Kilimanjaro - Machame Route & Zanzibar Adventure - 12 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the physical rating for this tour, and what are the main physical challenges?

  This tour has a physical rating of 5, indicating it is very challenging. The trek up Kilimanjaro is not technical but requires significant mental and physical preparation due to the high altitude. Uhuru Peak is at an extreme altitude of 5,895m, higher than Everest Base Camp. Climbers should be prepared for potential mild altitude sickness symptoms like headaches, light-headedness, nausea, and loss of appetite. Preparing with regular aerobic exercises like cycling, running, or swimming is highly recommended.

• What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes 6 nights in simple hotels and 5 nights of full-service alpine camping. In Moshi, the starting hotel offers amenities like internet, laundry, and a garden bar. On the mountain, designated campsites are basic with no electricity or shower facilities, and basic long-drop latrines. Porters provide tents (with insect nets) and mattresses. In Zanzibar, you'll stay in standard, twin-share accommodation in Stone Town and on the beach. Note that beach resort location in Zanzibar is subject to change.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners. All meals are provided while trekking on Mt. Kilimanjaro, usually consisting of high-energy foods like pasta, potatoes, meats, and stews. Drinking water on Kilimanjaro is purified mountain water, but bottled water before and after the trek is at your own expense. When meals are not included at hotels, you will be advised of local dining options. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified prior to arrival.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  For the Kilimanjaro portion, you will have a certified mountain guide (CEO), an assistant guide (for groups over one person), a cook, and a team of porters. Guides are trained in mountain skills, first aid, and flora/fauna. For the Zanzibar portion, a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and local guides will provide information, suggestions, and introduce you to local culture.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 12 travellers, with an average group size of 10.

• Are international and local flights included in the tour price?

  International flights are generally not included in the price of the tour. However, all local flights, such as the scenic flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar, are included unless otherwise noted. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and provided before departure.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  Optional activities include a Lalasalama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage in Moshi, Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market visit, Stone Town Walking Tour, and Sultan's Palace Museum visit in Stone Town. In Jambiani, you can enjoy swimming, a Swahili Cultural Tour, or snorkeling. Scuba diving is available in Nungwi, and a Jozani Forest Tour is another option.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip, and what should it cover?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover at minimum 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. For Kilimanjaro, ensure your policy covers helicopter rescues at elevations up to 6,000 meters.

• What currency should I use, and what should I know about exchanging money?

  The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US dollars, British Pounds, and Euros can be exchanged locally, with large US$ notes (e.g., $50, $100) often getting better rates. Please note that US dollar notes older than 2006 are not accepted. ATMs are available in major centers but can be unreliable. Credit cards are accepted in major cities but may incur a 5-10% fee. It is best to bring a combination of foreign currency (USD for visas) and debit/credit cards. Travelers' cheques are not recommended.

• What are the tipping guidelines for the tour staff?

  Tipping is expected and appreciated. For Kilimanjaro, it is customary to tip the entire crew (Lead Guide, Assistant Guide, Cook, Porters) upon completion of the climb. A guideline is 10% of the trek's total cost per person, or $150-200 USD per climber for a 5-7 day trek. Individual daily guidelines are $10-15 USD for the CEO/Chief Guide, $8-10 USD for an Assistant Guide, $7-10 USD for the Cook, and $6-8 USD per porter. In Zanzibar, suggested tips are $5 USD per day for the CEO and driver, $2-5 USD per day for supply crew, and $1 USD per couple of hours for local guides. Restaurant servers typically receive 10% of the bill.

• Are there any age restrictions for joining this tour?

  Travellers must be 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above may join the tour if accompanied by a guardian who is over 21 years old.

• What are the rules regarding illegal drugs and ethical conduct on the tour?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and contravene local laws, putting the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also completely contrary to the tour operator's philosophy. Group leaders have the authority to expel any member found possessing drugs or utilizing the services of paid sex workers.

• What are the luggage restrictions for the Kilimanjaro trek?

  For the Kilimanjaro trek, your larger pack (preferably a duffle bag carried by porters) should not exceed 15kg and be within dimensions of 30cm (height) x 30cm (width) x 60cm (length). You will also carry a smaller day-pack (5kg) with your essentials. Secure luggage storage is available at the Moshi hotel while you climb.

• What is the Moshi Women's Cooperative?

  After descending from Kilimanjaro, you will meet the mamas of the Moshi Women’s Cooperative, a project supported by the tour operator. They will welcome and congratulate you on your climb, presenting you with a gift and a certificate. This is a 'G for Good Moment' activity, contributing to the local community.

• What are the health considerations regarding Yellow Fever and Malaria for this trip?

  A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if travelling from a Yellow Fever endemic country, and may be required even if transiting through an airport in an endemic country for more than 12 hours. Malaria is present in some regions; it is recommended to speak to your doctor about preventative medication and use insect repellent. Always check the most up-to-date health advisories.

• Are international flights included in the trip cost?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. On some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights are included, so please consult your booking agent for specific details.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, all local flights within the itinerary, such as the scenic flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar, are included unless otherwise noted. Internal flight tickets are issued locally.

• What are the health considerations for this trip, especially regarding Kilimanjaro?

  It is recommended to consult your physician or a travel clinic at least one month before departure. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, so discuss preventative medication with your doctor. Kilimanjaro requires significant physical fitness, and mild altitude sickness symptoms (headaches, nausea) are common. Severe symptoms necessitate immediate descent. Hypothermia and eye issues (for contact lens wearers) are also potential concerns. Medical facilities are basic, and travel insurance covering emergency evacuation above 6,000m is compulsory.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  For the Kilimanjaro hike, you will be led by an experienced certified mountain guide (CEO), an assistant guide, a cook, and a team of porters. On Zanzibar, a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and local guides will provide information and suggestions.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 12 travellers, with an average group size of 10.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances that might require a change to the planned route.

• What are the age requirements to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What types of accommodation can I expect during the trip?

  You will stay in simple hotels for 6 nights (e.g., in Moshi and Zanzibar) and experience full-service alpine camping for 5 nights on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Campsites on the mountain are basic, without electricity or shower facilities, using long-drop latrines. All camping equipment, except your sleeping bag and pillow, is supplied.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners. All meals while trekking on the mountain are included and consist of high-energy foods. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified prior to arrival.

• What currency should I use and what payment methods are accepted?

  The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US Dollars ($US) are the easiest foreign currency to exchange, but notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Traveler's cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system debit cards are widely accepted, but it's harder to find machines for Mastercard/Cirrus cards, so carrying both is recommended. Credit cards can be used in major cities but may incur a 5-10% fee. Cash is preferable for extra expenses at the Moshi hotel. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best due to potential power outages affecting ATMs.

• Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

  Yes, optional activities include: Lala Salama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage in Moshi; Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market, Stone Town Walking Tour, and Sultan's Palace Museum in Stone Town; Swimming, Swahili Cultural Tour, and Snorkelling in Jambiani; Jozani Forest Tour; and Scuba Diving in Nungwi. These must be booked prior to departure.

• Is tipping customary on this trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program and is an important source of income for local staff. Guidelines are provided for both the Kilimanjaro crew (Lead Guide, Assistant Guide, Cook, Porters – typically 10% of the trek cost per person or daily rates of $6-15 USD) and Zanzibar staff (CEO, Driver, Supply crew, Local guides – typically $1-5 USD per day/per couple of hours, plus 10% for restaurant/café servers).

• What modes of transportation will be used on the tour?

  Transportation on this tour includes private minibuses/vans, trekking on foot during the Kilimanjaro climb, a scenic plane flight between Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, and minibuses on Zanzibar.

• What are the main highlights of this Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar Adventure?

  The main highlights include conquering Africa's highest peak (Mt. Kilimanjaro), trekking past verdant forests and silent glaciers, watching the sunrise from Stella Point, exploring Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), taking in the aromas on a spice plantation tour, and relaxing on tropical beaches in Zanzibar.

• Are there any specific safety considerations for activities on this trip?

  Photography restrictions are in place for certain government buildings and military sites. Water-based activities have an element of danger, and it is recommended to participate only when accompanied by a guide. Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

• What general safety and security advice is provided for the trip?

  It is recommended to check your government's travel advice, use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, and leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing luggage. During free time, use good judgment when selecting optional activities; consider staying in small groups and taking taxis at night in major cities.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Tanzania and Zanzibar?

  All travelers require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Visa requirements vary by nationality, so contact your local embassy or consulate for up-to-date information. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate may be required upon entry. As of October 1st, 2024, mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) is required for all travelers to Zanzibar.

• What rules should I be aware of regarding conduct on the tour?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and possessing or using them contravenes local laws and puts the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also strictly against the tour philosophy. Violation of these rules may result in expulsion from the group.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Hand washing facilities are available at campsites, and biodegradable soap is recommended. Most hotels also offer laundry services for a fee. It is advisable to utilize the laundry service at your Moshi hotel after the Kilimanjaro trek.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by connecting local communities to tourism benefits. They develop and support community-owned businesses that empower Indigenous people, women, and youth, and protect the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, ensuring 100% of your donations directly support their projects.