Staying Healthy in Tanzania: Vaccinations, Malaria Prevention & Travel Pharmacy

Essential Vaccinations for Tanzania: Always get the latest advice from your doctor, but common recommendations include:

• Routine Vaccinations: Ensure you're up-to-date on measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.
• Yellow Fever:
  • Required if: You are arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever virus transmission (many African and South American countries) or have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of such a country.
  • Recommended: Even if not strictly required based on your itinerary, some doctors may recommend it. Discuss this with your travel health specialist.
  • Carry your certificate: If you get the vaccine, carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) with your passport.
• Hepatitis A & B: Recommended for most travelers. Transmitted through contaminated food/water (Hep A) or bodily fluids (Hep B).
• Typhoid: Recommended, especially if visiting smaller towns, rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. Transmitted through contaminated food and water.
• Rabies: Consider if you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, in rural areas, or in close contact with animals (e.g., veterinarians, researchers). It's a series of shots.
• Cholera: Risk is generally low for most tourists staying in good accommodation, but discuss with your doctor if you'll be in areas with poor sanitation.

Malaria Prevention – A Three-Pronged Approach: Malaria is a serious risk in many parts of Tanzania, including most safari areas and Zanzibar, especially below 1,800 meters.

1. Awareness: Understand the risk and symptoms (flu-like illness).
2. Bite Prevention (ABCD - Awareness, Bite prevention, Chemoprophylaxis, Diagnosis):
   • Use effective insect repellent containing DEET (20-50%), Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
   • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially from dusk till dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Light-colored clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes.
   • Sleep under a mosquito net, preferably one treated with insecticide. Most lodges provide these.
   • Use air conditioning or fans if available, as these can deter mosquitoes.
3. Chemoprophylaxis (Anti-malarial Medication):
   • Several effective anti-malarial drugs are available (e.g., Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, Mefloquine (Lariam)).
   • Your doctor will prescribe the best option for you based on your itinerary, medical history, and potential side effects.
   • Start taking them as prescribed before travel, continue during your trip, and for the recommended period after leaving the malaria-risk area. This is crucial!

Your Safari First-Aid Kit – Be Prepared: While your guide will have a first-aid kit, and lodges can help with minor issues, it's wise to carry your own small kit with essentials:

• Prescription medications (enough for the entire trip, plus a little extra, in original packaging with a copy of your prescription).
• Anti-malarial medication (if prescribed).
• Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, paracetamol).
• Antihistamines (for allergic reactions, insect bites).
• Antiseptic wipes or solution.
• Band-Aids/plasters in various sizes.
• Gauze and medical tape.
• Anti-diarrheal medication (e.g., loperamide).
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS) – essential if you get traveler's diarrhea.
• Motion sickness medication (if needed for flights or bumpy roads).
• Sunscreen (high SPF) and after-sun lotion.
• Insect repellent.
• Tweezers and small scissors.
• Hand sanitizer.

General Health Tips for Your Tanzanian Adventure:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of bottled or purified water, especially in the heat. Aim for at least 2-3 liters a day.
• Sun Protection: The African sun is intense. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen regularly.
• Food and Water Safety: (As covered in our Food & Drink guide) Be mindful of what you eat and drink.
• Wash Your Hands: Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Animal Contact: Avoid touching or feeding animals, including domestic ones, to prevent bites, scratches, and potential diseases.
• Listen to Your Body: If you feel unwell, inform your guide or lodge staff immediately. Don't try to "tough it out."

A little preparation goes a long way to ensuring your Tanzanian safari is memorable for all the right reasons!