Emergency Contacts for Tanzania Travelers

Tanzania is one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations. From the iconic plains of Serengeti National Park and the towering Mount Kilimanjaro to the cultural beauty of Zanzibar, this East African nation welcomes millions of travelers each year. However, like any international travel experience, unexpected situations may arise – from minor inconveniences to medical emergencies and safety concerns. For this reason, it’s essential for every traveler to have a clear understanding of the emergency contacts for Tanzania travelers.

This comprehensive guide provides a complete directory of important numbers, organizations, embassies, and response services you may need while in Tanzania. It also offers tips on what to do during different types of emergencies.

Why You Need Emergency Contacts in Tanzania

Many parts of Tanzania are remote, and access to immediate support may not be readily available, especially when on safari or visiting rural areas. Being prepared with the right emergency contacts can:

• Save time in a crisis
• Help coordinate medical treatment or evacuation
• Assist in communication with your home country
• Enable quick reporting of theft, fraud, or legal issues

Having a reliable set of emergency contacts for Tanzania travelers gives peace of mind and ensures that help is only a phone call away.

1. General Emergency Numbers in Tanzania

The government of Tanzania has designated several emergency hotlines that can be accessed across the country using mobile networks:

• 112 – General emergency services (Police, Fire, Medical)
• 114 – Fire Brigade
• 115 – Ambulance and Rescue services (in major cities)
• 116 – Child protection and social welfare services

These numbers should work on all Tanzanian mobile networks including Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo, and Halotel. Note that mobile signal may be weak in national parks or rural areas, so also keep offline access to these numbers.

2. Police Contacts in Tanzania

Main Police Headquarters (Dar es Salaam)

• 📞 +255 22 211 7361
• 📧 info@tpf.go.tz
• Address: Kilwa Road, Dar es Salaam

Tourist Police

Tanzania has special tourist police units located in high-tourism areas like Arusha, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro:

• Tourist Police Arusha: +255 27 254 6046
• Tourist Police Zanzibar: +255 24 223 6568

You can contact these officers for help with:

• Theft or lost property
• Fraudulent operators or guides
• Security concerns during your trip
• Legal support

Always request a police report if you need to file an insurance claim for lost or stolen items.

3. Ambulance & Emergency Medical Services

AAR Emergency Medical Services

AAR is one of the largest emergency response networks in East Africa. They offer ambulance evacuations, urgent care, and hospitalization support.

• 📞 +255 782 300 300
• 🌐 www.aar.co.tz

AMREF Flying Doctors (Air Evacuation)

Provides air ambulance and rescue services across East Africa.

• 📞 +254 20 699 2000 (Kenya HQ, covers Tanzania)
• 🌐 www.flydoc.org

Key Hospitals in Tanzania

Aga Khan Hospital (Dar es Salaam)

• 📞 +255 22 211 5151
• Address: Ocean Road, Dar es Salaam

Muhimbili National Hospital (Dar)

• 📞 +255 22 215 1599
• The largest public hospital with emergency and trauma care

Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC – Moshi)

• 📞 +255 27 275 4377
• Offers emergency services and ICU facilities

Selian Lutheran Hospital (Arusha)

• 📞 +255 27 254 8224

Weill Bugando Medical Centre (Mwanza)

• 📞 +255 28 250 3013

4. Fire and Rescue Services

While fires are rare in the bush or safari areas, they can occur in urban settings or camps. Contact the national fire service:

• 📞 114 (nationwide)
• Dar es Salaam Fire Station: +255 22 211 1111

5. Road and Traffic Emergency Assistance

Tanzania’s roads can be dangerous, especially in rural or less-developed areas. In case of an accident or breakdown:

TANROADS (Tanzania National Roads Agency)

• 📞 +255 22 292 6001
• For reports of damaged roads or blocked routes

Automobile Association of Tanzania (AAT)

• 📞 +255 22 215 2072
• Roadside assistance and travel insurance services

6. Embassies and Consulates

If you lose your passport, face legal trouble, or need help with repatriation, contact your embassy. Here are contacts for major countries:

United States Embassy (Dar es Salaam)

• 📞 +255 22 229 4000
• 🌐 tz.usembassy.gov

United Kingdom High Commission

• 📞 +255 22 229 0000
• 🌐 www.gov.uk/world/tanzania

Canadian Embassy (via Nairobi)

• 📞 +254 20 366 3000
• 🌐 www.canadainternational.gc.ca/kenya

German Embassy

• 📞 +255 22 211 7404
• 🌐 www.daressalam.diplo.de

Netherlands Embassy

• 📞 +255 22 219 2700
• 🌐 www.netherlandsworldwide.nl

7. Travel Insurance Providers

Many travelers overlook insurance, yet it is crucial in an emergency. These providers offer 24/7 global support:

World Nomads

• 🌐 www.worldnomads.com
• 📧 claims@worldnomads.com

Allianz Travel

• 📞 +1 866 884 3556
• 🌐 www.allianztravelinsurance.com

Travel Guard (AIG)

• 📞 +1 715 345 0505
• 🌐 www.travelguard.com

Before departure, make sure you have:

• A copy of your policy
• Policy number saved digitally and physically
• Emergency hotline for your provider

8. Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA)

If something happens inside a national park (injury, animal encounter, lost persons), contact TANAPA Rangers or Park Wardens.

• 📞 +255 27 297 4038
• 📧 tanapa@tanapa.or.tz
• 🌐 www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz

You can also contact:

• Serengeti National Park HQ: +255 27 250 3471
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area: +255 27 253 7006

Tour companies often maintain radio or phone contact with park authorities.

9. Lost Passport or Documents

If your passport is lost or stolen:

• File a police report immediately
• Visit your embassy to apply for emergency travel documents
• If needed, contact Tanzania Immigration:
  • 📞 +255 22 2850575
  • 📧 info@immigration.go.tz
  • 🌐 www.immigration.go.tz

10. Common Travel Scenarios & Who to Call

You get injured on safari:

• Contact your safari guide first.
• Use lodge or camp radio to call TANAPA or AMREF Flying Doctors.

Your passport is stolen in Arusha:

• Report to tourist police: +255 27 254 6046
• Call your embassy and your insurance provider.

You are involved in a car accident:

• Call police: 112
• Call your car rental company or AAT if you are self-driving.

If you get food poisoning in Zanzibar:

• Visit Mnazi Mmoja Hospital or a local clinic.
• Contact your travel insurance if hospitalization is needed.

You are lost in a national park:

• Stay in place. Contact your guide.
• TANAPA rangers will coordinate search efforts using park radio systems.

11. Local SIM Cards & Staying Connected

To ensure you can contact emergency services:

• Purchase a local SIM card from Vodacom, Airtel, or Tigo.
• Register with your passport.
• Load credit and activate data plans.
• Save key contacts to your phone and write them down.

12. Safety Tips for Avoiding Emergencies

• Use licensed tour operators and guides.
• Don’t walk alone at night in cities.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Drink bottled or filtered water.
• Keep a copy of your passport and important documents in a separate location.

Traveling to Tanzania offers unforgettable experiences, but emergencies can occur anywhere. With the right knowledge and a prepared contact list, you can handle unexpected situations with confidence. Save these emergency contacts for Tanzania travelers digitally and keep a printed copy in your travel bag.

Whether you’re hiking through Ngorongoro, diving off the shores of Zanzibar, or exploring the bustling markets of Arusha, knowing who to call in an emergency ensures a safer and more enjoyable journey.

Stay safe, travel smart, and enjoy everything Tanzania has to offer!