How to Get a PCR Test in Arusha
Since the onset of COVID-19 and the immediate and dramatic subsequent loss in booking numbers suffered by tour operators as a consequence of travel restrictions imposed both by governments worldwide, and initially, the Tanzanian government itself, it has been surprising to TK that the Tanzanian government has not made more effort to make information available to prospective travellers explaining how to go about ensuring that they are able to comply with their own country's travel requirements on returning from their Kilimanjaro climb or Tanzanian safari.
This following information is provided to reassure prospective climbers that there is a straightforward way to enjoy the incredible tourism and adventurous opportunities that Tanzania offers, while ensuring that returning home afterwards is stress-free.
Where to get a PCR test in Arusha
Mount Meru Referral Hospital in Arusha
What does it cost?
- 40,000 Tanzanian shillings for residents
USD 50USD 100 for non-residents (the Tanzanian government raised the cost nationally on 4th January 2021- free of charge for licensed guides
How long does it take to get the result?
72 hours. (There have been reports of results often being received within 48 hours, but since the certificate is a vital addition to travel documentation for some countries, we strongly recommend allowing 72 hours).
Why does it take so long to get a result?
Once clients are tested, the sample is sent, usually the following day, by road to a laboratory in Dar es Salaam - a journey of 620km that takes more than 10 hours.
Within what times can I get tested?
Any time between 0800 and 1530, 7 days of the week.
What proof of my result will I be given?
Once your tests are obtained by the laboratory in Dar es Salaam, they'll be communicated directly to Mount Meru Hospital who will then print you off a test result certificate. We will collect this certificate for you and deliver it to you at your hotel immediately prior to your departure. If you have any concerns while waiting for your result or want to follow up on its progress, just contact us on WhatsApp.
What should I do while waiting for the result?
Of course, the notion of finishing your Kilimanjaro climb and then having to wait around for 3 days in Arusha is extremely undesirable and unacceptable waste of time. Our recommendation therefore is for us to transfer you to Mount Meru hospital immediately after your climb, so that you can get tested on the same day. This ought then to mean that the following morning your test will already be making its way to Dar, while you are free to maximise the next three days as fruitfully as possible.
Depending on tour interests and available budgeting, climbers may either consider a 3 days safari, or a succession of day trips within or near Arusha.
This safari is a popular way to spend 3 days. And here are some ideas for some day trips from Arusha.
Important to remember
Please don't organise any activities following your receipt of the test results as most airlines and immigration officials need to see that the results of your test were obtained within the last 72 hours and a further day's delay may mean that more than 72 hours has elapsed before you reach your home border.
Arusha Pedal Series club aims to organise a group ride three times a week - on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, and Saturdays. All keen cyclists are welcome to join.
This is a safari itinerary that is recommended when the wildebeest migration is towards the south of the Serengeti.
This is a safari itinerary that is recommended for around January to February when the wildebeest migration is towards the south of the Serengeti. (Please note that dates depend on availability of flights and receipt of full payment).
Following a rigorous 8 days spent on Kilimanjaro this is a good, varied use of limited available time on safari, which strikes a good balance between game viewing, fascinating cultural insights, and activity on-foot.
After a very challenging trek on Team Kilimanjaro's Excel Series, this safari is a great use of limited time to enjoy some game viewing, fascinating cultural exchange, and vigorous on-foot activity in the heart of the African bush.
We read widely divergent estimates of deaths on Kilimanjaro, but how dangerous is it really? In this post we share our own experience of the dangers.
First of all - you can definitely still climb Kilimanjaro during COVID-19! There is absolutely no impediment within Tanzania. Issues only potentially arise with your own country's rules.
Although there is no requirement to have a PCR test for COVID in order to enter Tanzania, many climbers are nonetheless required by their airline to show evidence of a negative COVID test before boarding the flight home.
Since the onset of COVID-19 and the immediate and dramatic subsequent loss in booking numbers suffered by tour operators as a consequence of travel restrictions imposed both by governments worldwide, and initially, the Tanzanian government itself, it has been surprising to TK that the Tanzanian government has not made more effort to make information available to prospective travellers explaining how to go about ensuring that they are able to comply with their own country's travel requirements on returning from their Kilimanjaro climb or Tanzanian safari.
Most of this donation was given to the orphanage on 12th November 2020. Funds received during the climb will be given on 20th November, the day after the climb ends.
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TK Excel Road, Arusha, Tanzania
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