What are the health risks in Tanzania? Is it safe and where are the places with the highest crime rates?

The 10 most luxurious hotels in Tanzania

Health risks

Tanzania is a country in East Equatorial Africa and with that comes an increased risk of exotic diseases.

Exotic diseases

These are mainly found in the Great Lakes region in the west or in more remote rural areas.

In Zanzibar or in the mountains, the incidence of exotic diseases is minimal.

Exotic diseases such as dengue fever, typhoid fever, malaria and hepatitis can be found here.

Antimalarials should be considered, as there are side effects such as rashes, insomnia, increased skin sensitivity and others. It is better to protect yourself with long sleeves and pants in the evening. Outside of the rainy season, malaria is almost non-existent; you can find mosquito nets at almost every hotel. Repellent is better to bring from home with a DEET component.

Drinking water

Consume bottled water. Use tap water to brush your teeth, unless you drink hectolitres of it, you are safe.

Dangerous animals

Tanzania is an African country full of animals that can harm humans.

Stray dogs

There are far fewer stray dogs in Tanzania than in other African countries.

For example, on the island of Zanzibar, I saw a stray dog only about 3 times in 10 days - there are very few of them here, and it is absolutely impossible to compare it with another island in the Indian Ocean , Mauritius.

On the mainland, especially in the countryside, the incidence of stray dogs is much higher. But usually dogs are afraid of people.

Marine animals

The biggest danger in the sea is sea urchins.

Most sea urchins off the coast of Tanzania are not venomous, but if your wound becomes swollen or red, definitely visit a medical emergency.

Tanzanian waters also contain extremely poisonous stonefishknown to have spines that look like stone. However, they live at greater depths and are only encountered when diving or snorkelling off the beaches.

There are sharks around Tanzanian shores, but interactions with humans are extremely rare and shark-induced injuries are virtually non-existent.

Snakes and spiders

Tanzania is home to a large number of snake species, including venomous snakes.

However, tourist areas such as Zanzibar or the mountains around Kilimanjaro are relatively poor in snakes and it is extremely rare to encounter a dangerous snake.

Predators

In Tanzania, especially on safari, there are all kinds of large African predators that you should definitely not come into direct contact with.

The rules on safari are strict and if you encounter one of the large predators, you must not get out of the car under any circumstances!

Staying in the sun

A high SPF is recommended when staying in the sun, the sun will tan here even when the skies are overcast, remember you are on the equator!

Pharmacies

Villages and towns are equipped with pharmacies, called Dawa - they have a stock of medicines, mostly Indian-made. You can get antibiotics here without a prescription. Local antimalarials are significantly cheaper than in Europe, for example.

Compulsory and recommended vaccinations

You must have a yellow fever vaccination if you have travelled to Tanzania from a place of high prevalence of the disease, for example all neighbouring countries (including Kenya).

Vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis A and B are also recommended. Rabies vaccination is also recommended if you will be frequenting areas at increased risk of contact with wildlife.

If you are only travelling to Zanzibar, vaccination is not necessary.

Crime and safety

Tanzania is a relatively safe country. There are no targeted attacks on tourists, kidnappings or serious crimes.

Risk of theft

The biggest risk in terms of crime is theft.

Keep a close eye on your luggage when boarding the bus and ideally take it with you directly onto the bus if this is an option. Do not wear visibly expensive jewellery, and do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

There have been cases of passengers being locked in taxis and having their luggage stolen from the boot in full view of passengers. Do not walk alone in dark streets at night as there may be a risk of mugging, contact a taxi instead.

There are stray dogs on the streets at night, which can sometimes be more dangerous than humans.

Don't leave bags with mobile phones and expensive electronics on the beaches. Keep your money in a safe at the hotel or lock it in your suitcase.

In general, however, Tanzania is one of the safest countries in Africa and if you follow the basic rules you shouldn't get into trouble. Tanzania is even considered a safer destination than, for example, neighbouring and very popular with tourists Kenya.

Corruption and bribes

A huge problem in Tanzania is the considerable corruption.

As a tourist, you will encounter corruption especially when dealing with the police, especially if you travel around Tanzania by rental car or motorbike.

Police checks are very frequent here (even several times a day) and tourists are often asked by police officers for "gifts" or outright bribes for fabricated offences.

If you feel you are in the right, you can try calling the emergency anti-corruption hotline with the number 113.

Women travelling alone

Women travelling alone need not worry in Tanzania. Most people help arrange transfers, find accommodation, and we have not encountered any indecent proposals etc.

Lone travellers will often be targeted by offers from local prostitutes, but this is also decently avoidable.

Scams and persistent sellers

The biggest problem is the highly persistent souvenir sellers, especially on the beaches.

I have found it most helpful to politely but very firmly state upon first contact that I don't want to buy anything and that I don't even have any money with me.

Scams are not very common here, but we do not recommend arranging trips and activities through the beach vendors.

Instead, go to the brick-and-mortar shops of local travel agents or use the GetYourGuide activity search engine, through which the vast majority of local travel agencies in Tanzania operate.

Compare trip prices on GetYourGuide.com

Important contacts

Tanzania's international telephone area code is +255.

Phone numbers that may come in handy during your stay:

• Police - 112
• Anti-Corruption Police - 113
• Fire Brigade - 114
• Ambulance (SAMU) - 115
• Security on safari and in national parks - 118