Visas, Vaccinations & Travel Health for Safari and Kilimanjaro
Preparing for travel to Tanzania is straightforward, but a little preparation ensures your safari or mountain adventure runs smoothly. Below you’ll find useful information on visas, vaccinations, travel health, and what to expect when visiting Tanzania with African Environments.
Tanzania Visa Requirements
Most visitors travelling to Tanzania can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at international airports and border crossings.
However, visa requirements and costs can change, so we recommend travellers confirm the latest information with their nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate before departure.
Many travellers also choose to apply for their visa online through the official Tanzania e-visa system before travel.
If you have questions about visa requirements, our team is always happy to help guide you through the process.
Travel Health & Vaccination Guide for Tanzania
At African Environments, the health and wellbeing of our guests is our highest priority. With decades of experience guiding safaris and expeditions across Tanzania, we want you to arrive well prepared and able to fully enjoy your adventure.
Before travelling, we recommend visiting your doctor or travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure to review your vaccinations and receive any recommended medications.
Routine Vaccinations
Travellers should ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria and Pertussis
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
These vaccinations form the foundation of good travel health.
Recommended Vaccinations for Tanzania
For most visitors travelling on safari or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, doctors commonly recommend:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Malaria prophylaxis
For malaria prevention, medications such as Malarone are commonly prescribed, though your doctor will advise what is most suitable for you.
We also recommend taking simple precautions including:
- Using insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin
- Wearing long sleeves in the evening
- Sleeping under mosquito nets (provided in our camps)
Yellow Fever Requirements
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you have travelled from or transited through a yellow fever endemic country for more than 12 hours before entering Tanzania.
If you are travelling directly from Europe, North America, or most other regions, the vaccination is usually not required.
Current international health regulations now consider one yellow fever vaccination to provide lifetime protection, meaning booster vaccinations are no longer necessary.
You can find the current list of yellow fever endemic countries through the Tanzanian Ministry of Health.
Altitude Health for Kilimanjaro Climbers
Travellers planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro may wish to discuss altitude medication such as Acetazolamide (Diamox) with their doctor.
While medication can assist with acclimatisation, our Kilimanjaro itineraries are carefully designed to allow gradual altitude adjustment, which is the most important factor in successful and safe summits.
Our experienced guides closely monitor the wellbeing of all climbers throughout the expedition.
Safety on Safari with African Environments
When travelling with African Environments, your safety is always a top priority.
All of our trip leaders and guides are trained to Wilderness First Responder level, an internationally recognised medical qualification for outdoor expedition leaders.
Our safari vehicles are equipped with:
- Comprehensive first aid kits
- Safety equipment
- Communication systems
For additional peace of mind, we strongly recommend all travellers purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage.
If needed, we can also assist with arranging local emergency evacuation services for your time in Tanzania.
What to Expect While Visiting Tanzania
Tanzania is one of Africa’s most welcoming and culturally rich destinations. From the sweeping plains of Serengeti National Park to the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, it offers some of the most extraordinary wildlife and landscapes in the world.
While tourism plays an important role in supporting local livelihoods, Tanzania remains a developing country. Visitors may encounter both vibrant communities and areas of visible poverty.
We encourage guests to travel respectfully by:
- Asking before photographing people
- Following the advice of your guide when visiting local communities
- Being mindful of local customs and traditions
Tanzanians are known for their warmth and hospitality, and many visitors find these cultural encounters to be among the most memorable parts of their journey.
Your Adventure Awaits
A safari in Tanzania is an adventure unlike any other. Expect incredible wildlife, beautiful landscapes, delicious food, warm smiles, and the occasional dust or mud that comes with exploring the wild.
With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to fully enjoy the magic of Tanzania — whether watching elephants roam the plains or standing on the summit of Africa.