Travel Health Checklist for Tanzania — 2026
Tanzania offers incredible experiences — Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar — but each requires specific health preparation. This checklist covers all three trip types.
Pre-Travel (6–8 Weeks Before)
First Aid Kit
Basics
Malaria Prevention
Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness
Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) is the world's tallest free-standing mountain. Altitude sickness affects 50–75% of climbers above 4,000m. It is the number one reason for failed summit attempts.
Altitude sickness can be fatal. Recognise symptoms and descend immediately if they worsen.
Prevention
Symptoms to Watch For
- Mild AMS: Headache, nausea, dizziness, poor sleep, loss of appetite
- Severe AMS / HACE: Confusion, inability to walk straight, severe vomiting
- HAPE: Breathlessness at rest, persistent cough, frothy sputum, blue lips
Rule: If symptoms worsen at the same altitude, descend immediately. Do NOT ascend with symptoms.
Water & Food Safety
- Never drink tap water in Tanzania
- Bottled water: Kilimanjaro brand, Uhai, Dasani (check seal)
- On Kilimanjaro: guides provide boiled water; bring purification tablets as backup
- Zanzibar: use bottled water; avoid ice in beach bars
- Fresh seafood in Zanzibar is generally excellent — choose restaurants with high turnover
- Safari lodges provide safe filtered/bottled water and well-prepared food
- Street food in Dar: chipsi mayai, mishkaki, pilau from busy stalls
Hospitals & Emergency Numbers
| Location | Facility | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | Aga Khan Hospital | +255 22 211 5151 |
| Arusha | Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre | +255 27 254 8030 |
| Moshi (Kilimanjaro) | KCMC | +255 27 275 4377 |
| Zanzibar | Mnazi Mmoja Hospital | +255 24 223 1071 |
| Emergency | 112 / 114 |
| Ambulance | 114 |
| UK High Commission Dar | +255 22 229 0000 |
| US Embassy Dar | +255 22 229 4000 |