Resembling a regular house fly, the tsetse fly is a species of biting insect native to Africa. They not only have a painful 'bite', but have also been known to transmit the thus far incurable African Sleeping Sickness.

Tsetse flies in Tanzania are more of a significant "nuisance" than a widespread health catastrophe for most tourists, but they can be quite aggressive in certain areas like the Tarangire National Park and parts of the Serengeti. Unlike mosquitoes, tsetse flies are active during the day and have a painful, "stinging" bite that can penetrate thin clothing. While they are known for carrying "Sleeping Sickness" (African Trypanosomiasis), the risk to the average safari traveler in 2026 is extremely low due to successful eradication programs in many regions. To protect yourself, avoid wearing dark blue or black clothing, as these colors specifically attract the flies (many safari vehicles even use blue/black "traps" away from the camps to lure them away). Instead, wear neutral, light-colored clothing like khaki or olive. Standard DEET-based insect repellents are often ineffective against tsetse flies; many locals recommend using "NosiLife" treated clothing or natural repellents containing eucalyptus. While their bite is sharp and can cause itchy welts, for 99% of visitors, they are simply a frustrating part of the bush experience rather than a medical emergency.