"Scaling New Heights of Health: The Power of Vaccinations on Kilimanjaro"

Hiking Kilimanjaro? Plan Your Vaccinations!

Before embarking on your journey to Tanzania, it is essential to arrange a visit to your local travel clinic or consult your GP. This appointment, ideally scheduled a month or two in advance, will enable you to discuss and obtain the necessary vaccinations. Making early arrangements allows any potential side-effects to subside before your travel dates.
While climbing Kilimanjaro does not require any obligatory vaccinations, it is important to note that Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers entering Tanzania from countries categorized as high-risk for this disease.
Remember to carefully consider the regions you'll be visiting before and after your climb. Plan your vaccinations accordingly to ensure a safe and healthy adventure.

Important Information regarding Yellow Fever
When entering Tanzania after traveling from a Yellow Fever zone, it is possible that you will be required to present your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. A comprehensive list of these countries can be found below:

• Angola
• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Equatorial Guinea
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Kenya
• Liberia
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Togo
• Uganda.

Please note that even if you are transiting through one of these countries without any intention of leaving the airport, regulations dictate that if your stay within the country exceeds 12 hours, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination. It is essential to be aware of this requirement, especially during instances of flight delays, as it can potentially cause complications. To ensure a safe journey, it is advised that you receive the vaccination at least 10 days before your scheduled travel date. It is worth noting that some travelers have experienced side effects from the vaccine, therefore it is advisable to undergo the vaccination as early as possible. It is important to mention that travelers arriving in Tanzania directly from Europe or the US are exempt from presenting a vaccination certificate.

What vaccines are necessary for Kilimanjaro? Recommended Vaccinations
According to the Center for Disease Control, the following immunizations are advised for travelers going to Tanzania. It is important for you and your healthcare professional to determine which vaccinations, if any, are appropriate for you:
Routine inoculations
It is recommended that you remain up to date with all your routine vaccinations, including MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), chickenpox, Diptheria, tetanus, polio, and your annual flu shot.

1. Hepatitis A & B
We advise discussing hepatitis vaccinations with your doctor. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water (such as salads, unpeeled fruits, and shellfish) as well as ice in beverages. Exposure to Hepatitis A can occur even if you are not traveling to remote regions.
Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids and needles. If you require medical treatment in a remote area, work in healthcare, or are sexually active, it is advisable to consider it.

2. Typhoid
In Africa, it is not uncommon to come into contact with typhoid, which is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food and water. This includes instances such as consumption of ice in beverages, dining at street-food markets, poor hygiene practices, consumption of raw food, or traveling to rural areas.

3. Tetanus
It is often overlooked to keep our tetanus vaccination up to date every 10 years. The greatest risk of tetanus occurs when one suffers a cut, as the bacteria can be found in the soil and animal waste. For individuals who frequently travel, it is advisable to ensure regular updates of this vaccination.

4. Rabies

Your risk of contracting rabies is rather minimal, especially if you don't have any travel plans in Tanzania before or after your climb. You and your doctor will decide if you need it based on your plans for the disease, which is often spread by the bite of an infected animal (commonly a dog).
5. Cholera
Cholera, an unpleasant disease transmitted through inadequate sanitation practices, primarily spreads via contaminated water sources. To mitigate the risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highly advises obtaining vaccination if you plan to visit areas with ongoing cholera transmission. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for further guidance and medical advice.

6. Malaria
Malaria remains a constant concern while journeying through Tanzania, much like in other parts of Africa. It is imperative to acknowledge that although the risk is minimal at altitudes above 6000ft due to the absence of mosquitos, it is essential to remain cautious while in Moshi or Arusha before and after your ascent, as these locations pose the highest risk.

A parasite called malaria is spread by the female anopheles mosquito biting a person. One bite is all it takes to become infected, and the sickness is severe and occasionally deadly.
Consult your doctor about the best anti-malarial prophylaxis for you and your intended vacation destination. With the fewest adverse effects observed, Malarone is a well-known but pricey brand. For additional information, see the Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

A word concerning Larium: it has been noted that some of its negative effects resemble those of altitude sickness. Antimalarial prophylaxis does not ensure that you won't get malaria. The only surefire method to stop it is to take care to avoid getting bitten:

residing indoors from sundown to dawn (because evenings are when mosquitoes are most active)

wearing a strong insect repellant, especially one containing DEET.To ensure protection against mosquitoes, it is advised to consistently use a mosquito net while sleeping. Additionally, consider applying insect repellent to your room and treating your clothing and bedding to prevent mosquito bites. When evening falls, it is advisable to choose attire that covers your arms, legs, and feet by wearing long sleeves, trousers, and socks. Furthermore, exercise caution in crowded areas, particularly during nighttime. Following these precautions will aid in safeguarding yourself against mosquitoes.

Here are the medications that we recommend you bring along with any prescription medication prescribed by your doctor:

• Antimalarials
• Ciprofloxacin or a comparable antibiotic for treating bacterial diarrhea
• Diamox (if you are taking it) – please refer to our diamox guide
• Ibuprofen
  Before your ascent, we kindly ask you to complete a medical questionnaire and undergo a comprehensive medical examination with your physician.
  
  If you have any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is always available to assist you.