Health and safety for Volunteers in Tanzania: As the largest country in East Africa, Tanzania has plenty of adventures to satisfy even the most extreme case of wanderlust. For those who love the sun and sand, Tanzania offers up the white sand beaches of Zanzibar. Adventurers can stand on top of the “roof of Africa” after the long climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro or go on safari in the Serengeti or the famous and expansive Ngorongoro crater.

Travelers to Tanzania should visit their physician or a travel clinic at least one month prior to departure. All volunteers are required to have received vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, and Yellow Fever prior to admittance into Tanzania. Shot records are required at Tanzania’s points of entry.

It is also recommended that travelers get boosters for Polio, MMR, and Tetanus-Diphtheria if their vaccinations are not up to date. It is important to maintain a malaria prophylaxis regiment during the course of your trip. Commonly pre-scribed antimalarials are Lariam, Malarone, or Doxycycline. Learn more from the CDC.

Although most trips to Tanzania are very peaceful, travelers should be wary as petty theft can be a problem in large Tanzanian centers such as Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar—areas frequented by foreign travelers and expatriates. Travelers should be cautious when walking in the streets. Do not carry large cameras or wear expensive jewelry and always walk with another person. It is also important to take licensed taxicabs when you need transportation at night.

Travel insurance is often required for volunteers in Tanzania but not included in the program fees. However, there are many different options, so shop around. For more information about insurance for traveling in Tanzania, check out Travel Guard or World Nomads. Visit Insure My Trip to compare the travel insurance rates of multiple companies. (Health and safety for Volunteers in Tanzania)