How Does Emergency Numbers Work in Tanzania?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Africa & Oceania
1The Quick Answer
Dial 112 from a mobile for general emergencies, 115 for police or ambulance, and +255 22 213 4278 for AMREF Flying Doctors.
2What You Need to Know
The universal mobile emergency number 112 works across all networks including with no SIM credit. Police and ambulance share the 115 number. Government ambulance services are extremely limited outside major cities, and response times in rural areas or national parks can be hours. AMREF Flying Doctors (+255 22 213 4278) is the most reliable emergency medical evacuation service in East Africa and is the primary resource for serious incidents on safari or Kilimanjaro. Most lodges and safari camps maintain direct radio contact with AMREF and can coordinate evacuation.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Save the AMREF Flying Doctors number (+255 22 213 4278) in your phone before you travel — lodge staff may not have it instantly available.
- 2Your lodge or camp guide is your first point of contact in an emergency — they have established protocols and radio contact with evacuation services.
- 3Carry your travel insurance emergency number and policy number on a physical card separate from your phone in case of device loss or damage.
Important Warning
Government ambulance services in Tanzania are unreliable and under-resourced — do not depend on them for life-threatening emergencies outside Dar es Salaam.
How does this compare?
Emergency Numbers rules in nearby and similar countries:
Police: 10111; Ambulance: 10177; All services from mobile: 112; Cape Town tourism safety line: 021 480 7700.
Dial 111 for all emergencies (police, ambulance, fire); dial 105 for non-urgent police matters.
Police: 119; Ambulance: 102; Fire: 118; Coast Guard: 191.
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