f you only read one page on our site, this should be it. Climbing Kilimanjaro is probably one of the most dangerous things you will ever do. Every year, approximately 1,000 people are evacuated from the mountain, and approximately 10 deaths are reported. The actual number of deaths is believed to be two to three times higher. The main cause of death is altitude sickness.

Vaccinations you will need

We recommend the following vaccinations and medications before travelling to Tanzania. Of course, we strongly advise you to consult with your own GP or a travel clinic near you before travelling. They will have the most up to date and medically accurate information, and should be relied upon over these recommendations.

Strongly Advised Vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A – This dangerous ailment can be spread via contaminated food and water.
• Tetanus – Tetanus is often present in the soil, and can contaminate open wounds easily. Tetanus vaccine should be used every ten years if travelling.
• Typhoid – Typhoid can also be spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
• Diphtheria – This potentially fatal disease is spread mainly via sputum, but occasionally through contact with lesions on the skin.  
• Yellow Fever – This can be contracted by being bitten by a contaminated mosquito. This vaccination is not essential if you are arriving directly in Tanzania, but is vital if you plan to arrive through any country that is subject to yellow fever. Simply stopping over at an airport in an affected country should not require vaccination, but leaving the airport even briefly would make it necessary.

Sometimes Advised Vaccinations:

• Hepatitis B – This illness is spread via contact with blood or bodily fluids. It is many, many times more virulent than HIV/AIDS. Some 8% of the population of Tanzania are believed to carry the virus. This vaccination is advised for anyone who will be travelling to Tanzania to work with children or in healthcare, or anyone prone to cuts or scratches. Also advisable for anyone planning to stay for an extended period.
• Rabies – Rabies is spread via contact between the saliva of any infected animal and an open wound (including bites, but also licking existing wounds). Rabies is fatal unless treated, and treatment of an unvaccinated rabies patient can be very difficult in many parts of Tanzania. This vaccination is recommended for anyone planning to work with animals while in Tanzania, or anyone planning to visit remote areas or staying for long periods.
• Tuberculosis – TB is generally contracted through inhaling airborne sputum. Travellers under 16 who plan to stay for long periods should be vaccinated, as should healthcare workers under the age of 35, or anyone visiting family or staying in country for an extended period.
• Cholera – Cholera is spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene. It is especially dangerous in areas prone to floods and rainy seasons. This vaccination is recommended for health care and emergency relief workers, especially in refugee camps.
• Measles – This disease is spread through inhaling sputum. Anyone planning to live with, or work closely with the Tanzanian people who has not previously been vaccinated or had measles should be vaccinated.