- How to get to Kilimanjaro?
- Do I need vaccinations to travel to Tanzania?
- What equipment do you need to climb?
- When is the best time to Climb?
- Why do we charge this amount for your Kilimanjaro expedition?
- Is Mount Kilimanjaro Safe to climb?
- Our guides have high level of training WFR-certified mountain guides
- What level of Training required to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
- Recommendation on training with altitude gain for Mount Kilimanjaro climb
- Do Alpine chat adventure supply Oximeters on every expedition?
- What meals we provide on expedition?
- When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
- How early do I have to book a safari and what do I need to do?
- Do you need a Tanzanian tourist visa?
- Can you book my trip to Zanzibar?
- Do I need Travel Insurance?
- Can you use US dollars in Tanzania?
- What’s Included and Excluded in every tour?
- Can children go on safari?
- What if I have special needs or requirements?
How to get to Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
If you are coming from North America or Europe, we recommend flying KLM to Kilimanjaro
International Airport (JRO) Air France, British Airways, Kenya Airways via Nairobi, Turkish
airlines via Turkey or Qatar airlines via the Middle East. If you are coming from China, we
recommend flying Ethiopian Air to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you are planning
a visit to Zanzibar after your safari, we recommend that you either arrange your flight so that you
arrive at JRO and depart through Dar Es Salaam International Airport (DAR) or consider entering
into Tanzania through DAR and then take a connecting flight to JRO to start your safari. Zanzibar
flights are available from Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha airport and also from various locations
in the Serengeti. The flight between JRO and DAR is approximately about one hour. Please
confirm all international flights and seating before departure.
Do I need vaccinations to travel to Tanzania?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for entering Tanzania. The only case that can sometimes be
an exception is vaccination against yellow fever. A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
may be required to enter Tanzania if you are coming after a stay in one of the countries with risk
of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda). You can find a full list of these
countries on the website of the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers. If
you just plan to have a short (less than 12 hours) layover between flights in one of them without
leaving the airport, the certificate will not be necessary.
Those arriving from the USA or countries of the European Union, Russian Federation, Ukraine,
Kazakhstan, Belarus, have no vaccine requirements.
What equipment do you need to climb?
Since the trail to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro passes through five different climatic zones – from
the rainforest at the beginning to the glaciers at the summit – you should bring gear for a variety of
weather conditions. A complete list of required gear can be found below.
If you do not have the needed clothes, shoes, trekking poles, a sleeping bag or any other items
from the list, you can always rent the missing equipment from us upon arival. We only use quality
gear from The North Face, Black Diamond, Red Fox and Mountain Hardwear.
When is the best time to climb?
There is no definite answer to this question, but most climbers prefer to fly to Kilimanjaro during
dry seasons – from June to late October and December to March. Normally on November there is
slightly rain. However, there are some perks to climbing during the rainy season which is April
and May.
Why do we charge this amount for your Kilimanjaro expedition?
We are charging this amount for your hike this is because – about half of this amount will only
cover the fees paid to Kilimanjaro National Park, and the rest should be spent on food, taxes, wages
for mountain crew, transfers to and from the park, oxygen systems maintenance, security measures
and other important expeditionary expenses.
We are not ready to charge cheaper than our directed price for your Kilimanjaro climbs the
QUESTION WILL BE WHY? With nearly 600 Kilimanjaro operators to choose from, it’s
important for climbers to become educated about the darker side of the tourism industry of Mount
Kilimanjaro. Sadly, the hardworking mountain crew are often extremely exploited and
mistreated. Few receive proper salaries, tips, food, equipment and sleeping conditions this is because those operators who charge cheaper price, they look on themselves and treat badly their
crew.
• As a part of Responsible Travel, and a member of Kilimanjaro Porters Association a
registered NG’O.
• 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 alpine chat adventure 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 crewmembers 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 and safari booking profile to see what people are saying
about us.
Is Mount Kilimanjaro Safe to climb?
With due preparation, the right choice of a tour operator and a climbing route suited to your level.
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the safest climbs in the world! Almost all accidents on Kilimanjaro –
about 10-15 a year per 50,000 climbers – are the fault of the host company. Accidents occur
because of inadequate qualifications and guides missing from the climber’s side when mountain
sickness progresses to a dangerous stage. Addressing these risks is quite simple – choose a reliable
expedition outfitter and Alpine chat adventure we are here for you with our licensed professional
Mountain guide with years of experience.
Our guides have high level of training WFR-certified mountain
guides
The expeditions of Alpine chat adventure are led by experienced guides. All have Wilderness First
Responder certifications. Every year we invite mountain professionals from the USA and Europe
to come to Tanzania and run safety workshops for our climbing teams. Here at Alpine chat
adventure, we are confident in our guides’ ability to act right in the most unexpected scenarios on
Kilimanjaro.
What level of Training required to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
There are routes that require more stamina and routes that are suitable for beginners. In general,
it’s best to be in good physical shape and be able to walk over rough terrain. To prepare yourself
for the expedition, do regular hiking, jogging.
Recommendation on training with altitude gain for Mount
Kilimanjaro climb
Prepare for the altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro by training on a regular basis at least 4 weeks before
beginning your climb. Physical exercise is important, and a routine should be at least 3-4 times a
week, and include aerobic exercises, strength training and hiking.
Aerobic Training for Kilimanjaro
This can be exercises such as running, jogging, cycling, and even aerobic dance classes. This is an
effective method of training for climbing Kilimanjaro because it increases heart rate and breathing.
Although it’s not the only exercise to focus on, but it is an important one to get your body in good
physical condition. Try to regularly participate in aerobic exercises that simultaneously develop
leg muscles to get your legs toned for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Be diverse in your exercises
and include back, chest, and arms as well. Training by cycling or trail running are great options.
Practice Hiking Training
If you are fortunate to live at or near a higher elevation, take advantage of the hikes in your area.
Book a weekend to climb a mountain in your vicinity, or drive up to the highest elevation possible
and spend the afternoon walking (or jogging!) around in the reduced oxygen.
You will be developing your leg muscles, participating in aerobic exercise and exposing your lungs
to a higher altitude.
Do Alpine chat adventure supply Oximeters on every expedition?
Even though the majority of participants on our climbs successfully reach the summit without
resorting to oxygen systems, every expedition is supplied with oxygen in case clients need help
adapting to the altitude. Besides cylinders, masks and regulators included in the tour price, we
allow for the possible necessity of oxygen resupply – if needed, emergency porters can deliver new
tanks up the mountain to your camp.
What meals we provide on expedition?
Delicious balanced meals, our mountain chefs always get countless compliments for their ability
to create delicious restaurant-like meals in mountain conditions. Maximum comfort in the wild is
what we want our Kilimanjaro adventures to be. On your trek you will be cooked first-class meals
all designed to give you the energy you will need to make it to the top. Keep in mind, however,
that our meals are flexible and your cook has the ability to cater to any special dietary restrictions
you may have lots of teas and delicious soups will supplement your daily water intake so drink
and eat as much as you can – we provide plenty of both. If your climb is over a special occasion
for a birthday, anniversary or romantic marriage proposal we can also arrange cakes, champagne
or something extra special, just let us know.
When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
Our safari itineraries are tailored to seasonal animal movement patterns so wildlife viewing is
excellent year-round. So, the best time to go on safari is really dependent on when you wish to
come, your interests, places you wish to visit and activities that you may want to do.
How early do I have to book a safari and what do I need to do?
Our safari itineraries are tailored to seasonal animal movement patterns so wildlife viewing is
excellent year-round. So, the best time to go on safari is really dependent on when you wish to
come, your interests, places you wish to visit and activities that you may want to do.
Do you need a Tanzanian tourist visa?
Tourist visas can be obtained upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Dar Es Salaam
International Airport by simply filling out an entry form (provided during your flight) and payment
of the visa fee. Please ensure you have two blank pages in your passport and your passport does
not expire within six months of your arrival date. The tourist visa fee is US$50 except for the
following citizens: Pakistan (US$ 200), USA (US$100).following citizens: Pakistan (US$ 200), USA (US$100).
Can you book my trip to Zanzibar?
We can help organizing activities and book, hotels and flights to Zanzibar after or
before your safari in Northern Tanzania. Just share your ideas with our sales
consultants about the dates and type of accommodation.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Safaris are a considerable investment, and we strongly wish you to purchase comprehensive travel
insurance. Coverage should include trip cancellation, delay or interruption, lost or delayed
baggage, emergency accident, illness and evacuation, 24-hour medical assistance and traveler’s
assistance.
Can you use US dollars in Tanzania?
Although the currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania Shilling (Tsh), the U.S. dollar is widely
accepted. However please note that for larger U.S. dollar denominations ($20, $50 and $100), only
bills issued after 2006 will be accepted in Tanzania due to counterfeiting and fraud. Major credit
cards are accepted at larger safari lodges, and major souvenir shops and larger tourist towns offer
ATM bank machines where you can withdraw cash using your bank card or credit card. Please note that ATM bank machines only dispense Tanzanian shillings. Please note that some lodges
may not have visa facilities for payment. Traveler’s cheques are hard to cash and not
recommended.
What’s Included and Excluded in every tour?
Included:
• All accommodation on the safari
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• All national park and conservation area entrance fees
• 4WD Landcruiser with unlimited kilometers for game drives
• Services of a Private professional Tanzanian safari guide
• Unlimited bottled drinking water in your vehicle
• Unlimited game mileage
• Government tax
• Soft drinks and wine if you wish
Not included:
• International airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Tanzania tourist visa fee payable upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Tips to your safari guide & lodge/camp staff
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• Laundry and drinks at the lodges and camps
• Domestic flights but we can organize these especially those to the Serengeti
• Optional activities such as balloon safaris
• Walking safaris, Maasai village tours, Olduvai Gorge but these can be included if you wish
Can children go on safari?
Taking an African safari with your children can be a very rewarding experience, creating some
unforgettable family memories. It will also instill respect in your children at an early age for our
beautiful planet and the wildlife that inhabit it, which is a crucial factor for conservation efforts.
Family safaris are an excellent opportunity for children to learn about wildlife and participate in
cultural activities and interact with local children. We can tailor your safari to visit a local primary
school or orphanage to see how other children live, learn and play. Please note that most safari
lodges and camps are not fenced, and wildlife moves about freely. Never let a child out of your
sight or wander around unattended under any circumstances. Please listen carefully to all safety
briefings from your safari guide and lodge staff and follow instructions especially concerning
moving to and from your tent/room after dark.
What if I have special needs or requirements?
If you have any special needs or requirements, please let us know when you book your safari.
Whether it’s some equipment you need like binoculars or photography bean bags, wheelchair
accessibility or allergy to specific foods, we can plan your itinerary accordingly.
