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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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Local crew - Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the
group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty
and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
After consultation with local porter protection groups and our agent in Kenya and Tanzania, you should, accordingly allow USD150 depending on group size for the staff on Mount Kenya USD150-165 depending on group size for tipping on Kilimanjaro. It would be advisable to have this amount in denominations of 5,10 and 20 dollar notes for ease of distribution.
Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
Local Currency: Tanzanian Shilling.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: You should take a combination of US Dollars and Sterling cash for spending money, US Dollars are preferable. Please be aware that any notes issued before 2002 will not accepted.
Where to Exchange: Banks or 'Forex' offices only in main towns/cities. Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards are generally not accepted.
Additional Information: It is prohibited to export Tanzanian shillings.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currency-express.com/explore/
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Local Currency: Kenyan Shilling.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: You should take the majority of your spending money in US Dollars cash. Please be aware that any notes issued before 2002 will not be accepted.
Where to Exchange: Banks or ‘Forex’ offices in main towns/cities. Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: Cash can be drawn on credit cards from ATMs in Nairobi.
Credit Card Acceptance: Accepted in larger hotels only.
| UK | Kenya | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $2.00 | $1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $2.00 | $1.50 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $1.50 | $1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $4.00 | $3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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UK, AUS, NZ. USA & CAN citizens need an entry visa. British citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival but this is subject to the fulfilment of all immigration requirements.
Other nationalities should consult their travel agent or consular office.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topThe altitude of Kilimanjaro makes this trip most suitable for the more serious walker with previous experience of hill walking. Extreme cases of Acute Mountain Sickness are rare, but if it becomes necessary for someone to abandon the trek in the interests of safety, the tour leader’s decision on this is final.
Insurance: Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the altitude indicated below in the section entitled “Medical examination” before you come on tour. If you have Explore insurance you will be covered to this altitude.
Medical Examination: You should visit your GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trek reaches, i.e. 5895m/19,340’. Bear in mind that the final trek to the summit is optional and can be omitted if so wished.
Back to topGradient Chart
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topBroadly speaking, the long rains arrive March/May and the short rains November to early January.
Although this pattern has been known to be completely erratic in the past. Kilimanjaro can be
climbed at any time of the year, but it is often wet in the rainforest in April and May. December to
March are the warmest months, but the climate varies greatly with altitude. Days in the lowland
forest are pleasantly warm, but occasional showers are common and nights can be very cool. At
altitude, it can be particularly cold at night, especially in June and July. On the final summit ascent,
temperatures drop well below freezing.
The following equipment is provided by Explore once you are on the trek:
2 man tents.
Mess tents.
All cooking and kitchen equipment.
Back to topTrek kit bag
Before leaving Moshi there is time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left in Moshi (for example, what you will need in Zanzibar). Think about what you are taking on trek (remember your sleeping bag) and then think how big your kit bag needs to be. An ex-army type can usually be obtained cheaply. A nylon or canvas bag with a zip along the top is also suitable. Whatever you choose, it must be strong and waterproof, but the porters will carry your kit in heavy duty outer bags for added protection. Soft luggage is essential as framed rucksacks are unsuitable. The weight limit for bag and its contents must not exceed 15kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much.
Small rucksack/day bag
During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage that is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. We would recommend that you have a waterproof liner or cover. Your daysac should, therefore, be large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, fleece, long trekking trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, platypus (at least 2 litres), water bottle (1-2 litres), tissues and your packed lunch. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 3 to 5kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. It is usually more comfortable to carry a slightly larger pack that is not full than to carry a small pack that is overfull or with ‘bits’ tied on the outside. Something around 30 litres capacity is probably the most suitable. A shoulder bag is not a practical alternative. Nor are gym type bags.
Heavy duty plastic bags
If you pack your gear in heavy duty plastic bags or dry bags inside your kit bag, they will stay dry in case of rain. It will also be easier for you to sort through. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! One of these bags to use inside your day bag is strongly recommended.
Sleeping bag
As you do not carry it yourself, this may be down or synthetic, but it must be 4-season comfort rating (temperature –10°C to –5°C). A silk or fleece liner helps to keep your bag clean and adds an extra season.
Sleeping mat
We strongly recommend that you bring your own inflatable thermarest for added comfort and a good night's rest. Whilst Vaude sleeping mats are provided, they are light weight and thin.
Sleeping aids
You may find ear plugs and an eye mask useful at night.
Trekking poles
Trekking poles are strongly recommended and can usually be hired in Moshi, at US$15 per pair. However, you may prefer to take your own.
Water Bottle or Platypus/Camelbak hydration system
Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable until purified. Take at least two 2 litre personal water bottles or a system that allows for this much water. A personal supply of tablets/drops for water purification system is essential. Powdered fruit juice can be used to disguise the taste. This can be purchased in Moshi. If you elect to use a hydration system with a tube then it is essential that the bladder and tube are insulated for high altitude and below freezing temperatures.
Sunglasses/snow goggles
A good pair of sunglasses/snow goggles are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.
Sun hat, high factor sun cream/block & lip salve
Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 30 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.
Torch/batteries/bulb
A head torch is essential at night in the camp and for finding your way on summit night. Remember to bring some spare batteries and a bulb. There are no facilities on the mountain to recharge any digital equipment.
Toiletries
Essentials are toothbrush/paste. ‘Wet Wipes’ are great for an alternative to washing and a quick clean up.
Personal first aid kit
On each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials. Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the tour leader.
Personal supplementary snacks
Although sufficient food is supplied on this tour, we recommend that you bring some high energy snacks like cereal bars and chocolate (sweets if you are lactose intolerant) with you. Dextrose and mint cake are especially good for summit night.
Swimming costume
Bring your swimming costume for a swim at the Moshi hotel.
Kit Hire Moshi
It may be possible to hire some kit locally for your Kili trek. Please contact our local contact in Moshi on gladmushi@yahoo.com quoting your reference. They will then be able to confirm availability and cost for you and reserve the items you require. Estimated costs per tour are as follows:–
Down jacket $15 per tour
Sleeping bag $20 per tour
Thermarest style sleeping mat $15 per tour
Gloves $10 per tour
Walking poles $10 per tour
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