Your Safety Is Never an Afterthought
After 48 years of taking travellers into Tanzania's wilderness, we have developed thorough protocols for every contingency. This guide covers what you need to know — from wildlife encounters to medical emergencies, vaccinations to travel insurance — so you can focus on the experience rather than worrying about it.
Preparation checklist
What to Arrange Before You Arrive
Travel insurance with medical evacuation
At booking$100,000+ coverage, safari activities included
Yellow fever vaccination
2–4 weeks beforeRequired if arriving from endemic country; recommended for all
Malaria prophylaxis
4–6 weeks beforeDiscuss with travel health clinic for your specific itinerary
Regular medications in original packaging
AlwaysPlus letter from doctor for controlled substances
First aid kit
Pack in safari bagInclude antihistamines, antacids, rehydration salts, plasters
Mosquito repellent (DEET 30%+)
Buy before departureEssential for evenings and coastal areas
🦁 Wildlife Safety
Wildlife Safety
Can animals attack safari vehicles?
It is extremely rare for animals to attack properly occupied safari vehicles. Lions, elephants, and buffalo view vehicles as single large objects — not prey or threats — and most guides maintain appropriate distances. The exceptions are disturbed animals (wounded, defending young, or in mating contests) and步行 safaris where you are on foot. Always follow your guide's instructions without exception.
Is it safe to walk outside my camp at night?
No. After dark, you should never walk outside your camp or lodge without an armed escort from the property. Large animals — buffalo, elephant, hippo, lion — are active at night and can be dangerous if surprised. Use the camp's defined pathways and stay within the property's perimeter.
What about hippos?
Hippos are among Africa's most dangerous animals — more people are killed by hippos than lions each year. They are semi-aquatic and leave the water at night to graze. Never get between a hippo and the water, and never approach a hippo on foot. If you encounter one on a walking safari, freeze, make slow retreat, and give it space.
🏥 Health & Medical
Health & Medical
What vaccinations do I need for Tanzania?
Required: Yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country (including many African nations). Recommended: Typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, cholera, and rabies (if working with animals or prolonged rural travel). Some travellers also choose Japanese encephalitis for extended stays. Discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before travel.
Is the water safe to drink?
In Arusha and most lodges/camps, tap water is treated and generally safe. However, we recommend drinking bottled or filtered water throughout your safari as a precaution. Most lodges provide complimentary bottled water during game drives.
What about altitude sickness on safari?
The Northern Circuit parks are at elevations of 1,100–2,400 metres. Acute altitude sickness is possible but uncommon at these altitudes. Ngorongoro Crater rim is at 2,400 metres — some visitors experience mild symptoms (headache, slight breathlessness). Descending to the crater floor (1,800 metres) usually resolves symptoms. If you have cardiac or respiratory conditions, consult your doctor before visiting the crater rim.
✈️ Travel Safety
Travel Safety
Is Tanzania safe for solo female travellers?
Yes — Tanzania is generally welcoming and safe for solo female travellers, including on safari. Most safari groups will include other travellers, and our guides are experienced with solo guests. Some precautions: dress modestly in towns and off-resort, be aware of your drink at bars, and use registered taxis or your operator's transport. On safari, you are never alone — your guide and camp staff are always present.
What should I do in a medical emergency?
All our vehicles carry first aid kits and our guides are first aid trained. For serious emergencies, evacuation is by light aircraft to Arusha or Nairobi. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — confirm your policy covers helicopter evacuation from remote areas. We work with emergency evacuation services in Arusha and can arrange transport to medical facilities.
Are the roads safe?
Road conditions in Tanzania vary significantly. Major routes between Arusha and the national parks are tarmacked but have potholes and lack lighting. Secondary roads within parks are gravel and dirt. Most safari accidents occur on public roads outside parks — not during game drives. Our vehicles are maintained, our drivers are experienced, and we do not drive at night on public roads.
📋 Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Do I need safari-specific travel insurance?
Standard travel insurance is usually sufficient if it covers: medical evacuation ($100,000+ coverage), trip cancellation, personal belongings, and activities including game drives and walking safaris. Confirm your policy explicitly includes walking safaris and, if you are considering it, micro-light flights. Standard policies sometimes exclude adventure activities.
Does my travel insurance cover helicopter evacuation?
Many policies cover emergency evacuation but require pre-authorisation or are limited to the nearest adequate facility, not necessarily your preferred home hospital. Safari-specific or adventure travel insurance policies typically offer more comprehensive coverage including evacuation from remote wildlife areas. Verify before you travel.
In case of emergency
Emergency Resources
Emergency Services
Tanzania Tourist Police (Arusha): +255 27 254 8045
Available 24/7 for tourist emergencies
Medical Evacuation
AMREF Flying Doctors: +254 20 600 800
East Africa's primary evacuation service
Nearest Major Hospital
Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre: +255 27 250 2741
Best equipped facility in northern Tanzania
Our Safari Team
Available 24/7 during your safari
Your guide carries our emergency contact numbers
First Safari
First-Time Safari Guide
Everything you need to know before your first Tanzania safari.
Packing
Safari Packing List
What to pack for your Tanzania safari — essentials and suggestions.
Health
Tanzania Safari Health Tips
Staying healthy on safari — from sun protection to hydration.
Plan
Plan My Safari
Speak to our team about your safari safety questions.
Questions
Safari Safety — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tanzania safe for safari tourists?
Do I need malaria pills for a Tanzania safari?
What vaccinations do I need for Tanzania?
Is Tanzania safe for solo female travellers?
What should I do in a medical emergency on safari?
Are roads in Tanzania safe?
Do I need special travel insurance for safari?
Can animals attack safari vehicles?
Have Questions About Safari Safety?
Our team has been operating safaris in Tanzania for 48 years. Ask us anything — from vaccinations to insurance, wildlife safety to what to pack.