Tsetse flies in Tanzania

in Safari Planning & Tips by Araneta&Tan — July 10, 2009 at 1:58 pm | 0 comments

: Tsetse Fly

Tsetse flies are bloodsucking flies that are most active during the day in Tanzania and they sting like a bee. To be more specific, it feels like being pierced by a needle!

Every safari traveller experience being stung by a tsetse fly when they are on their game drives. The proboscises that they have to suck blood from their prey – animals or human, are unbelievably long and strong. This can easily penetrate through your clothing and mosquito repellent does not work either. So you will definitely not miss their presence and you can never say you have been on a safari without being bitten by one.

When you are out in the bush for your game drives, most of the safari vehicles are well equipt with a few fly whiskers that rangers give their clients. This is commonly used especially in National Parks where open vehicles are used. These whiskers help prevent tsetse flies from coming too close and too often.

We also usually recommend clients to wear long sleeves, long pants or to dress up in layers for example t-shirt and a light jacket. This will help lessen the direct contact of tsetse flies and therefore, their sting less painful and less noticeable. And it works wonder and you will definitely find your games drives more enjoyable.

Fortunately, tsetse flies do not really carry any harmful bacteria, their bites do not cause you to have any swelling nor leave any marks. The pain is distracting and causes one to itch a little and scratch a little but all these are absolutely tolerable.

Tsetse bites are all part of any safari holiday but be rest assured that all these will be overpowered by the joy, fun and excitement you feel when you are out in the bush!!