High riskAfrica · Eastern AfricaTanzania Travel Health Guide
High risk
Tanzania carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in all areas of Tanzania below 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Compiled by Voyax Health from CDC Travelers' Health: Tanzania. Editorial sections reviewed by Voyax Health pharmacists ·
Overall risk
High risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
June to October is dry and best for safaris and Kilimanjaro; January to February is a second dry window. The long rains (March to May) bring peak malaria transmission afterwards.
Travel health in Tanzania
Tanzania is a high-preparation destination: malaria is present year-round almost everywhere, including Zanzibar and the safari lowlands of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and prophylaxis is standard for nearly every visitor. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you arrive from a yellow fever country, but airlines and Zanzibar officials check certificates often enough that many travellers get it anyway. Kilimanjaro adds serious altitude risk: the summit is 19,341 ft and most climbers ascend too fast. Typhoid, hepatitis A, and a solid travelers' diarrhea plan round out the essentials.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines including chickenpox, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, flu, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, and shingles before traveling.
COVID-19
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers one year and older. Infants 6-11 months should also get vaccinated. Special arrangements may be needed for those with allergies or certain medical conditions.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60 years old. Those 60 and older may also choose to get vaccinated.
Measles
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with MMR vaccine at least two weeks before departure. Infants 6-11 months need an early dose.
Polio
Poliovirus has been identified in Tanzania, putting travelers at increased risk. Adults who were vaccinated as children may need a single booster dose. Unvaccinated travelers need a complete vaccination series before travel.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers to Tanzania, especially if you're staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Cholera
Cholera vaccination may be considered if you're traveling to areas with active cholera transmission. Cholera is rare in travelers but transmission is widespread in Tanzania. Focus on safe food and water practices.
Monkeypox
Monkeypox vaccination is recommended if you plan to engage in certain high-risk activities like sex with new partners or at commercial venues. Get your first vaccine at least 6 weeks before traveling if possible.
Rabies
Rabies is present in dogs and wildlife in Tanzania. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll be doing activities that increase animal exposure risk or if you might have difficulty accessing medical care quickly.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is generally not recommended for travel to Tanzania. However, it is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers longer than 12 hours.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in all areas of Tanzania below 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) elevation. Take prescription antimalarial medication and prevent mosquito bites. The main species is P. falciparum, which is resistant to chloroquine.
Altitude Sickness
Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m); rapid ascent common, up to 30% AMS rate; extra acclimatization days advised.
Malaria risk
Malaria risk exists throughout this destination. Antimalarial medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists in all areas of Tanzania below 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) elevation. Take prescription antimalarial medication and prevent mosquito bites. The main species is P. falciparum, which is resistant to chloroquine.
Seasonal timing
When health risks peak through the year — plan around them.
Peak
Year-round, highest April to June and November to December
Malaria
All areas below about 5,900 ft, including Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, the Serengeti and Tarangire. Prophylaxis plus nets and repellent.
Peak
Year-round
Altitude sickness
Kilimanjaro routes of 5 to 6 days have high rates of acute mountain sickness; 7 to 8 day routes are safer. Acetazolamide is commonly used.
Peak
March to June
Dengue
Outbreaks in Dar es Salaam and coastal areas including Zanzibar in recent years.
Water & food safety
Water
Do not drink tap water anywhere. Safari lodges and hotels supply bottled or filtered water. On Kilimanjaro, operators boil water; bring a filter or purification tablets as backup.
Food
Lodge and camp food is generally well handled. In Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Stone Town, eat freshly cooked hot food and avoid salads, unpeeled fruit and street-vended seafood that has been sitting out.
Medications
Pharmacies in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Stone Town stock common medications, but availability and quality are inconsistent. Bring everything you need for the trip, including a full course of malaria prophylaxis and a standby antibiotic.
On the ground
Medical facilities
Dar es Salaam (Aga Khan Hospital) and Arusha have reasonable private hospitals for stabilisation. Complex care means evacuation to Nairobi, Johannesburg or Europe. On safari and on Kilimanjaro, care is first aid until evacuation; the Flying Doctors service covers most safari areas by subscription.
Travel insurance
Non-negotiable. The policy must cover medical evacuation, trekking to 19,500 ft if you climb Kilimanjaro, and ideally include a Flying Doctors or AMREF evacuation membership.
Emergency numbers
Police
999
Medical / Ambulance
112
Fire
115
U.S. Embassy
+255-22-229-4000
Tanzania travel health FAQ
Do I need malaria pills for a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar?▼
Yes. Malaria is present across the Serengeti, Ngorongoro lowlands, Tarangire, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar year-round. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine are all options; your pharmacist chooses based on your health and trip length. Only the high slopes of Kilimanjaro are malaria-free.
Is the yellow fever vaccine required for Tanzania?▼
Only if you arrive from, or transit more than 12 hours through, a country with yellow fever risk, such as Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia or Rwanda. Travellers flying from the US via Europe or the Gulf do not need it for entry, but Zanzibar officials have been known to ask, and multi-country East Africa itineraries usually trigger the requirement.
How do I avoid altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro?▼
Choose a route of at least 7 days (Lemosho, Machame with an extra day, or Northern Circuit), walk slowly, and discuss acetazolamide with your pharmacist; it is widely used for prevention on the mountain. Never ascend with worsening symptoms; descent is the only reliable treatment for serious altitude illness.
More country guides
British Indian Ocean TerritoryLow riskBritish Indian Ocean Territory carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
BurundiHigh riskBurundi carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Burundi year-round. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
ComorosHigh riskComoros carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Comoros. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health: Tanzania · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.