Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked Questions

Africa’s highest mountain is located in Northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border. It’s about 350km (220 miles) south of the equator. The closest major towns are Moshi and Arusha.

Climbing Kili is possible at any time of the year, but is best undertaken in the drier months. The best times to climb are between the start of December up to the start of March, or between the end of June up to the end of October. Of course. These are the busiest times, but only experienced hikers are advised to tackle the mountain in the wetter months. It can rain unexpectedly in the dry season, of course!

Tanzania is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). This means that there’s no time difference between their summer and winter months.

Kilimanjaro is 5895 metres, or 19,341 feet, at its summit.

The official language of Tanzania is Swahili, and most of our people speak it. Just as well, as we have well over 100 different tribal languages! Fortunately English is widely spoken in the larger towns and places where visitors frequent. At Samora Explorers, we have a team of driver-guides who can speak a variety of languages such as English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. When booking with us, be sure to let us know if you have a preferred language you would like our Guides to speak.

We are sure you’ll feel very safe here, we’re sure you’ll feel very welcome. As with everywhere else in the world, just use a bit of common sense, don’t flaunt any valuables and you can enjoy the natural wonders, the culture and the people of Tanzania.

Whilst most of our visitors will come to Tanzania for our wildlife experiences, they often leave with a much wider and richer experience than they could have ever expected. Why? Part of that is due to our friendly, welcoming, colourful people. Tanzanians are a true mix of many ethnicities, different religious beliefs and all live together in harmony in what is one of the African continent’s safest destinations.

Whether you are looking to climb Kilimanjaro or tick off that African Safari from your bucket list, we are excited to help you plan.

Contact us today with any specific preferences, and our team of Tanzania specialists will get back to you with a bespoke Itinerary that will blow your mind.

We cannot wait to welcome you!

On a practical level, the Marangu route is the only one which offers accommodation in mountain huts. On the other three routes, climbers stay in tents in designated campsites. Marangu is perhaps less scenic than the other ones. A more detailed description of each can be found on our Mount Kilimanjaro page.

The Tanzanian dry season usually starts at the start of June and continues through until the end of October. After that, the ‘short rains’ begin from late October/early November until mid- to end December. There is then a respite from late December to Mid of March, and then the ‘long rains’ start at the end of March and last until May.

Of course, weather seasons can vary every year, so you have to be prepared for anything.

On the Marangu route, you’ll stay in huts, on the other routes you’ll camp in tents provided by Samora Explorers. The Marangu huts each have dormitories, a dining-room and a separate bathroom (flush toilets or ‘long-drop’ toilets). At the campsites, the toilets are ‘long-drop’ style and Samora Explorers provide a kitchen/dining-tent. If required, climbers can hire a mobile toilet on the Machame, Rongai and Lemosho routes, at extra cost.

Tanzania has two rainy seasons, with the so-called ‘long rains’ from the end of March to May and the ‘short rains’ from late October/early November through to mid-December.

The good news is that your Samora Explorers team will look after you. Safety is our priority, always. You will spend most of your climb above the altitude where mosquitoes are a nuisance, and above the altitude where wildlife roam. (You might see some animals on the lower slopes.)

The biggest danger is that you suffer from the effects of altitude, which can strike anyone, however fit they are. This can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms. But we test your health daily, and our guides are experts in spotting symptoms and taking action.

Yes. With its tropical climate, there inevitably are mosquitos in Tanzania. Visitors should take advice from a medical practitioner well in advance of visiting, as courses of antimalarial drugs usually have to begin before your visit start. You should bring mosquito repellent and wear neutral-coloured/khaki clothes. Some accommodations will provide anti-mosquito measures such as mosquito nets or spray your sleeping quarters with repellent.

Tanzania is mapped by the World Health Organization as a low risk country because no Yellow fever virus has been isolated in the country. However, the abundance of Yellow fever vector and other favorable ecological conditions pose potential risk for Yellow fever if the virus is introduced into the country. Furthermore, being bordered with Yellow fever endemic countries has also increased the vulnerability of Tanzania being infected with the virus.

In order to conform to IHR, 2005 requirements and safeguard public health security in Tanzania, Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to travellers arriving from Yellow fever endemic countries. This condition also applies to travellers subjected to long flight connection (transit) in Yellow fever endemic country for twelve hours (12hrs) or more.

All visitors must obtain adequate travel insurance before they depart for Tanzania. Insurance policies must be comprehensive, covering for any reason, medical evacuation, cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and loss of baggage.

Several airlines fly directly into Tanzania, either daily or three times per week. Among those with direct flights are KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Condor Charter Flight and Rwandair which fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. Other airlines such as Emirates, South African Airways, Etihad Air and EgyptAir fly into Dar es Salaam International Airport daily.

Yes. The luggage limit, including hand luggage, is 15kgs. The only exception is where an airline uses ATR aircraft on flights between Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam: on such flights there is a 20kg weight limit.

Most accommodations will accept credit cards, but if you want to pay by cash instead, you should use US Dollars . Please note that US Dollar Bills should be not be older than 2009, as these will not be valid. For credit cards, you should bring either MASTERCARD or VISA.

The local currency in Tanzania is Tanzanian Shilling (Tshs), but please note that you cannot take this currency either in or out of the country. It is however convertible freely for the US Dollar, Euro and other currencies within Tanzania.

If you have to change money in Tanzania, there are several banks in Tanzania where you can exchange your money. Always get a receipt for currency exchanges.

For cash, we advise you to bring US Dollars with you from home, as these are accepted in most places.

If however, you do need to withdraw cash while in Tanzania, then there are several ATM machines in Arusha City and these are where you should withdraw any additional cash before your safari or trek begins. Please note that you cannot withdraw US Dollars from ATM Machines, and there is a maximum limit of 400,000 TSHS, which is less than 200 USD. So bear that in mind when withdrawing cash.

Please also note that in many small towns or beach hotels there are no ATMs, so you should have sufficient cash before you depart for remote areas or the beach.

If you are booking with Samora Explorers, then your package will include all accommodation, park fees, meals and game drives if on safari.

It will also include your transfers between Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport, however if you have chosen a different airport to arrive at then this will not be included.

You will need to include money for international flights, domestic flights (unless agreed with us as part of your programme), insurance, tips for your driver-guide or staff at your accommodations, drinks purchased at hotels/bars/lodges/tented camps, laundry services, phone calls, any additional activities, visas or any shopping. As these will not be included in your package.

Every guest has different spending habits, so we cannot advise as to how much you will need. You should budget, taking into account the above items and the length of your safari trip.

Whilst we appreciate the desire to express generosity and have connections with locals it is not advisable to randomly hand out gifts. Do let us know if you would like to make a gift and we can organize this for you and advise what might be an appropriate gift/donation.

During your trip, there will be opportunities to purchase handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs on your way to and from the National Parks.

Major credit cards (Mastercard and Visa) are accepted by most of the larger curio shops. Prices are negotiable for most items.

The cost of a trip to Tanzania depends on a number of different factors, principally the route, accommodation style you choose, the number of days your trip lasts and how many people will be joining you. Once you discuss your requirements with us, we will create an itinerary for you and advise you of the exact costs involved.

This is primarily dependent on the type of trip you are looking at. For example Kilimanjaro treks will offer limited options compared to a luxurious stay in Zanzibar.

Tanzania however in general has something for all budgets. Whether you are looking for a budget trip or 5 star luxury it has something for you.

Our safaris are available with  different choices of accommodation styles to suit your taste and budget. We offer Basic, Comfort, Comfort Plus and Luxury style accommodation options.

We only work with the best available accommodations in each category. Basic style accommodation is on public campsites, with shared bathroom facilities. In the other three categories, accommodations include private bathroom facilities. The rooms in these three categories are spacious, furnished with either twin beds or king-size beds, a dressing table and a wardrobe where you can store your luggage. Lodges and tented camps located within the National Parks use generators for power. Please note that although some accommodations have hot showers available 24 hours per day, others only have hot showers at set times in both morning and evening.

Prices are usually based on room-sharing, however if you are looking to have a room to yourself, we can advise you on a single supplement cost.

Prior to booking, please let us know what your accommodation preference is, so we can ensure we incorporate this into the accommodation options.

Whilst most companies offer water purification, it is recommended to drink bottled water during your stay in Tanzania. Bottles are readily available throughout your stay and are also supplied by Samora Explorers for Safari drives.

Tired of eating the same old food all day? Get ready for some spice. In Tanzania, restaurants have a variety that will excite your taste buds and leave you feeling full without being weighed down by heavy calories-or cholesterol! The cuisine in this country is very rich due to its diverse geographic locations which also means there’s something here suited just about anyone who visits it: from foreigners looking for an authentic African experience; backpackers on vacation with their families craving Indian meals cooked over open fires.

The locally brewed beer is good, including Serengeti, Safari and Kilimanjaro. You can also try mbege (Homebrew from the Chagga people) or banana beer for something different! Imported beers are excellent too–the Tusker Kenyan variety being one of our favorites.