Question 1

How far in advance should I book my Kilimanjaro + Safari combo?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking 3–6 months in advance. The best months (June–October) fill up 2–4 months ahead, especially Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes. For peak season (July–August and December–January), 4–6 months is safer. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible but route and camp availability becomes limited. We can sometimes accommodate 4–6 week lead times — contact us directly.

Question 2

How do I pay for my trip?

Accepted Answer

We accept bank transfer (SWIFT), credit card (Visa, Mastercard), and PayPal. A 30% deposit secures your booking; the balance is due 60 days before departure. All prices are quoted in USD. Bank transfer fees are the client's responsibility. We provide a detailed payment schedule with your invoice. Payment plans can be arranged for bookings made more than 6 months in advance.

Question 3

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Up to 60 days before departure: full refund minus deposit. 30–60 days: 50% refund. 15–30 days: 25% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. These terms reflect our advance commitments to guides, porters, and camps. Trip interruption due to medical emergency (with documentation) is handled case-by-case. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation cover at time of booking.

Question 4

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Most nationalities require a visa for Tanzania. The tourist visa ($52–$104, depending on nationality) is available on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR), or can be obtained online via the Tanzania Immigration portal before departure. US, UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian citizens all qualify for on-arrival visas. Check with your travel advisor or our team for your specific nationality requirements. The visa is valid for 90 days.

Question 5

What vaccinations do I need for Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever country (including some East African transit countries). It is not required for direct arrivals from Europe, North America, Australia, or New Zealand. We recommend: hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, and routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, diphtheria). Malaria prophylaxis is recommended — discuss with your doctor as some medications are contraindicated at altitude. Our Arusha team can advise on current health requirements closer to your departure date.

Question 6

What flights should I book?

Accepted Answer

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — this is the gateway for both the mountain and the northern safari circuit. Qatars Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, and Turkish Airlines all operate routes via their hub cities. Fly out of JRO at the end of your trip. Do not fly into Dar es Salaam (DAR) — it is a 10-hour drive from Arusha. We recommend booking your international flights after your trip is confirmed and providing us with your flight details so we can arrange airport transfers.

Question 7

Do I need travel insurance for Kilimanjaro and safari?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and it must specifically cover high-altitude trekking (above 4,000m) and helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance often excludes Kilimanjaro. Your policy must explicitly list altitude trekking and should cover emergency medical evacuation (minimum $104,000) and repatriation. We provide a letter for your insurer confirming your itinerary. Battleface, World Nomads, True Traveller, Safety Wing, and Allianz all offer policies that cover Kilimanjaro — compare carefully and read the altitude exclusions.

Question 8

How much should I budget for tips on the combo trip?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is customary in Tanzania and an important part of guide and porter income. For the Kilimanjaro climb: $16–$26 per person per day for the guide, $10–$16 for assistant guides, and $5–$10 per person per day for porters (pooled). For safari: $16–$26 per person per day for your safari guide. Total tip budget for a 7-day climb + 3-day safari is typically $260–$416 per person. We provide tip guidelines in your pre-departure package.

Question 9

Can I drink the water in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Bottled and purified water is provided throughout your trip — in the safari vehicles, at camps, and on the mountain. We carry large supplies and you will never go thirsty. Tap water in Arusha is generally safe but we recommend bottled as a precaution. On Kilimanjaro, all water is boiled and filtered. Avoid ice in drinks outside of reputable hotels and camps.

Question 10

Will I have Wi-Fi on my trip?

Accepted Answer

In Arusha: yes, most hotels and our office have Wi-Fi. On Kilimanjaro: no reliable Wi-Fi — you will be offline for the duration of the climb (5–9 days). On safari: most camps and lodges in the northern circuit have Wi-Fi, though it is slow (satellite). During game drives, you will be offline. After the mountain, being disconnected for a few days is genuinely one of the pleasures of the trip. Download your essential information, maps, and entertainment before departing Arusha.

Question 11

Do I need a sleeping bag for Kilimanjaro?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and it must be warm. We recommend a sleeping bag rated to at least -15C to -20C. Even in the dry season, summit night temperatures drop to -15C to -25C on Kilimanjaro. Down bags are lighter and warmer than synthetic; a good -20C down bag is the standard recommendation. We provide sleeping mats; you provide the bag. We also have bags available for hire if you prefer not to buy — mention this at booking.

Question 12

What happens if I get sick on the mountain?

Accepted Answer

Your guide is trained in wilderness first aid and carries emergency oxygen. If you develop symptoms of serious altitude sickness (confusion, loss of coordination, coughing pink sputum, severe headache not relieved by medication), your guide will make the decision to descend. This is not negotiable — HACE and HAPE can be fatal if not treated by descent. We will arrange your descent and, if necessary, evacuation to Arusha. Your travel insurance should cover medical evacuation. If you are ill before the climb, inform us immediately — we can often adjust your itinerary.

Question 13

Can I store my luggage somewhere while on the mountain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your main luggage (not needed on the mountain) is stored in our Arusha office or hotel. Only a daypack (5–10 litres) is carried on the mountain. We recommend using a small bag for the climb and leaving your larger suitcase or travel bag behind. Items you may need after the climb (clean clothes, camera gear, safari items) can be accessed at Arusha on your rest day between the mountain and safari.

Question 14

Do I need special medications for altitude?

Accepted Answer

Diamox (acetazolamide) is commonly used to prevent altitude sickness — it helps your body acclimatise faster. Many guides and operators recommend it; some prescribe it routinely. We recommend discussing it with your doctor. If used, it is typically started 24–48 hours before ascending above 3,000m. Side effects include tingling in fingers and toes, increased urination, and altered taste of carbonated drinks. Some climbers swear by it; others prefer to rely on slow ascent and hydration. Your doctor can advise based on your medical history.

Question 15

What is your approach to responsible and ethical tourism?

Accepted Answer

We pay above-industry wages to all our mountain staff and provide proper gear, food, and accommodation for porters. Our lead porters receive additional compensation and all crew are employed directly by us — not through intermediaries. We do not partner with operations that exploit porters or that contribute to wildlife degradation. A portion of your trip cost supports conservation and community projects in the communities surrounding the parks. Ask us about our specific initiatives if this is important to you.

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