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Traveler FAQs: Tanzania (Mt. Kilimanjaro)
Traveler FAQs: Tanzania (Mt. Kilimanjaro)

Tanzania, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Education, Traveler FAQ

Updated over a month ago

We offer several trips to Tanzania, specifically to trek Mt. Kilimanjaro. However, we are often asked frequent questions regarding what to prepare. From accommodations to tipping Guides, you can find the answers here!

Click on the question you're interested in to view the answer. If you can't find what you're looking for, please reach out to our Customer Support team here.

During The Trek

How is the pace set on the trek?

There will be an adequate number of Guides and Porters to accommodate all Travelers, ensuring everyone’s pace is supported.

Is there a protocol for monitoring for altitude sickness or other medical emergencies during the trek?

Guides are equipped with oximeters to monitor oxygen levels. There is a daily routine to check everyone’s levels, ensuring they remain within the normal range. Guides are also trained to handle medical emergencies, ensuring that Travelers receive the necessary support if such situations arise.

Will there be Wi-Fi during the trek?

There are cell towers on Mt Kilimanjaro, and if you purchase a sim card in town or pay for roaming, you should be able to send text messages or make phone calls while trekking.

Equipment

What is provided by the Trip Operator?

Included on the trip are tents, food, and foam sleeping pads at no additional charge.

What items do I need to bring on my own?

Please review the recommended packing list for everything you'll need for your trek on Mt. Kilimanjaro below.

Equipment:

  • Sleeping Bag: Recommended comfort rating of -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F)

  • Camp Pillow: Inflatable pillow is optional

  • Trekking Poles: Collapsible poles are recommended

  • Headlamp: With extra batteries

  • Duffel Bag: 50-90L, for porters to carry your equipment

  • Backpack: 30-35L, for you to carry on your own

Footwear:

  • Hiking Boots: Ideally warm, waterproof, and broken-in

  • Comfortable Shoes: To wear at camp (optional)

  • Socks: Wool or synthetic

  • Gaiters: Waterproof (optional)

Accessories:

  • Sunglasses or Goggles

  • Backpack Cover: Waterproof (optional)

  • Water Bottle

  • Water Bladder

  • Dry Bags

Headwear:

  • Brimmed Hat: For sun protection

  • Knit Hat: For warmth

  • Balaclava: For face coverage (optional)

Handwear:

  • Gloves: Waterproof recommended

  • Thin Gloves

Clothing:

  • Waterproof Jacket: With hood

  • Insulated Jacket: Synthetic or down

  • Soft Jacket: Fleece or soft-shell

  • Long Sleeve T-Shirt: Moisture-wicking fabric

  • Short Sleeve Shirt: Moisture-wicking fabric

  • Waterproof Pants: Breathable (side zipper recommended)

  • Hiking Pants

  • Fleece Pants

  • Shorts (Optional)

  • Long Underwear: Moisture-wicking fabric

  • Underwear: Moisture-wicking fabric

  • Sports Bra

Other:

  • Toiletries

  • Medications

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip Balm

  • Insect Repellent: Containing DEET

  • First Aid Kit

  • Hand Sanitizer

  • Toilet Paper

  • Wet Wipes: Recommended

  • Snacks: Lightweight, high-calorie (optional)

  • Electrolytes: Powder or tablets (optional)

  • Camera: With extra batteries (optional)

Is there a weight limit of how much I can bring?

Porters are limited to carrying up to 15 kg (33 lbs) of your personal belongings. As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible.

What gear is available to rent?

Here is a list of items that will be available to rent from the Trip Operator upon arrival:

  • Backpack

  • Balaclava

  • Mont Bell Sleeping Bag

  • Heavy or Light Poncho

  • Socks

  • Duffel Bag

  • Hiking Poles

  • Gaiters

  • Flashlight

  • Gloves

  • Sweater

  • Sunglasses

  • Long Underwear

  • Raincoat

  • Rain Pants

  • Hiking Boots

  • Water Bottle

  • Fleece Pants

  • Warm Jacket

  • Down Jacket

If you have any questions about the rental items mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Support team.

What are the dimensions and weight of the sleeping bags available for rent?

A range of sleeping bag sizes is available to suit all individuals, with each sleeping bag weighing approximately 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs).

Is it possible to rent a private portable toilet for the trek?

Yes, private portable toilets are available for rent at a cost of $100 USD. It is recommended that up to four Travelers share one toilet. Porters will transport the toilet for you during the trek.

Will there be a briefing on Day 1 to review all the necessary details and preparations for the trek?

Yes, there will be a briefing on Day 1 to cover all the important details for the trek. This will include essential information, as well as an equipment check, to ensure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. During the equipment check, you will have the opportunity to identify any missing items, and if necessary, you can rent them directly from the Trip Operator.

Am I allowed to bring plastic accessories or items?

Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania and this regulation is strictly enforced. Please refrain from packing plastic bags in your luggage. Transparent "zip-lock" plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, toiletries etc separately in hand luggage are permitted. Hydrapacks, water bladders, and other reusable plastic water bottles are permitted.

Insurance

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, travel insurance covering high-altitude treks is required due to the trek’s high elevations. We recommend purchasing this insurance before departure. TrovaTrip suggests the World Nomad’s Standard Policy, which covers treks up to 19,685 feet (6,000 meters): worldnomads.com.

Meals

How are various dietary restrictions accommodated during the trek?

The Trip Operator offers a variety of menu options, including a standard menu, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. If you have any further questions or requests, please feel free to contact our Customer Support Team for additional assistance.

Is the water safe to drink?

Tap water should be avoided by travelers. You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water when possible. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated water which can be found at all lodging accommodations.

Tipping

How much should I tip my Guides and Porters?

Tips for Guides, drivers, and restaurant staff are not included in your trip costs. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a meaningful way to show appreciation and provides supplemental income for local teams. If they have enhanced your experience, consider rewarding their efforts with a tip. Below are tipping suggestions:

  • For Lead Guides, it is recommended to tip $20 USD per person/per day

  • For Assistant Guides, it is recommended to tip $12 USD per person/per day

  • For Porters, it is recommended to tip $5-7 per person/per day

Tips can be given in either US Dollars, Tanzanian schillings or Euros.

Training

Do you have any recommendations on how to train and prepare for the trek?

We highly recommend everyone begin training at least two months before departure.

Important note: Always consult with your physician before commencing with a workout program.

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.

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 your shoulders/back/hips get used to the points of contact and weight (to minimize chafing and soreness).

If you have access to hiking trails and a schedule to accommodate it begin walking and hiking in hilly/steep terrain. Nothing prepares you for a backpacking trip better than the activity itself!

The following is how a moderate program may look:

  • First week of training

    • Tuesday: one-hour hike with a daypack

    • Thursday: one-hour hike with a daypack

    • Sunday: 2-hour hike with a daypack

  • Two weeks before the trip

    • Monday: 3.5-hour hike with a 20-pound pack

    • Wednesday: 2-hour hike with a 20- pound daypack

    • Thursday: 3.5-hour hike with a 20-pound pack

    • Sunday: 7-hour hike with the weight you’ll have on your trip

There are many other activities that are easily incorporated into your daily life to build your overall fitness. Cross-training is also important to strengthen opposing muscle groups and it helps to avoid over-use injuries.

Supplemental training ideas include:

  • Climb the stairs at your office, house, park, or neighborhood with a backpack. Stair climbing is a fantastic way to simulate backpacking in hilly or steep terrain.

  • Bike to work or when running errands. Bike around town or on country roads outside of your town/city. Cycling is a great way to build endurance and strength in your legs.

  • Gym activities include step aerobics, treadmill, bicycling, or elliptical trainers to name a few. A modest weight training program focusing on the muscles that support the ankles, knees, back, and shoulders is also beneficial.

  • Swimming is a great way to build endurance and cardiovascular fitness and is easy on the joints.

  • Walk to work instead of driving. Run your errands by walking and carrying your groceries home in a backpack.

  • Yoga and/or Pilates classes can build strength throughout your body while also improving your flexibility.

  • Intramural sports.

  • Jogging is another option, however, if you are not a regular runner it can easily lead to injuries that backpacking may then exacerbate. Undertake a jogging routine with care.

Travel Safety

Where can I find information on travel safety?

Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

Take care and be vigilant around personal property. On the mountain itself, be sure to keep valuables and cash for tips on your own person at all times, in your daypack or a hidden money belt.

Please refer to the Trip Prep guide here for additional information about Tanzania (Mt. Kilimanjaro).

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