or prescription medications that you regularly use. Eyeglass wearers should bring an extra pair and contact lens wearers should bring glasses as well. There is a lot of dust and glare on safari that can affect sensitive eyes and eye drops are useful. A good pair of sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen are also essential, as is a broad-brimmed hat.
Commonly recommended vaccinations:
Yellow Fever
Polio
Tetanus
Hepatitis
Currently a yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Tanzania or Zanzibar. Please allow plenty of time to obtain the necessary immunisation.
Malaria
Malaria is a serious tropical disease that affects millions of people each year, mostly local residents. Certain areas in Tanzania are within a malarial zone, notably the coastal areas and lower elevations; and there are strains of malaria present that can be resistant to certain anti-malaria drugs. It is recommended that you take anti-malarial tablets before, during and after your stay in Tanzania. Please contact your doctor or International health clinic to get the best advice on which anti-malarial to take.
Malaria is spread by one species of mosquito (Anopheles gambiae) that feeds from dusk to dawn. The best way to prevent contracting malaria is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Follow these suggestions:
Use a mosquito net when provided (at the coast and low elevations)
Use insect repellent
Cover exposed skin after dark
For more travel health and malaria information visit the following websites:
Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/travel
World Health Organization www.who.int
Water and Food
While in Tanzania you should drink only commercially bottled water, which is available throughout the well-travelled areas. We choose lodges and camps that take the utmost care in choosing and preparing all food to a high standard. Please advise us if you have special dietary requests.
Security
As with travelling to any part of the world use common sense with your money and belongings. Please leave all valuable jewellery at home.