Tanzania and Kenya are well-established safari destinations with a strong safety record for travellers. A little preparation — vaccinations, malaria prevention and common sense — keeps your trip smooth and healthy.
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This is general information, not medical advice. Consult a travel clinic or your doctor 6–8 weeks before departure for advice tailored to you, your health and your itinerary.
Vaccinations
- Yellow fever: required if arriving from a risk country and for travel between Kenya and Tanzania — carry your certificate.
- Commonly recommended: routine vaccines up to date, plus hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus; others depending on your plans.
Malaria
Most safari areas are malaria zones. Speak to your doctor about antimalarial tablets, and prevent bites: repellent with DEET, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, and the mosquito nets provided at camps. The Ngorongoro highlands and Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes are lower-risk due to altitude.
Altitude (Kilimanjaro & Meru)
Altitude sickness is the main risk on the mountains and is managed by choosing a longer route, walking “pole pole” (slowly), hydrating, and our guides’ daily health checks with a pulse oximeter. See the Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide.
Food, water & general safety
- Drink bottled or filtered water; lodges provide safe drinking water.
- Follow your guide around wildlife — stay in the vehicle, keep quiet, never feed animals.
- Use lodge safes for valuables; take normal precautions in towns and cities.
- Carry personal medication in original packaging and a small first-aid kit.
✓ Travel insurance is essential
Comprehensive insurance with emergency medical evacuation is a condition of travel — see our Travel Insurance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is malaria a serious risk?+
It is a manageable one. With antimalarials and bite prevention, the risk is low — but take it seriously and seek advice for your itinerary.
Do I need to be very fit for safari?+
No — game drives are seated. Kilimanjaro and walking safaris require reasonable fitness; we’ll advise per trip.
