Health & Other Regulations
Health, Safety & Other Regulations
Tanzania has banned single-use plastic bags. Do not pack shoes or laundry in plastic bags. You may be fined at the airport. Ziploc bags for toiletries are generally allowed if you take back home with you, but mesh packing cubes are safer.
Yellow fever
Routine vaccines for African travel include protection against chickenpox, measles, polio, influenza, diphtheria, mumps and rubella, pertussis, and tetanus. Additionally, a “booster-shot” for meningitis or rabies is advisable. If you are travelling directly from the US or Europe, it is usually not required. The government of Tanzania may require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever. However, if you have a layover greater than 12 hours in a yellow fever endemic country (like Kenya or Ethiopia), you must have a vaccination card upon entry. Please consult your local travel clinic for the latest recommendations.
Malaria
Malaria is widespread throughout Tanzania with the exception of high-altitude areas. As Malaria medications vary from country to country, make sure your physician knows you will be travelling to Tanzania. We recommend taking malaria pills a few days prior to your trip and a few days after you are back home.
HIV/AIDS
Is no more a problem in Tanzania than anywhere else in the world. Provided you are not taking undue risks, you have nothing to worry about. In case of needing any medical attention, Tanzania has qualified nurses and doctors. Most camping sites, lodges, and hotels have on-site physicians and if your condition is serious, we are in constant contact with the Flying Doctors Service that can evacuate you to a nearby medical facility.
The Tsetse Flies
These flies are found in the bush (especially Tarangire and some parts of Serengeti National Park) and have painful bites. Avoid: blue and dark clothing. These colours attract them. Choose instead khaki, olive, tan, and light browns.
Cultural etiquette
Aim for dressing with sobriety. On safari shorts and t-shirts are fine. In Coastal areas like Zanzibar (Stone town) & villages, have in mind they are conservative Muslim region. Women should cover shoulders and knees. Men should avoid walking around shirtless outside the beach.
Ask before clicking
The Maasai people are visually striking but they are not tourist attractions. Always ask for permission before taking a photo. Often, you may be asked to pay a small tip for the photo. Never photograph military personnel, police, borders, or any government buildings. This is a rule of thumb everywhere.
Language
The national language is Swahili and English being an official language. English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili can be useful to visitors and will be appreciated greatly by locals. Tanzania has over 120 different dialects.
