Tanzania FAQs

General

Can you book airfares?
We can help book your international flights from Tanzania back home. Contact us for flight information and prices.

Can I get a visa in Tanzania?
Yes, you can obtain a visa at major airports and at border crossings, but try to receive one ahead of time to make your entry into the country as easy as possible.

Do you customize a tour?
Yes, just let us know what’s you are thinking of and we will put it all together for you!

Can we leave excess luggage behind while on safari or Kilimanjaro?
Extra luggage can be stored in a locked storage room at your Moshi hotel for no charge. Valuables should be left in a safety deposit box at your hotel in Moshi ($1/day)

Will I have a chance to interact with the local people of Tanzania?
Feel free to interact with your safari guide and Kilimanjaro guides and porters! There are other unique ways to meet local people:

• Visit the outdoor markets in Moshi and Arusha
• Donate or volunteer to local school, orphanage, or non-profit in Tanzania.
• Visit a Maasai village
• Visit the Bushman tribe at Lake Eyasi

I am a solo (single) traveler, how can I join your tour?
Yes, we can add solo travelers to a group, or we can arrange a private trip for you. 

Do you accommodate people with dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian and other special diets can be accommodated. Please let us know ahead of time. Protein options may be minimal on a vegetarian diet, so you may want to bring protein supplements.

How soon do I have to book your tour?
We recommend booking your trip as soon as possible. Lodges and tented camps on safari are booked quickly, so we need to reserve those before they fill up. However, sometimes we do have space last minute as well.

What immunizations / shots are required?
Talk to your doctor about:

• Malaria
• Yellow fever
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus
• Polio
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Meningococcal Meningitis (Africa/Asia)

How much money do I need?
Budget a minimum of $200/person for tips for Kilimanjaro, $25-30/day for expenses and tips on safari, and $20/day for other expenses in Moshi.
Do your Tanzania trips include any transfer for those arriving in Nairobi, Kenya?
No, but we can schedule transfer from Nairobi either by land or air for an additional charge.

What is there to do in Moshi?  Is it safe to walk around on my own?
Take a look at our Day Trips page we offer in and around Moshi. It is safe to walk around the main area of town during the day with valuables well hidden, but it is not advised to walk around at night.

Can I go to Zanzibar after my safari/trek?  Can you arrange that?
We can book your flights to Zanzibar from Kilimanjaro and your Zanzibar hotels. 

Can I use a credit card to pay for my trip?
Currently we only accept Wire Transfers direct to our Bank Account.

What is the deposit amount to hold my space?
A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your reservation. This deposit is non-refundable.

When do I need to pay the balance of my trip?
Final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival in Tanzania..

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on the reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the canceling party will be retained by Marangu Colobus Travel. (the deposit) and the remaining balance of the package price refunded.
If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by Marangu Colobus Travel.
If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by Marangu Colobus Travel and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately.
Should the canceling party be able to find a replacement for their booking no less than 14 days prior to departure, and the replacement completes the booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place.
We highly recommend travel insurance to cover any cancellation fees.

Do you cancel a trip, or charge more when other people in my group cancel?
Our trips are never canceled, but you may have to pay more if your group falls below a certain group size.

Safari

When is the best time to go?
Tanzania is great to visit any time of year. Most people avoid the rainy months of April, May, and November. Some travelers like to go during the peak migration season.

What is the migration?
The migration in East Africa is world-renowned. Millions of wildebeests participate in the migration through Tanzania and Kenya. Hundreds of thousands of zebra join them. Although lions and other carnivores do not migrate with the grazing animals, they feast on them when their paths cross.

When is the best time to see the migration?
The best time to see the migration in Tanzania is January-March and June-August. In 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.

What's the food like on the safari?
Lodges and tented camps serve breakfast and dinner, typically buffet-style.  Lunches are often a box lunch eaten while on your game drive.

What type of vehicles do you provide?
We use 4 or 6 passenger 4-wheel-drive Land Cruisers, all with viewing roofs for the safaris.

Are the guides on safari certified?
They are licensed, trained, friendly, and have years of experience!

Can we buy extra bottles of water along the safari?
You can buy any drinks along your way to the safari. There will be mini-markets in town.

Kilimanjaro

When should I go?
Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time throughout the year. The best months to climb are December-March, and September-October, because they are the warmest and driest months. The next best are June to August, since they are colder. July, August, and September are the busiest months.
Summiting on or soon after a full moon is very beautiful and helps illuminate the landscape without using headlamps. However, it is also very bright when sleeping and stars are not as visible.

What is the weather like on Mt. Kilimanjaro?
Temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain and -15 to -20 degrees Celsius on top, plus wind chill. At lower elevations it can be wet and humid, but higher up there can be snow. Rain and snow may be encountered at any time of the year!

How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing experience and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain. However, for most people it is the most difficult thing they have ever done.

Which route should I take?
Your decision will depend on where you want to sleep, the hiking distance each day, and number of days for each route. On the Marangu Route, you sleep in huts with simple beds, while on all of the other routes you sleep in tents. There are two main routes on the mountain: the Marangu and Machame. You may also want to consider the Rongai Route as it is far less traveled. The Lemosho Route is a good choice if you want a longer route (8+ days).  None of these routes are technical.

How long does it take to reach the summit?
This will depend on the route you choose and your pace. It often takes 4-8 hours to reach the summit from the high camp.

How do I cope with the change of altitude?
Always remember to maintain a slow and steady pace from beginning to end. Going slowly allows the body to acclimatize while hiking. Those who start out too quickly will have troubles higher up the mountain as the body will be overexerted. This still holds true if you are spending an extra day on the mountain. Drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep.

What shots should I get?
Talk to your doctor about getting:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Tetanus
• Polio
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Meningococcal Meningitis (Africa/Asia)

Can children climb Kilimanjaro?
The minimum age set by the National Park Authorities for summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro is 12 years old. However, children under 12 can attempt the summit with special permission. Younger children can also trek on the mountain without reaching the summit.

How many members will be in my group?
Groups are limited to 10 people, but they are typically around 5 people. We will combine groups up to this limit if they are starting the same route on the same day. However, we can also arrange for private groups at no extra cost. We will try to add single travelers to a group if at all possible, but we cannot guarantee this. We can also accommodate large groups of any size.

How many guides, porters, and cooks will we have?
Expect 1 guide per 2 hikers, 1 assistant guide per 3 hikers, and 1 cook per 8 hikers. Porters as follows:

• 2 porters per hiker on the 5-day Marangu Route and Mt. Meru (minimum of 4 porters)
• 3 porters per hiker on a 6 or 7-day trek (minimum of 5 porters)
• 4 porters per hiker on the 8-day Lemosho Route (minimum of porters)
• Sometimes extra porters are required based on the weight of the luggage.

Are the guides trained in first aid and altitude sickness?
Kilimanjaro guides are trained in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and basic mountain first aid.  However, they are not doctors or paramedics. Climbers are responsible for bringing their own first aid kit and medical supplies.

Are the guides licensed / certified?
Kilimanjaro guides are trained and certified by the Kilimanjaro National Park. They start out as porters and work their way up to assistant guide. When they are ready (after about 2-4 years), they go through the national park certification process.

Do guides carry cell phones or radios on the mountain?
Yes, all guides carry cell phones, but reception on the mountain can be spotty.

What kind of tents do you provide?
Our tents are 3-person 4-season dome-style mountain tents, two people each.


Will there be oxygen for our group on the trek? 
Oximeters are included on all treks at no charge. Oxygen is available for $30/group.

Will there be a hyperbaric pressure bag for our group?
We can provide hyperbaric bag for $120/group.
What happens if one of us becomes ill and has to return early? Is there an extra charge or is our money returned in case of illness or injury?
All climbers pay a rescue fee to the Kilimanjaro National Park (included in the price).  If a client cannot walk because they are injured or sick, the guides, assistant guides, and porters will assist this climber down. There is no extra charge for coming down and being taken back to your hotel, however you will not receive a refund for the mountain days you miss and you will be responsible for medical assistance and extra hotel nights.  We highly recommend travel insurance to cover any medical expenses and further evacuation.

What additional costs can I expect when I travel with you?
Extra expenses include:

• Tips for guides and porters
• Rental equipment (sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.)
• Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
• Any personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, etc.).

How much should I tip?
The typical tip is $20/day for guides, $15/day for assistant guides and cooks, and $10/porter/day. These tips are from the whole group, not per hiker.
Remember, tips should not be dependent on whether you summit or not, but rather whether they were professional and had your best interests in mind.
What kind of accommodation is provided for the 2 nights before and after the

climb that are included in your climbing prices?
The trek price includes 2 nights at a 3-star hotel such as the Bristol Cottages, a comfortable tourist hotel near the center of Moshi.

What kind of accommodation is available during climbing?
On the Marangu Route, the first two huts sleep four people each, and the last hut is dorm-style with bunk beds. While on the other routes, you sleep in 3-person 4-season dome-style mountain tents, two people each.

Do you have luggage (weight/size/number) limitations on your climbs?
The one pack that the porters carry for you is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds). Overweight or extra luggage will require an additional porter at $20/day plus tips.

What's the food like during the climb?
The staple foods in Tanzania are meats, starches, vegetables, and fruits. Most meals will also have a selection of hot drinks such as instant coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Who prepares the food on the mountain?
Your trekking party will be outfitted with a cook to prepare your meals in a safe and hygienic manner.

What about drinking water?
The porters will purify water for you at each camp.

Can we buy drinking water or other beverages on Kilimanjaro?
You will be able to buy any drinks at local mini-markets in town before arriving at the gate. Sometimes there are drinks available at the lower camps, but the service is unreliable and expensive.

Can we bring something for the porters?
Donations are easier to take with you when you travel to Tanzania rather than mailing after you return from your trip. Porters welcome hiking boots, clothing, and cash donations.

Is it better to do a safari first....then the trek?  Or do the trek first?
Most people start with the trek and end with the safari, since they finish the hardest part of their trip and are able to relax on their safari.  However, we can accommodate either way.