Health and Safety

Malaria is the biggest health threat in Tanzania, so be vigilant about taking antimalarials and applying bug spray. Consult with your doctor or travel clinic before leaving home for up-to-date antimalarial medication. At time of writing HIV/AIDS is less a risk than in some other African countries, but the golden rule is never to have sex with a stranger. It's imperative to use strong sunscreen: remember you’re just below the equator, where the sun is at its hottest. Stick to bottled water and ensure that the bottle seal is unbroken. Put your personal medications in your carry-on and bring copies of prescriptions.

The Flying Doctors Service offered by AMREF provides air evacuation services for medical emergencies in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda or anywhere within a 1,000-km (621-mile) radius of Nairobi. The planes fly out of Nairobi's Wilson Airport 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They also provide transportation between medical facilities, fly you back to Europe, Asia, or North America, or provide you with an escort if you're flying on a commercial carrier.

Shots and Medications

Be up-to-date on yellow fever, polio, tetanus, typhoid, meningococcus, rabies, and Hepatitis A. It's not necessary to have a cholera jab, but if you’re visiting Zanzibar it's sensible to get a cholera exception form from your GP or travel clinic. Visit a travel clinic 8 to 10 weeks before you travel to find out your requirements. If you’re coming to Tanzania for a safari, chances are you’re heading to a malarial game reserve. Millions of travelers take oral prophylactic drugs before, during, and after their safaris. It’s up to you to weigh the risks and benefits of the type of antimalarial drug you choose to take. If you’re pregnant or traveling with small children, consider a nonmalarial region for your safari.

Embassies

U.S. Embassy. 686 Old Bagamoyo Rd., Msasani, Dar es Salaam. 022/229–4000; tanzania.usembassy.gov.

German Embassy. Umoja House, Garden Ave. & Mirambo St., Msasani, Dar es Salaam. 022/211–2944; www.daressalam.diplo.de.

Italian Embassy. 316 Lugalo Rd., Upanga, Msasani, Dar es Salaam. 022/211–5938; www.ambdaressalaam.esteri.it.

United Kingdom Embassy. Umoja House, Garden Ave., Msasani, Dar es Salaam. 022/229–0000; www.gov.uk/government/world/tanzania.

Emergencies

Police Hotline. 112.

Medical-Assistance Companies

The Flying Doctors Service. 022/211–6610; 022/212–7187; www.flydoc.org.