Change Language
Change Language
BEFORE YOU CLIMB
Menu
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Menu
ON YOUR CLIMB
Menu
Which vaccinations and medicines do I need to visit Tanzania?
Prior to travelling to Tanzania, you must get the necessary vaccinations to enter the country. Visiting your health centre, six weeks’ prior is advisable. Below are the vaccinations you are recommended to have, subject of course to what the health centre or vaccination clinic advises:
All visitors to Tanzania must take a PCR test in the 96 hours before their departure to Tanzania and be able to show that the test was negative. On arrival in Tanzania, all visitors must take an antigen test, at a cost of $10. The cost for those arriving in Zanzibar is $25. For more information on the type of test required, please see the Tanzanian Government’s Travel Advisory.
In the 24 hours before their arrival in Tanzania, all visitors are required to complete online the Traveller’s Health Surveillance Form. There is one form for those arriving to the Tanzanian mainland and another for those arriving in Zanzibar.
Vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended for all travellers to Tanzania, unless you have already been vaccinated and your vaccination is still valid. Note that there are many ways in which to contract this viral infection, including person-to-person contact, consumption of fruit, vegetables and uncooked foods, or from contaminated water, ice or shellfish.
A vaccine against Hepatitis B is recommended for all travelers to Tanzania. This is particularly so if you feel you might have any exposure to any blood or body fluids, be engaged in sexual activity with locals, or be likely to be exposed through medical treatment during your stay.
Your chance of exposure to rabies is fairly low, particularly if you aren’t planning to do any traveling in Tanzania before or after your climb. Usually transmitted by a bite from an infected animal (often dogs), depending on plans, you and your doctor will decide if you need it.
Drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food can lead to the consumer contracting typhoid. You are also at risk from infected people who have handled your food and drink. You can minimize the risk by avoiding food sold by street vendors and by drinking only bottled or purified water. A typhoid vaccine is nevertheless strongly recommended for all travellers to Tanzania.
A vaccine is essential for all travellers arriving from a yellow fever infected country and you must be in possession of a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Note that this includes if you are arriving from Kenya, or if you spend 12 hours or more there just transiting through the airport. A full list of relevant countries is shown here.
East Africa is a high-risk area for malaria, both in the cities and remote areas. The good news is that Kilimanjaro is too cold at altitude for the mosquito which carries malaria, and it rarely ventures above 1200 metres. Of course, during your time in Tanzania, you will spend time at lower altitudes while on your way to and from your climb. You may even be combining the climb with a safari or some downtime in Zanzibar.
Those are the times when you are at risk. There is no vaccination against malaria, and the best way to protect yourself is to not get bitten in the first place. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and hats, use mosquito nets when sleeping and use insect repellent with 30% DEET, especially in the evenings when the malaria-carrying mosquito is active.
Your doctor will be able to advise on a suitable course of anti-malarial drugs courses, which must be started well before you travel – so consult in good time! The course involves taking tablets regularly, it must be completed and will continue for some time after you return home. Common drugs that may be prescribed include atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or primaquine.
Our top picks for Best Hiking Tours in Tanzania
Words From Our Happy Clients
We have been receiving reviews from our served clients and We are rated 5/5 by customers. This honor is given to us by customers because we always remain committed to all our customers to do whatever is needed by them to make their safari fully satisfied.
Verified
Pim S2019-12-04perfectly arranged experience of a life time We did the Lemosho as a group of 4 people from around 21 years old. From the very first moment we knew that we were in good hands. We were picked up from our lodge which was arranged by Debby Adventures as well. After renting our equipment and meeting the crew, our journey began: we were driving towards the Kilimanjaro. The first day was a hike to the first camp. This hike was mainly in a beautiful jungle scene. The first thing we noticed was the very pleasant way of hiking. Our two guides Anton and Wilfred knew exactly what they did and led the way in an agreeable tempo. After the hike in the wild jungle of Kilimanjaro National Park the night quickly arrived and we were introduced to our personal waiter, Jackson, who brought our food and drinks. Jackson was a great example of the warm and caring staff that joined us on our journey. With an iconic voice and sense of humor he certainly gave a special addition with his presence. That evening we were also introduced to the chef who made food for us every morning, afternoon and evening: Eli. We think that partly because of the excellent food prepared for us, we made it to the peak in such a pleasant fashion. The food was very nutritious and tastful. In the following few days, we made our way up. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. We did not expect so many different landscapes and views. Every night after dinner, Anton or Wilfred did the daily briefing. This is when we discussed the day and answered some questions about how we were feeling and other health-related questions. Also, every night our oxygen level was measured and we experienced it as professional and pleasant. Speaking of professionality, Anton and Wilfred were the best guides to climb the Kilimanjaro with. Their daily advice, carefulness and knowledge about the mountain could not have been better. Before we knew it, summit night arrived. From base camp to the peak took us 6,5 hours which was pretty tough. But we all made it as a group and we could not be happier. The euphoria of getting to the top is indescribable. After descending Debby took such great care of us which made the experience even more perfect. In conclusion, we would recommend this tour to anyone we know. We are a beautiful life experience richer, thanks to Debby and her crew.VerifiedMasecha2019-03-27An amaizing experience! I have left mount Kilimanjaro with memories that will last a life time with a 6 days Marangu route. It was a great experience, good intro to Mt Kilimanjaro, our guide was super insightful I was impressed with his knowledge of ancient history of Mt Kilimanjaro and all the near places. Everything was planned and organized professionally, Morgan our trip leader was energetic and fun, he looked after us very well.VerifiedBeatrice T2019-03-217 Days Rongai Route with Debby Adventure Before I did the Mount Kilimanjaro trekking (7 days Rongai route) with Debby Adventure, my perception was that not everyone can make it to the top because of the distance, weather conditions and little experience in trekking from people like myself. But when I arrived in Tanzania I jointed a motivated team from Debby Adventure who encouraged and coached me until I made it to the rooftop of Africa. This felt like my dream came true. “Anyone can make it to the rooftop of Africa with such an encouraging team”.VerifiedElicy D2018-11-276DAYS MARANGU ROUTE WITH DEBBY ADVENTURE I did coffee tour and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for six days via marangu route with debby Adventure. I spent my time effectively to climb mt. Kilimanjaro and to reach in Uhuru Peak for real it was amaizing especially theur guides are kind and funny, excellent in English speaking experienced and hard working. Thanks Debby Adventure I enjoyed to the fullest I promise I will come back with my friends
