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SAFARIS | KILIMANJARO TREKKS | MOUNT MERU | HOW TO BOOK | ABOUT US | GETTING THERE | CONTACT
FREEQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | KILIMANJARO
Q. What is the Best Time of Year to Climb Kilimanjaro.
A. Although you can climb Kilimanjaro at any time, it is generally believed that the best months to climb are January, February, September and October. Also great are July/August (though colder), and November/December (could be wetter).It tends to be drier during these months and there are fewer tourists in Tanzania. It is advised to try to avoid climbing during Tanzania's rainy season of March, April and May.
Q. What is the Best Route to Climb?
A. Explorers Adventure recommends the camping routes of Machame, Lemosho and Shira. The western camping routes are more scenic than the eastern routes and usually have better weather. For those with time to acclimatize properly, we ascend via the Western Breach Route. This trek is a truly first-class mountaineering experience!
Other routes are also available, and we are happy to arrange a trek according to your desires. If you have questions, email us…we've climbed all the routes and we can tell you what the differences are.
Q: How should I physically prepare for my Climb?
A. Kilimanjaro is considered by many to be the easiest high mountain to climb. However, the altitude of 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) is still extremely high and proper preparation is essential. It is helpful to engage in aerobic exercise a few times a week for two months prior to the climb. Also, it is absolutely essential that you understand the causes and symptoms of altitude sickness before beginning the trek. Be sure to read the Altitude Sickness Information page before planning your trip.
Q. What Is Your Success Rate for Summiting?
A.Our success rates are phenomenal in relation to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top. Our success rate (reaching Uhuru Peak) is over 90% overall, and over 95% on our 9-day Western Route. The average on the entire mountain is less than 50%. Our Kilimanjaro program is designed for success and safety, which is purely a factor of dedication, experience, and a commitment to providing the best services.
Q. How Fit Do I Need to Be?
A.Although many deem Kilimanjaro "easily accessible", it is the most underestimated mountain in the world. The trails themselves do not require technical mountaineering skill, yet the effects of altitude consistently turn back many trekkers from Kibo's upper slopes.
Altitude sickness is an ambiguous phenomenon, and it is nearly impossible to predict how and when it will affect you. You don't need to be an athlete to climb this mountain, but you certainly need determination and willpower.
You'll also need to commit yourself to a physical training regimen. We recommend a varied physical routine to include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (not necessarily at high altitude), simply to familiarize your body with the rigors and nuances of being on the trail. Generally, all things constant, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek.
Q. What if I can’t make it to the Top?
A.There are many wonders on Kilimanjaro, and the experience is rewarding even for those who never reach the top. If one or more members of a group decide they cannot continue, or if a guide deems it unsafe for an individual (or a group) to continue, they are escorted (laterally or downward) to the most convenient campsite or hut. Our guides intimately know the network of shortcuts to escort climbers to safety, and they are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstance.
Q .How Qualified Are the Explorers Guides?
A. Each of Explorers guides have summiting Mount Kilimanjaro over 100 times and over 7 years of experience .They receive lots of training from us on a regular basis. Their English is excellent, and their knowledge of the flora and fauna is remarkable. When you trek with Explorers, you can count on having the best-trained guides on the mountain who lead trips with passion and confidence.
Q. How Far Do We Hike Each Day?
A. On most days, you will hike about 10 km (6.2 miles). In order to adjust to the change in elevation, you will be hiking the day's distance at a slow pace.
Q. Why Do we Make the Final Ascent to Uhuru at Midnight?
A. The final ascent to Uhuru is made at night because of the weather patterns on Kilimanjaro. Clouds begin to roll in almost every day at 10am. If you summit during the day, you run the risk of being caught in snow, hail or rainstorms. The midnight trek to the summit is designed to ensure your safety. You will also have the best views from the top at dawn.
Q. What Equipment Do I Need?
A. There is no special mountaineering equipment needed. We provide mountain tents along with closed-cell foam mattress pads. There are many items you'll need to bring, but most people find they already own the majority of the items on the packing list. If you have cold weather/snow gear and hiking clothes, then you'll have most of what you need.
Please review our detailed packing list that explains what to bring on your climb.
Q. Can I rent equipment from Explorers for my climb?
A.Explorers Adventure rents everything from headlamps to waterproof hiking boots. Please email us for prices and availability.
Q. What Will the Porters Carry and what Will I Carry on the Climb?
A. Porters will carry most of your luggage. You will carry a small day pack that contains your drinking water, rain gear, camera, lunch and a day energy snacks.
Q. How Many People Will Be in My Group?
A.In addition to your fellow climbers, you will be accompanied by porters, guides, and assistant guides. You can expect a ratio of one guide for every three climbers, and two or three porters for every climber.
We limit our expeditions to a maximum of 10 climbers. We treat each trip differently, but our goal remains the same - to provide the best possible service to ensure each group can safely enjoy their experience to the fullest.
Q. What Kind of Food Will I Eat?
A. Meals are nutritious and calorific, prepared with the best quality foods and highest standards of hygiene. Breakfast and dinner are served in a large mess tent and lunches out in the open if the weather is nice. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. View menu
Q. What Route Do I Descend?
A.We descend the Mweka Route to Barafu Camp then continue the descent to the Mweka Camp on the south eastern slopes, nestled in thick heather at 11,000 feet. The final day's descent is through lush forests on a well-maintained trail to the village of Mweka, where'll you be awarded your climbing certificates and a festive meal.
SAFARI
Q. How rugged is a camping safari?
A. On a camping safari, guests and staff sleep in private tents in designated campsites in or near the national parks. Explorers Adventure staff setup the camp and prepare all meals while you relax, read and eat snacks. Explorers Adventure camps consist of tents set up around tables and chairs.
Whenever possible, Explorers uses more remote campsites to make your camping experience more private. There are toilet and shower facilities at almost all the campsites although the level of cleanliness varies.
Q. On Camping Safaris, What Equipment does Explorers Provide?
A. Explorers provides camping equipment including tents, sleeping mattresses, tables and chairs. We also provide all cooking equipment for safari. Please see our packing list for items you should bring with you to Tanzania If you need to rent equipment such as sleeping bags or other gear, let us know.
Q: What types of hotels do you use?
A: A variety of local style accommodations are used including hotels, guesthouses, pensions, hostels, home-stays and of course camping. Most hotels are tourist class, offering clean secure accommodation but with few amenities.
Q. Can I have a single room/tent? Do I have to share?
A.Single supplements are only available on a few select trips and lodge/tented camp accommodated safaris. On most of our trips if you are traveling alone you will share a room or tent with another same sex solo traveler and will not be charged for, a single supplement.
Q. How Does Explorers Adventure Choose Lodges and Tented Camps on Safari?
A.We organizes your holiday or honeymoon specifically to your requirements. With our detailed knowledge of the country and the lodges we will make sure that you visit the area that you want to see and stay in the lodges most suited to you and your budget. We also make sure that you visit the right place at the right time of year and take the right type of transport to get to your destination. We have no affiliation with any of the lodges so are totally objective in our choice. We try to visit all the lodges regularly and we judge them solely on quality of the accommodation, service and value for money.
Our experienced and professional consultants are committed to matching your every need, rather than simply prescribing set itineraries.
Q.What to Bring on Safari?
A .It really depends on what type of safari you have chosen. In any case, the following is recommended: Flashlight; Sunscreen, Lip salve; Sunglasses, Sun hat; Insect repellent; Binoculars; Camera with zoom lenses; Spare film and batteries; Towel, Toiletries; Long sleeved shirt; Long trousers; Warm sweater; Sleeping bag; Small daypack.
Q: What kind of toilet facilities are there?
A: A variety of facilities exist depending on local conditions. Traveling in remote, developing countries means you will not always have a western style toilet. Adventure travelers always carry their own roll of toilet paper.
Q: Will I get a hot shower every day?
A: On some trips yes, but others, especially camping trips, no.
Q: Can I join the trip late? Leave early? Can I just do "bits and pieces"?
A: None of the above is advisable for a variety of reasons but mainly to preserve the group dynamic.
Q: If I arrive a day early, can you help with hotel accommodation?
A: Yes, we can arrange additional accommodation at the joining hotel if you plan to arrive early.
Q: Is it a guaranteed departure?
A: Not all departures are guaranteed. However very few trips are cancelled.
Q. How many are booked so far?
A: Since travelers book from many different countries, exact numbers are not available. We know when the trip is almost full and when completely full.
Q. Why aren't all meals included on the hotel trips?
A: Food is not always included, so that you can choose from a wide variety of local cafes and market stalls, to really experience the local cuisine and atmosphere.
Q. How much spending money should I bring?
A:.This will depend on the destination and your spending habits. However our trip notes / dossiers will give you an idea of how to budget for additional meals, optional excursions, and extra expenses you might incur on any specific trip.
Q. Who travels with us on Safari?
A. During lodge safaris, you will be accompanied by a trained wildlife guide. Our guides have at least 8 years of experience on safari and have taken several language and wildlife courses. If you choose an adventure camping safari, you will also travel with a cook who will prepare all of your delicious meals while in the bush. As with any explorers -arranged trip, we will only combine tourist groups at the client's request. You can expect a private vehicle with your very own guide.
Q.Do I Need to Bring a Water Filter?
A. On safari we provide bottled water thoroughly.
Q. What Drinks are Available on Safari?
A .On most safaris alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic are not included in the all-inclusive daily rate. These are bottled water, soft drinks.
Q. What is a Typical Menu on a Camping Safari or Kilimanjaro Climb?
A. During a camping safari, Explorers Adventure provides three meals a day as well as afternoon snacks. We also provide all of your bottled drinking water. After your game drive, a snack with tea or coffee will be waiting for you at the campsite. You will have a choice of fresh popcorn, cake/peanut or sliced fruits.
View a sample menu!
Q .What Types of Food are served on Safari?
A .The food served at most up market safari lodges and tented camps is of the highest quality. Gourmet cooks bake fresh breads, and produce soups, salads, and entrees that could easily grace tables at top restaurants around the world. Meals are international in flavor with soups, salads, cold meats, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes, and breads. Your day normally starts with tea and biscuits before your morning activity. Returning to your lodge or camp late morning, brunch is enjoyed - cereals, fruit, bacon, eggs, sausage, and toast. Buffet lunches are typical with a warm dish such as stew served with salads, quiches and cold meats.
Dinner consists of an appetizer followed by meat, fish and pasta dishes served with assorted vegetables and sauces. Dinner is followed by coffee (or tea), cheeses, and gorgeous desserts.
We can also cater for Vegetarians! Just inform your safari consultant at the time of booking!
Q. What Type of Vehicles are Used on Safari for Wildlife Viewing?
A .During safaris, Explorers uses 4WD Land Cruisers and occasionally Land Rover Defenders .All vehicles are custom made for safaris with pop-up roofs for outstanding viewing. But be careful, sun can get very hot during the day and to avoid sunburn do not forget to wear sunscreen or maybe long sleeves! For more information, please visit the vehicles page.
Q. Our Family Wants to Enjoy a Safari. Are children allowed on Safari?
A .In Tanzania, travelling with children is quite easy as many lodges and camps have no restrictions.
Q .Do I Need to Bring a Sleeping Bag on a Camping Safari?
A .In the majority of cases all camping equipment will be provided for you. If you need to bring a sleeping bag your safari consultant will advise you of this.
Q. What Type of Baggage / Luggage Should I Take?
A .Luggage should be kept to a minimum - 12 kg’s / 26 pounds per person packed in a soft duffel bag (15 kg's per person on Explorer Series safaris). Hard sided suitcases and soft-sided internal frame carry-on luggage are not acceptable as they will not fit in the baggage compartment on small aircraft which are often used for transfers between lodges and camps. On safaris that have no small aircraft transfers the weight and size allowance is not as important however you should still strive to bring as little as possible. Remember - a complimentary laundry service is offered at most safari camps and lodges.
Q. What are The Big Five?
A. The Big Five were originally the animals most sought after by hunters. They were the fiercest animals, the animals that hunted the hunters. They include rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and Cape buffalo and today are the animals that tourists most want to see when visiting Tanzania's national parks. You can see all five of these animals during a visit to Northern Tanzania.
Q. When is the best time to see the migration?
The best time to see the migration in Tanzania is often January-March and June-August. In the Kenya, it is often best September-October. These are also the most popular times to go, so you will need to book well in advance. You will see an abundance of wildlife all year round.
Q.What is the Wildebeest Migration?
A. The wildebeest migration is the annual movement of 1.2 million wildebeest and zebra between Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Maasai Mara National Park. The migration is usually in the Serengeti from late December until late August, making these months the best for wildlife viewing in the Serengeti. The best months to view the migration are generally January through March when the migration is in larger herds. The highlight of the migration occurs during a two week period in February when the wildebeest give birth to 8,000 babies daily.
Q .How Close do I get to the Animals?
A. It is important to follow the park regulations. The guide is not allowed to drive off the tracks to approach animals. Normally, the guide should keep a distance of at least 25 meters from the animals; however, some animals actually come near vehicles or stay close to the tracks. So, you will most likely get up close and personal with the wildlife, sometimes close enough to reach out and touch the animals. As much as it sounds good, it is not a good idea; remember that the parks are not Zoos, animals are not tamed and close encounters can be dangerous! It is much better to stick to your camera!
Q .Do I Have to Pay Extra for Taking Pictures inside the Parks?
A .No. You can film and photograph as much as you want, so remember to bring spare batteries and film. But note that most likely you will be asked to pay if you take pictures of the locals. However, professional TV crews need to apply for special filming permits. Contact us for additional information.
Q: Do you ever have any last minute specials?
A: Not usually. Our trips are priced to be as affordable as possible and further discounting is not usually offered. The groups are small and therefore space is limited. We actually have a $20 late booking fee, so book early! However you may wish to check our Specials page.
Q: When should I book my trip?
A. Because our trips book up months in advance, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. We will of course make every effort to accommodate last minute bookings.
Q. Can I create a custom itinerary?
A .Yes. At present we are offering treks to the summit of Kilimanjaro all routes, as well as animal safaris and trips to Zanzibar. If you are interested in a variation on these, please contact us. We will work hard to accommodate your needs.
Q. What do the different Explorers trip s cost?
A.Our prices are generally mid-range. We don't compete with the cheap Kilimanjaro climb and safari companies on price because we don't want to compromise your comfort, safety, and enjoyment, nor the wages and health of our guides and porters. On the other hand, we are far from the most expensive company because we do not have the high overhead of American and European based tour operators. We are a Tanzanian-owned and operated company helping our clients enjoy the beauty and excitement of our country and helping invest in the people of Tanzania.
For specific prices of our Kilimanjaro climbs, animal safaris, and Zanzibar extensions please see our sample itineraries.
Q .Can Explorers Adventure help me book flights?
A.Explorers books internal East Africa travel and transfers, including flights, bus rides and shuttles. Tickets can be mailed to you prior to your trip or picked up in Tanzania .Explorers can also book flights within Africa. For inter-continental flights, please email us for information on recommended travel agents.
Q.Can I fly through Nairobi to reach Kilimanjaro?
A.It is possible to fly into Nairobi and transfer to another flight or bus to Kilimanjaro. Although Nairobi offers more international flight options and slightly lower fares, we do not recommend flying into Nairobi. Logistically it is much easier to fly directly into Kilimanjaro on KLM (via Amsterdam) or Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa). Kenyan visas may need to be purchased; your schedule may require an overnight stay in Nairobi; and the bus connection, though reliable and comfortable, is 7 hours to Kilimanjaro. |