Kilimanjaro, Serengeti & Zanzibar - 19 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the physical rating of the tour, and what kind of fitness level is required?

  The physical rating is 5 (challenging). The Kilimanjaro climb is a major challenge requiring mental and physical preparation. Regular aerobic exercises and increasing hike frequency/length are recommended. Mild altitude sickness is common, and Uhuru peak is 500m higher than Everest Base Camp. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition must complete a medical questionnaire signed by their physician.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  The tour includes 9 nights in simple hotels, 5 nights of full-service alpine camping on Kilimanjaro, and 4 nights of full-service camping during the safari. Mountain campsites are basic with no electricity, showers, or long-drop latrines. Safari campsites vary, with some outside national parks offering more amenities. Zanzibar accommodation consists of standard twin-share hotels in Stone Town and on the beach.

• What meals are included during the trip?

  The tour includes 18 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 9 dinners. All meals on the mountain are provided and are high-energy foods. Safari meals are prepared from fresh local produce by the crew. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified in advance.

• What kind of transportation is used on the tour?

  Transportation includes private minibuses/vans for transfers in Moshi and Arusha, private 5 or 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles for the safari portion, a local airline flight between Arusha and Zanzibar, and minibuses on Zanzibar. Trekking on Kilimanjaro is done on foot.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 14 travellers, with an average group size of 12.

• Are there any age restrictions for joining this trip?

  The minimum age to travel unaccompanied is 18. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian who is 21 years or older.

• What health precautions should I consider before traveling?

  It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if travelling from a Yellow Fever endemic country or transiting for over 12 hours through one. Kenya and Uganda require it regardless of origin. Malaria is present in some regions, and preventative medication (prophylaxis) and insect repellent are recommended. Consult your physician at least one month before departure. Altitude sickness is common during the Kilimanjaro trek, and travelers should be aware of symptoms and necessary actions.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover at least USD200,000 for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation. For the Kilimanjaro trek, it is crucial to ensure your policy covers emergency rescue services above 6,000m.

• What are the guidelines for tipping the crew and guides?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component. For Kilimanjaro, a group tip is recommended (e.g., 10% of trek cost or $150-200 USD per climber for 5-7 days), with daily guidelines for Lead Guide ($10-15 USD), Assistant Guide ($8-10 USD), Cook ($7-10 USD), and Porter ($6-8 USD). For Safari/Zanzibar, suggested daily tips are $5 for the CEO and Driver, $2-5 for supply crew, and $1 for local guides (per couple of hours). Restaurant servers typically receive 10% of the bill.

• What cultural considerations should I be aware of, especially regarding dress code?

  During Ramadan (approx. Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026), it is important to show increased cultural sensitivity. This includes wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover knees and shoulders, and trying to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for those who are fasting.

• What are some optional activities available on this tour?

  Optional activities include a Lalasalama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage in Moshi, a Serengeti Balloon Safari, a Stone Town Walking Tour (with optional entrances to Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market, Sultan's Palace Museum), swimming, a Swahili Cultural Tour, and snorkelling in Jambiani, and scuba diving in Nungwi, and Jozani Forest Tour.

• What is the currency used, and what should I know about money exchange?

  The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros can be exchanged, but US Dollar notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Large US dollar notes may be difficult to change. Bring US Dollar cash for visas. Traveller's cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system cards are most widely accepted for debit; Mastercard/Cirrus are less common. ATMs can be unreliable, so a combination of foreign currency cash and debit/credit cards is best.

• What happens if my luggage is delayed or lost upon arrival in Kilimanjaro?

  It occasionally happens that luggage on international flights into Kilimanjaro does not arrive immediately. It is recommended to keep important documents, valuables, and a change of clothes in your hand luggage. While the tour operator will assist in liaising with the airline, any costs incurred for luggage retrieval or forwarding are not their responsibility.

• Will I have my own room on this tour if I am a solo traveller?

  For solo travellers on group trips, accommodation is generally shared (twin or multi-share) with someone of the same sex, and a single supplement is not charged. If you book the 'My Own Room/Tent' option, you will receive a single room/tent for all night stops where available.

• What is the Planeterra Foundation?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that turns travel into impact by connecting local communities to tourism. 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 donation goes directly to projects.

• 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 occur. Electricity cannot be guaranteed at public campsites (e.g., for sleep apnea machines). For electronics, bringing a portable charger/power bank is recommended, as there are no charging facilities at Serengeti and Ngorongoro campsites; however, devices can be charged in the vehicle when it's in motion.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Hand washing of clothes can be done at campsites where facilities exist, using biodegradable soap and a drying line. Hotel laundry service for a fee is available at your Moshi hotel after the Kilimanjaro trek and at your Arusha hotel before the safari, allowing time for washing and drying.