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Serengeti National Park, located in Tanzania is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Known for its vast savannas, diverse wildlife, and the spectacular Great Migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras. Serengeti National Park directly connects to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, allowing animal migration across an international border.
Is Yellow Fever Vaccine Recommended for Serengeti National Park?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not generally recommend the yellow fever vaccine for travelers visiting Serengeti National Park. However, if your plans include prolonged travel and you may experience heavy exposure to mosquitoes; such as visiting during or shortly after the rainy seasons, the yellow fever vaccine may be suggested.
Additionally, travelers with plans to visit wildlife parks in Kenya before entering Tanzania are recommended the yellow fever vaccine and proof of vaccination will be required for entry to Tanzania.
Is the Yellow Fever Vaccination Required for Tanzania?
A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever virus is required for entry to Tanzania for all visitors 1 year and older if arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. This requirement includes airport layovers that last 12 hours or more in countries where yellow fever is a known risk. Keep in mind, Kenya is designated as a country with yellow fever transmission risk and many flights to Tanzania include a layover in Nairobi.
Often times, travelers combine a safari to national parks in Kenya with a safari to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Commonly visited wildlife parks in Kenya that border Tanzania include Maasai Mara and Tsavo National Park.
Malaria Risk in Serengeti National Park
The mosquito that transmits malaria is present throughout Tanzania, including in Serengeti National Park. The risk is particularly high during the rainy seasons (March to May and November to December). As such, public health recommends visitors take antimalarial medication during their stay in Tanzania including Serengeti National Park.
How Do I Take Malaria Medication for Tanzania?
In the United States, malaria pills are by prescription, and similar to other prescribed medications, will be dispensed by a pharmacy. There is no vaccine to prevent malaria infection, instead medication must be taken before, during, and after your trip to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Several antimalarial medication options are available including daily or weekly tablets. While many travelers worry about side effects from the medication, the risk of complications from malaria infection is much higher than minor effects from the malaria pills. It’s best to take antimalarial tablets with food to prevent upset stomach and nausea.
Visit Destination Health Clinic Before Your Trip to Tanzania
If you have plans to visit Serengeti National Park, Tanzania or Maasai Mara, Kenya for safari, we invite you schedule an appointment with Destination Health Travel Clinic. In addition to yellow fever and antimalarial tablets, other vaccines like hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and polio are recommended by the CDC before travel.
It’s best to receive vaccines several weeks to months before travel, but even if you are leaving on short notice, vaccinations will provide protection against common illness. Call today for an appointment or schedule online at the location nearest you; Braintree – South Shore, Springfield – Longmeadow, or Natick – Framingham.
