More Vaccination info  Link 1

More Vaccination info  Link 2

  • When looking into a trip to Africa the number of vaccines can be overwhleming even for those of us who enjoy acupuncture. The list can include: hepatitis А and B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, cholera, revaccination (adult dose) against polio, diphtheria and tetanus, parotitis, rubella, measles…and the list goes on and on.
  • Do not let this list scare you away from a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Africa! Actually, most recommendations are simply standard measures of protection. Of the 55 states on the African continent, Tanzania has one of the highest levels of health care and the journey here is much safer than even Egypt or Tunisia.
  • Pre-Travel Health Planning: Before embarking on your journey to Tanzania, it’s crucial to prioritize your health. Plan ahead and consult reputable sources such as the CDC and your local travel clinic for comprehensive health guidance.
  • CDC Recommendations: The CDC provides valuable information and recommendations regarding health precautions for travelers visiting Tanzania. Ensure you review their latest guidelines on vaccinations, medications, and health precautions specific to your travel plans.
  • Travel Clinic Consultation: Schedule a visit to your nearest travel clinic well in advance of your trip. Travel medicine specialists can offer personalized advice based on your health status, itinerary, and specific health risks associated with Tanzania and Zanzibar.
  • Vaccinations and Immunizations: Make sure you are up-to-date with required and recommended vaccinations for Tanzania. Diseases like yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and meningitis may pose risks in certain regions. Your travel clinic can advise on necessary immunizations to protect against these diseases based on your prior vaccination status, any allergies or medical conditions you might suffer from and your travel itenerary.
  • Malaria Prevention: Tanzania is located in a malaria-endemic region. There is no vaccination against malaria so it’s essential to take preventive measures such as:
    • Taking your prescribed antimalarial medications from the travel clinic.
    • Using appropriate insect repellents (DEET 20-30%) in areas with “high mosquito activity”
    • During safari it is better to stay at hotels / lodges that are equipped with insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
    • Carry a rapid malaria test with you during your trip
  • Water and Food Safety: Practice caution with food and water consumption to avoid gastrointestinal illnesses. Always stick to bottled or purified water when able, and opt for well-cooked, hot meals from reputable establishments.
  • Personal Health Kit: Pack a travel health kit containing essential items such as over-the-counter medications, hand sanitizer, first aid supplies, and any prescribed medications you normall take at home. Be prepared for common travel-related ailments and emergencies.
  • Health Insurance Coverage: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for your trip to Tanzania. Verify if your policy includes international medical coverage and emergency evacuation services to mitigate potential healthcare expenses. Be sure to have this information easily accessible in case of an emergency.
  • Stay Informed and Flexible: Stay updated on current health advisories and travel alerts for Tanzania and Zanzibar. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans or itinerary based on evolving health situations or outbreaks in your home country or abroad.

Seek Medical Assistance if Needed: If you experience any health concerns during your trip, seek prompt medical attention. If you experience any health concerns once you return home from Africa do not forget to tell them you have recently traveled outside of the country as this may help them better diagnose your condition.

ENTRY FORMALITIES
Before your trip to Tanzania please ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum period of six months from your date of arrival. Travelers require a valid Visa each time they enter the United Republic of Tanzania.

Subject to the fulfillment of all immigration and health requirements and the payment of the corresponding fees, depending on your citizenship, Visas can be obtained as follows:

Tourists Visa / Volunteers Visa
▪ Any Diplomatic or Consulate Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania abroad; or
▪ At any of the following:
● Kilimanjaro airport;
● Dar Es Salaam airport; and
● Namanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya boarder point).
● Arusha immigration office

More information available here.

Before traveling
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines and visit a travel clinic at least four weeks before your trip. Frequently yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A & B are recommended.

Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip.

During your trip
The use of mosquito repellent containing at least 30% DEET is highly recommended.

Remember to bring your broad-spectrum sunscreen and sunglasses.

Avoid drinking tap water unless it has been boiled or treated. Bottled water is widely available; make sure that the cap is sealed if you buy it in rural areas.

Do not forget to check the coverage of your medical insurance before traveling and inform your contact person in Tanzania about all the details.

CURRENCY
The Tanzanian Shilling (TSH) is the official currency in Tanzania but USD (not older than 2006) are commonly accepted in important establishments.

Credit and debit cards are not generally accepted in shops or restaurants but there is a large number of ATM around the cities to withdraw cash at your best convenience.

Please check here the currency exchange rate as of today.

COMMUNICATION
Getting an appropriate SIM card for you unlocked phone during your stay is a much cheaper option than using international roaming:

Tanzanian SIM card 3,000 TSH
Internet bundles 5,000 TSH / 2GB

PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Swahili and English are the official languages in the United Republic of Tanzania.

More than 120 different ethnic groups live together all along the country.

There are also large communities of both Muslims and Christians, so it’s not uncommon for towns to have a mosque and a church and to grant equal recognition to the festivals and holidays of both religions.

Just remember that Tanzania is a conservative country, so it is recommended to dress accordingly.

WEATHER
Weather in Tanzania is unexpected and quite different from a place to another.

Please check here the current weather in Arusha, Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar.

As a general rule, you should pack comfortable and light clothes. Choose neutral colors, such as khaki, light bark or mid-tone brown, beige, olive and green; the typical colors used for safari clothing.

Mosquitoes are a concern in Tanzania and you will be best shielded against them by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks and shoes. However you may also bring flip flops during the Safari activities as you may like to stand in the seats to have better views through the opening roofs.

You may also need appropiate waterproof or hiking boots depending of the activities chosen.

Do not forget to bring warmer clothes for nights or early mornings where temperature may be lower.

ELECTRICITY
Power sockets are of the British 3-pin square pronged variety and 240V so converters may be useful for travelers in order to use their own electric devices.