VACCINATIONS TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO
A lot of preparation work is required before you depart on your epic Kilimanjaro adventure.
In this short article, we discuss the essential administrative tasks you need to get sorted in terms of Kilimanjaro vaccinations, malaria, yellow fever and travel visas.
Vaccinations for Kilimanjaro
There are a number of vaccinations for Tanzania that you should get before you travel. We recommend you check with your local GP or travel clinic which vaccinations you require.
Below we have briefly outlined the main vaccinations you should get.
Please note: The information in this section, as with the whole website, is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. I recommend see what the CDC or the UK NHS Fit For Travel websites suggest for travel to Tanzania.
Coronavirus
For the latest information on the Coronavirus in Tanzania and travel restrictions, see here.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever is a viral disease that is spread by the bite of the female mosquito.
The Yellow Fever vaccination is not essential if you are arriving directly into Tanzania or travelling from any country that doesn’t pose a Yellow Fever transmission risk (this means anyone from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe and many other countries don’t need a vaccination).
However, the vaccination is vital if you plan on arriving through any country that is subject to yellow fever (see countries subject to YF requirements here)
If you simply stop in transit at an airport en-route then you do not require vaccination. If you leave the airport though, even for a short time, you’ll need a Yellow Fever vaccination card.
Hepatitis A & B
It is a good idea to get vaccinated for both Hepatitis A and B.
Hep A is transmitted by direct person-to-person contact or through exposure to contaminated food or water, particularly uncooked foods like salad, shellfish and fruit, or ice in bottled water.
You are at the highest risk of Hep B if you are sexually active with the local population, work in the healthcare field or require medical treatment.
Rabies
Exposure to rabies is relatively low. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the country, particularly in rural areas, then it might be a good idea to get a rabies jab. We recommend consulting your doctor to understand the risk in more detail.
Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio
It is a good idea to get a Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio booster if you have not had one in the last 10 years.
Typhoid
Typhoid is spread via contaminated water and food. It is worthwhile getting a typhoid inoculation before coming to Tanzania.
General Medical check-up
In addition to these vaccinations you should have a general medical check-up before you leave for Tanzania. If you are in a fit and healthy condition you should be able to cope with most things that Kilimanjaro throws at you. But rather be safe than sorry.
A medical check-up is especially important for people who suffer from asthma or have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Malaria and Kilimanjaro
Malaria is an infection caused by the bite of the anopheles mosquito.
Tanzania is a very high-risk malaria country and therefore every precaution should be taken to avoid getting malaria. The highest risk zones are near the coast in places like Zanzibar, but inland towns like Moshi and Arusha are also relatively high risk Malaria areas (see map below).
