Where to get a PCR test in Tanzania?

When you are on safari or Kilimanjaro climb in Tanzania, test centers are located on the ways close and inside famous National Parks, in Arusha & Moshi towns.

Mount Meru Hospital & Selian Lutheran Hospitals in Arusha, Mawenzi Hospital in Moshi, FAME Clinic in Karatu and Serengeti Seronera PCR test center.

How much is PCR test in Tanzania?

• USD 100 per person for residents, non-residents, and citizens (payable in local currency – 230,000 TZS via M-Pesa or deposited in cash at NMB or CRDB banks). At some of the centers, they accept credit card payments ie. FAME Clinic in Karatu.

How long does it take to get the result?

It takes 48 hours to get results from Arusha and Moshi and Seronera centers, 72 hours from FAME Clinic in Karatu.

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 Mount Meru Hospital in Arusha.

Within what times can I get tested?

Arusha, Moshi, and Seronera centers; Monday to Saturday: between 0800 and 1630,  Sunday: between 0900 and 1300

FAME Clinic “Karatu”; Monday to Sunday: between 0800 and 1130, you can easily apply online before arrival at the hospital.

What should clients do while waiting for the result?

Of course, the notion of finishing your Kilimanjaro tour or safari and then having to wait around for 3 days in Arusha is an unacceptable waste of time. You can add some short tours from Arusha or Karatu.

What do we recommend to avoid 3 Days wait?

While planning your Tanzania tour, our expert will help you arrange some hours for a PCR test on the way before finish your safari, like you can do it on the last day of the Serengeti safari or at Karatu for two days more for a safari in Ngorongoro or else.

For the Kilimanjaro tour, you make a plan to add a 2-3 Days tour on safari or cultural tour near Arusha while waiting for results, otherwise, you can rest at the hotel and enjoy Arusha.

Important to remember

Please don’t organize 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.

How do I book a PCR test appointment?

If you send us your passport details (image of photo page) and your departure details and country of destination, we’ll book your appointment for you, obtain your control number, and liaise with the laboratory to ensure you obtain your results in time. Our official email; contact@katikatisafaris.com, WhatsApp’s; +255629370468 or +255742630294

How do I pay for the PCR tests?

We’ll send you a “control number” (a unique one for each person being tested) once we’ve successfully booked your appointment. You need to use this control number to pay the government fee of USD 100 (TZS 230,000) via M-Pesa, or at NMB or CRDB banks.

If paying via Vodacom M-Pesa, select the options Move money > Make payment > Pay government. Then paste in the control number and input the amount of 230,000. Then press Continue and confirm by entering your M-Pesa PIN code. Paying via Vodacom Mpesa will incur a charge of TZS 4,000 per TZS 230,000. Keep the digital copy of your receipts for presentation in case these are requested when boarding.