Best time to travel
Owing to the tropical climate, with one rainy and one dry season, it is advisable to travel to Ifakara between May and September. During the rainy season it is nearly unbearably hot and sultry. In addition, roads are at that time in a bad condition and sometimes even impassable.
Health care
The Kilombero Valley is an area with a high risk of Malaria. Malaria prophylaxis is therefore a must. Lariam, Malarone and Doxycyclin have proved to be appropriate medicaments. Insect repellents ought to be carried along as well. Mosquito-nets are available in guesthouses or can be bought in Ifakara at quite a low price.
Vaccinations: When entering Tanzania from one of her neighboring countries (yellow fever areas), proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination is required, but not when coming from Europe, America, Australia etc. Vaccination against Meningitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B and Polio is also recommended.
Covid-19: Proof of a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) or vaccination with an internationally recognized vaccine must be presented upon entry.
Journey
Tanzania has three International Airports: Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro Airport and Zanzibar. They offer services of several international airlines. Travelling from Dar es Salaam to Ifakara is possible on long distance coaches or on Tazara Railway.
Tazara Railway
Near Ifakara there is a small airstrip suitable for small planes. Flights can be booked in Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
Accommodation in Ifakara
The hospital guesthouse
In its guesthouse, St. Francis Hospital offers guests clean single, double and triple rooms. The price for full board is 20 USD per day per single room or 32 USD per day per double room or 42 USD per day per triple room.
The roman catholic Parish of St. Andrew and the Monastery of the Capucine Brothers offer food and accommodation in modest single rooms.
Information and inquiries from doctors and students about a possible internship at St. Francis Hospital by email only to the Director General.
Fr. Godfrey Hongo
The requirements for an internship can be found under the following link...
Instructions for elective students
