Meru Before Climb | My Site 1

before your climb

Routes, DATES & PRICES

Routes

Mount Meru is used by many trekkers as a warm-up trek to Kilimanjaro. Despite the summit being 1,329m lower than Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro, the trekking is quite similar in that to reach its volcanic summit you have first to climb through a number of ecological zones before embarking on the final night-time push to the highest point on the crater rim and thus the summit itself (aka Socialist Peak previously). At 4,566m / 14,980ft, it provides the trekker with the perfect opportunity to pre-acclimatize to the same rarified air that you will experience on Kilimanjaro. In short, Mount Meru is a perfect pre-Kili training ground.

Mount Meru is worth doing as much for the differences as for the similarities it shares with Kilimanjaro. In particular, there’s the greater abundance of wildlife. The mountain lies at the heart of Arusha National Park, a reserve that’s teeming with animals such as buffalo, giraffe, elephant, bushbuck, dik dik, suni, colobus, blue monkey and warthog. If you are really fortunate, you may also see leopard and hyaena.

There is only one main route up Meru. People typically complete Mount Meru in 3 to 4 days. No camping is involved on Mount Meru as you will be accommodated in huts for all nights. It begins at Momela Gate, around 15kms from the main Ngongongare entrance to the park where you pay your park fees. Having paid up and driven those 15km, you arrive at Momela Gate (altitude 1,597m / 5,240ft) where you complete your final briefings / preparations and pick up your ranger and potentially other trekkers before heading off on the trail.

The route from Momela Gate to the summit is punctuated by two sets of accommodation huts: the first are the Miriakamba Huts (2,503m, 8,212ft), a day’s walk (13.8kms) from Momela Gate; and the second are the Saddle Huts (3,560m, 11,680ft), lying a further 6.1kms walk from Miriakamba Huts. When at Saddle Huts, trekkers will often take a final pre-summit preparation trek to the top of Little Meru 3,805m / 12,484ft (45mins). From Saddle Huts it’s a night’s walk (5.5kms / 6 hours) – to the summit, and then the same distance back down again to Saddle Huts, though somewhat quicker, where you will usually rest a while before continuing back to Miriakamba Huts for a last night (if on the 4 day itinerary) or all the way back to Momella Gate (via a shorter route from Miriakamba Huts) if following the 3 day itinerary (this last day can be quite long)

There is one key point that needs to be emphasized: do not underestimate Mount Meru. Though it may be more than a thousand metres lower than Kili, it’s still well above the height necessary to bring about altitude sickness and with almost everybody taking just over two days before reaching the summit, the risks are not small. There is also more night-time scrambling; it’s nothing serious, and you don’t need any climbing skills to complete it, but there is nevertheless more scrambling on this mountain than on Kilimanjaro. There are several 'false summits' that may lull you into thinking that the summit is just over the next ridge!

So, though Meru may not have the presence or history of Kilimanjaro, it’s no pushover. Meru remains an awfully big mountain – the 10th highest peak in Africa in fact – and as such it should be treated with respect.

Dates

Given the internal structure of our company, we are able to schedule a trek virtually any day of the year, which enables us to operate to traveller requested dates rather than ask them to fit into our scheduled dates. Therefore we would be delighted to schedule for you to start a trek, for any duration, anytime during 2024/25/26.

You are welcome to pick and choose your own dates and route and we will create an itinerary for you, and you can also decide if you would prefer to have your own Private trek, or if you would be happy to open it up for other travellers to consider joining. There is no cost difference between a Private or Open trek, though where we can join solo trekkers with other like-minded trekkers, we are able to offer those solo trekkers their place at the discounted 2 person rate, rather than the solo trekker rate.

prices/payment

All prices are based on the size of the 'booking group' (other than solo trekkers added to existing scheduled treks as detailed above), not any final group size should we be able to add other trekkers to your adventures.

Non-refundable Deposit Payments are normally processed as USD 250 per person (plus any additional / upgraded nights accommodation costs) deposit to secure places, followed by Final Balances paid 45 days before arrival.

The simplest way to pay for this deposit is by credit / debit card via Stripe (a payment system similar to PayPal). There is a 3.35% imposed by Stripe for paying by this method.

If you would prefer to pay by International Transfer, you will find the instructions on the invoice we send - though while we won't charge you to make a transfer, in all likelihood your bank will (usually around US$25-45) for this.

So we suggest that you use your credit/debit card to pay the deposit, and then make a bank transfer for the balance later. Note that International Wire Transfers should please be transacted so as to arrive into our bank account free of bank charges. We will confirm the balance received against the balance due. Any bank / SWIFT charges that are deducted from your payment will be invoiced for payment in cash on arrival.

If you would like to save on bank charges by paying the full amount up front, then this can be arranged too; just let us know and we will compile a full invoice for you instead.

Gear & Bags - What To Pack

All trekkers are requested to individually consider bringing all the following items for their mountain adventure - where your personal day sack should not weigh more than 5-6kgs when packed, and your large holdall / cargo bag that you hand to the crew to carry can weigh no more than 15kgs when packed.

- Luggage containers -

+ Sturdy Large Holdall / Cargo Bag, 90-100 litres capacity (for your gear carried by a porter)

+ Personal Daysack, 25-35 litres (for ready-access items)

+ Waterproof rucksack liner or heavy duty plastic sacks - for both the large bag and the daysack

+ Elasticated waterproof bag covers - for both the large bag and the daysack
+ ‘Dry Bags’ for separating items inside your large bag, aswell as offering another level of water

protection in the event of rain falling

- Equipment -

+ Sleeping Bag - ideally rated to -10°C as a minimum
+ Sleeping bag liner - silk ones are lovely!
+ Sleeping mattresses are not required as these will be provided by us.
+ Water bottles / hydration bladder - carrying capacity to be 3 litres minimum
+ Headtorch (with spare batteries)
+ Optional - Telescopic / shock absorbing walking poles

Clothing

- Head -

+ Fleece lined / Woollen Hat - especially for summit night
+ Wide brimmed sun hat designed to protect your neck and ears aswell as your face
+ Balaclava / Buff / Wind

- Upper body / Torso -

+ Wicking t-shirts / sports shirts designed to wick moisture away from the skin
+ Lightweight Long-sleeved shirts / micro-fleece
+ Mid-weight fleece
+ Down or synthetic insulated jacket (min 650FP recommended)
+ Thermal base-layer top (Merino wool recommended) - for sleeping and summit night
+ Lightweight trekker gloves for lower altitudes
+ Down or synthetic insulated gloves / mittens for higher altitudes
+ Breathable waterproof jacket

- Lower body / Legs -

+ Lightweight walking trousers (including walking shorts or trousers that can convert to shorts)
+ Thermal base-layer leggings (Merino wool recommended) - for sleeping and summit night
+ Underwear - comfortable and close fitting to avoid chafing
+ Breathable waterproof trousers

- Feet -

+ Comfortable / worn-in waterproof walking boots, with a good tread pattern, good ankle and arch support. Grade B1 recommended
+ Good quality hiking socks (boot length / odour resistant - Merino wool / Bamboo recommended)
+ Gaiters
+ Sports shoes / sliders / flip flops for use in and around camp when not trekking

essentials

- Personal Hygiene Gear -

+ Toothbrush & toothpaste
+ Lightweight travel towel & Flannel
+ Small can of Deodorant
+ Flat packed Wet Ones, travel wipes, or similar, for personal hygiene.
+ Kleenex tissues in plastic travel pouches or toilet paper
+ Hairbrush / comb
+ Sanitary products
+ Lip salve with good UV protection
+ Vaseline, to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blisters

+ Hand Sanitiser

- Health Related Items -

+ Malaria Tablets (Please consult with your medical practitioner. Note that some anti-malarial courses need to be commenced several weeks before departure)
+ Minimum Factor 30+ sun cream
+ Sun barrier cream for nose and ears

- Personal Small First Aid Kit -

+ Any medication you normally use
+ Pain Killers (Ibuprofen/ Paracetamol)
+ Diamox (Acetazolamide) if you choose to use this - your guide will carry some for you anyway
+ Zinc oxide tape and small scissors
+ Compeed Blister Pads
+ Loperamide Diahorrea Tablets
+ Loperamide Dioralyte sachets or similar rehydration packs
+ Imodium or similar
+ Personal hand sanitiser

+ Ibuprofen, Anti-inflammatory gel, bandages, Loperamide, Amoxycilin, Oral Dexamethasone, and several other items

Your guide will carry a more comprehensive medical kit including additional Acetazolamide.

recommendations

- Other items -

+ Energy gels & hand warmers for summit night - please dispose of these responsibly
+ Energy inducing favourite snacks - including cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts
+ Compact digital camera and spare memory cards
+ Spare pre-charged battery packs and cables for charging phones, cameras, watches etc
+ Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
+ Glasses, if worn
+ Spare contact lenses and fluid, if worn
+ Watch - trekkers will frequently use watches with GPS features so they can track daily progress

+ Plastic bags (not single use) for dirty clothing
+ Mobile phone. There is signal reception on most parts of the mountain. It is a good idea to unlock your phone before you come out so that a local sim card can be used.
+ Books / games and music equipment (iPod or similar) for in camp

+ Separate holdall
+ Casual clothes for general wearing
+ Passport (with additional 6 months’ validity after proposed expedition return date)
+ Tanzanian Entry Visa. (If flying to Nairobi and taking the bus to Arusha, Kenyan visas can be bought on arrival at Nairobi airport.)
+ Air Travel Documents
+ Cash in US dollars in denominations of $10 and $20 and $1 (tipping allowance and local purchases, taxis, meals, etc)
+ Credit Card (recommended for eventualities only - remember transaction surcharges @ 5% are typical)
+ Travel Insurance Documents
+ Vaccination Certificates (Yellow Fever, if visiting a ‘risk zone’ prior to entering Tanzania).

Gear & Documents for activities and transfers pre / post trek - (not taken to the mountain can usually be secured in your accommodation or at our office compound)

As regards equipment we provide, our climbs are configured to aim to ensure the best possible acclimatisation and preparation for the assault by maximising hydration, nutrition and rest. To this end we use mess tents, tables and chairs for virtually all meals. This allows us to have a very leisurely lunch every day under shelter that will typically include a soup starter, light pasta dish and fruit pudding. We therefore provide all the equipment requisite for these arrangements. We supply climbers with lightweight waterproof, breathable sleeping tents and 4cm thick sleeping mattresses. We include lightweight Portable Toilets as standard on all of our climbs.

when to go / weather

Tanzania enjoys a warm equatorial climate.

Though Mount Meru is relatively dry and can be climbed year round, traditionally there are two rainy seasons - April-May (known as the ‘Long Rains’) and November-mid December (the ‘Short Rains’), which can put a lot of trekkers off, but a few people still continue to climb during these ‘rainy’ seasons - and enjoy almost sole use of the mountain on some days.

The main trekking (& safari) seasons coincide with the mountain’s two ‘dry’ seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These dates take advantage of both the best weather on Meru as well as prime game-viewing in safari locations. The weather is usually sunny and warm at the lower elevations, but can also be quite cool in the evenings. It is not uncommon to experience cooler temperatures while on safari.

During the rainy seasons temperatures are traditionally colder and the trails turn a little muddy. The safari game viewing areas are also affected during this period as muddy roads may force closures of certain areas - especially in the Serengeti.

We are happy to operate treks any day of the year, and will commonly complete our own crew training & treks on and off the mountain during the 'rainy seasons'.

flights, visas & insurance

flights

Mount KIlimanjaro is served by its own International Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which sits south-west of Kilimanjaro National Park, conveniently between the 2 main locations where trekkers will base them either side of a trek: Arusha and Moshi, with both being an approximate 1 hour drive from the airport. (Arusha 50kms / Moshi 40kms)

Currently Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is served by the following airlines:

DELTA / KLM via Amsterdam

Qatar Airways via Doha

Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa

Turkish Airlines via Istanbul

Various internal East African flights - including Nairobi & Zanzibar

The time in Tanzania is typically 2-3 hours earlier than in UK (allowing for summertime variations).

Tanzania is 7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, USA
Canberra ACT, Australia is 7 hours ahead of Tanzania

Flights departing Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) should ideally be booked for no earlier than 1900hrs / 7 p.m. on the last day of activities in Tanzania, or anytime in the following days.

- AIRPORT ARRIVAL -

Once you have entered the Arrivals Building, proceed to the Immigration Counter. Once your entry into Tanzania has been confirmed, proceed through to the Baggage reclaim area, then proceed through Customs. Be sure to keep all your bags together with you at all times. After you clear customs, and head out of the terminal building, where your Mettle Adventures representatives will meet you outside (wearing a Mettle Adventures / Kilimanjaro Experts t-shirt and carrying a placard with your name on it), amongst a sea of faces of other representatives brandishing boards with names of other adventurers from other companies.

- PASSPORTS -

A passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond visa issuance and/or date of entry, and at least one blank visa page, is required.

We suggest making a copy of the first two pages of your passport and keeping them in a separate bag as a backup. A copy should also be left with your emergency contact.

visas

A Tanzanian visa is required for travel. We recommend that you apply for this visa 3 months before your trip using the following: eVisa Link or by making an appointment with the Tanzanian Embassy in your home country.

A visa is a permission granted to a foreigner to enter and remain in the United Republic of Tanzania for a specific period of time. A visa is issued to a visitor who intends to enter into Tanzania for the purpose of visit, tourism, leisure, holiday, business, health treatment, attending conference or any other related activities recognised by Laws of the country.

Note:

It should be noted that the possession of Visa is not a final authority to enter the United Republic of Tanzania. The Immigration Officer at the Entry point may refuse a holder of visa to enter, if he is satisfied that the holder is unable to fulfil Immigration entry requirements or if the presence of such person or visitors in the United Republic of Tanzania would be contrary to the National Interests.

The Tanzania eVisa is an electronic visa, introduced in November 2018, which allows eligible foreign citizens to obtain travel authorization exclusively online.

It eliminates the need to visit a diplomatic mission of Tanzania in person to submit a visa application or queue upon arrival at the Tanzanian border.

Once approved, this electronic visa type allows the holder to visit both Tanzania and Zanzibar for purposes of tourism and leisure, or for visiting family and friends.

A Tanzania tourist eVisa is issued as a single entry visa for a stay of up to 30 days for the majority of eligible citizens, and has a total validity of 90 days from the date of arrival.

Citizens of the United States only may be issued a multiple entry Tanzania visa online, which permits multiple stays of a maximum of 90 days within every 180-day period. The eVisa for US citizens is valid for 1 year from the date of arrival.

The online application for an eVisa is simple and can be completed with basic information in just a few minutes. Once processed, the approved online visa is sent to the applicant’s email, who must print a copy of both the Approved Visa Grant Notice and Visa Application Notification letter .

These documents can then be presented to Tanzanian immigration control at select points of entry, alongside a completed Tanzania Entry Arrival declaration form and the same passport used for the visa application, to gain entry to the country.

A Tanzania visa on arrival option is still available, but this process can involve a lengthy wait at an immigration checkpoint for an application to be processed. It is also necessary to pay the visa on arrival fee in cash in US currency or by card / contactless.

- VISA COSTS -

Single-entry tourist visa on arrival: US$50 (the exception is US citizens who must pay US$100). For British, the fee is approx £40 if applying in advance.

Visitors who enter on visas must present a roundtrip ticket and demonstrate they have sufficient funds for their stay.

Before making travel plans from the UK you should check all of the following:

Check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website for country specific Travel Advisory Notices (travel restrictions) and entry requirements

Check the GOV.UK website for self-isolation (quarantine) rules for when you return to the UK

Read the information on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page

For other nationalities, please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as entry requirements with the relevant embassies / State Departments.

- TANZANIA PLASTIC BAG BAN -

All plastic bags, regardless of their thickness are prohibited in Tanzania. Visitors to Tanzania are advised to avoid carrying plastic shopping bags, storage bags, or garbage bags in their suitcase and hand luggage to Tanzania.

Plastic bags known as "ziploc bags" that are specifically used to carry toiletries are permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed in the country.

For further details, please see: Tanzania Plastic Bag Ban

- IN-COUNTRY TRANSPORTATION -

The provided transportation in Tanzania is via private vehicle, though you may be asked to share with other Mettle Adventures travellers if arriving on the same flight. The transfer to your accommodation in Arusha (where our treks are started from) will usually take between 45 - 60 minutes, so sit back and enjoy your introduction to the sights and sounds of East Africa.

insurance

- APPROPRIATE TRAVEL INSURANCE -

We have no links with any specific Travel Insurance providers, but have heard good things from travellers who have previously used the following providers:

Some banking institutions will also include travel insurance cover as part of their account package, so it may be worth speaking to your bank first.

Please do make sure you read the specifics of any quote / policy and make sure that it includes a policy ceiling above the height you will trek to, and is relevant for the country(ies) you will be visiting.

We also recommend investigating for yourself that in the very rare situation that a helicopter evacuation is called for, such cover is included in your cover, or that you have capital to over that cost.

If a frequent traveler, it might be worth considering an annual / multi-trip policy rather than a single trip policy.

electrical matters

Tanzania has two associated plug types for access to 'mains' electricity, types D and G.

Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern
Plug type G (UK TYPE) is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin

Tanzania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

You can use your electric appliances in Tanzania, because the standard voltage (230 V) is the same as in the United Kingdom. So you don't need a voltage converter in Tanzania, when living in the United Kingdom (other nationalities should check the instructions for their electrical devices a regards to the required power supply).

During a trek on Mount Meru, travellers are recommended to assume that there is no access to mains power during a trek (some rangers have tried to set up sidelines in certain camps to offer to charge batteries using solar options they have in situ, for a charge, but these services cannot be guaranteed).

Therefore, ALL TREKKERS are recommended to carefully consider bringing additional charged battery packs with them for their needs, or a means of providing additional charge (via solar chargers etc) during their trek on the mountain.

training

As with Mount Kilimanjaro, reaching the summit of Mount Meru requires a high degree of physical stamina (which can also be heavily influenced by a suitable nutritional diet plan) and mental fortitude - which Mettle Adventures trekkers thoroughly exhibit. Even for the healthiest and fittest individuals, climbing & trekking mountains qualifies as an extremely challenging endeavor. Ideally, you should start your training regime as soon as possible with the goal of arriving into Tanzania in the best physical condition and confident in your skills / abilities.

We recommend that you will give yourselves 3-6 months to adequately prepare in a relaxed manner. It can be achieved in a shorter time frame, but this can take out some of the relaxed enjoyment, and introduce some frustrations when the clock is ticking.

Trekkers should be focussed on gaining the necessary strength, stamina and skills to meet the physical and technical demands of the trek.

The best fitness and training program mimics the physical and technical demands of your trekking objective, so train by going trekking (including the use of any convenient hills)! The closer you get to your program date, the more your training should look to resemble the trekking itinerary planned and booked for you, with the aim to cover up to 10kms in a session, aswell as include some multi-day activity.

The best training for a trek on Meru is to get your walking boots on and get lots of miles covered. Whether this is two to three hours walking locally or full days away on your nearest hills, you just need to clock up lots of hours on your feet as more than anything else it is just walking for multiple days that people find tiring. And the best cure for this is to have spent lots of hours just walking.

Effective trekking practice allows you to understand the stress your joints & muscles will be put under and how well you can deal with this. It also allows you to wear in your boots (and any other elements of your trekking gear) as this takes some time and can often be uncomfortable. Trekkers should start with a comfortable distance that suits them and slowly try to work their way up to a 5-6 hour trek. If you can do this a few times then you'll be in good condition to climb Kilimanjaro. Where trekkers can build in several consecutive days trekking, that is great as this will give you a good indication as to your ability to cope with consecutive days trekking on the mountain.

Read our websites and correspondence thoroughly to prepare yourself mentally for all details of what to expect, and then get out wearing your trekking gear to make sure that all gear you take is suitable for the trek and you are happy that you will not regret not changing an item once the trek has started.

For a trek on Mount Meru, you are preparing for:

Trekking with a 5-6kgs (11-13lbs) load in your daysack (that you will carry) for up to 6-7 hours typically
Trekking up to 10kms per day as you approach high/base camp.
A 12+ hour final push to the summit and subsequent descent on summit day
Using core strength and flexibility to navigate uneven terrain
Nothing ensures a personally successful adventure like your level of fitness and training

Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life and ready for a very challenging adventure, and this will benefit you on and off the mountain!

We recommend the following key training principles:

Aerobic (or cardio) training will be a key factor in allowing you to successfully trek Kilimanjaro. Aerobic literally means 'requiring free oxygen' and refers to the use of oxygen to adequately meet energy demands during exercise via aerobic metabolism.

Aerobic exercise, unlike anaerobic exercise, requires oxygen for elongated periods of time. Examples of aerobic exercise would be distance swimming, long distance jogging, walking and cycling.

One crucial thing we tell our adventurers is don't rush up the mountain! Trying to ascend too quickly is a huge mistake. All our crew members, from guides through to porters will tell you: "Pole Pole", meaning 'Slow Slow' in Swahili. Because of the altitude your body needs time to adjust - no matter your current fitness levels!

Reaching the summit of Mount Meru, despite being lower than Kilimanjaro is still a marathon and not a sprint! For this reason, all our trek teams are lead by guides each day who will set the pace (slow and steady), and no one will be allowed to trek faster than this guide.

high altitude preparation

Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is an illness caused by exposure to the low air pressure, especially low partial pressure of oxygen, which many climbers experience at high altitudes.

AMS is caused by exerting yourself at high altitudes, especially if you have not been properly acclimatised. It is most common at altitudes above 2400 metres. Meru’s peak sits at 4,566 metres above sea level. At this height, the air pressure (and the amount of oxygen it contains) is less than half that at sea level.

AMS can be serious, especially as it can be debilitating, and it generally occurs far from places where medical treatment can be easily administered.

Of course, not all trekkers will suffer from AMS, or to the same degree, and it is very difficult to predict who is or is not vulnerable to it. Typically though, a fit person is less vulnerable than an unfit person, because their cardiovascular system can operate at low pressures longer without as much strain. Even so, anyone can be vulnerable at altitudes above 3500 metres, no matter their fitness level, if they have not spent some time getting used to the low atmospheric pressures first - your crew will do all they can to assist you to achieve this.

Undoubtedly the best way to see how you are going to react to high altitude is to go high and try to do some exercises. For most of us (especially trekkers from UK!) that isn't an option so a good training regime is essential (see above - TRAINING).

The key to climbing high is proper acclimatization. Our trek itineraries follow a calculated ascent profile which allow time for your body to adjust to the altitude, and at a pace which is comfortable to the majority of trekkers - SLOWLY!

The more physical, aswell as mental training you are able to do pre-arrival significantly increases your ability to effectively acclimatize as you ascend. Trekkers who have been able to commit time to a good training regime will usually have more energy to commit to the acclimatization process throughout the days and nights of the ascent, thus allowing their bodies to adjust to the altitude more easily.

Physical performance and acclimatization are also related to how well you have taken care of yourself throughout the hours, days and weeks prior to summit day, from the start of your training regime, through to the minute you start out on summit night. Arriving healthy and well-rested, maintaining proper hydration and calorific intake, and protecting against unnecessary heat loss (staying warm) are all key factors in an individual’s success on an expedition such as this. We will do all we can to make your trek adventure as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

health & Medical Matters

For the most current information on inoculation requirements and recommendations please refer to:

UK citizens - NHS Fit For Travel

US citizens - USA Travel.gov or USA.gov

AUS citizens - AUS Health.gov

Occasionally travellers may suffer from having an upset stomach when traveling abroad - which could be attributed to the stress of travelling, just as much as a possible change of diet, or ingestion of potentially contaminated food or water. There are some fundamental principles that can help keep you healthy.

Hygiene: It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly before meals and after using the bathroom. If fresh water is not available for washing, we recommend using a hand sanitizer.

Water: The only rule is: don't drink the water, and that includes shower water and ice! Only drink bottled water which has been treated.

Brush your teeth with purified water rather than tap water. You should check bottled water for a good seal and use a napkin to wipe excess moisture from drinking glasses. Take care with fruit juice, particularly if it has been diluted with water. Carefully clean the tops of bottled beverages before opening.

Food: If it is cooked, boiled or can be peeled, you can usually eat it. Salads and fruits should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible. Be wary of ice cream and shellfish.

Always avoid any undercooked meat.

- VACCINATIONS -

Travellers are advised to confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.

Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A, Tetanus.

Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid.

Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera, Yellow Fever.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Kenya is such a country.

Ideally consult with your travel healthcare practitioner 6-8 weeks in advance of travel. If your trip is sooner, contact them anyway, they may still be able to help and it’s never too late to seek advice.

- MALARIA -

Knowledge of Malaria precautions are essential for all travellers.

Malaria risk is high throughout the year in all areas below 1800m.

Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset. Use insect repellent on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleep under a mosquito net.

Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets.

For trekkers or safari goers, Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) OR Doxycycline OR Mefloquine are usually advised.

If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.

If travelling to an area remote from medical facilities, carrying standby emergency treatment for malaria may be considered.

Occasionally travellers will develop stomach upsets which are identified as being attributed to the anti-malarial medication they are taking, so travellers are advised to please carefully read all the 'pros & con's for each anti-malarial drug before making a decision on which one to take.

- MEDICAL EMERGENCIES -

While Regional Hospitals exist in Arusha and Moshi, no Level 1 trauma care exists in the surrounding area. Mounts Kilimanjaro & Meru and the safari locations remain remote locations without established medical facilities other than at Karatu. Medical emergencies would require transport to a higher level of care in Nairobi, Kenya.

Stated to be the Best Hospitals in Arusha:

Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital
AICC Hospital
Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre
Aga Khan University Hospital - Arusha Medical Centre