Tanzania: Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti & Zanzibar - 18 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please contact your GCO or booking agent for further details. Check-in times and baggage allowances vary by airline.

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

  We recommend contacting your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information. Carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers. You must advise your tour leader of any medical conditions. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory for entry into Tanzania if you are travelling from a Yellow Fever endemic country or have transited for over 12 hours through one. Malaria is present; consult your doctor about preventative medication and use insect repellent. Kilimanjaro trekking requires physical fitness and mental preparation; be aware of altitude sickness symptoms (headaches, nausea) and descend if severe. Watch for signs of hypothermia like drowsiness and slurred speech. Contact lens wearers should remove lenses at night due to reduced oxygen at altitude. In a mountain emergency, the rescue team will descend with the casualty to the park gate.

• How will we travel between destinations?

  The safari portion of this trip is conducted in private, 7-seat 4x4 Land cruiser vehicles with sliding windows and pop-up roofs for wildlife viewing. The journey from Arusha to Zanzibar will be by plane. Please note that travel can involve long drives and sometimes poor road conditions.

• If I choose to purchase My Own Room, are there any exceptions during the trip?

  If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more. Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. Some Independent trips have different designs and may require solo travellers to pay a single trip price.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include: Moshi - Lalasalama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage; Lake Manyara National Park - Lake Manyara Safari Drive; Serengeti National Park - Serengeti Balloon Safari; Zanzibar - Zanzibar Snorkelling, Jozani Forest Tour (36-160USD per person), Swimming in Jambiani.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating positive impact through travel by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They support community-owned businesses that empower Indigenous people, women, and youth, and protect the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, ensuring 100% of your donation goes directly to projects.

• What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?

  The maximum number of travellers on this tour is 14.

• 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). USD (notes newer than 2006), British Pound, and Euro can be exchanged. USD is generally the easiest currency to exchange. Large USD notes ($50, $100) may be difficult to change in some places but offer the best exchange rate. Bring foreign currency with you, as buying it locally can be expensive, and USD cash is required for border visas. Travellers’ cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards; consider bringing both Visa and Mastercard. ATMs are available in major centers but may run out of cash. Credit cards are accepted in major cities only, often with a 5-10% fee. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. For hotel expenses, cash or Visa is accepted, with cash being preferable due to credit card charges.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources, including the Equaldex tool, to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.

• What's included in this trip?

  The trip includes: Moshi Women's Cooperative Visit, Mto wa Mbu Community Visit and Lunch, a Welcome Meeting, a 6-day guided group trek up Mt Kilimanjaro's Machame Route (with local guides, cooks, porters, permits, and fees), two safari drives in Tarangire National Park, a coffee harvesting tour in Karatu, a scenic safari drive in Ngorongoro Crater, a sunset safari drive in Serengeti, a full-day safari drive in Karatu and Serengeti National Park, a Stonetown Orientation Walk, a Spice Tour in Zanzibar, free time in Karatu, Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar, an internal flight to Zanzibar, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• Where can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry service is provided at the start/end hotel in Moshi. The drying time for clothes depends on the weather as they are sun-dried.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Accommodation will consist of Hotels (10 nights), full-service alpine camping (5 nights) on Kilimanjaro, and Tented Camps (2 nights) during the safari.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 17 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 9 dinners.

• What general safety tips and free-time guidelines should I follow?

  We recommend checking your government's travel advice before departure. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock for luggage is recommended. Your group leader (CEO) can amend the itinerary for safety. During free time, use good judgment for optional activities; the tour operator offers no representations about their safety or the operators. In cities, especially at night, travel in small groups and use taxis. Participate in water-based activities only with a guide; swimming/snorkelling is at your own risk.

• What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used for unforeseen circumstances outside our control that may require a change to the planned route.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Ensure your policy covers all included adventure activities. If using credit card insurance, proof of trip purchase with a credit card in your name is required.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include tackling Kilimanjaro's scenic Machame Route to stand at Uhuru Peak for sunrise, roaming the iconic Serengeti in search of wildebeest and the Great Migration, descending into Ngorongoro Crater to find the elusive black rhino, spotting elephant herds in Tarangire National Park, and unwinding on Zanzibar's white-sand beaches.