FAQs

Team Guide Africa FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Many questions will arise throughout your Kilimanjaro climb and Safari planning. Our staff will address and provide all answers needed. Here are a few helpful answers to common questions

Kilimanjaro has been summited every day of the year. We have scheduled climbs every week, year round. If you have a particular event or day you would like to be standing on the summit, we will arrange that.  The following provides detail on average monthly temperatures (at the beginning of the climb, not on the upper mountain) and rainfall:
Month January February March April May June July August September October November Decebmer Avg. Temp. (F ~ C) 78° ~ 26° 78° ~ 26° 78° ~ 26° 76° ~ 24° 72° ~ 22° 70° ~ 21° 69° ~ 21° 70° ~ 21° 71° ~ 22° 75° ~ 24° 76° ~ 24° 77° ~ 25° Rainfall (inches ~ cm) 1.4   ~  3.6 2.0   ~  5.1 4.7   ~  11.9 13.8 ~  35.1 9.3   ~  23.6 1.5   ~  3.8 1.0   ~  2.5 .7     ~  1.8 .6     ~  1.5 1.0   ~  2.5 2.5   ~  6.4 2.1   ~  5.3
Kili Safari selects routes that are the most scenic, best for acclimatization and yield the greatest chance of success.
You can overpay to climb Kili and you can under pay. Cheap operators may sacrifice:
  • Safety equipment
  • Contract out your climb to unknown companies
  • Non-certified guides with no medical training
  • Neglect proper cooking preparations
  • Exclude private sanitary facilities
  • Poor group equipment
  • Select quick and crowded routes
  • the list can go on and on….
Depending upon the selected route, you may trek an average of 4-8 hours per day with the summit day being the longest.
Team Guide Africa provides a detailed Equipment List in that ensures every detail and item is in order.
Yes. Team Guide Africa rents anything from sleeping bags to warm jackets down to trekking poles and gaiters. If you currently don’t have items on the Equipment List and feel it would be better to rent, simply reserve these items and we’ll have them ready for you upon arrival.
The only items you will carry are the essentials you want while trekking that particular day. Our detailed Kilimanjaro Information Guide will provide gear and suggestions on optimizing your day pack.
No other company provides more safety equipment than Team Guide Africa . From supplemental oxygen, to altitude bags, portable stretchers to pulse oximeters, you are in good hands should the rare occasion arise that these safety devises are needed. Each Lead guide is certified for the usage and handling of all our safety equipment.
While there are no current restrictions for non Africans entering Tanzania, you should however check with your local travel clinic for the latest recommendations. We highly recommend you are up to date with your Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. For current Health information for Travels to Tanzania, visit the Center for Disease Control website
Yes. We will recommend the best airlines and travel arrangements to provide you with the optimal value based upon your air travel preference.  If flying to Nairobi is your preferred option, we have complete transpiration schedules to assist you from Nairobi right to us and back.
The majority of those climbing Kilimanjaro and/or traveling on safari fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (Airport Code: JRO). Some find it more economical flying to Nairobi, Kenya (Airport Code: NBO) and then taking the 6-8 hour shuttle transportation to Arusha or Moshi. Whether you fly into Tanzania or arrive by shuttle bus, our Team Guide Africa staff will be there at the airport or bus station to greet you and your adventure will begin! Additional Airport codes of interest: Zanzibar (ZNZ), Arusha (ARK), Dar es Salaam (DAR), Serengeti Airstrip/Airport (SEU)
Our hotels have a Safe Room that stores all baggage and equipment not needed for the climb or safari.
Team Guide Africa provides a detailed Fitness Program based on your time before departure, the altitude you live, age, and fitness level. Team Guide Africa offers a comprehensive personal fitness program to ensure your condition prior to taking your first step on the mountain.
The majority of our clients have not been at high altitude before and do not know how their body will react. Diamox (generic name Acetazolamide) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which means it forces the kidneys to expel bicarbonate, thus re-acidifying the blood. The drug forces the kidneys to emit bicarbonate. By increasing the amount of bicarbonate removed to the urine, the blood becomes more acidic. Acidifying the blood stimulates ventilation, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and has shown to decrease the detrimental effects of altitude on the body. This is a personal choice and has been known to assist clients with minimizing the effects of altitude. This should ultimately be a decision between you and your physician.
Tanzania’s official languages are English and Swahili. All Team Guide Africa guides speak English, with some of our guides conversant in French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
You should drink bottled water while in town and on your Safari. While on the mountain, our staff takes careful consideration to purify water each day and provide sufficient water for each client as much as they need. All Team Guide Africa staff come with daily bottled water.
Travelers insurance is strongly recommended. Our staff will discuss with you the best suited option for you as well as suggest many options and reputable companies.
The Visa to enter Tanzania is $100 for US citizens and $50 for all others. These can be purchased upon arrival at Tanzania Airports or at the Kenya/Tanzania boarder. US Cash or Tanzanian Shilling ONLY.
The Tanzanian Shilling is the national currency. US Dollars are widely accepted throughout Moshi and Arusha and park entrances throughout the Safari. There are also many currency exchange locations and banks to facilitate currency trade throughout Moshi and Arusha. Credit cards are only accepted at the airlines and Major hotels within Tanzania. Plan on traveling with sufficient cash and/or travelers checks.
The local electricity supply is 220 volts 50 cycles AC, Type G and Type D outlets. You will need to supply your own international standard adapter if you plan to power and recharge your electronic devices.
We understand that sufficient caloric intake and purified water are essential to keep the body functioning properly high up on the mountain. Our menu is specific to the activities of that day, and day of trekking ahead. By incorporating the right balance of carbohydrates and proteins, we keep our clients in top health. We have vegetarian & vegan menus available and accommodate gluten free and do our best with other special dietary situations. The following are a sample of our menu items: Breakfast
  • Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
  • Toast, Biscuits with Margarine, Jam, Peanut Butter
  • Eggs, meat, sausage
  • Porridge
  • Fresh fruits: Mango, Banana, Avocado, Watermelon, Oranges
Lunch
  • Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
  • Chicken or Vegetable Soup
  • Bread, Biscuits or Pancakes with Jam, Peanut Butter
  • Sandwich with Meat or Cheese, Boiled Egg
  • Snack: Peanuts, Popcorn, Cake, Cookies
  • Fresh fruits and Fruit Salad: Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, Carrots
Dinner
  • Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
  • Chicken or Vegetable Soup
  • Bread, Biscuits or Pancakes with Jam, Peanut Butter
  • Roasted Chicken, Beef or Fish
  • Potatoes, Rice, Pasta
  • Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, Peas, Tomato, Beans
  • Welcome Packet: including Detailed Itinerary, Invoice, Information Guide, Equipment List, Personalized Fitness Training program, Kilimanjaro Journal, warm Summit Cap.
  • Personal trekking coordinator to assist throughout your preparation
  • Transport to and from Kilimanjaro Airport
  • 2 Nights Hotel
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Daily trip reports our office staff emails back home to interested friends and family
  • Transportation to and from your selected route
  • All personal and group tents
  • All Tanzanian National Park Fees
  • Government Climbing Taxes
  • Climbing permits
  • All Meals while on Kilimanjaro and Safari
  • Sleeping pads
  • Private chemical toilets
  • Staff Salaries
  • All meals during the duration
  • Purified water
  • Climb Kili exclusive Guides, Assistant Guides, Chefs and Porters
  • Safety Equipment:
    • Emergency Oxygen
    • Hyperbaric Bag
    • Pulse Oximeter
  • Hot drinks at every meal
  • One tree planted on your behalf
  • Emergency rescue fees
  • Free wireless internet at the hotel
  • Solo Supplement included (if applicable)
  • Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park
  • Climb Kili’s exclusive Guarantee
Absolutely.  Team Guide Africa has led Special Olympians, paraplegics, visually impaired, amputees,  and many other clients with special needs to the summit. Please contact us to discuss specific situations and for any questions you may have.
No, in the sense that no prior climbing experience is needed. However, this should not lead to the notion that this is a simple hike. The Team Guide Africa personal Fitness Program will prepare your body and mind for the daily trekking and rigors of the mountain.
On Kilimanjaro and Safari tipping is an expected practice for the crew who assist you.
  • As a general rule $200 to $300 per person will adequately cover crew tips on the mountain.
  • For Safari, $15 per person per day is recommended.
Several factors can increase or decrease the per person amounts such as longer expedition will increase the overall amount as well as smaller groups typically will tip more as they will employ a larger number of crew per customer ratio than larger groups. If you prefer to tip each crew member individually here is a general rule for the total tip amount: Approximate DAILY Rates TOTAL:
  • Lead Guide: $15
  • Assistant Guides: $10
  • Chef: $10
  • Porters: $7
At the end of your trek you may choose to either tip each crew member individually or give your entire tip to the lead guide who will in turn divide the tip accordingly to each crew member. Tips can be handed out on the final night or as you complete your journey on the final day. Do what you feel works best and don’t hesitate to ask your Guide what he may recommend.
You can confirm your booking via our secure Online Reservation form. We’ll send out your Welcome Package soon and you’ll be on your way!
We can customize your safari to accommodate your schedule. Our Safari’s typically range from 3-7 days.
All our vehicles are Land Rover and Land Cruisers which are serviced after each and every safari. All our vehicles have pop up canopy roofs with personal window seat viewing for each client.
Sure. We provide just a few popular itineraries that work well with a typical schedule. If you would like to discuss a longer Safari we would be happy to accommodate and review our additional Safari extension options.

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