Visit your GP 6-8 weeks before travelling to Tanzania to ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations and medication. You may be requested to show an up to date Yellow Fever certificate on entry to Tanzania, so we recommend getting this vaccination as well.
Malaria is present in Tanzania below altitudes of 2,000m – antimalarial medication should be taken. Wear long sleeves and trousers and use your mosquito nets. Dengue fever (also carried by mosquitoes) is also present, particularly in cities, and tse-tse flies have a painful bite, as well as carrying sleeping sickness. They are attracted to the colour blue – so don’t wear it!
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which includes any activities you will be participating in (climbing, diving etc). Ensure this covers emergency medical repatriation; you may have to be evacuated if the hospitals in Dar es Salaam are unable to provide adequate care.
Only drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
Tanzania is close to the equator and the sun is fierce – especially on Kilimanjaro, where it’s magnified by the altitude, despite the cold. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, good quality sunglasses and chap stick with SPF to protect your lips. They will thank you for it!
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895m – altitude sickness can kick in at less than half that height. Ascending slowly reduces the chances of feeling ill, but if you do, the best cure is to descend – even a couple of hundred metres can make a difference. For this reason, we recommend the longer routes to Kilimanjaro. Younger, fitter climbers are actually likely to be at more risk, due to their ability to ascend more rapidly – age and fitness have no effect on altitude sickness. Keep well hydrated and let your guide know if you are feeling unwell.
Due to Kilimanjaro’s popularity, many people assume it is merely a long hike. However, just because it is not a technical climb does not mean it is easy. It is extremely physically demanding, and not all climbers actually make it to Uhuru Peak – the highest point. However, that number drops to less than half for those on the shortest (5 day) routes – and highest (95 percent) for those on 8-day routes.
Do not bathe in rivers or lakes – there is a significant danger from wildlife as well as water-borne diseases such as bilharzia.
SAFETY
Most visits are trouble free, however terrorism is sadly a reality of travelling in these times. Tanzania has suffered at the hands of terrorists’ activities, although not as severely as parts of Kenya. Most acts of terrorism have been perpetrated by Al-Shabaab, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda, and aimed at the country’s military, with numerous attacks of this nature throughout 2015-16. Always get up to date information at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advisory department before travelling to Tanzania.
Tanzania is a conservative country, and all travellers should dress modestly. Women in particular should not wear shorts or sleeveless tops. This is especially important in coastal areas and on the islands – including Zanzibar – where the population is largely Muslim, and during the holy month of Ramadan (this changes date each year).
In the cities it is not recommended to walk alone or at night, and only carry the valuable or cash that you need. Be discrete with these, as muggings and pickpocketing do occur. Be particularly careful in Stone Town and on quiet beaches as well.
Always follow your driver or guide’s advice when in national parks and around wildlife, especially on walking safaris.
Ferry accidents do happen between the mainland and the islands. Although your operator will be booking a reputable company, it’s still just as well to keep an eye on where the life jackets and emergency exits are located on the boats.
Be sure to use a reputable company for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Ill-equipped or untrained guides put lives at risk.
Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania; same sex couples should act discretely.
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