Category: Tour Info

Prepare for Trekking

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Prepare for Trekking

Please read this carefully and make sure you have gathered everything before you depart on your trip.

How Should You Prepare for Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro?  This list covers what gear you will need to bring, physical training, Tanzania entry requirements (passport & visa), immunizations and vaccinations, and travel insurance.

The most important thing that you can bring to help you succeed in summing Mt Kilimanjaro is a positive attitude.

The golden rule here is to pack as lightly as possible. You will have a porter carrying a lot of these items, but it is important to pack lightly so they can carry additional items that will be necessary for the climb.  Plus, you don’t want to be stuck with a lot of heavy baggage that you probably won’t use.

Cheetah Trekking will provide at no additional cost communal equipment (tents, food, cooking items, etc.).

Below is a gear-list of required, recommended and optional items for you to bring on your climb.

Technical Clothing:
1 – Light to Medium Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood (It is very likely to rain on one or multiple days of the climb)
1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down (to keep you warm when the sun isn’t shining)
1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell (We recommend this for layers to help you keep warm without getting too hot)
2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
2 – Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
1 – Fleece Pants
1 – Shorts (optional)
1 – Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
3 – Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
2 – Sport Bra (women)

 Headwear
1 – Brimmed Hat(for sun protection)
1 – Knit Hat (for warmth)
1 – Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
1 – Bandana (optional)

Hand wear

1 – Warm Gloves (waterproof recommended)
1 – Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)

 Footwear
1 – Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces (If you purchase new boots please make sure to hike in them at least 5 or 6 times prior to leaving for Tanzania, new boots cause blisters!)
1 – Lightweight shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
3 – Hiking Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
3 – Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional)

1 – Lightweight ice grips for shoes like yaktrax (You will only need this if it snows and you will NOT NEED crampons)

 Accessories
1 – Sunglasses or Goggles (Very Important! – The sun is extremely strong at 14,000+ ft, 4000+ Meters)
1 – Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
1 – Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
1 – Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
1 – Water Bladder (Camel back type, 2-3 liters)
1 – Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
1 – Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended)
Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate

1 – Two Person Tent (Optional! Cheetah Trekking will provide a high quality 3-season tent for you, however, if you have a tent you love and it is high quality we you can bring it for your personal use).

 Equipment
1 – Sleeping Bag rated at a minimum of -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees F),

1 – Lightweight / travel pillow / inflatable pillow
1 – Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
1 – Trekking Poles (recommended)
1 – Head lamp, with extra batteries
1 – Backpack or Duffer bag, for porters to carry your equipment
1 – Small to Medium Day pack, for you to carry your personal gear (The porters will carry most of your gear and clothing, this bag is for water, a camera, snacks, sunscreen, etc.)

Other Toiletries Prescriptions and Visa Requirements

Sunscreen (At Least 30 SPF
Prescriptions (Diamox High Altitude Medications, Other Personal Medications)

Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET (You won’t have mosquitos after the first 2 days because they do not live at the higher altitude).
First Aid Kit (Antibiotic cream, adhesive bandages

Ibuprofen or Pain Reliever
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Wet Wipes (recommended)
Energy Bars, Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Paperwork
Trip Receipt
Passport
Visa (Can be purchased upon available at JRO, Very Important please bring US Dollars!)
Immunization Papers (Immunization Papers Will Be Checked Upon Arrival at JRO Airport)

Travel Insurance Documents:-

Please Read!

The most common mistake that climbers make when climbing Kilimanjaro is that they over pack and bring way too much gear.
Be selective in what you bring with you. Please note that our porters are limited to carrying (15 kg or 33 lbs) of your personal belongings.

Prepare for Trekking

The porters will carry almost all of your personal gear between campsites.  The majority of your personal items should be placed into the backpack or duffel bag, including the sleeping bag, but it is OK to pack the sleeping bag separately if necessary. If you rent a sleeping bag from us, note that the bag weighs is 3 kgs. And this weight does count against the 15 Kilos or 33 lbs.

Our porters will place your duffel bag with your belongings and sleeping bag into a large, sturdy, waterproof bag with a roll-top closure.  You will have access to your belongings at the campsites every night.  The porters typically will arrive to the next campsite before you arrive so you will have your access to your belongings except when you are hiking.

If you have excessive weight, you will be required to hire and pay for an additional porter. It is rare to require an extr

a porter and should happen only in special cases, such as for carrying extensive photography equipment. If you require an additional porter please advise Cheetah Trekking so we can make additional accommodations and bring additional food for the additional porter.

You are expected to come prepared and bring everything you need; however, we do rent warm sleeping bags and trekking poles on location.

We understand you might be coming from a Safari or another part of Africa and will have additional baggage with you.  All extra luggage items that you do not need for your climb, such safari clothing, Zanzibar gear and equipment will be securely kept at the hotel.

Please note that plastic, recyclable water bottles are not allowed in the park, due to past problems with litter. Please bring a Nalgene bottle, water bladders, or similar devices. Please bring enough capacity to be able to carry 3-4 liters of water with you at all times.

Please keep in mind that Mount Kilimanjaro is 19,241 ft tall (5895 Meters) and drinking alcohol and high altitude do not mix well.  We will celebrate your successful climb to the top of Kilimanjaro with beer and alcohol at the hotel, after the climb.

Unfortunately checked luggage on airplanes can get lost or delayed on the way to Tanzania. You should prepare for this possibility by wearing or carrying on the items that are most essential to your climb. If your luggage is lost or delayed; most clothing, gear and equipment can be replaced in Tanzania prior to your climb, but there are some things that you might not be able to replace.

Cheetah Trekking recommends that you wear one complete hiking outfit on the plane, including a long sleeve shirt, hiking pants, underwear, socks, and hiking boots. Your carry-on baggage, you should bring your small backpack, waterproof jacket and pants, insulated jacket, fleece pants, toiletries, medications, camera and all governmental paperwork. Airline regulations do not allow you to carry trekking poles on the plane. Make sure you do wear/carry your hiking boots; wearing a different pair of boots on your climb, will likely cause blistering.

-Cheetah Trekking is a very professional outfit and we will be prepared to get you to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and back to the bottom safely.  We have

professional guides that know the mountain very well and most of them have summited Kilimanjaro over 100 times.  You can sleep easy knowing that you have selected Cheetah Trekking and we will be ready and excited to share this amazing adventure with you!

Africa Safari Packing List

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Africa Safari Packing List

The mainly rule here is to pack as lightly as possible. You don’t want to be stuck with a lot of heavy baggage that you might not use on your trip.

Space maybe at a limit on your international flight, light aircraft transfers and safari vehicle so with that in mind, the safari packing list below will help you to pack only the necessary and correct items.

It may look long at first glance but depending on your personal circumstances and the type of trip you are going on some of the items probably won’t be applicable to yo

u and you can safely ignore them.

The safari packing list is based on the advice and recommendations from all the trip reports over the years at Abakombe Tours and my own experience in packing for the hundreds of safaris that I have experienced.

SUGGESTED SAFARI GEAR

There is specific clothing oversight that many people often make when they go on safari. Find out how to avoid them…

  • Safari hats must do three things well to be effective.
  • Clothing in neutral colors: khaki, light brown or green, tan. Avoid bright colors & white for improved game viewing, especially when on foot. Not as important in a vehicle.
  • A safari jacket is a very handy accessory to take with on your trip.
  • Comfortable short- and long sleeved safari shirts (2 or 3 of each)
  • Comfortable shorts and long trousers (2 or 3 of each)
  • About 5 sets of underwear
  • Pajamas
  • Swimming costume
  • Flip-flops or sport sandals (public showers, airing feet)
  • Comfortable safari hiking/walking shoes (not white). These are very important on a walking safari.
  • About 5 pairs of socks
  • Extra shoelaces

SUGGESTED SAFARI SUPPLIES

Some of these supplies might be available in the first aid kit that every safari company should carry but make sure before leaving them off your safari packing list.

  • Insect repellent/Mosquito Coil(do not use coils in a tent)
  • Mosquito netting – Your safari company might supply these so find out from them first
  • Sun-block and after sun lotion
  • A travel towel is light and takes very little space
  • Skin cream
  • Malaria tablets (very important)
  • Citronella or other body soap/shower gel
  • Sunglasses – make sure they have polarized lenses.
  • Biological Water Filtration Bottle or you can stick to the bottled water
  • Wet wipes/hand sanitizer or no-water/antibacterial soap – very handy in the safari vehicle.
  • Pocket Knife (Swiss/Leatherman type)
  • Small scissors, if not on your Leatherman/Swiss knife
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste/dental floss
  • 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner
  • Tweezers
  • Lip balm
  • Q-tips & cotton balls
  • Razor & shaving cream/gel
  • Birth control (enough to last your trip)
  • Sanitary requirements (shops are sometimes few and far between, and very basic)
  • Contact lens solution & extra set of disposable lenses
  • Band aids & moleskin
  • Vitamins
  • Painkiller
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Motion sickness tablets
  • Heartburn remedy
  • Anti-diarrhea medicine
  • Re-hydration salts
  • Pen/pencil
  • Small unbreakable mirror
  • Plastic bags (wet washing/muddy shoes/organise clothes in suitcase)
  • Small compass
  • Deck of cards/travel size game
  • Book to read between game viewing and other leisure time
  • String/rope (washing line, tying sleeping bag, multitude of uses!!)
  • Cold/flu tablets
  • Allergy remedy
  • Some people take a basic antibiotic in case
  • Sterile needles (in case you need an injection and don’t trust the hygiene conditions)
  • Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip) – keep packed in your hand luggage in case of baggage delays

SAFARI LUGGAGE

The thing to remember when choosing safari luggage is mobility. You will probably be moving between several different modes of transport (airplanes, cars, light aircraft, trucks, boats) so plan accordingly.

Suitcases with wheels don’t work very well in the African bush but they are adequate if you don’t mind carrying them.
A daypack is very handy to transport the items you need while driving around in the safari vehicle or walking through the bush.

SAFARI EQUIPMENT

Safari Binoculars. Essential for a successful trip. No safari packing list is complete without them.

  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Camera, memory cards, extra batteries, battery charger and lens cleaner
  • Read the free “Better Safari Photography” eBook for information on the best safari cameras and lenses to take with.
  • Small bean bag to substitute a tripod
  • Sleeping Bag if on a camping safari (may be supplied by safari company so check first)
  • Travel pillow, or you can use your polar fleece/windbreaker (optional)
  • Small calculator (or if you’re taking your mobile phone) for currency calculations
    Money belt
  • Washing powder/travel soap for laundry
  • Plug adaptors – generally in Africa it’s 3-prong round or square
  • Lighter/waterproof matches
  • Travel alarm clock
  • Mini combination locks (keys get lost)
  • Mini sewing kit

IMPORTANT SAFARI DOCUMENTS

  • Passport & correct visas
  • Emergency phone numbers
  • Africa travel insurance policy
  • The Abakombe Tours travel dairy book – to write your journal and record the wildlife you see. Also includes a hard copy safari packing list.Africa Safari Packing List
  • Guide book(s) covering the area you’re visiting – it should include animals/birds pages for easy identification.
  • Your itinerary/Invoice/Contract voucher
  • Addresses and mobile numbers (postcards/e-mails/texts)
  • Any vaccinations certificates
  • International Youth Hostel card (depending on your type of trip and accommodation)
  • Phone card and international access numbers
  • Extra passport photos
  • Copy of your passport, kept in a separate place than your passport
  • Copy of marriage certificate, if applicable especially if you recently tied the knot
  • Medical history
  • Copies of prescriptions
  • Small stickers to label your used films, if you still use film
  • Follow this safari packing list and you won’t have to worry about the frustration of leaving something behind or taking something that you won’t need on your African safari.
  • Print the safari packing list out and tick the items off as you go along to make sure you don’t miss anything.
  • If you’re planning to do a self guided camping safari, contact us for what to take from our camping checklist.

Malaria Vaccinations Tanzania

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Tanzania malaria risk & vaccinations You must seek medical advice from your doctor or a travel clinic before you depart on your safari. It is important to plan ahead as you may need vaccinations.

Malaria is one of the greatest potential health risks in Tanzania and antimalarial drugs are recommended. The antimalarial drug named Malarone may be the best choice and it should be strongly considered as opposed to other types of antimalarial drugs – consult your doctor or travel clinic. Other antimalarial drugs include Larium and Doxycycline.

Malaria Vaccinations Tanzania

Whether or not you are taking antimalarial drugs, it is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites from dusk till dawn.

This is when the type of mosquito whose bite transmits malaria is active. Precautionary measures include using DEET based insect repellant, covering up

before dusk and wearing long sleeved shirts, trousers, socks and shoes in the evenings. You should certainly cover up and use insect repellant before going to dinner each evening. Pay particular attention to your ankles and legs as mosquitoes, if present, tend to hover at ankle level.

The information on this page is just a general guide and should not be used instead of a consultation with your travel doctor. The government organizations and travel clinics below are trusted resources for complete and up-to-date info about travelers’ health in Tanzania.

Vaccinations: Recommended; see websites below for more detailed immunization advice.
Malaria: High risk throughout the country except in high altitude mountains over 2000m including Ngorongoro crater rim, Mt Kilimanjaro and parts of the Eastern Arc Mountains. Most safari parks are high-risk zones. The highest risk of transition is in the rainy season from November to May. See websites below for more detailed advice.
More info:

Tanzania VISA

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How to Get your Visa?

Tanzania Visas are requires for all people entering Tanzania. You can get Tanzania VISA in your home country if you are able to locate the Tanzania Embassy (high commission) office but if you cannot find the Visa in your country you will get on arrival day at the airport in Tanzania. At the airport there are two lines, the one for people with VISA and other for people needing VISA. There

Tanzania Visa

is no any complications to obtain the visa at the airport, you just pay and go, you will have to pay in cash $100.00 being Canada and US citizens or $50 None Canada and Us citizens. Tanzania Visas.

The direct flight into Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) is preferred instead of flying to Nairobi where you will pay for unnecessary Visa to enter Kenya or Dar es Salaam where you will have to connect a flight to Kilimanjaro airport which is near to Mount Kilimanjaro and safari parks. However, if you fly into Nairobi or Dar es Salaam, the flight and public coaches are possible, we can also arrange private transport for you if you arrive in Nairobi. Tanzania Visas. Tanzania Visas.

Getting to Tanzania. Tanzania Visas.

Tanzania has three international airports, Kilimanjaro International Airport ( KIA), Dar Es Salaam International Airport (DAR) and Zanzibar international airport (ZNZ)
For example: Once a day one direct flight operated by KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) depart from Amsterdam to two airports, Kilimanjaro International Airport ( KIA) and Dar Es Salaam International Airport (DAR). Other airlines include TURKISH AIRLINES, QATAR AIRLINES, CONDOR AIRLINES, KENYA AIRLINES and ETHIOPIAN AIRLINE etc. We can also book your international flights.

SHUTTLE BUS TO MOSHI, TANZANIA

Less expensive alternative: Fly to Nairobi, Kenya – continue with a shuttle bus to Tanzania. If you want to save money it might be wiser to fly to/from the Kenyan capital city Nairobi instead. From Nairobi Airport shuttle buses with air conditioning drive to Moshi/Arusha Tanzania in half a day for US$ 50 (return trips). These buses depart every day at 8.15am and at 2.15pm from Nairobi airport. Keep in mind that you’ll need a transit-visa for Kenya ($50) which can be arranged at the airport of Nairobi in Kenya or at the Embassy of Kenya in your country.

If you book your tickets early, the rates will be lower. Until the moment you actually book a flight, the rates can still change – early the better.

WHERE TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS?

If you can find the right rates for the right dates, then check with Cheetah Trekking if there is availability at the hotels and if there is a climb available. We always try to confirm this within 48 hours (Monday to Saturday), so you can book your flights and finish your booking with Tanzania Magic Tours.

YELLOW FEVER.

To enter Tanzania you will also need yellow fever vaccine. If you are not vaccinated yet for the last 10 years please get vaccinated and bring certificate with you. It is possible to get vaccinated in the airport as you obtain VISA but we recommend you vaccinate at least 10 days before travelling since some people may experience problems with their bodies after vaccination like headache, general body weakness, mild fever, soreness, allergic reaction which could potentially be life-threatening, neurological reaction characterized by high fever, confusion, problems speaking, which can go on to cause coma and multi-organ failure after the vaccination especially for people over the age of 60.
Please take note that you will not be allowed to enter the country if you are not vaccinated. The passengers arrive in Tanzania without such accreditation, will be vaccinated by the authorized airport health Unit or returned to the country where they came from by the airline that carried them here. The vaccine will be charged 50 USD/ dose in any airport of entry.

The governmental authorities in Tanzania are taking these measures to reduce the possibility of someone who has been infected in their home country to bring the disease here.

All passengers and members of crew who while in transit through an airport situated in an area with risk of yellow fever transmission, remained within the airport premises during the period of their entire stay will not be considered as coming from the high risk countries and thus no vaccine. While those who stay in transit for more than 12 hours should be vaccinated, so please double check your flight route correctly.