1. What is the weather like on Mt. Kilimanjaro?
You can expect equatorial to arctic conditions on Mt Kilimanjaro. Depending on the route chosen, you will begin your trek in dry plains or tropical forests with average temperatures between 25⁰C and 30⁰C. You will then hike up through various terrains and weather zones to arrive at the permanently snow-capped summit. Expect rainfalls and sub-zero temperatures on your trek.
2. How long does it take to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro?
This is based on the route you selected, most hikers take 4-6 days to reach the summit. The longer you spend on the mountain, the more time your body gets to acclimatize, the higher the chance you will succeed in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
3. When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February and September
4. Does climbing Kilimanjaro involve technicalities?
The hike up Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb. You do not require any mountaineering equipment to reach the summit. In fact, anyone in good physical condition can reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. You should be able to run for at least half an hour without feeling shortness of breath. You should also be able to walk for at least 2 hours in hilly terrains without feeling overly exhausted. No one with a sore throat, cold or breathing problems should go beyond 3000m. Anyone with heart or lung problems should consult his/her physician before attempting to climb Mt Kilimanjaro.
5. Are park fees included in your price?
Yes, all Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) fees are included in our Kilimanjaro price. Currently, the conservation fees at Kilimanjaro National Park are: US$70 per person per day and US$50 per person per night for camping. Crew entry fees and Tanzanian Forest Services Agency (TFS) fees (applicable for Rongai, Shira and Lemosho routes) are also included in our Kilimanjaro price.
6. Can children climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes! The minimum age limit set by Kilimanjaro National Park for children climbing to Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro is 10 years old
7. What is the weight limit for luggage on Kilimanjaro climbs?
Each porter can carry up to 20kg of luggage.
8. What kind of food can we expect to have during our Kilimanjaro trip?
Our typical food on the mountain includes:
– BREAKFAST: Coffee,Tea, Porridge, Fruits, Fruit juice, Scrambled eggs/omelet, Sausage, Toast, Margarine, Honey and jam, etc.
– LUNCH: Tea, Coffee, Chips, Sandwiches, Biscuits, Pancakes with honey or jam, and fruits, other nutritious Tanzanian-styled meals, etc.
– DINNER: Soup, well-cooked meat or vegetarian meal (these include chicken/beef with rice, sliced fresh carrots and green beans, mashed potatoes, and salads), etc, fruits, and fruit juice, and a variety of hot drinks.
9. Can you serve people with special diets?
Of course! We can cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, or any other special diets. Kindly let us know at the time of booking.
10. How many climbers will we be trekking with on Mt. Kilimanjaro?
Since Giraffe Safari private guided climbs, you will not be trekking with any strangers :
11. Is my departure guaranteed if I sign up with your company for Kilimanjaro climb?
Yes, 100%! Because we do not join groups together, you can choose to start your climb on any day you choose.
12. Where and how often are your guides and porters trained? How do you select them?
Before obtaining their license, all guides need to attend training provided by Kilimanjaro National Park – on both theory and practical components as well as First Aid. They will need to pass an exam before they can get their license. We would never consider anyone who is not certified. We always interview potential candidates before we would hire them. We would only use someone who is knowledgeable, has a good attitude and good English as an assistant guide.
13. What are some of your hygiene practices on the mountain?
We always boil and filter drinking water for our clients. Cooks always make sure the food is well cooked and the utensils are sterilized with clean hot water before they are used. The mess tent is cleaned on a daily basis. Mess tents are solely reserved for clients use and we do not allow porters to sleep in them.
14. Are emergency oxygen tanks include in your climb price?
Yes. The price also includes the salary of a porter to carry the oxygen tanks during your summit attempt.
15. Can we rent a portable toilet for our climb?
Yes, portable toilets is available for rental at US$150/trip
16. How many guides and porters will we have on our climb?
You will have one lead guide and an assistant guide for 2-3 climbers.
- For 4-6 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 2 assistant guides.
- For 7-8 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 3 assistant guides
- For 9-10 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 4 assistant guides.
- We provide 3-4 porters per one client.
The porters will carry all the tents, food, and the luggage that you do not require while hiking so you will only need to carry a day pack during the day.
17. What safety equipment do you carry on the trek?
All of our lead guides are trained and certified in the following areas: altitude sickness and recognizing symptoms in the early stages, emergency use of oxygen, wilderness first responded and performing CPR. Each guide carries a first aid kit which includes: paracetamol, Imodium, ibuprofen, re-hydration salts, paraffin gauze, sterile swabs, bandages, plasters, cotton wool, latex gloves & tongs, antiseptic disinfectant, antimicrobial cream, antihistamine, Diam-ox, etc.
We check in with the clients and crew daily at camp as they are equipped with mobile phones. Each ranger post also has radio communication.
18. What if one member of the group gets sick during the trek?
Because you will have many guides and assistant guides, an assistant will take the ill person down while the rest of the group goes on. If the person is extremely sick then we call for a dispatch for stretcher – the rescue fee is included in your quote. But before reaching that point, our guides are very careful and they will monitor the health of everyone every day on the mountain to make sure that the sickness does not get to that point.
19. What is the recommended weight for our day pack?
We would recommend that you carry no more than 10kg. The average is 7kg. You only need to carry the essentials (3L drinking water, valuables, camera, lunch/snacks, rain layer. The rest of the items you can leave with porters to carry
20.How about Tipping issues will be to our guides and porters?
Tipping is always a difficult issue to cover for Kilimanjaro. Some say that tips are mandatory which has been as culture to mountain climbers, others say different. As Giraffe Safari Company would like to stress that a tip should only be given when someone feels they have received an service accordingly. It is not mandatory to give a tip, and though our guides and porters work very hard on the mountain to ensure your safety and success, they are all doing their job.
Not discuss the tips with the guides or porters until the end of the trip
- To tip if you enjoyed your trip
- To tip if the service was good
- To tip if you enjoyed the people with you
- Never to feel pressured to give more for tips
To hand out the tips to each porter and guide individually if possible, or to the head guide and have him disperse it to the team.
Note that; the below is just a guideline for tipping, the final amount you give is your decision, you can always give more or less than the amounts stated below based on received service.
Each Guide USD $150 for the entire trip per group
Each Assistant Guide $120 for the entire trip per group
Each Porter USD $65 for the entire trip per group
Each Cook USD $100 for the entire trip per group
1. Do I need to arrange for my own transfer on arrival?
No! Giraffe Safari driver will pick you up and transfer you to designation hotels. Picking up on arriving airport and dropping off is included on our package. We arrange also other group transport if required.
2. Which does safari cost include?
Tanzania safari wildlife safari prices depending on the number of people in each trip, how many days of safari and the level of comfort or luxury. Our packages cover:
- Professional and experienced English-speaking safari guide
- Park entrance fee
- New 4×4 Toyota land cruiser with pop up roof
- Food as per program
- Water for drinking
- Government Taxes
- Pick up on your hotel &Transfers.
3. How many people can be in a safari vehicle?
We ensure everyone gets a window seat. All of our Safari vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers that takes 4-7 people including driver.
4. How much luggage should we bring on a Tanzania safari?
Pack packs with without flames is better and suitcases. That luggage may be packed on back or in the roof rack of safari 20 Kg (44lbs) are maximum weight.
5. Will we have a chance to interact with the local people of Tanzania?
The vast majority of Tanzanians still live a lifestyle very close to their traditional lifestyles, and most local people are subsistence farmers.
6. What are the safety precautions for safaris?
- Be sure to follow the tips for safety precautions in Tanzanian safaris, so as to have safe and enjoyable moments during your safari
- People in Tanzania are very friendly and polite but still, you have to be careful when you are around the city center with valuable things and big camera hanging around on your neck
- Never walk at night alone instead it’s better to use transport, your local guides or nearby hotel
- Make sure you record a number of your passport, airline tickets, traveler checks and credit cards and keep them in a safe place
- Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines. It is extremely rare for incidents to occur and always your professional guide is there to ensure your safety
- Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out of the car
- Never walk off far to a bush it’s better to ask for advice from your guide about where to go
- Don’t stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof
- Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari
- Stay close to your guide and group on a walking safari and always walk in single file.
- Watch where you put your feet while walking in the bush.
7. Which safari clothes do I need to pack?
Bright color clothes are not suitable for any game view. Take comfortable clothes and huts and sun for Tanzania safari.
8. What is the food like on Tanzania Safari? Do you provide food for people with special diets?
The food depends on what kind of hotels and lodges you stay in, it can either be a 5 star,4 star or a 3-star quality. There are various lodges or tented camps that provide best meals and food for your Tanzania safari.
9. Do you have any recommendation for safari guidebooks?
We highly recommend these books:
- Insight Guide to Tanzania and Zanzibar (December 2013)
- Wildlife of East Africa by Martin Withers and David Hosking
- National Audubon Society Field Guide to African Wildlife
10. What is the booking process with Giraffe Safari?
- Firstly, you need make an inquiry
- We propose one or more itineraries, offering several variations for you to review.
- We make revisions with you until you are satisfied with your final itinerary.
- After your itinerary satisfaction we will send you the booking voucher which we will be with credible information to assure your banking transactions.
- We always receive 30% of booking before you alive in Tanzania or Africa and you will need to finalize the remaining 70% balance on your arrival day.
- We receive the balance through Bank Account of Giraffe Safari Owner (Edwin Rweyemamu Kazinja) only and not to someone else but also the balance can be received through western union.
- We will do all communications through our Company Email or through our WhatsApp number.
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