How to Get a PCR Test (COVID-19 Test) in Arusha or Moshi Kilimanjaro

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 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

Where to get a PCR test in Moshi Kilimanjaro

Mawezi Meru Referral Hospital in Moshi Kilimanjaro

What does it cost?

115,000 Tanzanian shillings for residents
USD 50 for non-residents
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 0900 and 1530, 7 days of the week.

How to book my Covid-19 PCR Test appointment

It's mandatory to book an appointment for COVID-19 through https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz/ once the booking is done you will receive a confirmation message.

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 an 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 maximize 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.

Those 3 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and lake Manyara and 3 Days Tanzania Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Short and Sweet are popular way to spend 3 days. And here are some ideas for some day trips from Arusha and Moshi.

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.

For More information

How to Get a PCR Test (COVID-19 Test) in Arusha or Moshi Kilimanjaro