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Why Visit Tanzania?
Tanzania remains a top destination for travelers to Africa because of its varied landscapes and activities which allows visitors to experience a safari on the Serengeti, a climb to Africa’s highest mountain (Mount Kilimanjaro), or a visit to the pristine beaches and waters of Zanzibar. There are so many highlights to Tanzania, some traveler’s need a second visit to finish off their bucket list.
Due to Tanzania’s focus on habitat and wildlife protections, there are over 32 national parks and game reserves including the most famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater where you can spot the “big five” (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros). Depending on your time of visit you may also witness the great annual migration of the wildebeest. Many travelers also choose to include a trip to Gombe National Park where Jane Goodall documented her encounters with chimpanzees, which are still found in large family groups today.
Climbing and Trekking in Tanzania
The popular Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania offer adventure climbers the unique opportunity to start in a tropical climate and end in an artic one all in the same hike. However, because of the demanding terrain and weather extremes, only half of people attempting Mt. Kilimanjaro are successful in summitting.
Choosing a climbing tour that allows for a slower ascent and acclimatization is an important factor when planning your trip. High altitude medication such as Diamox (acetazolamide) is also available by prescription to help climbers reach their summit goals. The Arusha airport allows easier access to these mountain peaks with many flights from Dar es Salaam and sometimes direct flights from Europe or Middle East airports.
Zanzibar & Mafia Island
Travelers looking for a relaxing beach vacation can head to Zanzibar, where well appointed resorts with beautiful sand and clear waters greet you. A wide mix of cultures and history combine in this island just off the coast of Tanzania with options to arrive by ferry or airplane. Stone Town and its busy markets are popular with visitors along with touring spice farms where trading in these aromantics has been a staple of Zanzibar’s economy for centuries.
If you are feeling the island vibe, another destination off the coast of Tanzania not be forgotten is Mafia Island. Scuba and snorkeling opportunities abound with abundant aquatic wildlife including whale sharks in beautiful waters.
What Vaccines Do I Need Before Traveling to Tanzania and Zanzibar?
While planning all your activities for Tanzania, don’t forget to also plan on vaccinations before your trip. It’s always a good idea to be current on your regular vaccines regardless of travel including COVID, Flu, MMR(measles), Polio, Tdap (tetanus), and if you’re over 60 your Pneumonia, Shingles, and RSV vaccines.
Travel vaccine recommendations for Tanzania and Zanzibar may include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid Fever. For visitors with plans to stay longer-term or who will visit rural areas or working with medical/humanitarian aid groups the Cholera vaccine, Rabies vaccine, and Yellow Fever vaccine might also be recommended. Lastly, while Zanzibar is considered a beach getaway for many travelers, the same risks for food and water-borne diseases like Typhoid Fever still exist.
Is the Yellow Fever Vaccine Required for Tanzania?
If you plan to visit other African countries or have a layover of 12 hours or more in an airport, the Yellow Fever vaccination may be required for your trip. For example, many visitors combine a safari trip to Kenya and Tanzania; in which case the Yellow Fever can be required by the government of Tanzania to enter. Deciding if the Yellow Fever vaccine is needed for your trip can be difficult to determine and we recommend you make an appointment to speak with our knowledgeable staff.
Do I Need Malaria Medication for My Trip to Tanzania?
Malaria is found in many areas of Tanzania and medication is available to prevent illness. As part of your visit, we will discuss if medication is appropriate for your travel plans and provide a prescription to your pharmacy as needed.
Different malaria medication options are available but each one needs to be started before your trip begins so it’s best to seek travel health advice weeks or months before your trip to ensure you have everything you need.