Questions & Informations
These are some of Questions from most of our clients
good to know
General Packing List
- In general, pack lightly. Leave room for gifts and souvenirs. Softsided luggage packs more easily into the safari vehicle.
- Always carry passport, airline tickets and money on your person. A fanny pack or moneybag that hangs around the neck works well.
- In case luggage doesn’t arrive the same day you do, put enough clothing and supplies for the first day in your carryon luggage.
- If taking a domestic flight luggage weight restrictions range between 15-20 kgs (33-44 lbs) total per person.
- If climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or Mt. Meru, additional supplies will be needed.
Footwear
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof. They will get dirty.
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Comfortable, breathable socks
Clothing
- Shorts, midthigh or longer
- Lightweight, breathable pants
- Shortsleeved shirts, cool and breathable (neutral colors are best, avoid black, dark blue and bright red)
- Bathing suit if staying at a lodge with a swimming pool or if visiting Zanzibar
- Longsleeved shirt or sweater for evenings
- Rain jacket or rain poncho
- Women: Lightweight dress/skirt that covers knees (for visiting villages), shoulders should be covered also in the village.
- Men: shortsleeve shirts with collars (for visiting villages or evening dining at the lodges).
- Keep valuable jewelry to a minimum
Baggage
- Day pack, for you to carry
- Large waterproof duffel bag or backpack
Other
- Sun hat
- Maps, guidebooks
- Scarf (for dust and/or sun)
- Batteries
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars (2 pair are standard in each vehicle – Nikon Monarch 8×36)
- Money (small Tanzanian bills and/or small US bills for small purchases and tips. Larger US bills and/or travelers checks for bigger purchases)
- Journal/notebook, pencil and pen
- Pocket knife tips
- Electricity adapter
- Energy bars and snacks
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Playing cards, games, books, Frisbee
- Camera, film (film is available but expensive), minitripod
- Mementos for guides and other travelers
- Personal music device
- Video camera, tapes
- Travel pillow
Toiletries
- Small towel
- Roll of toilet paper (for some public restrooms)
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Handi-wipes
- Lotion
- Glasses, contacts, solution
- Comb, mirror
- Shampoo (without heavy fragrance)
- Unscented Deodorant (use cologne/perfume sparingly, if at all, in case it might attract bees or other insects)
Documents
- Passport (with visa stamp or completed visa application with $50 or $100 US cash, exact change)
- Yellow fever certificate (REQUIRED if traveling from or through an endemic zone such as Zanzibar.)
- Medical and Travel Insurance
- Address book
First Aid
- Ibuprofen
- Antiseptic cream
- BandAids
- Bandages and tape
- Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
- Diarrhea medicine
- Anti-malaria pills
- Antibiotics
- Insect repellent
- Antihistamines
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Prescription drugs
Tolerance to altitude varies greatly amongst individuals, but a fit person who does not go too fast will not strain their cardiovascular system as much as an unfit person for the same amount of exercise and will therefore be at a lower risk of developing AMS. Even a very fit person however is still very likely to develop AMS if they trek to altitudes above 3500m without some days spent acclimatising or they walk too quickly.
Altitude sickness can occur in some people as low as 8,000 feet (2,400 metres), but serious symptoms do not usually occur until over 12,000 feet (3,700m). AMS is brought on by changes in the body caused by the reduction in air pressure at altitude. At 5000m the air pressure is reduced to 55% of that at sea level and at 6000m it is down to 49%.
This drop in pressure has three major effects.
Drop in oxygen saturation
With less actual air in each breath the amount of oxygen in the blood reduces. Mild reductions in oxygen saturation will cause you to feel breathless and tired. Bigger falls can impair mental functions and have serious adverse effects.
Cerebral oedema
As a result of the reduction in air pressure, fluid from the brain leaks into the air cavities between the skull and the brain. This starts off by causing mild headaches but if continues leads to pressure on the brain, complete disorientation and eventually coma and death. The onset of cerebral oedema can be very quick.
Pulmonary oedema
Again the effect on the lungs is caused by the reduced air pressure inside the lungs which allows fluid from the blood to pass through into the lung itself. This produces symptoms like pneumonia. This is particularly a concern when sleeping.
Recognising AMS
It is a mistake to think that AMS is the result of a gradual worsening of mild altitude symptoms such as breathlessness and headache. AMS is in fact a sudden and dramatic onset of symptoms and leaves the person hardly able to walk or look after themselves.
Symptoms of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Headaches are a primary symptom used to diagnose altitude sickness, although a headache is often a symptom of dehydration and can be confused with symptoms of AMS. You must drink a minimum of 3 litres of water during the day to prevent dehydration (see further information below).
A headache occurring at an altitude above 2,400 metres (8,000 feet) with any one or more of the following symptoms, can indicate some degree of altitude sickness and should always be reported to your guide. General symptoms of AMS can include:
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Specific symptoms of High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE)
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Specific symptoms of High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE)
You should be aware that HAPE can occur without any of the other signs of AMS. Characteristic symptoms are:
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Whatever type of AMS you might suffer from the treatment is the same:immediate descent by over 1000m or until symptoms abate.
Our client descent protocol
If our guides have any doubts about your health and believes that continuing to ascend would be dangerous then they will insist that you descend to ensure your safety. Before making this decision your guide will follow the following protocol:
- Measure your oxygen saturation levels, if they are below 80%, then you will be retested every 30 minutes for 2 hours. If your oxygen saturation does not get above 75% then immediate descent is mandatory. If it rises above 75% then you will be allowed to continue but will be monitored very closely. If your condition deteriorates during the ascent then you should immediately notify your guide and you must descend immediately.
- Evaluation of your Lake Louise Score, if it is between 6 – 8 then the guide will make an assessment based on this score, your oxygen saturation and pulse rate and your general well-being to decide whether you can continue. If you are allowed to continue then you will be monitored closely during the ascent but must also monitor your own condition and if you or the guide notice a deterioration then you must descend.
- If your Lake Louise Score is above 8 then you must descend.
How to avoid AMS
- Walk high sleep low: As we go higher up we encourage everyone to do a short walk after arriving at camp each day to go to a slightly higher altitude and to rest there for half an hour.
- Don’t rush: Walk slowly! You need to keep your breathing rate down to that at which you can still maintain a conversation. If you are breathing too hard to do this slow down: if you work your heart and lungs hard the risk of illness increases dramatically.
- Drink, drink and then drink some more: Being properly hydrated massively benefits acclimatization and you simply cannot drink too much (a minimum of 3 litres should be drunk each day even if you are not thirsty!). If your pee is yellow you are not drinking enough. Symptoms of dehydration can be similar to those of HACE so keeping hydrated is very important so as not to confuse the two.
- Diamox: There has been a lot of research on diamox (which you can find by googling) that shows is that it has been reasonably well proven to be helpful in avoiding AMS. We take it ourselves when climbing Kilimanjaro. It is though a prescription drug and some GP’s will not prescribe it. You must therefore take your own medical advice.
There was some controversy about Diamox, which is why some doctors will not prescribe it, because some people thought that if they were taking it they could ignore serious symptoms and this had fatal consequences. The key thing is that if you get symptoms and you are taking diamox that is because the drug is not being effective and YOU SHOULD GO DOWN!
Diamox has to be taken prophylactically, i.e. before you start climbing to prevent altitude sickness not when you are climbing and have symptoms. The recommended dose is between 125 milligrams (mg) to 500 mg per day, starting a few days before going to the higher altitude. If you are going to take Diamox then we would recommend you take half a 250mg tablet morning and night. It is particularly recommended for those ascending from sea level to 3000 meters (9800 feet) in one day, which is typical of a Kilimanjaro trek.
If you do take it you must always remember Diamox is not an absolute fix for acute mountain sickness . For the avoidance of doubt diamox speeds up part of the acclimatization process which in turn can help to prevent symptoms. If however, symptoms do develop and deteriorate YOU MUST STILL GO DOWN.
Common side effects of using Diamox include numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes. By far the worst effect is that it makes all fizzy drinks including beer taste awful. Fortunately if you stop taking it after summit day by the time you get to the bottom your taste buds will have recovered. You will also experience more frequent peeing if you take Diamox and with drinking all the time the combined effect can be really amazing : don’t forget a pee bottle when you pack!
Sleeping Bag – 20$ per trip, per sleeping bag.
Hiking Boots – 20$ per trip, per pair.
Walking Poles – 20$ per trip, per pair.
Head lights (Torch) – 15$ per trip.
Sun glasses -10$ per trip.
Rain Pants – 20$ per trip.
Rain Jacket – 20$ per trip.
Warm Jumper -20$ per trip.
Warm Pants -20$ per trip.
Thermal Top 2 -20$ per trip.
Thermal Pants 2 -20$ per trip.
Hiking Pants -20$ per trip.
Sun Hat -20$ per trip.
Balaclava -20$ per trip.
Gloves -20$ per trip.
Glove Liners -15$ per trip.
Gaiters -20$ per trip.
Warm socks -20$ per trip for 3pairs.
Toilet Paper -included in a price.
Mattress. – included in a price.
safaris & Trekking Questions and Information.
Can I get a visa in Tanzania?
Yes, you can get a visa at major airports and at border crossings, but try to get one ahead of time to make your entry into the country as easy as possible.
Do you customize a tour?
Yes, just let us know what’s in your mind and we will put it all together for you!
Can we leave excess luggage behind while on safari or Kilimanjaro?
Extra luggage and valuables can be stored in a locked storage room/safe at our offices.
Will I have a chance to interact with the local people of Tanzania?
Feel free to interact with your safari guide and Kilimanjaro guides and porters! There are other unique ways to meet local people.
- Visit the outdoor markets in Moshi and Arusha
- Donate or volunteer to local school, orphanage, or non-profit in Tanzania.
- Visit a Maasai village
- Visit the Bushman tribe at Lake Eyasi
I am a solo (single) traveler, how can I join your tour?
We can add solo travelers to a group, or we can arrange a private trip for you.
Do you accommodate people with dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian and other special diets can be accommodated. Please let us know ahead of time. Protein options may be minimal on a vegetarian diet, so you may want to bring protein supplements.
How soon do I have to book your tour?
We recommend booking your trip as soon as possible. Lodges and tented camps on safari are booked quickly, so we need to reserve those before they fill up. However, sometimes we do have space last minute as well.
What immunizations / shots are required?
Talk to your doctor about
- Malaria
- Yellow fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Polio
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Meningococcal Meningitis (Africa/Asia)
How much money do I need?
Budget a minimum of $300/person for tips for Kilimanjaro, $25-30/day for expenses and tips on safari, and $20/day for other expenses in Moshi.
Do your Tanzania trips include any transfer for those arriving in Nairobi, Kenya?
No, but we can schedule transfer from Nairobi either by land or air for an additional charge.
What is there to do in Moshi? Is it safe to walk around on my own?
It is safe to walk around the main area of town during the day with valuables well hidden, but it not advised to be walk around at night for your own safety.
Can I get to Zanzibar after my safari/trek? Can you arrange that?
We can book your flights to Zanzibar from Kilimanjaro and your Zanzibar hotels. What is the deposit amount to hold my space?
A 30% deposit is required at time of booking to hold your reservation. This deposit is non-refundable.
When do I need to pay the balance of my trip?
Final payment is made upon your arrival in Tanzania.
Is my payment going to help local African communities?
Yes, we support a number local charities through
Do you cancel a trip, or charge more when other people in my group cancel?
Our trips are never canceled by us, but you may have to pay more if your group falls below a certain group size.
Safari
When is the best time to go?
Tanzania is great to visit any time of year. Most people avoid the rainy months of April, May, and November. Some people like to go during peak migration season.
What is the migration?
The migration in East Africa is world-renowned. Millions of wildebeests participate in the migration through Tanzania and Kenya. Hundreds of thousands of zebra join them. Although lions and other carnivores do not migrate with the grazing animals, they feast on them when their paths cross.
When is the best time to see the migration?
The best time to see the migration in Tanzania is often January-March and June-August. In Kenya, it is often best September-October. These are also the most popular times to go, so you will need to book well in advance. You will see an abundance of wildlife all year round.
What’s the food like on the safari?
Lodges and tented camps serve breakfast and dinner, typically buffet-style. Lunches are often a box lunch eaten while on your game drive.
What type of vehicles do you provide?
We use 6 or 8 passenger 4-wheel-drive Land Cruisers, all with viewing roofs for the safaris.
Are the guides on safari certified?
They are licensed, trained, friendly, and have years of experience!
Can we buy extra bottles of water along the safari?
You can buy any drinks along your way to the safari. There will be mini-markets in town.
Kilimanjaro
When should I go?
Kilimanjaro is climbable all year round. The best months to climb are December-March, and September-October, which are the warmest and driest months. The next best are June to August, but they are colder. July, August, and September are the busiest months.
Summiting on or soon after a full moon is very beautiful and helps illuminate the landscape without using headlamps. However, it is also very bright for sleeping and stars are not as visible.
What is the weather like on Mt. Kilimanjaro?
Temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain and -15 to -20 degrees Celsius on top plus wind chill. Lower down, it can be wet and humid, but higher up, there can be snow. Rain and snow may be encountered any time of the year!
How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro?
It requires no technical climbing experience, and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain. However, for most people, it is the most difficult thing they have ever done.
Which route should I take?
Your decision will depend on where you want to sleep and the hiking distance each day and number of days of each route. On the Marangu Route, you sleep in huts with simple beds, while on all the other routes, you sleep in tents. There are two main routes on the mountain: the Marangu and Machame. You may also want to consider the Rongai Route as it is far less traveled. The Lemosho Route is a good choice if you want a longer route (8+ days). None of these routes are technical.
How long does it take to reach the summit?
It will depend on the route you pick and your pace. It can take from 4-8 hours to reach the summit from the high camp.
How do I cope with change of altitude?
Always remember to maintain a slow, steady pace from beginning to end. Going slowly allows the body to acclimatize while hiking. Those who start out too quickly will have troubles higher up the mountain as the body will be overexerted. This still holds true if you are spending and extra day on the mountain. Drink lots of water and get lots of sleep.
What kind of climbing gear do I need?
What shots should I get?
Talk to your doctor about getting
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
- Tetanus
- Polio
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Meningococcal Meningitis (Africa/Asia)
Can children climb Kilimanjaro?
The minimum age set by the National park Authorities for summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro is 12 years old. However, younger children can attempt the summit with special permission. Younger children can also trek on the mountain without reaching the summit.
How big will my group be?
Groups are limited to 10 people, but they are typcally around 5 people. We will combine groups up to this limit if they are starting the same route on the same day. However, we can also arrange for private groups at no extra cost. We will try to add single travelers to a group if at all possible, but we cannot guarantee it. We can also accommodate large groups of any size.
How many guides, and porters and cooks do we get?
Expect 1 guide per 2 hikers, 1 assistant guide per 3 hikers, and 1 cook per 8 hikers. Porters as follows:
- 2 porters per hiker on the 5-day Marangu Route and Mt. Meru (minimum of 4 porters)
- 3 porters per hiker on a 6 or 7-day trek (minimum of 5 porters)
- 4 porters per hiker on the 8-day Lemosho Route (minimum of porters)
- Sometimes extra porters are required based on the weight of the luggage.
Are the guides trained in first aid and altitude sickness?
Kilimanjaro guides are trained in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and basic mountain first aid. However, they are not doctors or paramedics. Climbers are responsible for bringing their own first aid kit and medical supplies.
Are the guides licensed / certified?
Kilimanjaro guides are trained and certified by the Kilimanjaro National Park. They start out as porters and work their way up to assistant guide. When they are ready (after about 2-4 years), they go through the national park certification process.
Do guides carry cell phones or radios on the mountain?
Yes, all guides carry cell phones, but reception on the mountain can be spotty.
What kind of tents do you provide?
Our tents are 3-person 4-season dome-style mountain tents, two people each.
Will there be oxygen for our group on the trek?
Oximeters are included on all treks at no charge. Oxygen is available for $30/group.
Will there be a hyperbaric pressure bag for our group?
We can provide hyperbaric bag for $120/group.
What happens if we one of us gets ill and has to return earlier? Is there an extra charge or is our money returned in case of illness or injury?
All climbers pay a rescue fee to the Kilimanjaro National Park (included in the price). If a client cannot walk because they are injured or sick, the guides, assistant guides, and porters will assist this climber down. There is no extra charge for coming down and taken back to the hotel, but you will not get money back for the mountain days you missed, and you will be responsible for medical assistance and extra hotel nights. We highly recommend travel insurance to cover any medical expenses and further evacuation.
What additional costs can I expect when I travel with you?
Extra expenses include:
- Tips for guides and porters
- Rental equipment (sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.)
- Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
- Any personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, etc.).
How much is a good tip?
Remember, tips should not be dependent on whether you summit or not, but rather whether they were professional and had your best interests in mind.
What kind of accommodation is provided for the 2 nights before and after the climb that are included in your climbing prices?
The trek price includes 2 nights at a 3-star hotel like the Bristol Cottages, which is a comfortable tourist hotel near the center of Moshi.
What kind of accommodation is available during climbing?
On the Marangu Route, the first two huts sleep four people each, and the last hut is dorm-style with bunk beds. While on the other routes, you sleep in 3-person 4-season dome-style mountain tents, two people each.
Do you have luggage (weight/size/number) limitations on your climbs?
The one pack that the porters carry for you is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds). Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at $20/day plus tips.
What’s the food like during the climb?
The staple foods in Tanzania are meats, starches, vegetables, and fruits. Most meals will also have a selection of hot drinks like instant coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
Who prepares the food on the mountain?
Your trekking party will be supplied with a cook to prepare your meals in a safe and hygienic manner.
What about drinking water?
The porters will purify water for you at each camp.
Can we buy drinking water/ soda on the Kilimanjaro?
You will be able to buy any drinks before getting to the gate at local mini-markets in town. Sometimes there are drinks available at the lower camps, but that service is unreliable and expensive.
Can we bring something for the porters?
Donations are easier to take with you when you travel to Tanzania rather than mailing them after you get back from your trip. Porters welcome old hiking boots, warm clothing, and cash donations.
Is it better to do a safari first….then the trek? Or do the trek first?
Most people start with the trek and end with the safari, so they get done with the hardest part of their trip and are able to relax on their safari. However, we can accommodate either order.