I’ll admit it—I can be a bit of a wimp when it comes to shots. The mere thought of a needle makes my palms sweat. So, you can imagine my anxiety when I realized that getting vaccinated was part of the deal for my African safari in Tanzania. But when the reward is spotting the Big 5, visiting a Maasai village, and eating traditional ugali under the African sky, a few pricks in the arm suddenly seem a lot more bearable.
If you’re like me—excited about adventure but a little nervous about vaccinations—let’s break it down so you can feel prepared, confident, and ready to take on Tanzania!
➞ Always consult with your doctor and visit the Center for Disease Control for up-to-date vaccination requirements.
Are Vaccines Required for Tanzania?
The good news? Most vaccinations are recommended rather than required. However, there is one big exception: Yellow Fever. If you’re arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission (or have a long layover/transit in one), you’ll need proof of vaccination. You can get more information here. And yes, there have been reports of random checks upon arrival. The last thing I wanted after over 25 hours of travel was to be denied entry or forced to get a shot at the airport, so I made sure to get mine beforehand.
Recommended Vaccines for Tanzania
Even though most vaccines aren’t mandatory, they’re recommended for your health and safety. Here are the vaccinations I got, as well as the medications I was prescribed to take with me:
✔ Yellow Fever: Required if coming from a high-risk area, but also a good precaution for travel in Africa.
✔ Polio Booster: While polio is rare, a booster is recommended if you haven’t had one as an adult.
✔ Tetanus: Essential for any traveler; you don’t want to risk infection from minor cuts.
✔ Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated food and water, making it a must-have for travelers.
✔ Typhoid: Another food and waterborne illness that’s best avoided.
✔ Malaria Prevention (Malarone): Tanzania is a malaria-risk country, so I was prescribed anti-malarial pills.
✔ Anti-Diarrheal (Ciprofloxacin): Something like Imodium AD is great, but this one not only helps with diarrhea, it also kills the bacteria that created it. I have been to Africa three times and every time have had issues, so this medication was a life saver!
➞ Your personal needs may vary, so always consult your doctor and the Center for Disease Control to get the best advice based on your health and travel plans.
Facing My Fear of Needles
Now, let’s talk about the actual shot experience.
I shamelessly brought my mom to the appointment for moral support. (Hey, sometimes you just need your mommy!) She distracted me with stories while the nurse came in with four syringes—cue the internal panic. I tried to crack a joke about tequila and Valium, but the nurse just smiled and got to work.
The verdict? None of the shots were as bad as I’d built them up to be. The Yellow Fever shot had a slight sting, and the Tetanus shot left my arm sore for a couple of days, but overall, it was quick and painless. All that stress for nothing!
Why It’s Worth It
When I finally set foot in Tanzania, I knew I had made the right choice. Watching elephants roam the Serengeti, meeting the Maasai people, and enjoying a plate of ugali with my guide made every vaccination 100% worth it.
So, if you’re hesitant about shots, trust me—you can do this. And once you’re out in the wild, with a rhino in your binoculars and the sun setting over the savanna, you won’t give those needles a second thought.
Final Travel Tips for a Healthy Trip
- Visit a travel clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure to get your vaccines in time.
- Pack all your vaccination records, including your Yellow Fever card if needed.
- Stock up on bug spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, etc. (Check out what I pack in my Travel Medicine Kit to stay protected).
- Check the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for the latest travel health updates.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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