Currently, no compulsory vaccinations are required to visit Tanzania, however vaccination against yellow fever becomes obligatory if you’re coming from, or have simply passed through endemic countries (Uganda, Kenya, etc.). Vaccination is not necessary for those travelers who have only passed through an African airport for a connection flight (except in endemic countries where, as just said, vaccination is absolutely necessary independently of the amount of time spent there).
As to malaria, hereunder is some advice to avoid getting the disease, which is caused by the bite of the anopheles mosquito.
- Wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in neutral, bright colors
- Use repellents on clothes and all exposed parts of the body
- Spray mosquito repellent in the room
- Use mosquito nets in the room for protection during sleep
- Before departure, consider malaria prophylaxis by seeing a specialist in travel medicine. Side effects and strength of the vaccine are to be carefully considered, since they may vary greatly from person to person. In this respect, refer to one’s local public health unit for advice.
Advisable, but not obligatory, are vaccinations against Hepatitis B and trivalent vaccine against polio, tetanus and diphtheria.
Here is some general information which can come in handy but by no means replace medical advice:
- Always carry the necessary medicines in their original packages, in a double amount than needed in order to allow for losses of theft
- If you carry needles of syringes, keep at hand the medical prescription of the drug you need so that you can prove necessity
- If you suffer from heart disorders, it is advisable to carry a copy of your latest electrocardiogram (ECG) done before departure
In addition, we recommend carrying a small first-aid box containing:
- Paracetamol, aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs (Anvil)
- Antihistamines to treat allergies
- Airsick, carsick and seasick pills
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Medication for diarrhea
- Anti-vomit medicine
- Antispasmodic pills against abdominal pain
- Antiacid pills for the treatment of heartburn and acid belching
- Intestinal antibiotics
- Antihistamine cream to alleviate skin rash and itching from insect bites
- Digital thermometer
- High-concentration KBR or DEET-based insect repellents (low-concentration ones for children)
- High protection sun-screen
- As a general rule, hands should be washed frequently and only bottled water should be drunk, checking the integrity of the bottles first
All our cars are fitted with a first-aid cabinet and the lodges we have selected have all western-like health and hygiene standards.