Tanzania: Kilimanjaro's Machame Route & Serengeti Wildlife - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this tour?

  This tour features tackling Kilimanjaro's Machame Route, trekking through diverse landscapes to Uhuru Peak for sunrise views, roaming the iconic Serengeti for wildlife, descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, and spotting elephants in Tarangire National Park.

• What is the physical rating for this tour, and what kind of preparation is recommended for the Kilimanjaro trek?

  The tour has a physical rating of 5 (Challenging). Kilimanjaro is a major challenge due to altitude (Uhuru Peak is above 5,400m). It's essential to be mentally and physically prepared with regular hikes of increasing frequency and length. Aerobic exercises like cycling, running, and swimming are also beneficial for cardiovascular strength.

• What types of accommodation are provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes 6 nights in hotels, 5 nights of full-service alpine camping on Kilimanjaro at basic communal campsites with tents, mattresses, and basic latrines, and 2 nights in comfortable tented camps with en suite facilities. Basins of warm water are provided daily for washing during the trek.

• How many meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 9 dinners.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 14 travellers.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour includes a visit to the Moshi Women's Cooperative, a community visit and lunch at Mto wa Mbu, a welcome meeting with your CEO and group, a 6-day guided group trek up Mt Kilimanjaro's Machame Route with local guides, cooks, and porters, all 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 Serengeti National Park, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• Are there any optional activities available on this trip?

  Optional activities include the Lalasalama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage in Moshi, a Lake Manyara Safari Drive, and a Serengeti Balloon Safari.

• How will we travel between destinations during the tour, particularly for the safari portion?

  Transportation includes private minibuses, trekking for the Kilimanjaro portion, and private 7-seat 4x4 Land cruiser safari vehicles with sliding windows and pop-up roofs for wildlife viewing during the safari. Please note, travel can involve long drives and poor road conditions.

• What should I know about health considerations and vaccinations for this trip?

  Travellers should consult their physician for health information and recommended inoculations at least one month before departure. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory for entry into Tanzania, especially if arriving from or transiting through an endemic country. Malaria is present, so preventative medication and insect repellent are recommended. Be prepared for altitude sickness during the Kilimanjaro trek, with symptoms like headaches and nausea. Hypothermia is also a risk due to cold temperatures at higher altitudes.

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  Solo travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex at no extra cost. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive a single room for all night stops.

• What are the tipping guidelines for the Kilimanjaro trek crew?

  Tipping is expected and appreciated. A guideline is 10% of the total trek cost per person, typically between USD 150-200 for a 5-7 day trek. This should be presented as a group tip to the Lead Guide during the last meal on the mountain. Individual daily guidelines are USD 20-25 for the Chief Guide, USD 15-17 for the Cook, and USD 8-10 for Porters.

• What currency should I use, and what should I know about money exchange and credit cards in Tanzania?

  The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). USD, British Pounds, and Euros can be exchanged, but USD is easiest. USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Large USD notes generally get better exchange rates. ATMs are available in major centres but can be unreliable. Visa/Plus system debit cards are most widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in major cities but not widely, and a 5%-10% fee usually applies. It's best to carry a combination of foreign cash and debit/credit cards.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000. It is strongly recommended that your policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• How does the tour operator support local communities?

  The tour operator is the largest corporate donor to the Planeterra International Foundation, a non-profit committed to helping local communities earn income from tourism. The tour includes visits to the Moshi Women’s Cooperative and Mto wa Mbu, which are projects supported by this initiative, allowing travellers to learn about local lives and contribute directly.

• What kind of guides will be leading the group?

  The group will be led by a certified mountain guide, a local representative, a cook, and porters during the Kilimanjaro trek. For the safari portion, a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and certified safari guides/drivers will lead the group, along with local guides for safari activities.

• What is the recommended emergency fund I should have access to?

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