What official documents do I need to travel to Tanzania?
You will require a passport valid for at least six months after your date of entry. If you are arriving from a country in which Yellow Fever is endemic (such as Kenya), you will require an immunization certificate or health card.

Citizens of the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and most countries in the EU, need a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. Application details and forms can be found on Tanzanian Embassy web sites.

As with all visa matters — contact your local Tanzanian Embassy for the latest information.

How safe is it to travel in Tanzania?
Tanzania is a safe country to travel in. Tanzanians are warm-hearted and generous people and are eager to help and assist visitors. As in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe, do not carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities, do not wear too much jewellery, do not carry large amounts of cash on your person etc.

Guides will monitor your safety in cities and in the game areas. From time to time generalized travel statements are issued concerning travel conditions in the area. For current Department of State announcements and Consular information see http://travel.state.gov

How safe is the water and food in Tanzania?
It is best to drink bottled water when travelling through Tanzania – numerous brands are widely available and served in all restaurants and lodges. Steer clear of ice, raw vegetables, and salads when eating at street restaurants. High-end lodges and restaurants will clean their produce in antiseptic solution, but to be on the safe side, fruit and vegetables should always be washed and peeled. Try to avoid eating in empty restaurants – the food may have been sitting out for some time – and order your meat well done. On the coast, seafood and fish are usually fresh, but make sure everything is well-cooked.

Typical food in Tanzania?
The food served in the safari camps/lodges varies, but is tasty and delicious. Gourmet cooks bake fresh breads, and produce soups, salads, and entrees that could easily grace tables at the top restaurants around the world. Meals are international in flavour 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/ tea, cheeses, and stunning desserts.

In Tanzania’s towns and villages, the food is usually simpler. Plain grilled meat, nyama choma, is very popular, and often served with sauce, rice, chips, or ugali (cornmeal). Indian cuisine is also wide spread. The locally brewed beer is good, including Serengeti, Safari, Kilimanjaro, mbege (homebrew from the Chagga people) and banana beer; imported beers (e.g. Tusker from Kenya) and wine are also excellent.

Time in Tanzania?
Tanzania is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). Tanzania does not operate daylight saving time, hence there’s no time difference between their summer and winter months.

Tanzania’s International Dialling code?
The International Dialling Code for Tanzania is +255, followed by the applicable area codes (e.g. 22 for Dar es Salaam, or 27 for Arusha). Calling out from Tanzania, you dial 00 plus the relevant country code (44 for the UK, 1 for the USA).

What is the Tanzania currency?
The official unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. Notes are issued as TSh10,000; 5000; 1000; 500; 200 and 100. Coins are issued as TSh100; 50; 20; 10, 5 and 1.

The tourism industry prices everything in US Dollars and they are the preferred unit of currency. Major currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns. Foreign exchange bureaux in the main towns usually offer a better rate on traveller’s cheques than do the banks. ATMs are available in major cities only. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a 10% surcharge.

ON KILIMANJARO
What is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?
Each route is unique and an experience in itself. The most popular routes are Machame and Marangu. If you wish to hike less remote, we recommend you to choose Lemosho or Rongai. The best acclimatisation conditions are on Machame and Lemosho Route.

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
It is generally believed that the best time to climb Kilimanjaro are August to October. It tends to be drier during these months, but it is also the busiest time on the mountain. People that want to have a quieter experience should consider June. Nonetheless with the right gear Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year.

What are the signs of altitude sickness?
Almost everyone will experience some form of altitude sickness while hiking Kilimanjaro. Although the symptoms are easily treatable with rest and hydration, more serious symptoms can sometimes develop. When planning your trip try to understand the symptoms, prevention and treatment of altitude sickness by contacting us.

What happens if someone has to descend because of altitude sickness?
You will always hike with several guides/assistant guides. If someone has altitude sickness and can’t proceed with the climb, they will descend with an assistant guide.

How far do we hike each day?
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.

Why do we make the final ascent to Uhuru Peak at midnight?
Kilimanjaro’s final ascent to Uhuru Peak 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 and an sunrise you surely won’t forget.

What kind of gear do I need to pack?
Please review our packing list that explains what to bring on your climb.

Can I rent equipment from your company?
Everything that we can provide you with is included in your trek. Nonetheless our company does not have all items necessary on stock, so we recommend to have a look at our packing list and purchase the missing items at home. Alternatively we can also take you to the local rental store in Moshi.

What will the porters carry and what will I carry on the climb?
Porters will carry most of your luggage. You will carry a small day pack that contains your drinking water, rain gear, camera and lunch.

Is it possible to buy energy snacks in Tanzania?
You can not buy energy snacks or drinks in Tanzania, so you should bring a supply with you. Gel energy snacks are extremely useful for the summit day.

How much should I tip each guide, cook and porter?
Tip is not included in your tour price. Please find below our guidelines for tipping your mountain and/or safari crew:

Mountain Guide- $20.00 per day
Porter- $7.00 to $10.00 per day
Mountain Cook- $15.00 per day
Safari Guide- $20.00 per day
Safari Cook- $20.00 per day

How much experience do our guides have?
Each one of our guides has several years of experience on Kilimanjaro. Our most experienced guide has climbed Kilimanjaro more than 200 times (18 years) while our most junior guide has climbed about 50 times (5 years). Be sure to listen to your guide’s advice while on the mountain and remember to go slowly. If you hike slowly, you increase your chances of reaching the top as your body has more chance to acclimatize.

How should I physically prepare for my climb?
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 as preparation for Kilimanjaro. Also, it is absolutely essential that you understand the causes and symptoms of altitude sickness before beginning the trek.

ON YOUR SAFARI
What kind of clothing do I need?
We recommend that you bring light casual clothes in neutral or muted colours (brighter colours can attract insects, and we urge you not to wear blue clothing as this is particularly attractive to certain insects!). We also urge you to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, hat with ties so it doesn’t blow off in the wind, and insect repellent if you go on safari. In the evenings it can get rather chilly, especially in the desert areas and in the months of May-August, so bring a warm sweater and a scarf. Certain 5-star hotels require a smart dress code for dinner, though most do not, and simply require you to be clean and fairly presentable!

How does our company choose lodges and tented camps on safari?
Our company matches the type of experience you desire with the most appropriate lodge arrangements. Available lodging ranges from private luxury tented lodges to adventure camping. There are both mid and high-end private lodges so we can accommodate any budget.

On camping safaris, what equipment do our company provide?
Our company provides camping equipment including tents, sleeping mattresses, tables and chairs. We also provide all cooking equipment for safari. Please see our Safari 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 in advance.

Can I request special diet for safari?
Yes, you can. For people with special diet (vegetarian, gluten free etc.) please contact us under info@mboniadventures.com.

What is Tanzanian food like and will I get to try some?
Staple foods found throughout Tanzania include ugali (maizemeal), chapati (thick naan-like bread), kichumbari (tomato, cucumber, bell pepper salad), nyama choma (barbecued meat- goat, chicken, beef) and mchicha (green vegetable stew). Dishes specific to Northern Tanzania include ndizi nyama (banana beef stew) and mahindi maharage (maize and bean stew). If you would like to try local Tanzania food, let us know prior to your climb or safari and we’ll include some local dishes on your menu.

Do you offer join group safaris?
We indeed do, for dates and routes for our joined group safaris please contact us via info@mauaadventures.com and we will provide you with further information.

What are the road conditions in Tanzania?
Roads between towns and the national parks of the Northern Safari Circuit are generally well-maintained (with one exception the road to Serengeti). Inside the national parks all roads are rough roads, hence, muddy during the rainy season and dusty during dry season.

What are safari vehicles like?
Our safari vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers with an open roof, perfect for wildlife viewing. The seats have been changed to full-size seats to make your time most comfortable.