Health & Safety Tips for Your Tanzania Safari

Going on safari in Tanzania is an incredible adventure, but it’s smart to be prepared especially when it comes to health and safety. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, taking a few precautions before and during your trip will help ensure a safe, smooth experience.

Here’s what you need to know before you go.

1. Vaccinations and Health Requirements

Before you travel, check the latest guidelines with your doctor or a travel health clinic.

💉 Recommended Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from or transiting through a country where it’s endemic.
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Tetanus
Rabies (especially for extended travel or visits to rural areas)

💊 Malaria Prevention:

Tanzania is a malaria zone. Ask your doctor about antimalarial medication (like Malarone or doxycycline).
Bring strong insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin).
Wear long sleeves and pants in the evening.
Most lodges provide mosquito nets use them.

🧴 Check out our packing guide for more tips on health essentials to bring.

2. Travel Insurance Is a Must

Make sure your policy includes:

Emergency medical evacuation
Trip cancellation/interruption
Baggage loss or delay
COVID-19 coverage (still recommended)

🛡️ We can recommend safari-ready insurance providers when you book with Serengeti Wildbeest Safaris.

3. Staying Safe in the Bush

🦁 During Game Drives:

Always follow your guide’s instructions.
Stay inside the vehicle unless clearly allowed to exit.
Keep noise levels down near wildlife.
Don’t try to feed or approach animals—ever.

🌙 At Camp or Lodges:

Some lodges are unfenced. Ask staff for an escort at night.
Zip your tent and store food securely to avoid curious animals.
Keep flashlights or headlamps handy.

4. Water, Food & Hygiene

Drink only bottled or filtered water (including for brushing teeth).
Avoid raw vegetables or salads outside reputable lodges.
Wash hands regularly or use hand sanitizer.
Carry basic first-aid supplies: bandages, meds, anti-diarrhea tablets, etc.

5. COVID-19 & Other Current Advisories

Tanzania has relaxed many COVID-19 restrictions, but we recommend:

Carrying masks in case of crowding or airport checks.
Having digital or printed vaccine proof, just in case.
Checking entry requirements close to your departure date.

🔎 Contact us for up-to-date travel guidance and regulations before you fly.

6. Road & Transport Safety

Road travel between parks can be long and bumpy—motion sickness tablets can help.
All of our Wildbeest Safari vehicles are regularly maintained and driven by experienced, licensed guides.
Always wear your seatbelt.

7. Emergency Services & Backup Plans

While medical facilities in major cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam are decent, rural areas are limited.

We always know the nearest clinic and maintain emergency contact networks.
In serious cases, medical evacuation to Nairobi or back home may be required.

🚁 For peace of mind, consider joining AMREF Flying Doctors for emergency airlift coverage.

Your Safety Is Our Priority

At Serengeti Wildbeest Safaris, we’ve guided hundreds of travelers safely through Tanzania’s national parks. Our experienced guides, vetted lodges, and behind-the-scenes support make sure you’re always looked after—from arrival to departure.

👋 Have questions or specific concerns? Contact us and we’ll talk through everything.