For some destinations, participants will need to consider immunisations before travel. Choose a Challenge offers some general guidance in your pre-departure literature, but we are not able to dispense medical advice. Participants are therefore strongly advised to consult independent medical advice ahead of their trips.
One helpful online resource is the NHS website: Fit For Travel. Here, you will find destination-specific information, including which (if any) immunisations and/or medications are recommended for each country. However, as travel advice is regularly subject to change, your family doctor is the best source of up-to-date information. If you are unable to visit your GP directly, then instead book an appointment at a travel clinic. We suggest scheduling this at least 6-8 weeks before travel, as some travel vaccines have multiple courses, with set time periods between each dose.
If you are travelling to Tanzania on one of our Kilimanjaro challenges, please be aware that Malaria is prevalent across East Africa. You should therefore discuss with your doctor or a travel clinic which anti-malarial medication would be best for you. Remember, too, that a course of antimalarial medication is often required to be started well in advance of your trip, depending on the drug, so don’t leave it too late to visit your GP!
From a purely logistical perspective, if your international flight lands in Kenya, or if you plan to enter Tanzania from another ‘at risk’ country, then you may be required to produce a Yellow Fever certificate to satisfy Tanzania Immigration entry requirements. However, in terms of any medical necessity, please discuss this with your doctor, or at least a travel clinic, as they’ll be able to confirm all the latest travel advice.
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If you are considering taking Diamox to help reduce the effects of altitude sickness, then you should be aware that this is a prescribed medication. You should therefore take the opportunity to speak with your doctor about this, as they will be able to provide you more information to enable you to make an informed decision.
We hope you found the above information useful. If you have any questions or concerns about your particular destination, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.