Can I climb Kilimanjaro during the coronavirus pandemic
Climbing Kilimanjaro is possible during the pandemic and Easy Travel are doing everything to ensure the safety of their guests at this time. Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has published comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (‘SOPs’) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Easy Travel has produced its own SOPs, which fully comply with the Government guidance. Easy Travel staff are all trained in the measures required. The procedures designed by the Government and by Easy Travel have two objectives. First of all, to prevent visitors from bringing COVID-19 into Tanzania, and secondly to minimise the chances of visitors getting the virus while in the country.
Trekkers should expect the following travel rules and safety precautions when travelling to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro:
Online traveler's surveillance form
The Tanzanian Government requires all travelers to complete an online Traveler’s Surveillance Form in the 24-hour period prior to their arrival in Tanzania.
Negative COVID-19 test certificate
All travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival in Tanzania. The test should be based on RT-PCR testing, using a sample collected within 72 hours before the traveler’s arrival in Tanzania.
Rapid test on arrival
On entry to Tanzania, every traveler will undertake enhanced screening for the COVID-19 infection. This screening will include a rapid COVID-19 test, which costs US$25 and which is payable by the traveler.
Temperature checks
Visitors will have to undertake a temperature check when they arrive at the airport, at the gate for each National Park visited, and at any hotel at which they are staying. Any visitor exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 will be referred to a medical team for further evaluation/consultation.
Staff to wear masks
All Easy Travel Mountain crew members will wear protective masks when in vehicles, at the gates of the National Parks and while they are at the camps. Hotel staff will wear masks during interactions with visitors.
Staff to maintain social distance
All mountain crew members and hotel staff will maintain a distance of at least three feet (approx. one meter) from visitors. Note that it may not be possible to maintain this distance in the event of a medical or other emergency.
Trekkers to wear masks
All visitors must wear masks when travelling in vehicles and also in public places. Visitors must provide their own masks, which can either be medical masks (KN95, N95, surgical masks) or non-medical face coverings (such as cloth mask, neck gaiter, buff).
Trekkers to carry hand-sanitizer
All visitors must carry hand-sanitizer with them at all times and are responsible for providing their own hand-sanitizer.
We would ask all visitors to familiarize themselves with the standard operating procedures that are in place, as well as the procedures governing matters such as transfer vehicles, camping equipment, mountain dining, trip briefings, health checks, and hotel stays. Please click here to access these.
