Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route & Serengeti Adventure - 15 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 5, indicating it is challenging.

• What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation includes simple hotels for 3 nights, full-service alpine camping for 7 nights during the Kilimanjaro trek, and full-service camping for 4 nights during the safari.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, the tour includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 11 dinners. All meals while trekking on the mountain are provided and prepared by the group's cook. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified prior to arrival.

• What about drinking water during the Kilimanjaro trek?

  On day 2, you should bring bottled water from the hotel for your first day's hike. Beyond that, purified (filtered) mountain water will be provided daily by your guides who will replenish your empty bottles.

• What is the minimum and maximum age for participants?

  The minimum age for participants on this tour is 12 years old, and the maximum age is 100 years old.

• What type of transportation is used during the tour?

  Transfers to and from Mt. Kilimanjaro and between Moshi and Arusha are done in a private minibus or van. The safari portion utilizes private 5 or 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles. Seatbelts are mandatory at all times.

• Are single travelers required to pay a single supplement?

  No, single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin-share accommodation and tents with someone of the same sex, so a single supplement is not required for shared accommodation.

• What cultural experiences are included?

  The tour includes visits to the Moshi Women's Cooperative, a guided cultural walk and traditional lunch with a local family in Mto wa Mbu, a visit to the Clean Cookstove Project, and an authentic Maasai village visit.

• Is a sleeping bag provided for the tour?

  A sleeping bag is required for the entire duration of this tour. Sleeping bags can be rented for the Kilimanjaro portion for approximately $40 USD, but they are not available for the safari portion. It is recommended to bring a sleeping bag suitable for both parts of the tour.

• What is the tipping policy for guides and crew?

  Tipping is an expected and highly appreciated component. For the Kilimanjaro trek, a guideline of $150-200 USD per climber is suggested, to be given collectively to the crew. For the safari, daily guidelines are $5 USD per day for the CEO and driver, and $2-5 USD per day for the supply crew.

• What should I do if my luggage is lost upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport?

  Luggage complications can occur. It's advisable to keep important documents, valuables, and a change of clothes in your hand luggage. If luggage is lost, it usually takes 48-72 hours to arrive. You may need to purchase or hire necessary items locally. The tour operator will assist, but any costs incurred for luggage retrieval are your responsibility.

• Is a Yellow Fever certificate required for this trip?

  It may be compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are traveling from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country for more than 12 hours. Please consult your local health expert for the most up-to-date advice on required inoculations.

• What optional activities are available?

  Optional activities include a Lala Salama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage in Moshi and a Serengeti Balloon Safari in Serengeti National Park.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 14 participants.

• What are the road conditions like during the safari?

  Road conditions can vary from new to very poor, and during dry seasons, roads can become very dusty. The safari portion involves covering long distances, meaning there will be a lot of driving, often on unsealed dirt roads.

• What should I know about electricity and charging devices during the trip?

  The power supply in Tanzania is nominally 240VAC, 50hz, but variable voltage, spikes, and sporadic power cuts can be expected. In Serengeti and Ngorongoro campsites, there are no charging facilities. Portable chargers or power banks are recommended, and these can be charged in the vehicle when it is in motion.

• Is special travel insurance required for high-altitude climbing?

  Yes, while hiking Kilimanjaro to nearly 6,000 meters, many standard insurance policies do NOT cover helicopter rescues at this elevation. It is crucial to check your benefits to ensure coverage for emergency rescue services above 6,000m.

• Are there any unique challenges or conditions at the Mt. Kilimanjaro campsites?

  The alpine campsites on Mt. Kilimanjaro are basic and exposed to the elements. They do not have electricity or shower facilities, and toilet facilities are basic long-drop latrines. Your crew will provide basins of warm water for daily washing. Tents are two-person dome tents pitched by porters, and mattresses are provided.

• Will I see the Great Migration during the Serengeti safari?

  The wildebeest migration is a seasonal event. They typically disperse into the Seronera plains (Serengeti/Ngorongoro Conservation Area) from late November to early May, with calving in January. They move north towards the Mara River from late April to early July, and return south by late October. Seeing the migration depends on the specific time of year of your visit.

• Is there an additional acclimatization day during the Kilimanjaro ascent?

  Yes, the tour includes an additional 'acclimatization day' during the ascent to help participants adapt to the high altitude.

• What happens if I need to alter the itinerary due to illness or other reasons?

  If you need to alter the itinerary for any reason (e.g., travel delay, illness, or early descent from Kilimanjaro due to altitude sickness, injury, or exhaustion), any unscheduled meals or nights spent in a location other than the tour itinerary will be at your own expense. Park fees for unused days on Kilimanjaro are non-refundable.

• What are the main experiences included in this tour?

  This adventure includes summiting Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route, extensive wildlife drives in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in search of the "big five", a visit to an authentic Maasai village, and an included lunch with a local family in Mto wa Mbu village.

• What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes simple hotels for 3 nights, full-service alpine camping for 7 nights during the Kilimanjaro trek, and full-service camping for 4 nights during the safari. While camping on Kilimanjaro, tents are pitched by porters and basic facilities are provided. During the safari, campsites vary from well-serviced with warm showers and electricity to more basic with long-drop latrines and no electricity.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 11 dinners are included. All meals while trekking on Kilimanjaro are provided and prepared by your group's cook. Purified mountain water is also provided during the Kilimanjaro trek. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified prior to arrival.

• What types of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes private minibuses or vans for transfers between locations and to/from Kilimanjaro, and private 5 or 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles for the safari portion. Trekking is the primary mode of transportation on Mount Kilimanjaro.

• What is the group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 14 travelers, with an average of 10.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour is led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). For the Kilimanjaro trek, you'll have a certified mountain guide, assistant guides, cooks, and porters. For the safari, an expert safari guide/driver and a camp cook will accompany the group.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage. Ensure your policy covers climbing at high altitudes (above 6,000m).

• What health considerations should I be aware of?

  It is recommended to consult your family physician or a travel clinic at least one month prior for health information. Medical facilities are basic. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate may be compulsory if traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, so preventative medication and insect repellent are recommended.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Tanzania?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity from your entry date. Visa requirements vary by nationality, and it is your responsibility to check with your local embassy or consulate. A Yellow Fever certificate may also be required upon entry.

• What is the tipping policy for guides and staff?

  Tipping is an expected and highly appreciated component of the tour. For Kilimanjaro, a guideline of 10% of the total trek cost (e.g., USD150-200 per climber for a 5-7 day trip) is suggested for the entire crew, to be presented collectively to the Lead Guide. For safari staff, typical guidelines are USD5 per day for the CEO and driver, and USD2-5 per day for supply crew.

• Are there any optional activities available?

  Yes, optional activities include a Lalasalama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage in Moshi and a Serengeti Balloon Safari in Serengeti National Park.

• How much emergency money should I carry?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances outside of the tour operator's control.

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  For group trips, solo travelers are paired in twin-share accommodation or tents with someone of the same sex, meaning there is no single supplement for shared rooms. If you book the "My Own Room/Tent" option, you will receive your own single room or tent for all overnight stops.

• What currency should I use, and what about credit cards?

  The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US Dollars are the easiest foreign currency to exchange, but notes older than 2006 are not accepted. USD cash is required for border visas. Traveler's cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system cards are widely accepted for debit, but ATMs can be unreliable due to power outages or running out of cash. Credit cards are accepted in major cities only and usually incur a 5-10% fee. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards is best.