How Do I Prepare to Climb Kilimanjaro?

How Do I Prepare to Climb Kilimanjaro?

This section covers what gear you need to bring, physical training, Tanzania entry requirements (passport & visa), immunizations and vaccinations, and travel insurance.

Please read this carefully and make sure you have gathered everything before you depart on your trip.

What Gear Do I Need to Bring?

You are responsible for bringing personal gear and equipment while communal equipment (tents, food, cooking items, etc.) is provided. Below is a gear list of required, recommended and optional items to bring on your climb.

Technical Clothing

1 - Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood

1 - Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down, warm

1 - Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell

3 - Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric

1 - Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric

1 - Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper recommended)

2 - Hiking Pants

1 - Fleece Pants

1 - Shorts (optional)

1 - Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric

4 - Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended

3 - Sport Bra (women)

Headwear

1 - Brimmed Hat, for sun protection

1 - Knit Hat, for warmth

1 - Balaclava or Buff (recommended)

Hand wear

1 - Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)

1 - Gloves, light

Footwear

1 - Hiking Boots or Shoes, warm, waterproof

4 - Socks, wool or synthetic

1 - Gaiters, waterproof (optional)

Accessories

1 - Sunglasses Sunglasses or Goggles

1 - Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)

1 - Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)

1 - Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)

1 - Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)

1 - Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended)

Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or "Ziploc"-Type Plastic Bags, to keep gear dry and separate. Note that there is a general ban on plastic bags in Tanzania, however Ziploc-type bags for toiletries are permitted for tourists.

Equipment { may be rented on location}

1 - Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons*

1 - Camp Pillow, inflatable (optional)

1 - Trekking Poles, collapsible (highly recommended)*

1 - Head Lamp, with extra batteries

1 - Duffel Bag, 70L-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment

1 - Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear

Other

Toiletries

Prescriptions

Sunscreen

Lip Balm

Insect Repellent, containing DEET

First Aid Kit

Face Mask (REQUIRED)

Hand Sanitizer (REQUIRED)

Toilet Paper

Wet Wipes (recommended)

Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)

Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)

Camera, with extra batteries (optional)

Paperwork

Trip Receipt

Passport

Visa (available at JRO)

Immunization Papers

Insurance Documents

Download gear list (See What Should I Wear to Climb Kilimanjaro?)

The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack and bring way too much gear.

Be selective in what you take with you. Please note that our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs (15 kgs) of your personal belongings. Everything the porters will carry for you between campsites should be placed into the duffel bag, including the sleeping bag, but it is OK to pack the sleeping bag separately if necessary. If you rent a sleeping bag from us, note that the bag weighs 5 lbs 6 oz. and this weight does count against the 33 lb limit.

Our porters will place your duffel bag and sleeping bag into a large, sturdy, waterproof bag with a roll-top closure.

If you have excess weight, you will be required to hire an additional porter. It is rare to require an extra porter and should happen only in special cases, such as for carrying extensive photography equipment. You are expected to bring everything you need, though we do rent warm sleeping bags and trekking poles on location. All extra luggage, items you will not use on your climb, such safari clothing, gear and equipment, can also be safely stored at the hotel.

Plastic, recyclable water bottles are not allowed in the park, due to past problems with litter. So water should be carried in Nalgene bottles, water bladders, or similar devices. You should be able to carry 3-4 liters of water with you at all times. Please do not bring alcohol. It is illegal to have alcohol in the park. Our staff will not carry it for you. Besides, drinking and high altitude do not mix well.

Checked luggage on airplanes can get lost or delayed on the way to Tanzania. You should prepare for this possibility by wearing or carrying on the items that are essential to your Kilimanjaro climb. While most clothing, gear and equipment can be replaced in Tanzania prior to your climb, there are some things that you should not replace.

Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd recommends that you wear one complete hiking outfit on the plane, including a long sleeve shirt, hiking pants, underwear, socks, and hiking boots. In your carryon baggage, you should bring your backpack, waterproof jacket and pants, insulated jacket, fleece pants, snacks, toiletries, medications, camera and all paperwork. Airline regulations do not allow you to carry trekking poles on the plane. Make sure you do wear/carry your hiking boots; wearing a different pair of boots on your climb will likely cause blistering.

If your baggage is lost or delayed, please notify us immediately upon your arrival so we can assist you in assembling the necessary gear. We will take you to local, independently owned rental gear shops in Moshi / Arusha. Note that these shops generally carry second-hand items that may not be up to Western standards. Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd cannot guarantee the fit, quality or functionality of items found in local shops. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to carry on the most important pieces of gear as noted above. We will make reasonable attempts to deliver delayed luggage to you on the mountain. All additional expenses that are incurred by us while resolving lost or delayed luggage problems must be reimbursed locally.

How do I Train to Climb Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a physical undertaking, so you should prepare yourself accordingly with a Kilimanjaro training program. Being in good shape is important in many respects. Obviously, strong, conditioned legs make it easier to walk uphill and downhill for sustained periods of time. General aerobic fitness allows the body to function efficiently with less oxygen. And a fit body is more likely to withstand the stress of consecutive days of hiking and camping. Finally, a positive mental attitude can work wonders for you when fatigue and doubts arise.

How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro? 

That's a difficult question to answer because some people don't train much and fare very well, while others engage in a disciplined training program and succumb to the altitude in a few days. We've heard marathon runners tell us that climbing Kilimanjaro is the hardest thing they've ever done. The best advice we can give is to train adequately, as described below, and get yourself in the best possible hiking shape. The mountain is a big unknown, and you won't know with certainty how you will react until you are there. In a survey we administered, on a scale of 1 (easy) to 10 (difficult), respondents rated their climb with an average difficulty of 7 (see Can an Unfit Person Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?).

The best exercise that you can do to prepare for Mount Kilimanjaro is hiking.

There are training regimens on other operator's sites which entail strict, extensive, cross-training programs, featuring hiking, running, biking, swimming, weight training, etc. Do not be alarmed by this. Those programs are excessive and unnecessary. To sufficiently prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro, the best and perhaps only exercise you need to do is to hike - period. After all, that is what you will be doing on the mountain. Ideally, you should try to hike as much as possible on hills or mountains to simulate climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Doing day hikes is superb training. For those who do not have access to trails, the next best option is to train on stairs. You can also train very productively on a stair master machine. As a last resort, walk as much as you can, with extended walks on the weekends.

You should start training for climbing Kilimanjaro at least two months prior to your departure.

If you've never hiked before, you should start with shorter time intervals, a slower pace, and no weight (in your day pack) and then gradually increase all of the above as your fitness level improves. Remember that on Mount Kilimanjaro, you will walk slowly for prolonged periods, and carry probably no more than 20 lbs in your day pack. Therefore, in your training, it is better to increase the time interval/distance and keep a slow pace than to shorten the time interval/distance and increase the pace. Try to train three times a week, for at least one hour per session, at a minimum. 

If you can do day hikes for four to six hours, with moderate elevation changes (~1,000 ft/305 m) while carrying a 20 lb pack, or if you can climb stairs or use a StairMaster for 1-2 hours, at 30 steps per minute while carrying a 20 lb pack, then you're probably ready for the real thing.

Your longest/hardest workouts should be performed two to four weeks before your departure. For the last two weeks, you should taper off your training and in the final days, rest so that your body has time to recover before your actual climb. In addition to walking/hiking, you can also supplement your training with exercises such as running or cycling, which will increase your aerobic capacity.

It is imperative that during Kilimanjaro training, you wear the boots that you intend to climb with so that they are sufficiently broken-in (to prevent blisters). Additionally, you should wear the day pack you intend to carry so you're your shoulders/back/hips get used to the points of contact and weight (to minimize chafing and soreness).

Lastly, physical training is just one part of getting in shape. If you have an unhealthy lifestyle, use the climb as your motivation to change. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Reduce your red meat consumption. Don't drink or smoke. Get eight hours of sleep per night. Don't worry. Be happy.

How Can I Prepare for High Altitude?

Getting your body in great shape through physical training certainly helps prepare you for altitude. However, the ability to adjust quickly to the changing oxygen content is largely genetic. As the Kilimanjaro climbing success rates show, some people can climb Kilimanjaro in as little as 5 days (not recommended), while some still fail with 8 days. It is impossible to tell how well a prospective climber may fare in oxygen deprived atmosphere until he or she is actually in it.

High altitude training systems enable climbers to pre-acclimatize at home, drastically improving the success rate, safety and enjoyment of the climb.

Altitude training systems simulate high altitudes to induce beneficial biological adaptations in the body. Besides going to (and staying in) high altitude places, using a high altitude training system is only way to pre-acclimatize to high altitude before your trip (see Pre-Acclimatization).

Should I Get a Medical Check Up?

All climbers should have a medical check prior to attempting the mountain. Ask your doctor if high altitude trekking is permissible for your age, fitness level and health condition. Ask if you have any preexisting medical conditions that can cause problems on the climb. Ask if any of your medications can affect altitude acclimatization. Ask whether Diamox can be taken with your existing prescription medicines

If you have any medical issues that can be make climbing Kilimanjaro more dangerous for you than the average person, we need to be informed of this before you book.

Such medical issues include but are not limited to: spine problems; circulation problems; internal problems such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, intestinal or kidney problems; respiratory issues such as asthma; high or low blood pressure; head trauma or injury; heart conditions; blood disease; hearing or vision impairment; cancer; seizure disorders; joint dislocations; sprains; hernia.

The minimum age for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is 10 years old. There is no maximum age. However, the climb is strenuous and presents health risks, especially to people in high risk categories. Serious consideration should be given to anyone under the age of 18 and over the age of 60. The climbers on the extreme ends of the age spectrum should definitely consult their doctor.

Our minimum fitness requirements are that each climber must have a resting heart rate of under 100 beats per minute. We will check your resting heart rate before your climb. If your resting heart rate is above 100, you will be required to see a local doctor prior to the climb to get approval. The average resting heart rate is 60-80 beats per minute.

What Are the Entry Requirements for Tanzania?

Foreigners seeking to enter the United Republic of Tanzania should be in possession of a valid passport, at least six months prior to expiration. The passport is to be presented to the Immigration Control Officer at any entry point: border station, airport, harbor. The passport must be presented along with one of the following:

A valid visa

A visitor must also present an onward or return ticket together with proof that the visitor has sufficient funds to support himself or herself while in Tanzania.

All foreigners from non-Commonwealth countries are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived. Exemptions: Citizens of Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas unless they are citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, or India. The visa is permission granted to a foreigner who intends to travel to Tanzania on business, for a holiday, to study or conduct research, or for other approved activities. When entering Tanzania, the visitor with a visa may then obtain from the immigration control officer, a pass or any other authority to enter the country.

Visas are issued by the following:

The office of the Director of Immigration Services, Dar es Salaam, and the office of the Principal Immigration Officer, Zanzibar.

Tanzanian representatives abroad: Visas can be obtained at Tanzanian Embassies and High Commissions, such as the Tanzanian Embassy of the United States.

Entry points to the United Republic of Tanzania: principally Namanga, Tunduma, Sirari, Horohoro, Kigoma port, Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar Harbour and Zanzibar Airport.

Any other gazetted entry point.

At Kilimanjaro Airport, passengers disembark their flights outside on the tarmac. You may be required to show your boarding pass to staff outside the airport for verification that you got off the plane at the correct destination, so keep your boarding pass handy.

Upon entering the airport (which would be from the left side of the photo), there are several lines for visitors who have their visas and lines for visitors who need to purchase their visas. Pay attention to all open booths as the airport staffs are not very helpful in directing the crowd to open lines.

You should have received a declaration form to fill out from the airline staff. If not, there are forms available inside the building. The declaration card is shown below and can be downloaded here. You will need to submit this form to immigration.

Kim’zebra Adventures & safaris recommend that clients obtain their visas prior to arrival in order to expedite the immigration process at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

The cost of a Tanzanian visa upon arrival for US citizens is $100, payable in US dollars. Canadian, Australian, British and most European passport holders can also obtain visas upon arrival at the airport. The cost of a Tanzanian visa is $50, payable in US dollars. Confirm with your embassy.

What Vaccinations, Immunizations and Medications Do I Need?

The following information was obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tanzania.

Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications

The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to East Africa. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.

Hepatitis B, especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years who did not receive the series as infants.

Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug.

Meningococcal (meningitis) if you plan to visit countries in this region that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June.

Rabies, pre-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.

Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors

Yellow fever, a viral disease that occurs primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus is also present in Panama and Trinidad and Tobago. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers to endemic areas and may be required to cross certain international borders (For country specific requirements, see Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country.). Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals if there is on-going risk.

As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.

Malaria

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. All travelers to East Africa, including infants, children, and former residents of East Africa, may be at risk for malaria. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites.

All travelers should take one of the following drugs:

atovaquone/proguanil,

doxycycline,

mefloquine, or

primaquine (in special circumstances).

Yellow Fever

A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania when arriving from countries where yellow fever is present.

Food and Waterborne Diseases

Make sure your food and drinking water are safe. Food and waterborne diseases are the primary cause of illness in travelers. Travelers' diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout East Africa and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting (E. coli, Salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage (hepatitis).

To stay healthy, do...

Wash your hands often with soap and water or, if hands are not visibly soiled, use a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub to remove potentially infectious materials from your skin and help prevent disease transmission.

In developing countries, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink.

Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed. (See your health care provider for a prescription.)

To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, even on beaches.

Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Protect yourself from mosquito insect bites:

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when outdoors.

Use insect repellents that contain DEET (N, N-diethylmethyltoluamide).

If no screening or air conditioning is available: use a parathyroid-containing spray in living and sleeping areas during evening and night-time hours; sleep under bed nets, preferably insecticide-treated ones.

Do not…

Do not eat food purchased from street vendors or food that is not well cooked to reduce risk of infection (i.e., hepatitis A and typhoid fever).

Do not drink beverages with ice.

Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.

Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as schistosomiasis.

Do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague). Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas.

Do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing or injections to prevent infections such as HIV and hepatitis B.

Avoid poultry farms, bird markets, and other places where live poultry is raised or kept.

Should I be Concerned About Ebola?

You have probably heard the news about the periodic Ebola outbreaks in Africa. In 2014-2015, there were 28,616 reported cases originating in West Africa (Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia).

There is virtually zero risk of exposure to Ebola while in Tanzania. As the map illustrates, the outbreak is many thousands of miles away. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person's body fluids. Infected people are not contagious during the incubation period, and only become contagious with the onset of symptoms. Therefore people who are most at risk are health care workers and families of infected people, not tourists.

While we understand your concern and care for your safety, it is safe to continue with your Kilimanjaro plans until further notice. We will monitor the situation very closely and notify our clients of any changes.

If any confirmed cases of Ebola arise in Tanzania, we will allow clients to reschedule their climb without any penalty for up to a full year later. Therefore, you can book with confidence!

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is required to participate on this trip.

Trip deposits are non-refundable and balance payments are only partially refundable. Therefore, it is prudent for you to protect your investment against trip cancellation, interruption, delays and unforeseeable expenses. Standard travel insurance provides coverage for:

Trip cancellation

Trip interruption

Missed connection

Travel delay

Baggage delay and personal items lost

Hurricane and weather

Employment layoff

Pre-existing medical conditions

Emergency medical

Medical evacuation and repatriation

Financial default

Terrorism

At a minimum, the insurance should protect you against trip cancellation and trip interruption, should you need to cancel your trip due to circumstances such as training injuries or sickness or emergencies.

Your travel insurance must cover high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters to be eligible for rescue by Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue (SAR) - a private company which provides medical support and helicopter evacuation. Without a client's verified travel insurance with this specific coverage, Kilimanjaro SAR will not initiate a rescue operation on the mountain. This is not to be confused with coverage for "mountaineering" or "mountain climbing," which most insurance will not cover.

For our customers residing in the USA, we recommend that you obtain Travel Guard's Deluxe, Preferred or Essential plans, which provide coverage for high altitude trekking, trip cancellation, interruption and delay; lost, stolen and damaged baggage; medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation; and luggage delay, for a low cost. You can compare the Deluxe, Preferred or Essential plans and purchase online through Travel Guard.

For our international customers, we recommend that you obtain travel insurance through World Nomads.

Climbers are strongly advised to obtain travel insurance immediately after booking their trip. Travel Guard insurance covers trip cancellation due to pre-existing conditions only when insurance is purchased within 15 days of booking. Clients must be able to provide proof of insurance to staff upon request. Clients who fail to obtain travel insurance will not be allowed to climb.

Where Do the Kilimanjaro Climbs Begin?

Our climbs originate in Moshi, a coffee-producing gateway town to Mount Kilimanjaro. Moshi is located at the base of the mountain to its south, at approximately 3,000 feet. Moshi is a short 25 mile drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code: JRO). If you fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, we can arrange for transport from the airport to the hotel. Transfers are available at any time, including early morning or late evening, and take about 40 minutes (see What is Kilimanjaro Airport Like?).

KLM flies from the USA and UK to Kilimanjaro International Airport regularly. KLM flights typically arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in the evenings. Most people choose not to take a rest day, and will begin climbing the following morning. But it is a good idea to take a rest day to recover from a long flight, to adapt to the new environment, and to get your things ready for the trek. Flights from the USA to JRO typically range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the season.

Vayama is a good source for domestic Tanzanian flights if you want to extend your vacation to other parts of Tanzania or East Africa, such as Zanzibar, Kenya or Uganda.

We do not recommend flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (airport code: NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya or Dar es Salaam International Airport (airport code: DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Although flights are cheaper than flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport, getting to Moshi from Nairobi requires an overnight stay in Nairobi, the purchase of a Kenyan visa, and a 7 to 8 hour bus ride (Riverside Shuttle) with a border crossing. Getting to Moshi from Dar es Salaam also typically requires an overnight stay and an 8 hour bus ride (Dar Express).

Arusha is about 50 miles west of Moshi. We can arrange a private vehicle for pick up and drop off in Arusha if needed. However taxis and shuttles are readily available between Moshi and Arusha. It is a 90 minute drive.

TANZANIA TRAVEL FACTS

East Africa is formed by three countries Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Tanzania is situated south of Equator and covers 938,000 sq km with the estimated population of about 45 million people. The country is more highly populated on the northern, eastern/coastal areas.

Climate: Tropical with two rain seasons March through May and October through November. The dry seasons deliver clear and sunshine filled days.  Excellent beach weather with a bit more humidity and increase of temperature on the coastal region.

Visa: Coming to Tanzania has been made easy for visitors. Citizens of most countries can easily obtain a 90 Day Tourist visa upon arrival at any International Airport or border crossing. The fee is USD$50 for most passports (single entry) and USD$100 for American passports (multiple entry).  ONLY cash is accepted and please be sure that all notes are dated 2006 and later as earlier currency will not be accepted anywhere in the country.  As always please confirm the immigration policy for your country of citizenship to confirm.

Attractions: The country with a rich culture and history has a diverse offering to visitors. Tourism is one of the major economies boasting the most iconic safari game viewing in all of Africa, Kilimanjaro, The Rooftop of Africa and breathtaking beaches and islands in the coastal region.

Social Life: With more than 120 tribes peacefully co-existing each with its own dialect and cultural norms.  “Kiswahili” officially becomes the national language in 1961 after the country’s independence. The language has spread and commonly used in the neighboring countries of Uganda, Kenya and Central Africa. English is the second official language of the nation and the majority of locals in tourism will easily be able to speak and communicate with you. You will find that Tanzanians are very welcoming and friendly.

Political System: Tanzania is one of the leading African countries for its political stability, peace and tranquility. The multi-party political system and the government is democratic. Freedom of speech is encouraged. Religious and tribal conflicts are very rare in the country because every citizen is free to worship as he/she pleases provided that one does not violate the law of the land. Conflicts are often resolved through mediation and dialogue.

Currency: The National currency of Tanzania is “shilling” (Tshs). Exchange rates vary and are subject to change as is the case with any other currency. Generally the consistent average is approx USD$1 for 2,300 Tsh.  Occasionally credit cards such Master Card and Visa are accepted by larger hotels and lodges but usually incur a high transaction fee.  It is recommend to either bring cash to exchange or use your bank card at local ATM’s which will give you local currency and favorable rates.

Religions: Because of its historical diversity Tanzania is a land of various religions. Major religions are Christianity, Islam, Hindu and African Traditional Religions. In the coastal regions of Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Zanzibar and Tanga the main religions are Islam and Hindu. This is due to the historical influx of Arabs and Eastern Indians. The mainland is predominantly Christian.

Infrastructure & Accessibility: Major roads are paved and accessible throughout the year. Side roads and those around and within National Parks are muddy with rough terrain. For this reason, 4WD vehicles are most commonly used such as Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rovers.

Time: The time zone is GMT + 3 and the electricity is 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz.

BEFORE COMING TO TANZANIA: We recommend our client to consult their doctor before coming to Africa for advice on changes of weather, malaria prevention, and other related conditions.  Officially a yellow fever vaccination is only required if coming from another “Yellow Fever” country, however the majority of visitors are required to present proof of immunization at airport regardless of origin.

RESPONSIBLE AND ETHICAL TOURISM

As Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris we believe that tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world’s natural habitats, cultural heritage sites and communities. We actively promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

With nearly 300 Kilimanjaro operators to choose from, it’s important for climbers to become educated about the darker side of the tourism industry of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Sadly the hardworking mountain crew are often extremely exploited and mistreated.  Few receive proper salaries, tips, food, equipment and sleeping conditions

As a part of Responsible Travel, we are proud to raises public awareness to ensure proper treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro and assists implementing procedures that ensure fair and ethical treatment of the porters through fair salaries, mountain equipment, food, clothing and sleeping conditions for crew members. 

We recommend to our client in order to ensure fair and transparent tipping for each crew member, there will be a tipping ceremony at the Kim'zebra Adventures & Safaris office following your descent from the mountain, envelopes will be provided to divide your tips for each member of the crew.

Every climb is audited to ensure crew members are provided proper salaries, tips, food, equipment and sleeping conditions. We think it’s pretty great and our clients do as well, check out our Trip advisor profile to see what people are saying about us.

MOUNT MERU TRIP INFORMATION

DIFFICULTY

This is a great acclimatization trek to get you prepared for your Kilimanjaro challenge. Most people start to feel the effects of altitude at around 3500m so the fact that you will be climbing up to 4562m over 2-4 days will help get your body ready. We recommend taking at least two days rest before starting your Kilimanjaro climb.

FOOD & DRINK

Staying well-fed on your climb is absolutely vital, especially when conditions are such that you might not want to eat or drink as much as you should. Because so many climbers experience a loss of appetite at altitude, our head chef has developed special menu plans that are appealing, healthy, and filled with all the energy you need to make it to the summit. By default, our meals include fresh meat, fruit and vegetables every day.

BREAKFAST

Breakfast is usually fairly hearty, and includes porridge, sausage, eggs and toast with marmalade or jam. Of course, you’ll also have hot drinks, generally a choice of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Let your guide know if you are still hungry, or even if you think you could ‘pack in a few more bites’. Our cooks always try to provide more food than necessary to ensure everyone gets a good meal.

LUNCH

Lunch is either packed for you, to carry in your rucksack, or we stop for a hot cooked lunch depending on your itinerary. A typical packed lunch is a boiled egg, sandwiches, a portion of chicken, crisps, snack bar, fresh fruit and a drink.

AFTERNOON TEA

Afternoon Tea is served at the end of the day’s walking, once you get to camp. In addition to tea and other hot drinks, there are plenty of peanuts, popcorn, biscuits and snacks to help restore some of the energy you’ve just burned off.

DINNER

Dinners are quite filling. They usually begin with a nice hearty soup, and then a main course such as chicken curry, spaghetti Bolognese, fresh vegetables, and plenty of rice, pasta or potatoes, followed by a yummy dessert such as pancakes or banana fritters with maple syrup or nutella!

On the climb we treat all the water that we give to you for drinking with water guard tablets. Every morning we will fill up your water bottles or hydration bladder with at least 3 liters of water. As members of Travelers against Plastic, we do not encourage the use of disposable plastic water bottles. Any bottles you take on the mountain must be proper, reusable drinks bottles. 

ACCOMMODATION

Mount Meru uses a mountain hut system instead of tents. Rooms are small, sleeping 4 people on bunk beds, but comfortable. Mattresses, sheets and pillows are provided by the park service but you still need to bring a sleeping bag. Rooms have solar powered lighting but no electrical sockets. Your meals will be served in an indoor dining area.

YOUR GUIDE

On a typical day on the mountain, your guide will wake you up to a hot drink and warm water for a wash. After that, you’ll need to get your kit and other belongings packed. As you eat breakfast, your guides will brief you on the plan for the day’s climb and perform your health check. They will also address any questions or concerns you may have.

When you arrive at the next camp, there will be hot water for a quick wash, and hot drinks and snacks waiting. You will generally have time for a short acclimatization trek before dinner, where you will venture up to a higher altitude and have a chance to get used to hiking in more strident conditions before returning to camp for dinner and a rest. As we say, ‘walk high, sleep low’. After dinner there will be time for your second health check, a debriefing on the day’s climb with your guides, and to discuss anything that might be on your mind. If you are having any trouble or discomfort, please do let your guides know.

It is compulsory to trek with an armed ranger on Mount Meru. Several groups from different operators will be assigned to one ranger, so even though you have booked your climb with Kim’zebra Adventures and Safaris limited and we will be providing the logistics for your trip, you will be trekking each day with other people who are not Kim tour clients. The pace that is set on the climb is dictated by the overall group.

TRANSPORT

We insist on using a high standard of vehicle and driver for all of our transfers. In Tanzania it is not a legal requirement to have seatbelts fitted in the back of vehicles, and while we try to use vehicles that do have rear seatbelts fitted, this cannot always be guaranteed. If you are unhappy about any aspect of the vehicle or the standard of driving, please speak to the driver or our local office immediately. Please note that it is a common occurrence in Tanzania for vehicles to be stopped by the police to check the driver’s documentation and this can seem quite intimidating when you cannot understand what is being spoken. If your vehicle is stopped, this is not a reflection on the state of your vehicle or your driver’s performance.

LUGGAGE

Kim’zebra Adventures and Safaris limited operates an absolutely strict limit of 15kg per porter for your main equipment bag. This limit includes your sleeping bag, even if it is rented from us. This is more than sufficient for your needs on the mountain. Your bag will be weighed before you leave the hotel to start the climb and if it is overweight you will have to take items out and leave them at the hotel.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

For climbers based in the UK or the US, it is best to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). KLM flies to JRO from all of the major UK airports, and many of the larger US international airports as well. UK flights tend to leave early in the morning, transfer at Luchthaven Schiphol, Amsterdam’s main airport, and arrive at JRO late that same evening.

All of our tours begin at a town called Moshi, known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Moshi is situated low on the mountain’s south slope, at an altitude of nearly 1000 meters above sea level. Moshi is only 25 miles from Kilimanjaro International Airport by car, and we will arrange transport from the airport to your hotel as part of your trek. Transport is generally available at any time, including the late evening or early morning, and takes approximately three quarters of an hour.

Moshi is an excellent choice for hotel accommodation during your stay, but it does fill up quickly during the peak season, so be sure to reserve your booking with us as early as possible. It is wise to plan a rest day after such a long flight to recover and prepare yourself and your kit for the climb, rather than planning on hitting the mountain the next morning.

Some UK climbers choose to fly into Nairobi via Kenyan Airways or British Airways. These flights are only available departing from Heathrow in London. Climbers arriving in Nairobi generally book a transfer flight to Kilimanjaro international Airport via Precision Air, Air Kenya, Air Tanzania or Ethiopian Airways.

We do not recommend flying through Nairobi, because Nairobi Airport is often uncomfortable, and transfer times can sometimes be very long. It also has a reputation for poor baggage handling and delays in transferring baggage between flights.

Turkish Airlines, Air Emirates and Qatar also fly into JRO now, but these flights often involve long delays and flights leaving late at night for UK travelers. However, climbers travelling from the US often report better service and experiences flying with Turkish Airlines, Air Emirates and Qatar, so we do recommend these flights from North America.

Vayama operates excellent flights to East Africa, including Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya or Zanzibar from JRO, and is a good choice if you wish to see more of this beautiful region before returning home. Many travelers schedule a beach holiday in exotic Zanzibar to rest up after their climb. We find the best way to arrange transport for that is to book your return flight out of Dar Es Salaam, then to Zanzibar on an internal flight, and eventually back to Dar Es Salaam for your flight home.

FITNESS AND TRAINING

Although Mt Meru is not as high or as challenging as Kilimanjaro, when it comes to training and preparation, the same rules apply. Please take some time to read our Kilimanjaro Training Guide which is full of helpful tips on how to get physically prepared for a big climb. 

BUDGET & CHANGE

The Tanzanian Shilling is a closed currency so you will not be able to buy this before you arrive. It is advisable to travel with US Dollars, as these are widely accepted. It is very important that US bills be new (post 2010), crisp and untorn. If you want some local currency to purchase snacks or drinks either at your hotel or on the way to the climb then we can take you to an ATM or bank. There is also a currency exchange as you go through to the Baggage Collection area of the airport. If you are relying on a credit or debit card for emergency funds, make sure you tell your card issuer that you will be using it abroad, or you may find that it won't work when you really need it.

 Please Note that not all hotels can accept card payments so you may need to use an ATM to access funds.

TIPS

We work closely with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project for our Kilimanjaro climbs, and follow their recommended procedures for our Mount Meru climbs as well. To give you a guide, KPAP recommended tips for porters are in the range of $6-10/day per porter. For other roles we recommend $20/day for guides, $12-15/day for assistant guides and the park ranger and $12-15/day for cooks. These figures are per group, not per climber. The size of your crew can only be confirmed on the first day of the climb once all the bags and equipment have been weighed at the park gate. At the first camp you will be advised of the final number of crew and their position on the climb.

The tipping announcement will take place on the last night on the mountain when all the crew will gather together to celebrate with you. One representative from your group should say a few words of thanks, which will be translated by the lead guide into Kiswahili.

Due to recent thefts on Kilimanjaro, we no longer advise our clients to carry cash with them during the climb, so the actual tip money will be presented when you return to your hotel. Your group will be supplied with envelopes to assist with the distribution of tips – one envelope for the porters and a separate envelope that you can use to tip your lead guide, assistant guides and cook. Three porter representatives will come to the hotel to accept the tip envelope on behalf of all the porters, and they will distribute the money themselves.

Tips can be made in US dollars or Tanzanian Shillings. It is very important that US bills be new (post 2006), crisp and untorn.