Emergency Numbers & Access
AMREF Flying Doctors is essential for safari/Kilimanjaro emergencies. Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam is the best facility. Medical evacuation to Nairobi or South Africa common for serious cases.
Response time: 30-60+ minutes; very limited in rural/safari areas
Cost: $50-500+ private; AMREF evacuation $2,000-5,000+
Healthcare System
Tanzania has a stretched public healthcare system. Private and mission hospitals in Dar es Salaam and Arusha provide better care. For Kilimanjaro climbers and safari-goers, the Flying Doctors Service (AMREF) provides emergency air evacuation.
Designed for: Residents; tourists rely on private hospitals and flying doctor services
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics and hospitals; cash payment
Typical wait: Same-day at private facilities
Availability: Limited to major cities and tourist towns (Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar)
GP Visit
$30-80 private clinic visit
Private GP
$30-80
ER Without Insurance
$200-5,000+ (including evacuation)
Medication
Basic medications available in cities. Very limited supply in rural areas. Bring all personal medications. Anti-malarials essential.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Generally 8am-6pm in cities
OTC: Limited range; quality can be inconsistent
Controlled substances: Strict drug laws. Carry prescriptions and documentation for all medications.
Practical Tips
- Purchase AMREF Flying Doctors tourist membership before safari or Kilimanjaro climb
- Take malaria prophylaxis — consult travel clinic 6 weeks before departure
- Aga Khan Hospital (Dar es Salaam) and CCBRT are the best private facilities
- For Kilimanjaro: acclimatize properly, carry Diamox, and choose a reputable operator with medical training
- Bring a complete personal first-aid kit — supplies are unavailable in remote areas
Who can get care in Tanzania?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Tanzania treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private clinics and hospitals; cash payment Typical cost: $30-80 private clinic visit Typical wait: Same-day at private facilities
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $200-5,000+ (including evacuation).
Documents worth having ready
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Yellow Fever certificate
- Travel insurance with air evacuation
- e-Visa
Local contacts in Tanzania
Emergency services
114 / 112
AMREF Flying Doctors is essential for safari/Kilimanjaro emergencies. Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam is the best facility. Medical evacuation to Nairobi or South Africa common for serious cases.
Pharmacies
Generally 8am-6pm in cities
Limited range; quality can be inconsistent
What is the emergency number in Tanzania?
114 or 112 in Tanzania. AMREF Flying Doctors is essential for safari/Kilimanjaro emergencies. Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam is the best facility. Medical evacuation to Nairobi or South Africa common for serious cases.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Tanzania?
$30-80 private clinic visit Private consultations: $30-80.
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Sources: Tanzania Ministry of Health, WHO Tanzania, CDC Travelers Health 2024, AMREF Flying Doctors
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare