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We'll respond to you within 24 hours for all health, safety, and booking inquiries.
Proper health preparation before your Tanzania safari or Kilimanjaro climb is crucial for a safe and enjoyable adventure
Consult with a travel medicine specialist 6-8 weeks before your Tanzania departure. Required: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country (including neighboring Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda). Highly Recommended: Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Polio), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Cholera (oral vaccine), and Rabies (especially for extended stays or adventure activities). COVID-19 vaccination is no longer mandatory for entry but recommended. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) with you throughout your travels. Some vaccinations require multiple doses over several weeks, so begin the process early.
Ask Health Questions
Tanzania is a malaria-endemic country, particularly in safari regions and coastal areas. We strongly recommend antimalarial medication: Consult your doctor about options like Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine (Lariam). Begin medication 1-2 weeks before arrival (depending on prescription) and continue for 1-4 weeks after departure. Equally important: Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing 20-30% DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants during dawn and dusk. Sleep under mosquito nets (provided at all our accommodations). Consider permethrin-treated clothing for additional protection. Early symptoms include fever, chills, headache – seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
Mandatory Requirement: All travelers must have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses (minimum $200,000 USD), emergency evacuation (including air ambulance from remote areas), repatriation, trip cancellation/interruption, and baggage loss. For Kilimanjaro climbs: Verify your policy covers high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). We recommend providers like World Nomads, Allianz, or IMG Global. Carry insurance details and emergency contact numbers with you. Our guides carry satellite phones for emergency communication in remote areas without cellular coverage. Know that medical evacuation from Serengeti or Kilimanjaro can cost $15,000-50,000 USD without proper coverage.
Prescription Medications: Bring all necessary prescription medications in original containers with pharmacy labels. Carry a doctor's letter describing medications and medical conditions. Some medications (strong painkillers, ADHD medications) may require special permits – check Tanzanian embassy requirements. Bring sufficient quantities plus extra in case of delays.
Pre-Existing Conditions: Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions (heart conditions, respiratory issues, diabetes, severe allergies) during booking. For Kilimanjaro climbs, a medical clearance certificate from your physician is required. Our guides carry basic first aid kits and pulse oximeters for altitude monitoring, but they are not substitutes for professional medical care.
COVID-19 Protocols:
Comprehensive safety measures and emergency procedures for wildlife viewing, altitude trekking, and vehicle travel
Our guides are trained in animal behavior and park safety regulations. Vehicle Safety: Remain inside vehicles at all times in national parks except at designated picnic sites and walking safari areas. Keep arms, legs, and cameras inside the vehicle. Windows should remain closed when near predators. Animal Encounters: Maintain minimum distances: 25 meters (82 feet) from most wildlife, 50 meters (164 feet) from elephants and predators. Never approach animals on foot outside designated areas. Walking Safaris: Always follow your armed guide's instructions, maintain single file, and avoid sudden movements. Night Safety: Do not walk alone at night in camp/lodge areas; use flashlight and ask for staff escort. Report any safety concerns immediately to your guide.
Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness - AMS) affects many climbers. Our Safety Measures: We use longer routes (7+ days) for better acclimatization, follow "pole pole" (slowly slowly) ascent philosophy, and include acclimatization days. Guides carry pulse oximeters for daily oxygen saturation checks and are trained in wilderness first aid. Symptoms to Monitor: Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite. Serious Symptoms: Difficulty breathing at rest, confusion, loss of coordination, coughing up fluid - require immediate descent. Medication: Acetazolamide (Diamox) can help prevent AMS - consult your doctor. Emergency Response: We carry portable oxygen and have emergency evacuation plans via stretcher or helicopter (weather permitting).
All our safari vehicles undergo daily safety checks and regular maintenance. Vehicle Features: 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, seatbelts for all passengers, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and recovery equipment. Communication Systems: Guides carry VHF radios for park communication and satellite phones for emergencies in remote areas without cellular coverage (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area). Road Safety: Tanzanian roads can be challenging - we maintain conservative speeds and avoid night driving when possible. Emergency Procedures: In case of vehicle issues, we have backup vehicles on call and partnerships with nearby lodges for assistance. COVID Safety: Vehicles sanitized between groups, hand sanitizer available, optional mask use.
Our operations team in Arusha is available 24/7 for emergencies. We partner with Flying Doctors Society of Africa for emergency evacuation and have established relationships with the best medical facilities in Tanzania for non-emergency care.
Water Safety: Drink only bottled or purified water throughout Tanzania. We provide bottled water daily in safari vehicles. Avoid ice in drinks unless confirmed made from purified water. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Food Safety: All our partnered lodges and camps maintain high hygiene standards. Eat only thoroughly cooked foods and peel fruits yourself. Avoid raw vegetables and salads outside high-end establishments. On Kilimanjaro: Our cooks are trained in mountain hygiene; all water is boiled/filtered, and utensils are sanitized. General Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap or use alcohol-based sanitizer (60%+ alcohol content). Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes/rivers due to bilharzia risk.
Sun Protection & Dehydration: Tanzania's equatorial sun is intense. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapply every 2 hours. Wear wide-brimmed hats, UV-protection sunglasses, and lightweight long-sleeved clothing. Drink 3-4 liters of water daily to prevent dehydration, more during physical activity. On Kilimanjaro, hydration is critical for acclimatization - we monitor water intake.
Medical Facilities: Arusha and Moshi have quality private hospitals (Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, KCMC Hospital). For serious emergencies, medical evacuation to Nairobi (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam may be recommended. We maintain a list of recommended doctors and dentists. Pharmacies in major towns stock most common medications, but bring your prescribed medications. Travel insurance must cover medical evacuation to adequate facilities.
Comprehensive emergency protocols and first aid resources for medical situations, natural events, and security concerns
We maintain a comprehensive emergency response plan for all contingencies. 24/7 Operations Center: Our Arusha office (+255 784 084 200) is staffed 24/7 for emergencies. Guides' Training: All guides are certified in wilderness first aid, CPR, and emergency response. They carry first aid kits and emergency communication devices. Medical Evacuation: We are members of the Flying Doctors Society of Africa (air ambulance service covering Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda). Evacuation activation is through our 24/7 contact number. Natural Events: We monitor weather alerts and have contingency plans for floods, fires, or other natural events. Security: Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, but we advise standard precautions: don't display valuables, use hotel safes, avoid isolated areas after dark.
All True Africa Escape guides carry comprehensive first aid kits including: wound care supplies, antiseptics, bandages, splints, emergency blankets, trauma pads, and basic medications (pain relief, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal). For Kilimanjaro climbs, we carry portable oxygen, pulse oximeters, and stretchers. Guide Training: Our guides complete annual wilderness first aid certification including CPR, wound management, fracture stabilization, and emergency childbirth procedures. Medical Conditions: Inform your guide of any medical conditions, allergies, or medications. For severe allergies, carry epinephrine auto-injectors and ensure your guide knows their location. Evacuation Plans: Each itinerary has designated evacuation routes and nearby medical facilities identified.
Kilimanjaro climbs follow strict altitude safety protocols: Daily Health Checks: Guides conduct morning and evening health checks including pulse oximetry and Lake Louise AMS scoring. Gradual Ascent: We follow conservative ascent profiles with proper acclimatization days. Descent Policy: Any climber showing serious AMS symptoms (HACE or HAPE) will be descended immediately, accompanied by a guide. Medication: Guides carry acetazolamide (Diamox) for AMS treatment and nifedipine for HAPE. Emergency Oxygen: Portable oxygen available for emergency stabilization during descent. Evacuation: For serious cases, we coordinate helicopter evacuation (weather permitting) or stretcher evacuation with multiple porters.
We maintain rigorous hygiene standards across all operations: Vehicle Sanitation: All safari vehicles thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between groups, with hand sanitizer available. Accommodation Standards: Partner lodges and camps follow enhanced cleaning protocols with hospital-grade disinfectants. Food Handling: Kitchen staff trained in food safety, with regular health inspections. Water Purification: All drinking water is from certified bottled sources or properly filtered/boiled. Waste Management: On Kilimanjaro, we follow "leave no trace" principles with proper human waste disposal in designated toilet tents. Staff Health: All staff undergo regular health checks and hygiene training.
Major towns (Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam) have quality private hospitals: Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Aga Khan Hospital (Dar es Salaam). In national parks, basic clinics exist at park headquarters, but serious cases require evacuation to towns. Our guides have direct contacts with these facilities and can arrange transport. For remote areas (Serengeti, Ngorongoro), we rely on Flying Doctors air ambulance service (membership included in our safaris). Always carry your insurance details and emergency contact numbers. We recommend registering with your embassy upon arrival. For prescription refills, pharmacies in Arusha and Moshi stock most common medications but may not have specific brands - bring adequate supplies.
Tanzania is generally very safe for tourists, with violent crime against visitors rare. However, take standard precautions: In Cities: Don't display expensive jewelry/cameras, use hotel safes for valuables, avoid walking alone at night, use registered taxis. On Safari: Crime is extremely rare in national parks and remote areas. Follow guide instructions for wildlife safety. Beach Areas: Zanzibar and coastal areas have occasional petty theft - don't leave belongings unattended on beaches. Scams: Be cautious of "tourist price" inflation at markets - your guide can advise on fair pricing. Political Situations: Tanzania is politically stable, but avoid political gatherings. Emergency Numbers: Police 112, Fire 114, Ambulance 115. Our 24/7 number should be your first call for any security concerns.
Elderly Travelers: Safari vehicles involve bumpy rides - consider physical comfort and mobility. Many lodges have limited stairs; request ground-floor rooms if needed. Altitude affects older adults more severely - Kilimanjaro climbs require medical clearance. Stay well-hydrated and pace yourself. Pre-Existing Conditions: Disclose conditions during booking. Diabetes: bring adequate supplies, monitor blood sugar closely (altitude can affect readings). Heart conditions: obtain cardiologist clearance, especially for altitude. Respiratory issues: consult pulmonologist about altitude effects. Mobility limitations: discuss with us for appropriate itinerary adjustments. Medications: Bring extra supplies (delays happen), carry prescriptions, and note generic names (brands may differ). Consider medical alert bracelets for serious conditions.
True Africa Escape 24/7 Emergency: +255 784 084 200 (calls/WhatsApp/SMS) | info@trueafricaescape.com
Medical Facilities: Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre: +255 272 254 795 | Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre: +255 272 754 500 | Flying Doctors Society: +254 20 699 2000
Embassy Contacts (U.S.): U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam: +255 22 229 4000 | (U.K.) British High Commission Dar es Salaam: +255 22 229 0000 | (Canada) High Commission of Canada in Tanzania: +255 22 216 3300
Local Emergency Numbers: Police: 112 | Fire: 114 | Ambulance: 115 | Tourist Police: +255 768 981 981
Insurance Emergency: Carry your insurance company's 24/7 emergency contact number and policy details.
Our Tanzania safari specialists are available to answer all your health, safety, and medical questions about your upcoming Tanzania safari or Kilimanjaro climb. With over 10 years of experience operating in Tanzania's national parks and mountains, we provide expert guidance on vaccinations, altitude preparation, wildlife safety, and emergency protocols to ensure your complete peace of mind.
Why choose True Africa Escape for your Tanzania safety?
• 24/7 emergency support with local operations team in Arusha
• Wilderness first aid certified guides with emergency training
• Comprehensive emergency evacuation partnerships (Flying Doctors)
• Rigorous vehicle maintenance and safety standards
• Partnered with quality medical facilities throughout Tanzania
• Transparent health protocols and COVID-19 safety measures
• Ethical operations supporting staff training and safety equipment
Contact us today for personalized health and safety guidance for your Tanzania adventure.