COVID-19 SAFETY POLICY
Arrival In Tanzania
Fully vaccinated travelers do not need COVID-19 PCR or NAAT testing to enter Tanzania. You will need digital proof of vaccination which includes: a QR code, your name, date of birth, the type of vaccine(s) you received, and the date of each vaccination. Your CDC paper vaccination card is not accepted. If you do not have a digital record of vaccination, ask the location where you received your vaccine, or google “digital vaccination certificate” in your state. (Unfortunately, there is no one resource that works throughout North America.)
If you cannot access a suitable digital vaccination certificate, you will need to be PCR or NAAT tested 72 hours prior to the first leg of your Tanzania flight. Proof of a negative result will be needed to board your flight, and test results must have a QR code. Please confirm your results will be digitized/have a QR code when making your testing appointment.
Your safari guides have all been vaccinated and will have been tested immediately prior to your arrival.
Please bring your own supply of sanitizing wipes and gels, and your own supply of masks, either disposable or cloth, for the duration of your safari.
The government of Tanzania requires all travelers to have emergency medical evacuation coverage. For example, AMREF Flying Doctors (Silver Plan) or Arusha Medivac (Tourist Plan). Please note: These plans typically cost under $25 per person and work only as a supplement to your existing travel insurance, and do not replace the need for travel insurance coverage.
A Ndoto Explorers representative will greet you outside of customs with a warm smile under his mask!
COVID-19 SAFETY POLICY
We at Ndoto Explorers Team are very proud to announce that our entire team of full-time Kilimanjaro climbs and safari guides in Tanzania have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19! We are grateful that our team stepped up quickly when the vaccine became available.
Many in the tourism industry are also stepping up, and the Tanzanian government has made the vaccination of tourism professionals a priority. Welcome to Tanzania #tanzaniaunforgetable
KILIMANJARO CLIMB STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR COVID-19 SAFETY
On the bases of the World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDEC) and the MNRT COVID-19 Stand Operating Procedures (SOP’s), Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) has customized specific COVID-19 standard operating procedures that will guide service provisions in the national parks. The procedures provide a framework for operations during the unprecedented times of COVID-19 pandemic.
These guidelines will be updated as the COVID-19 situation progresses in conformity with the measures provided by the MoHCDEC. The protocols will help to control the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and therefore protecting staff, visitors, other park users, along with ensuring a safe working environment.
THE BELOW ARE OUR STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR OUR ETHICAL KILIMANJARO CLIMB
EDUCATION
All our Mountain crews have been given Covid-19 safety training to ensure our client safety during the trek. We will brief all our Mountain crew, in advance of meeting the trekkers, to ensure all procedures are understood and will be complied with. Our guidelines are to protect both our client and our mountain crew.
TEMPERATURE CHECK DURING CLIMB
We will do temperature check for twice a day for both our clients and our Mountain Crew.
MASKS. Our Mountain Crew will wear Mask during climb. Masks are not to be worn while trekking. They should be worn in camp and when near other individuals such as the gate, weighing scales, etc.
Our guides will wear a mask during briefing/ interpretation or when interact with the client.
HAND WASHING
We make sure our clients and Mountain Crew to regular handwashing throughout the climb.
We will provide a separate handwashing station for our client and our mountain crew. The kitchen will have its own separate handwashing station. We will provide hand sanitizer at higher camps where temperatures are too cold for water. We will have “Covid Porter” who will be responsible for regular cleaning.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Social distance guideline of 1.5 meters will be maintained. Only guides, waiter and personal porters should interact with clients while maintaining a distance. Our Mountain crew will avoid interacting with the crew of other companies. Our Mountain Crew will avoid unnecessary movements and gatherings (neither singing nor playing games).
MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT’S
All equipment will be sterilized/disinfected before issuing to mountain crew. Contact points will be cleaned regularly. Any rental equipment including sleeping bag, thermal-rest, or cot will be designated to you throughout the climb.
BAGS AND LUGGAGE
We will ensure that luggage is packed inside the sterilized rubberized kitbags. All Luggage will be sprayed with a sterilization solution before weighing. There will be one porter who will be responsible for the client bags.
SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS ON MOUNTAIN
We will avoid overcrowding in sleeping tents of the porters and guides in camping route. Our porters will maintain a social distance of 1.5 meters from one another when in huts.
FOOD AND DINING
The food items will not be mixed with other equipment and all utensils, cups, etc will continue to be sanitized throughout the climb.
Only mountain cook and waiter will handle food; no other members of the crew are permitted in the kitchen tent at any time.
Meals can be eaten outdoors or in your tent, upon request; for private groups or smaller scheduled groups, a dining tent is available for private or socially distant meals.
TRANSPORT VEHICLES
Our Porters will have separate transport than clients for remote Route (Lemosho, Rongai and Marangu Routes). Our Transport vehicles will be cleaned in advance before our client and the Mountain crew boarding them. We will provide hand sanitizer so all can wash hands prior to entry into the vehicle. All our Mountain crew will wear Masks when in transport.
DURING YOUR CLIMB
While out on the trail, social distancing will be maintained, and you may choose not to wear a mask in the fresh air. This is a personal decision.
You must wear a mask when interacting with the guide or crew at camp. You may occasionally be reminded to keep socially distant or don your mask in areas where mandated by the Tanzanian government or requested by your guide.
Remember that this is your once-in-a-lifetime trek. Simple, common-sense practices implemented by both guests and Mountain crew will help everyone feel at ease –without intruding on your enjoyment of this awesome-inspiring experience!!
ON SAFARI
Once you are out on safari, on the endless open plains, far from cities and towns, and in an open vehicle, you will likely choose not to wear a mask. This is a personal decision.
You may occasionally be reminded to keep socially distant or don your mask in areas where mandated by the Tanzanian government or requested by your guide.
At this time, we will not be offering certain cultural activities that bring guests and locals into close physical proximity. Shopping will be limited to only one pre-inspected location which follows strict disinfecting protocols, and it will only be offered as an option on the last day of the safari.
You are always free to opt out of activities and enjoy time in your private sitting area, savoring the fresh air and expansive views. In most areas, it is possible to see wildlife right from your tent’s verandah.
Remember that this is your dream trip. Simple, common-sense practices implemented by both guests and staff will help everyone feel at ease – without impacting your enjoyment of this once in a lifetime experience!
AFTER YOUR SAFARI AND TREKKING
The Majority government requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test for re-entry to the US, so Ndoto Explorers will assist in scheduling a test, transporting you to and from the testing site. It is essential to let us know if you have onward travel plans (staying anywhere for more than 24 hours before returning to back home), or are routing through countries requiring proof of a negative PCR test for transit or entry. This may impact the type and timing of your test and may require additional overnights in Tanzania.
