Health guide
Tanzania Safari Mosquito Guide — How to Stay Bite-Free
Malaria is real but manageable. Here is everything you need to know about mosquitoes, repellents, and staying safe.
Malaria Risk in Tanzania
Malaria is present in most of Tanzania below 1,800m. That includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater floor, Tarangire, Ruaha, Nyerere (Selous), Zanzibar, and the coast. It is not present above 1,800m, which means the Ngorongoro Crater rim and Kilimanjaro are essentially malaria-free.
Risk varies by season. Wet season (November-May) has more mosquitoes than dry season. But mosquitoes are present year-round in low-lying areas.
Malaria Prophylaxis
Most safari-goers take malaria prevention medication. The most common options:
- Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) — Most popular. Few side effects, taken daily, started 1-2 days before travel and continued 7 days after.
- Doxycycline — Cheapest option. Taken daily. Can cause sun sensitivity and stomach upset. Must be started 1-2 days before and continued 4 weeks after.
- Lariam (mefloquine) — Taken weekly. Cheaper than Malarone but can cause vivid dreams and mood changes in some people. Started 2-3 weeks before travel.
Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before departure to discuss which option is best for you.
Repellents That Work
- DEET (20-50%) — The gold standard. Lasts 4-8 hours depending on concentration. Safe for adults and children over 2 months.
- Picaridin (20%) — Effective alternative to DEET. Less greasy, no odor, safe for children.
- Permethrin — Treat clothing and gear. Kills mosquitoes on contact. Do not apply to skin.
- Natural options — Citronella, lemon eucalyptus oil. Less effective but acceptable for low-risk situations.
Physical Protection
- Long sleeves and pants — Especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Light-colored clothing — Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors
- Mosquito nets — All lodges provide nets. Use them. Check for holes.
- Closed shoes — Ankles are a favorite target
- Screened windows — Keep tent/room windows closed at dusk
The Bottom Line
Malaria is preventable. Take prophylaxis, use repellent, wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and sleep under nets. The risk should not stop you from visiting Tanzania — but it should be taken seriously.
Read our travel insurance guide or plan your safari with us.
Plan Your Tanzania Safari
Ready for your adventure? Book your safari with Trail Safari Explorers.
Read our timing guide,cost guide, or planning guide.
Read our malaria prevention guide,safety guide,travel insurance guide, or medications guide.
Browse our journal for more resources, or check travel resources.
