Tanzania Travel - Malaria Information

Malaria Information & Recommended Medication

Malaria is a significant concern for travelers to Tanzania as the entire country below 1,800m (5,900ft) is considered a high-risk zone. This includes the most popular safari parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater floor) and the coastal islands like Zanzibar.

1. Recommended Antimalarial Medications

Since Tanzania has high resistance to Chloroquine, the CDC and WHO recommend the following prescription prophylaxis:

• Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone): Most popular due to minimal side effects. Take daily starting 1–2 days before travel and for 7 days after returning.

• Doxycycline: Affordable and effective but can cause sun sensitivity (sunburns) and stomach upset. Take daily starting 1–2 days before and for 4 weeks after travel.

• Mefloquine (Lariam): Taken weekly, but may cause vivid dreams or neuropsychiatric side effects. Start 1–3 weeks before and continue for 4 weeks after.

2. Regional Risk Variations

• High Risk: Coastal areas (

  Dar es Salaam

  ,

  Zanzibar

  ) and lowland safari parks.

• Low Risk: High-altitude areas above 1,800m, such as the rim of Ngorongoro Crater and the upper slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Peak Season: Transmission is highest during the wet seasons (March–May and November–December) when mosquito populations surge.

3. Physical Protection Tips

• The "Dusk to Dawn" Rule: Malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes are most active at night. Wear long sleeves, long trousers, and socks after sunset.

• Repellent: Use a repellent containing 20–50% DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin.

• Permethrin: Treat your clothes, shoes, and gear with permethrin spray (do not apply directly to skin) to kill mosquitoes on contact.

• Mosquito Nets: Always sleep under a treated net. Most reputable lodges, such as those in the Serengeti, provide these as standard.

4. Symptoms to Watch For

Malaria can develop even up to one year after travel. If you experience flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, or muscle aches) during or after your trip, seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor you have been in a malaria-endemic region.