WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO?

          ANSWER:

The best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are considered to be from August to October and from January to March.

How fit do I need to be to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

           ANSWER:

Despite its awesome height and fearsome size, Kilimanjaro is a gentle hike that usually takes place over five days. Guides recommend basic fitness, as the main challenge is posed by the altitude. There are six different routes up the mountain and more advanced hikers and full-on climbers will be able to consider those, as they are more scenic.

DO YOU WANT TO SEE THE AUTHENTIC CULTURAL EXPERIENCES THAT COMBINE NATURE, SCENERY,FOLKLORE, CEREMONIES, DANCES, RITUALS, TALES, ART, HANDICRAFTS AND HOSPITALITY THAT GIVE A UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO THE TANZANIA PEOPLE`S WAY OF LIFE?

Tanzania is endowed with the rich cultural heritage of 120 ethnic tribes. The Cultural Tourism Programme provides visitors with authentic cultural experiences that combine nature, scenery, folklore, ceremonies, dances, rituals, tales, art, handicrafts and hospitality that give a unique insight into the people’s way of life.

It is a rewarding experience to leave the safari vehicle behind and walk through the lush tropical slopes of Mt Meru or Mt Kilimanjaro while Waarusha, Wameru or Wachagga guides proudly describe their carefully cultivated shambas with coffee, bananas, fruits, vegetables and dairy cow farming.

TO READ MORE OF THESE PROGRAMME CLICK HERE

What should I know for Tanzania safari?

Everyone agrees that there is substantial planning required by those considering a safari in Africa.

How far in advance should I book my safari?It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel, especially during the high/peak seasons - June to Oct and Christmas/New Year season. 

What should I take on safari? (Should be used as a guide only) 
As you will want to capture as much as possible of this amazing tour, don’t forget a camera, camcorder with lots of films, tapes, and replacement batteries for all these. A torch light would come in very handy. 
Sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip-balm, insect repellents and your own toiletry requirements, small first-aid kit, a spare pair of glasses or lenses if you are using one. 
Don’t forget a swimming costume and you might want to include a good book for the relaxing hours. Sleeping-bags and towels if you are planning for camping safaris must be included.

What should I take for mountain climbing? (Should be used as a guide only)
Sunglasses/Snow goggles, Rucksack & day pack, 3-4 season sleeping-bag, Insulation pad, Balaclava or woolen hat, Long sleeved shirt, Several pairs of socks, Gloves, Waterproof trousers & jacket, Warm sweaters, Anorak/raincoat, Gaiters, Water-bottle, Wooden walking stick, Hiking boots, Pair of light walking shoes, Warm scarf, Toiletry requirements, Flashlight with batteries, Sun protection cream, Small first aid kit, Lip salve, A whistle and some plastic bags.

Baggage Limit: 1 bag 15kgs maximum. It is advisable to have your own insurance covering, travel, medical, baggage and personal injury.
Persons undergoing medical treatment should obtain approval from their doctor prior to booking the trek. The trek is taken at the clients own risk.

What kind of food do I expect during the trip? 
The quality and variety of food available on safari will be a pleasant surprise for our clients. Most lodges serve meals in buffet-style. The food is prepared according to the western-tastes, and includes some local cuisine too. If a camping safari is chosen, fresh meat and produce is prepared by the expert chefs accompanying the clients to the highest standards.

Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic meals can be easily arranged with prior notice. A vegetarian or vegan may wish to bring along some alternative protein sources. Persons with multiple food allergies, it is advisable to bring along supplemental snacks. Please notify us of any possible dietary restrictions along with booking confirmation

Is drinking water safe?
In some places tap water is safe, but generally, it is not advisable to drink or brush your teeth with tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere and in almost all Lodges and Hotels and all super markets. On treks and safaris, it is better to carry sufficient bottled water.

What Type of Clothes to take? :
For safaris, especially in Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha), during the day, light clothing is recommended with sturdy shoes and canvas hats. During the night in areas like Arusha and the Ngorongoro Highlands; where the altitude is between 1500 - 2500 Metres; a cardigan or pullover may be essential. In the same pack, remember your sun cream, lotions, sun glasses, a pair of binoculars, and a camera with rolls of film.

What would be the accommodations like?
Wide range of accommodations is available to suit your budget, lodges, hotels, tented camps, permanent camps to name a few. Most hotels are a nice blend of luxury, ambience, offering picturesque views. Once an inquiry is submitted, we provide you with a detailed list of accommodations available to suit your requirements.

Advise regarding photography?For wildlife photography, a 200 mm zoom lens is the smallest that you should use, A 300-400 zoom is preferable. For bird-watchers, a 500mm or larger is necessary, and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for scenic shots. Bring extra camera and flash batteries and plenty of film - you may find these quite expensive and difficult to obtain locally.

SAVE SERENGETI: Join to write a petition to Hon. H.E Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (President of Tanzania), Hon. Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda (Prime Minister of Tanzania), Hon. Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa (Minister of infrastructure & Development), and Hon. Ezekiel Maige (Minister of Natural Resources & Tourism)

The Serengeti ecosystem contains the largest protected grassland and savannah ecosystem in the world and is home to the greatest abundance of large mammals anywhere on earth. The Tanzanian government is planning a 54-kilometer long commercial highway right through the Serengeti. The consequences for the world’s last terrestrial mass migration and the ecosystem it supports would be catastrophic.  It would cut off some two million herbivores from their vital dry season range. Scientists predict, this would cause the collapse of the migration and the ecosystem dynamics that depend on it. It should also avoid the land of the last 400 Hadza, Africa’s last true hunter gatherers.

The solution lies in a route that bypasses the Serengeti. It has now been included in the World Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy (CAS). With the project in the lending pipeline, the World Bank is willing to work with the government of Tanzania on the alternative southern route.  The new route would not only spare the Serengeti, but benefit a far greater number of people in the densely populated area in the south east of the Serengeti by connecting them to commercial centres and road networks. However, the Tanzanian government remains unconvinced and rejected this win-win position.

PLEASE CLICK TO WRITE YOUR PETITION HERE