Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Adventure - 12 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this tour?

  This incredible adventure allows you to conquer Africa's highest peak (Mount Kilimanjaro), savour local specialities with traditional meals, watch the sun rise from the roof of Africa, and enjoy a local lunch with a family in the Mto wa Mbu village, alongside sweeping Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safaris.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

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

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation includes simple hotels (3 nights), full-service camping (4 nights), and alpine huts (4 nights). For single travelers, accommodation is shared with someone of the same sex. On Kilimanjaro, non-heated wooden A-frame huts with simple beds are used, and purified mountain water is provided after the first day. On safari, basic public campsites are used, with one well-serviced camp near Lake Manyara and more basic facilities in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. A full camping service is provided where tents are pitched, meals prepared, and washing up is done by staff.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 8 dinners.

• What transportation methods are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes trekking, private minibuses or vans for transfers to/from Kilimanjaro and to Arusha, and private 5 or 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles for the safari portion. Speed governors are set to 80kph, and seat belt use is mandatory.

• How large will the group be?

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

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, except for days 1 to 6 in Moshi/Kilimanjaro where exceptions may apply.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

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

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. For some combo tours between different countries, international flights may be included. Please contact your GCO or booking agent for details.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join without evidence of insurance covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation (minimum USD200,000 coverage). Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage are also strongly recommended.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  We recommend contacting your physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if travelling from a Yellow Fever endemic country, and Malaria prevention (prophylaxis and insect repellent) is recommended as malaria is present in some regions. Travellers should carry a basic first-aid kit and inform the tour leader of any medical conditions.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US dollars (notes newer than 2006), British Pounds, and Euros can be exchanged. Large US dollar notes ($50, $100) may be difficult to change but offer the best rates. Travellers’ cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system debit cards are most widely accepted, and a combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major cities and may incur a 5%-10% fee. Be aware of occasional power outages and ATMs running out of cash in rural areas.

• Is tipping expected on this trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program, serving as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service. For safaris, suggested daily tips are $5 USD for the CEO, $5 USD for the Driver, and $2-5 USD for supply crew, plus 10% of the bill for restaurant servers. For Kilimanjaro, a guideline is 10% of the total trek cost per person (typically $150-200 USD per climber for a 5-7 day trip), to be presented to the Lead Guide for the entire crew. Individual guidelines for Kilimanjaro crew: CEO/Chief Guide $10-15 USD/day, Assistant Guide $8-10 USD/day, Cook $7-10 USD/day, Porter $6-8 USD/day.

• What optional activities are available?

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

• What are the general safety and security considerations?

  We recommend checking your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. Always secure your luggage with a lock. Your group leader can amend the itinerary for safety reasons. Exercise good judgment during free time and avoid wandering alone at night; use taxis. For water-based activities, only participate if accompanied by a guide.

• Are there specific safety considerations for LGBTQ+ travellers?

  The safety and well-being of all travellers, including the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit the tour operator's LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and information to ensure safety and comfort.

• What rules should I be aware of?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated. Possessing or using drugs contravenes local laws and puts the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is against our philosophy. The CEO has the right to expel any group member for drug possession or utilizing paid sex workers. Additionally, refrain from photographing police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration/border crossings, army barracks, personnel, or any government building, as it is illegal and can lead to confiscation of film/camera.

• Who will be leading the group?

  The group will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer), a certified mountain guide, a certified safari guide/driver, a local representative, a cook, porters, and a camp crew.

• Can I do laundry on this trip?

  Hand washing facilities are available at most campsites; biodegradable soap and a drying line are recommended. Hotels at continuing and finishing points also offer laundry service for a fee. It is advised to hand in laundry upon arrival at the Moshi base hotel after the Kilimanjaro trek to ensure it is washed and dried by the next morning.

• What permits and services are included for the trek and safari?

  The tour includes Mt. Kilimanjaro's Marangu Route trekking permits, guides, cooks, and porters. It also includes a wildlife safari drive in Lake Manyara, multiple wildlife safari drives in Serengeti National Park, and a wildlife safari drive in Ngorongoro Crater.

• What happens if I need to descend from Kilimanjaro early due to health reasons?

  In the event of having to descend from your climb early due to altitude sickness, injury, or exhaustion, any extra meals or nights spent at our Moshi base Hotel will be at your own expense and will not be covered by the tour operator.

• What are the rules regarding water bottles on Kilimanjaro?

  A refillable water bottle/flask is required for the trek; plastic or disposable bottles are not allowed on the mountain and may be confiscated. Water bottles should carry up to 3 litres (minimum 2 litres). Platypus-type water bladders/camel backs made of material that prevents water from freezing at high altitudes are recommended.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 5, which is considered demanding.

• What types of accommodation are used throughout the tour?

  Accommodation includes simple hotels for 3 nights, full-service camping for 4 nights, and alpine huts for 4 nights. On Kilimanjaro, guests stay in non-heated, wooden A-frame huts with basic beds. Safari camping ranges from well-serviced sites near Lake Manyara to more basic sites with long-drop latrines and no electricity in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

• Which meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 8 dinners.

• What modes of transportation are used during the trip?

  Transportation involves a 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle, private minibuses, and trekking.

• What are the main highlights of the Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Adventure?

  Key highlights include ascending Mount Kilimanjaro (Marangu Route), enjoying local specialities and a traditional lunch in Mto wa Mbu village, witnessing the sunrise from Africa's peak, and extensive wildlife safari drives in Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater to spot the 'big five'.

• Is travel insurance a requirement for this tour?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation with a minimum of USD200,000.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

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

• Are there any age requirements for participants?

  The minimum age to travel unaccompanied is 18. For minors, the minimum age is 12 when accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.

• What are the guidelines for tipping during the tour?

  Tipping is expected. For the safari, daily suggestions per person are $5 USD for the CEO, $5 USD for the Driver, and $2-5 USD for the Supply crew. Restaurant servers typically receive 10%. For the Kilimanjaro trek, a group tip of 10% of the trek's total cost per person for the entire crew is customary.

• What optional activities can be booked?

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

• What health information should I consider before traveling?

  Consult your doctor at least one month prior for health information and necessary inoculations. Medical facilities are basic. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is required if traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some areas; discuss prophylaxis and use insect repellent.

• Who leads the tour group?

  The group is led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a certified mountain guide, a certified safari guide/driver, a local representative, a cook, porters, and camp crew.

• What should I know about currency and exchanging money in Tanzania?

  The local currency is Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US dollars (notes newer than 2006) are easiest to exchange, but British Pounds and Euros are also accepted. Larger denominations often yield better rates. USD cash is required for visas at borders. ATMs are in major centers but can be unreliable. Credit cards are accepted in major cities only, often with a 5-10% fee. A mix of foreign currency and debit/credit cards is recommended, along with an emergency fund of at least USD $200.

• What are the local community projects supported by this tour?

  The tour includes visits and support for the Moshi Women's Cooperative, the Mto wa Mbu Community (including a cultural walk and traditional lunch), and the Clean Cookstove Project, which are initiatives designed to empower local communities and promote sustainability.

• Are there any specific safety rules or concerns in Arusha or regarding photography?

  In Arusha, guests should be cautious, keep valuables in hotel safes (with passport photocopies), and use taxis at night. Avoid lingering conversations with strangers trying to sell safaris. Photography of government buildings, police stations, airports, bus stations, border crossings, or military personnel is strictly prohibited and can lead to confiscation of equipment.

• Can solo travelers expect to pay a single supplement?

  No, single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation and tents with someone of the same sex, so there is generally no single supplement.

• How can I charge my electronic devices during the trip?

  It is strongly recommended to bring a portable charger or power bank for electronic devices. There are no charging facilities at campsites in Serengeti and Ngorongoro; devices can only be charged in the vehicle while it is in motion.