Vaccines & Health Requirements

August 18, 2024

Clear, simple and essential health information for your Tanzania journey

Preparing for your trip from London to Tanzania should feel exciting, not confusing. This guide gives UK couples an easy, reliable overview of the health requirements for a safari and Zanzibar holiday — without overwhelming you with unnecessary details. Everything here is straightforward, up-to-date and focused on exactly what you need to know.

Recommended Vaccinations for Tanzania

There are no compulsory vaccinations for UK travellers entering Tanzania. However, UK travel clinics commonly recommend a few protective vaccines for comfort and safety during your trip:

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio (TDP) – part of routine UK immunisation
  • Hepatitis A – protects against food or water-borne infections
  • Typhoid – often recommended for East Africa travel
  • Hepatitis B – optional, usually for long stays or frequent travellers

These are standard, long-lasting travel vaccines. Many travellers already have them, and they provide extra peace of mind on safari and cultural tours.

For personalised guidance, UK travellers can consult:

  • NHS Travel Vaccines
  • Boots Travel Clinics
  • Superdrug Travel Clinics
  • Nomad Travel & MASTA Centres

Yellow Fever – Required Only in Certain Cases

This is the most common question we receive.

Travelling directly London → Tanzania:

  • No Yellow Fever vaccine required
  • No Yellow Fever certificate needed

Travelling via a Yellow Fever country:

(even if you stay inside the airport)
Examples include: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia.

  • A Yellow Fever certificate is required
  • You must carry the physical card with you.

Most flights from London via Qatar, Dubai, Amsterdam or Istanbul do not require Yellow Fever vaccination.

Malaria Protection

Tanzania is in a malaria zone, so preventive medication is recommended for all UK visitors.

The most common options include:

  • Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) – most popular, gentle on the stomach
  • Doxycycline – effective alternative
  • Lariam – rarely used due to side effects

Your GP or travel clinic will recommend the best option for you.

Additional protection on safari is simple:

  • Use mosquito repellent (30–50% DEET)
  • Wear long sleeves in the evenings
  • Sleep under mosquito nets provided in all lodges

Safari regions generally have fewer mosquitoes due to altitude, but it’s still important to stay protected.

 

COVID-19 Requirements

Current entry rules for Tanzania:

  • No PCR test required
  • No COVID-19 vaccination certificate required

If regulations change, we will update you before your travel date.

General Health Tips for UK Couples

Travelling in Tanzania is comfortable and safe if you keep a few simple habits in mind:

Stay hydrated

Safaris can be warm and dry — water is always provided.

Protect yourself from the sun

Bring SPF 30–50, sunglasses and a hat. The equatorial sun is strong even on cool days.

Eat and drink safely

All safari lodges serve clean, safe meals.
Bottled water is always supplied.

High-altitude awareness

If you plan to trek in Ngorongoro or climb Kilimanjaro, expect some altitude changes. Your guide will support you at a steady pace.

Emergency Support & Medical Facilities

Tanzania has reliable private medical facilities and emergency evacuation services.
We ensure that:

  • Your safari guide has first-aid training
  • Emergency contacts are always available
  • Camps and lodges are linked to medical response teams

This gives UK travellers full peace of mind while exploring remote areas.

Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended)

Choose a policy that covers:

  • Medical care
  • Safari activities
  • Baggage and delays
  • High-altitude trekking (if climbing Kilimanjaro)

This ensures you’re covered throughout your journey.

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