15 Days Kilimanjaro Trek

High Light

15 Days Kilimanjaro Trek + Wildebeest Migration Experience.

Best Time: December to March

Highlights include:

-Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame route (one of the most scenic routes)

-Serengeti National Park (Southern and Central areas) and Ndutu – best for wildebeest calving season

-Ngorongoro Crater (largest unbroken caldera in the world, a UNESCO world heritage site)

Accommodation: Basic Camping on the Mountain, Ensuite Tented Camps and Lodge on Safari

Itenerary

Duration: 15 days,

You will be welcomed on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transferred to Arusha for relaxation and overnight stay. We will brief you and check your trekking gears before your embark on your Kilimanjaro climb. Note: We recommend that you allow an extra day upon arrival to relax after your long flight. Meals included: N/A

Accommodation:	Arusha
Meals Planed:	N/A

Elevation (m): 1,390m to 1,640m to 2,980m

Elevation (ft): 4,560ft to 5,380ft to 9,780ft

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Hiking Distance: 11km

Terrain: Montane Forest

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be driven to Machame Village where your guides and porters will prepare and pack your equipment and supplies. After registering at the park office, you will start your ascent and enter the rainforest immediately. Heavy rains on this side of the mountain often transform the trail into a soggy, slippery experience, so good footwear, walking poles and gaiters are useful. You will enjoy a lunch stop halfway up and reach Machame Camp in late afternoon. Your porters will arrive at camp and erect your tent before you arrive. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by your cook. Dress warmly. Night temperatures can drop to freezing at Machame Camp.

Accommodation:	Machame Camp( Basic Camping (with tent and foam mattress supplied)
Meals Planed:	Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Elevation (m): 2,980m to 3,840m

Elevation (ft): 9,780ft to 12,600ft

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Hiking Distance: 5km

Terrain: Moorland

After rising early in the morning, enjoy your breakfast at Machame Camp. Climb for an hour to the top of the forest, followed by 2 hours of hiking through gentle moorland. After a short lunch and rest, continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau where you will be able to see Kilimanjaro’s great Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. Sometimes, the walls of the Western Breach are draped with extensive ice curtains. You are now west of the Kibo volcanic cone where Uhuru Peak is located. After a short hike westward, you will reach the Shira campsite. The night at this exposed camp will be colder, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Make sure you put layers of clothing on to keep warm.

Accommodation:	Basic Camping (with tent and foam mattress supplied)
Meals Planed:	Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Elevation (m): 3,840m to 4,630m then down to 3,950m

Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 15,190ft then down to 12,960ft

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours ascent then 2-3 hours descent

Hiking Distance: 7km ascent then 3km descent

Terrain: Semi-desert

After breakfast, you will walk up a steepening path above the highest vegetation toward Kilimanjaro’s looming mass. After a few hours of walking, you pass through a rocky landscape to reach a prominent landmark called Lava Tower, also called the “Shark’s Tooth”, at 4,630m/15,190ft. This chunky remnant of Kilimanjaro’s earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high, and the trail passes right below it. After a lunch stop near Lava Tower, descend for 2-3 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach to reach Barranco Camp at 3,950m/12,960 ft. There are numerous photo opportunities on this hike, especially if the cliffs are festooned with ice. Barranco Camp is located in a valley below the Western Breach. While you are waiting for your dinner, the Great Barranco Wall in the backdrop will provide you with a memorable sunset. On this day, be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness. Although you will end the day at almost the same elevation as when you started, this “climb high sleep low” approach is very useful for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Accommodation:	Basic Camping (with tent and foam mattress supplied)
Meals Planed:	Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Elevation (m): 3950m to 4200m Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 13,800ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Hiking Distance: 5km Terrain: Alpine Desert After spending a night under the Great Barranco Wall, you climb this awesome obstacle, which is one of the highlights of the trek.

Kilimanjaro Machame Lemosho Barranco Wall Camp

Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you can now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The Machame route then winds down through Karanga Valley and goes over intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka route, which you will use later for descending the mountain. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles Tonight, you will rest at Karanga Camp, where the last water stop is.

Accommodation:	Basic Camping (with tent and foam mattress supplied)
Meals Planed:	Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Elevation (m): 4200m to 4550m

Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 14,930ft

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Hiking Distance: 4km

Terrain: Alpine Desert

Kilimanjaro Karanga Barafu Camp Machame route

The famous snows of Kilimanjaro are near the summit of the mountain far above Barafu Camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice”. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales, Bafaru Camp is not a very hospitable place to spend the night. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. Prepare your equipment and warm clothing for your summit attempt. This should include replacing your headlamp and camera batteries and making sure that you have a spare set available. To prevent freezing, consider carrying your water in a thermal flask. If you are using a water bladder/hydration pack, make sure you have an insulation sleeve for the drinking tube. After an early supper, go to bed by 7pm and try to get a few hours of precious sleep before a very early start the next day.

Accommodation:	Basic Camping (with tent and foam mattress supplied)
Meals Planed:	Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Elevation (m): 4,550m to 5,895m then down to 3,100m

Elevation (ft): 14,930ft to 19,340ft then down to 10,170ft,

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent then 6-8 hours descent,

Hiking Distance: 5km ascent then 12km descent

Terrain: Volcanic rock scree, seasonal snow and ice-capped summit

This long but memorable day of trekking starts with rising around midnight. After some steaming hot tea and a light breakfast, you shuffle off into the night. The 6-hour climb northwest up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point (5,685 m/18,650 ft), you can stop for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely sanguine sunrise. But do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Depending on the season and latest weather conditions, you may encounter fresh snow on your remaining hike along the Kibo crater rim to Uhuru Peak. On the summit, you can enjoy your accomplishment and know that you are creating a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Kilimanjaro ascend descend from Uhuru peak sunset view snow

After a 3-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, you can have a short well-earned rest. After collecting your gears, hike down a rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest to reach Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft). Gaiters and trekking poles will be very helpful as you are going down the slope with the loose gravel. This camp is in the upper forest, so you can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Your delicious dinner and washing water await you and celebration time begins!

Accommodation:	Basic Camping (with tent and foam mattress supplied)
Meals Planed:	Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Elevation (m): 3,100m to 1,640m to 1,390m

Elevation (ft): 10,170ft to 5,380ft to 4,560ft

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Hiking Distance: 10km

Terrain: Forest

Happy trekkers Kilimanjaro Machame

After a well-deserved breakfast, you will have a short, scenic hike down to the park gate. Hiking trails in the rainforest at lower elevations are often wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts are probably sufficient but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy on your hike. Remember to tip your guides, cook and porters at the gate as you will be leaving them there. After signing your name at the register, you will receive your summit certificates at Mweka Gate. Climbers who have reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who have reached Uhuru Peak will receive gold certificates. You will be served a delicious lunch at Mweka Village, after which you will be driven back to Arusha for an overdue hot shower and comfortable night.

Accommodation:	Tulia lodge
Meals Planed:	Breakfast, lunch

Depart Arusha in the morning for a 5-hour drive to the Lake Ndutu area located inside Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will find the Great Migration herds. It is here that the wildebeest remain for up to 6 months of the year to give birth to calves and nurture the young before migrating again. Serengeti migration calving season Tanzania safari

Accommodation:	Ndutu Safari Lodge
Meals Planed:	Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Spend another day in the Ndutu area, where great game viewing is guaranteed from January to March. Young antelopes make easy prey for the big cats. You may get to see lions hunting of hyenas scavenging in this area.

Accommodation:	Ndutu Safari Lodge
Meals Planed:	Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Enjoy early breakfast then depart for game drives in the Ndutu and Serengeti with your expert guide. The Ndutu area and southern Serengeti are the best place to be from December to March for the annual wildebeest migration. For up to six months of the year the huge herds remain in and around this area – so it is an excellent base from which to camp.

Accommodation:	Serengeti heritage
Meals Planed:	Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Leisurely breakfast then depart for full day game drives with your expert guide. Focus on a safari in the Northern Tanzania circuit during this season should be on the Serengeti southern short grass plains and Ngorongoro eco-system. The annual wildebeest migration is arriving on these plains from December onwards.

It is here where they congregate and give birth to thousands of calves in February and March. These mineral rich plains are where the great herds stay for as long as feeding permits. Apparently the iron and zinc found in the fodder of these plains is what the wildebeest are after.

The movement of almost two million wild animals is the driving force of the ecology of most of the Serengeti eco-system. Predators follow these herds like sharks following a shoal of fish. Great wildlife viewing is guaranteed because the young animals make easy prey. African-sunset-2 Spend your day in this park with “plains that never end”.

Accommodation:	heritage lodge
Meals Planed:	Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Enjoy morning game drive in central and southern Serengeti then drive toward Ngorongoro Crater rim via the Olduvai area.

You can have an optional stop in the Olduvai area, where the homonid and other significant archaeological discoveries have been made. (Optional activity: fees extra.)

Ngorongoro highlands Tanzania culture tour Olduvai Gorge

In late afternoon, proceed to your lodge located on the crater rim for relaxation and overnight stay. The world-famous Ngorongoro Crater is at the eastern edge of the Serengeti in northern Tanzania. Nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera of the once-volcanic Ngorongoro shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth, ringed with towering walls and sheltering forests, grasslands, fresh springs and a large soda lake.

Accommodation:	Ngorongoro serena Lodge
Meals Planed:	B,D,L

Leave very early in the morning for game viewing in Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the Ngorongoro caldera to view the wildlife on the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is often called “Africa’s Eden” and the “8th Natural Wonder of the World”.

Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania Migration August

A massive extinct volcano, the sheet walls drop thousands of feet to a “Noah’s Ark” of animals on the verdant floor below. Large herds of zebra, buffalo, antelope and wildebeest graze nearby while sleeping lions laze in the sun. At dawn, the endangered black rhino returns to the thick cover of the crater forests after grazing on dew-laden grass in the morning mist.

Leave the crater in the afternoon and drive back to Arusha for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation:	Tulia lodge
Meals Planed:	B,D,L

After a leisurely breakfast, you can go for an optional tour around Arusha town to visit the Maasai Market, Cultural Heritage, Arusha Museum of Natural History, curio shops, or the Tanzanite Experience before transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight.

Accommodation:	N/A
Meals Planed:	B

Cancelation Procedure

10% Deposit payable upfront for budget camping and 30% for lodge. Remaining balance payable 20days or in arravil days for budget safari prior to trip departure. Free cancellation up to 30 days prior departure. No refund applicable within 10 days of departure..

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Hot Information!

Payment Procedure

A deposit of 10% is required when booking this tour. The remaining balance will be charged 20 days prior departure. For any bookings within 2days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking.

Include

Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
Hotel accommodation includes storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes
Return transfers between the hotel to the start / finish point of a climb
All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping / hut fees and climbing permits.
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
Chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter, used to take blood-oxygen level readings of clients twice a day
Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)
Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook
Salaries for mountain support crew, as per required KINAPA minimum payments
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals) – not applicable on the Marangu route as all meals are served at the camps in designated dining halls
Water for washing up daily
Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next camp
Our exclusive, printable Climbing Kilimanjaro 15 page altitude sickness survival guide
A comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro Travel Information pack
Private hikes only guaranteed for 2 persons or more on Standard Package bookings – for individual climbers additional fees would apply to arrange a private climb

Exclude

Flights and airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Optional shared tourist shuttle airport transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport and Moshi town/Arusha
The first and second night’s hotel accommodation with the Standard Package does not include dinner, but could be arranged at an additional cost
Entry visa for Tanzania (US$50 per passport holder for most nationalities / US $ 100 per visa for USA passport holders)
Health requirements (Yellow Fever – only compulsory if you travel to Tanzania via a Yellow Fever infected country, Meningitis & Hepatitis A remains optional, but comes recommended)
Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
Standard Packages do not include Flying doctors memberships (Helicopter evacuation to Nairobi), but could be done at own arrangement
Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania
Optional, but highly recommended Portable toilet (Portable toilet not allowed on the Marangu route)
Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
Meals and drinks not specified

SAFARI INCLUDED AND NOT INCLUDED

All park entrances, and administrative fees
3 Meals while on safari
4X4 transportation while on safari with open roof for wildlife view
Professional safari driver
Lunch box while you on safari.

Meals as noted in itinerary in full board

Camping equipment

Price Excludes:

All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc
Tips and gratuities to camp staff and driver – guide(s)
Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
Laundry services
Visa and International flight

Traveler Fq

What is included in your prices?

Our prices include hotel accommodations before and after the climb, transportation from the hotel to the trail and back, transportation from the airport to the hotel and back, Government tax, all park entry fees, 18% VAT on tour fees & services, Guide, porters and cook salaries, Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees, equipment like tents and chairs and tables, and meals on the mountain. Prices do not include flights, lunch, dinner or beverages at the hotel before &after climb, personal gear and equipment, or tips. Our prices are listed in US Dollars.

How many people are in a group climb?

Our group limit for climb is 10 people for those who book different to form a group.

Can you explain the dates of your group climbs?

If you are not spending any extra days before or after the climb, you should book your flight to land on the “Arrival Date” and leave on the “Departure Date”. The “Arrival Date” is the day before the climb begins. It represents the latest date you should be in Moshi. We have our trip briefings at 6:00pm at your hotel on this day, though we can schedule a personal trip briefing for you later in the evening or the next morning if you arrive late. The “Departure Date” is the day after you climb ends, after spending the night at the hotel.

What routes do you offer for group climbs?

We have group climbs on the 8 day Lemosho route, 7 day Rongai route, and 7 day Machame route. We specialize in Lemosho and Machame route so most of our group climbs are on these routes.

What is the difference between a group climb and private climb?

With a group climb, you will be in a party of up to10 climbers who have booked with us separately. Group climbs are scheduled for set dates on set routes. In a private climb, you will be in a party of people you specifically booked with (friends, family, etc.). Private climbs can be scheduled on any date you choose and on any route. There is no maximum number of climbers for a private climb. The service on the mountain is exactly the same.

Which routes do you recommend?

We recommend the 9 day Northern Circuit, 8 day Lemosho, and 7 day Rongai routes. These routes offer the best balance of high success rates, beautiful scenery and smaller crowds. 7 day Machame is a nice route as well, but has a lot of other climbers on it.

What is the best way to increase my chance of making it to the top, before the trip?

First and foremost, choose a longer route. 7 days should be the minimum and 8 or 9 days is even better. Next, put effort into your training and do it for at least two months, incorporating some long hikes if possible. Third, assemble the right gear for your climb. Lastly, consider using a high altitude training system to pre-acclimatize

What is high altitude training system?

Altitude training systems work by simulating the high altitudes found on Mount Kilimanjaro. The altitude training system reduces the percentage of oxygen in the air you breathe. Through regular use, the body undergoes physiological changes to cope with the lower oxygen level.

Without pre-acclimatization, as climbers ascend on Kilimanjaro, their bodies respond with short-termadaptations. These quick-response adaptations are meant primarily to prevent sickness and allow for some semblance of normal cardiovascular and muscular performance in an oxygen deprived environment.

Pre-acclimatization through altitude training systems produces long-term adaptations, such as an increase in red blood cells, blood volume, and efficiency of oxygen absorption. These adaptations help:

Increase recovery on the mountain. Breathing rates and oxygen intake decreases when the body is asleep. In an oxygen deficient environment, many people have difficulty sleeping. Pre-acclimatization enables people to sleep well, and thus, recover after physical activity.

Increase performance on the mountain. Pre-acclimatization significantly improves the body’s mechanisms for delivering oxygen to the muscles. The result is increased aerobic and anaerobic performance on Kilimanjaro, such as hiking strength and endurance.

Reduce the Incidence of Acute Mountain Sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the main reason climbers fail on Mount Kilimanjaro. Most people will experience some symptoms of AMS. Pre-acclimatization can reduce or eliminate symptoms of AMS.

What is the best way to increase my chance of making it to the top, during the trip?

Avoiding altitude sickness is key. Do this by walking slowly. Drink lots of water and eat enough food. Go on all optional acclimatization hikes. Consider taking Diamox. Also prevent other illnesses by disinfecting your hands after every time you use the bathroom and before any meals.

What gear do I need for my climb?

There is a variety of technical clothing and equipment you will need for your climb as shown blow;

Technical Clothing
1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
2 – Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
1 – Fleece Pants
1 – Shorts (optional)
1 – Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
3 – Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
2 – Sport Bra (women)

Headwear
1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 – Knit Hat, for warmth
1 – Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
1 – Bandana (optional)

Handwear
1 – Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
1 – Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)

Footwear
1 – Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
1 – Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
3 – Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
3 – Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional)

Accessories
1 – Sunglasses or Goggles
1 – Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
1 – Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
1 – Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended

1 – Water Bladder, Camelbak type (recommended)
1 – Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate

Equipment
1 – Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
1 – Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
1 – Trekking Poles (recommended)
1 – Head lamp, with extra batteries
1 – Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment.
1 – Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear

Other
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET

How much of my gear can my porter carry for me?

The weight limit is 20kgs .The sleeping bag is included in the limit. Porters will carry your duffel bag in a waterproof bag.

How much should my day pack weigh?

Try to keep it under 20 lbs. In fact, try to keep all of your belongings to under 40 lbs.

How should I dress for Kilimanjaro?

You should follow the layering principle when you dress. Layering is a systematic, logical approach to wearing multiple layers of clothing. The layers you will have are: base layer, mid layer, and outer shell.

What are those layers?

Base Layer

2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
3 – Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
1 – Bandana (optional)
1 – Balaclava
3 – Sock liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn underneath to prevent blisters
1 – Gloves, light, thin, synthetic, worn underneath for added warmth (optional)
1 – Arm Warmers, synthetic (optional)

Mid Layer

1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
1 – Fleece Pants
3 – Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
2 – Hiking Pants* (convertible to shorts recommended)
1 – Shorts* (optional) *considered mid layers simply because they are worn on top of the base layer (underwear).

Outer Layer

1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
1 – Knit Hat, for warmth
1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
1 – Hiking Boots, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
1 – Gym shoes, to wear at camp
1 – Gloves (waterproof recommended)

What rental gear is available?

We have all trekking gear and equipment for rent. You do not have to reserve them. You can acquire your rentals and pay for them at the trip briefing.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is best climbed when the weather is dry. There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania. The long rainy season is from mid-March to early June. The short rainy season is from November to early December. Therefore the best times to climb Kilimanajro are mid-December to early-March, and mid-June to end of October.

If I climb during the dry season, do I need rain gear?

Yes. It can rain and snow all year round. The base of the mountain is in the rainforest. A quality waterproof jacket and pants is 100% must.

How cold does it get on the mountain?

In general, expect to sleep in temperatures as low as 20F and to hike in temperatures as low as -20F. It can be even colder. Be prepared.

What kind of food is prepared on the mountain?

We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, which consist of western style meals.

Can you cater to special diets?

We can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets. For more specific requirements, we will try our best but please contact us to discuss.

How do I use the bathroom on the mountain?

Each campsite has public “long drop” toilets. If you need to use the bathroom on the trail, find a spot behind a tree or rock. We recommend bringing pee bottles so that you do not have to leave your tent multiple times during the night to urinate. Also we do arrange private toilet tent, which contains a plastic toilet for extra charges $ 70 if requested

How do I shower on the mountain?

You don’t. You can use wet wipes if you like to towel off. We also provide wash bins with soap for you to wash your hands and face.

What safety measures are taken by the staff?

Our guides are highly experienced to manage altitude sickness, which is the biggest obstacle on the mountain. They are certified Wilderness First Responders. They conduct twice daily health checks to measure your oxygen saturation and pulse. A rescue plan is in place in the event of an emergency. Bottled oxygen, Ox-meter and a first aid kit are carried on every climb.

What happens if someone in my group needs to descend? Does the entire party also have to descend?

No. We bring multiple guides on every climb so that when a climber needs to descend, it does not affect the rest of the party.

If I have to descend early, are the additional nights at the hotel covered?

Additional hotel stays are not covered and must be paid in country.

What do I need to enter Tanzania?

You will need a passport that is valid for at least six more months. You will also need a flight card which you will receive on the plane. Finally you need a Tanzanian visa.

Can I obtain my visa at the airport?

USA, Canadian, British and most European citizens can obtain their visas upon arrival at Kilimanjaro National Airport. The cost is $100 for USA passport holders and $50 for others. If you are a citizen of a different country, please check with your embassy whether you can obtain a visa upon arrival.

What vaccinations or immunizations do I need?

Nothing is required but many are recommended. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania when arriving from countries where yellow fever is present.

The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to East Africa. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
Hepatitis B, especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug.
Meningococcal (meningitis) if you plan to visit countries in this region that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June.
Rabies, pre-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors
Yellow fever, a viral disease that occurs primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus is also present in Panama and Trinidad and Tobago. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers to endemic areas and may be required to cross certain international borders (For country specific requirements, see Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country.). Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals if there is on-going risk. · As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.

Where do I fly into?

Our climbs begin and end in Moshi. Moshi is about 25 miles from Kilimanjaro National Airport (JRO). You should fly into Kilimanjaro National Airport and we can arrange for pick up.

Can I book a safari on the spot?

No, we must make preparations for your safari before your trip begins. All safaris must be pre-booked.

What gear do I need for the safari?

The only additional item you need for the safari is perhaps binoculars. Other than that, the clothing you have for your climb is sufficient.

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 the 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 type of vehicles do you provide?

We use 4 or 6passengers, 4×4-wheel-drive Land Cruisers, all with viewing roofs for the safaris.

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.

Do your Tanzania trips include any transfer for those arriving in Nairobi, Kenya?

No, but we can schedule your transfer from Nairobi either by land or air for an additional charge.