Pre-Departure Information
The most important thing to bring with you to Africa is a flexible and open-minded attitude. Tanzania and East Africa, although immensely beautiful, is still a developing region. Hence, first-world efficiencies and instant gratifications sometimes may not match those of which are customary in your home country. Although this may be obvious to some, many of our previous guests have appreciated this subtle but relevant point in hindsight. Please try to adjust to the pace and slip into “East African Time”. One of our traditional sayings is, “Haraka, haraka, haina Baraka!” translated as, “Hurry, hurry, has no Blessings!” – need we say more?
Important Contacts
Before your arrival, if you are delayed enroute or have an emergency, please contact us as soon as possible on the numbers below to update us on your travel status and expected arrival time. Please note: any prolonged delays of your arrival will incur additional road transfer fees.
Please note that for any requests to change, add or cancel any portions of your tour, you will need to first call us and follow with an email to our Office for approval. Additionally, if you have any urgent concerns during your tour, in which your driver or guide cannot assist you, please contact us directly on the following numbers :
Office / Whatsapp: +255 783 790 024 | +255 784 790 024 | +255 788 524 490 | +255 686 950 694
Office Email: enquires@abouttanzania.com
Office Address: 08 Sekouture Road, Arusha Tanzania
Office Postal Code: P.O Box 1742
Local SIM Cards & Mobile Plans
Local SIM Cards can be easily purchased upon arrival at mobile network airport/city stores and your guides will also be able to assist you with this. SIM Cards cost USD1-2 to register and your passport is required as proof of ID. Recommended mobile networks are Airtel and Vodacom/Safaricom offering decent prepaid data plans – ie. USD10 for a 1 Month 10GB Plan. Alternatively, you can download an eSIM app (ie. Airalo) on your phone which will also offer local data options and convenience.
Please note, in any event that you may need to reach our office team via local networks, you will also be able to use your guide’s mobile phones to do so.
Tanzania Immigration
Visas
You will need a Tourist Visa for every country that you will visit during your tour, each usually costing USD 50-100, varying based on nationality. Alternatively, you can apply for an East African Tourist Visa costing USD 100, which covers visits to Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda only. Please note: This Joint Visa currently does not cover Tanzania.
Visas can be obtained beforehand via select country specific Embassies/Missions Abroad, or online, via country specific Official Immigration E-Portals. Alternatively, you may be able to obtain a visa upon arrival at any designated Port of Entry, depending on your nationality and the specific country regulations. Please ensure that your passport is valid for more than 6 months from your travel dates and has at least two (2) blank pages for each endorsement. Nevertheless, please be sure to reconfirm your specific travel requirements carefully with your local foreign office/state department before your intended date of travel and note that entry to a country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete. For further information, please visit the following websites accordingly:
Visa Links
Tanzania Immigration – | Tanzania E-Visa – | ||
Kenya Immigration – | Kenya ETA – | ||
Rwanda Immigration – | Rwanda E-Visa – | ||
Uganda Immigration – | Uganda E-Visa – |
USA Travel Guidelines – | travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html | |||
Canada Travel Guidelines – | ||||
UK Travel Guidelines – | ||||
Health & Safety
Personal Medicals
You should consult your physician or local travel clinic regarding sensible medical precautions whilst travelling and your specific medical requirements at least 1 month before your intended travel date. We remind travellers to bring all their prescribed medicine and for those who have any allergies, such as to insect stings or an asthma condition, to pack the required medication. Also, remember to pack extras of important health supplies in case of travel delays. Please inform your guides and accommodation personnel of any allergies you have and any medications you are taking.
We strongly advise that you bring a small, airtight/waterproof container with a few well-chosen medical articles for personal use. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website outlines a comprehensive Healthy Travel Packing List that offers a useful starting point for your packing, in addition to our Recommended Packing List. Please note: some items may not be relevant to you and your travel plans. Consult your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Vacinations & Yellow Fever
The Yellow Fever vaccine is recommended for anyone entering East Africa and is a requirement for those travelling from, or transiting for a period of more than 12 hours via, a Yellow Fever Endemic Country – most of which are in Africa and South America. If you require the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, it is imperative that this is obtained no less than 10 days prior to travel. Direct arrivals from non-endemic countries in Europe and North America are not required to show the certificate; however, this remains at the discretion of Port Authorities. Failure to produce a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to those eligible may lead to refusal of entry or vaccination upon arrival. Please note : The cost of Yellow Fever vaccination at Port Health Offices is USD 50 for foreigners.
The Yellow Fever vaccine requirement is exempted only for travellers :
- Below 1 and above 60 years of age
- Under medical grounds with an official physician letter or doctors note
In addition, kindly consult your physician for doses and advice on various prophylaxis available against Malaria and other tropical infections such as Hepatitis, Tetanus, Typhoid and Polio.
Viral Diseases & COVID-19
As various viral diseases and COVID-19 remain dynamic with new rules and regulations, we advise you to frequently check your travel requirements and restrictions with your local foreign office/state department before your intended date of travel. We will strive to provide you with the most current health advisory information possible for your travel destination, however we cannot accept any liability for misinformation as regulations are changing frequently, sometimes without prior notice to us from the local Authorities. As a result, we expect all travellers to be flexible with unexpected outcomes and differing levels of service during these uncertain periods.
For Tanzania and Zanzibar, as per the government’s latest travel advisories, all travellers are advised to be fully vaccinated as per their respective countries approved schedule of primary vaccination against COVID-19.
For Arrival : All Travellers, whether fully vaccinated or not, are not required to present a COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate or perform a PCR/Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival, unless stated otherwise by their conveyance to be used or country of final destination/home country. However, for surveillance purposes, Port Health Officials may screen travellers at point of entry and perform Rapid Antigen Tests on selected travellers free of charge. Please Note : It is still recommended that travellers have available a printed hardcopy or offline softcopy of their valid Vaccination Certificates, with QR codes if applicable, for verification purposes if requested.
For Exit : COVID-19 testing is only reciprocal with the traveller’s final destination/home country or conveyance requirements. If you are required to perform a COVID-19 test for your return, you will need to book a test online in advance via the Government’s official COVID-19 Testing Portal and have your samples taken at a designated testing center at least 48 hours prior to your departure. You should obtain your test results within 48 hours which you will be able to access via the online portal, however note that results are not always returned within a timely manner. Please note: COVID-19 testing costs in Mainland Tanzania are USD50 for a PCR Test & USD10 for a Rapid Antigen Test. COVID-19 testing costs in Zanzibar are USD80 for a PCR Test & USD25 for a Rapid Antigen Test.
As Health and Safety regulations are always changing, please refer to official government/organisation websites, such as the following, for the most up to date information and ensure to consult your local physician and travel clinic for your specific requirements and advice before your departure :
ICTS TravelDoc Checker – | ||||
Tanzania Entry Traveller Form & Rapid Test – | ||||
Tanzania Exit COVID Testing Portal – | ||||
Zanzibar Entry Traveller Form & Rapid Test – | ||||
Zanzibar Exit COVID Testing Portal – | ||||
CDC Guidelines – | ||||
WHO Situation Reports – | ||||
AMREF Health Africa Guidelines – | ||||
Insurance
Travel & Medical Insurace
It is a condition of travel with us that each traveller must have purchased comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover personal accidents and liability, medical and emergency travel expenses, repatriation, tour cancellations and interruptions, loss of baggage and personal effects. Please send us full details of your travel insurance company including their 24 hour contact numbers and your insurance policy number. We will also require proof of purchase if your travel insurance has been arranged in conjunction with your credit card provider.
Emergency Evacuation Insurance
All travellers are expected to have Emergency Evacuation Insurance (MEDEVAC), in addition to medical insurance, in the rare case of an emergency. AMREF Flying Doctors is the leading international health development non-governmental organisation based in Africa. To support travellers visiting remote locations in East Africa, AMREF Flying Doctors offers a Maisha Tourist Scheme, which provides quality and affordable Air Ambulance evacuation services in cases of medical emergencies. Benefits include:
- Direct access to AMREF’s 24 hour Control Centre for medical advice (+254 206 992 000)
- Unlimited ground and air evacuations per subscription period.
Please note: This Scheme covers a 30 day period from the date of your arrival and we cover this during your stay in Tanzania. This is not a substitute for your travel insurance and is only available in conjunction with that insurance. To subscribe we require a copy of your passport, personal details and full details of your travel insurance company including their 24 hour contact number and your insurance policy number.
Zanzibar Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance
Starting October 1, 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar (excluding residents) must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). This insurance costs USD44 per person and covers a period of 92 days. Make sure to comply with this requirement before arrival to avoid any travel disruptions at entry, as you will have to present proof of your insurance certificate with the QR Code to the relevant authorities.
Nevertheless, we still recommend travellers obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance from their home country as detailed above.
Please visit the following website for online application and further insurance information :
Zanzibar Insurance Corporation – | ||||
Valuables, Money & Banking
Cash
US Dollars is the most widely accepted currency in East Africa, with the most favourable exchange rates. We recommend changing cash prior to departure in your home country. Please bring a few small denomination notes (ie. USD 1-10 notes), as it will be useful during your tour for settling personal extras such as beverages, phone/data bundles, tips and souvenirs. Please note: only post 2006 series USD bank notes are accepted.
The local ATM network is still developing and limited to major cities and airports. ATM’s only cash out in the respective local currency (ie. TZS Tanzanian Shillings), apart from a few designated forex ATM’s located at some major airports. The hotels usually offer withdrawal services, however at a less favourable rate compared to the banks. Please do not attempt to change money on the street or with people who are not licensed, instead plan with your guides in advance to visit a bank/bureau de change. Please note: Any payments required for extra services or fees can be settled at our office in Arusha before/after your tour.
Approximate local currency exchange rates : USD 1 = TZS 2700 = KES 130 = RWF 1300 = UGX 3600
Credit Cards
Usually only VISA/Mastercards are accepted by larger hotels/shops/restaurants at a 3-5% surcharge. The use of cards is not guaranteed however as there may be network downtimes with POS machines, especially in more remote areas. If you plan on using your credit card abroad, please inform your card provider ahead of your departure that you will be travelling to avoid any transaction inconveniences due to security protocols.
Tipping
Gratuities, although discretionary, are customary and much appreciated in Tanzania and East Africa – it serves as a direct and significant expression of thanks (“Asante sana!”) to those who made your tour special. Tipping is normally given directly after a specific service, or at the end of the tour, as a gesture of a job well done. For ease, we recommend that you use anonymous envelopes for groups, and for accommodations, please use their shared ‘Tip Box’ to allow for fair distribution of your gratuity. These are general guidelines on tipping, shared by the number of tour participants:
Safari Tipping
Transfer driver: 5-10 USD per transfer per group
Hotel/camp waiters and porters: 2-5 USD per service per group
Safari driver-guide: 20-30 USD per safari day per group
Climb Tipping
Mountain Head guide (typically 1 per group): 20-30 USD per climb day per group
Mountain Assistant guide (1 per 2 climbers): 15-20 USD per climb day per group
Mountain Cook (typically 1): 10-15 USD per climb day per group
Mountain Porter (4 per climber): 5-10 USD per climb day per group
Valuables
Always keep your valuables and important travel documents with you at all times (ie. Passports, Money, Flight Tickets, Cameras, Phones, Credit Cards, Travel and Medical Insurance.) Valuables should not be left in hotel/camp rooms or in vehicles, especially if unattended. If on an excursion or activity, we recommend using the safes at the accommodations, if provided. Notably, when in busy urban areas, avoid drawing attention to your valuables by storing them securely and keeping them fairly concealed.
Transporation
International Flights
Please review your international flights carefully and reconfirm your flight status prior to your departure. If you are delayed enroute or have an emergency, please update us as soon as possible on your travel status and expected arrival time. Please note: Any prolonged delays of your arrival will incur additional road transfer fees.
If your baggage is delayed on arrival, please report to the airline officer on duty and fill out a lost baggage claim form so that you are able to follow up whilst on your tour. For ease of reference, please also share pictures and unique identifiers of your baggage. So that the airline can arrange to deliver your bags to you directly or our office in Arusha, please ensure that your claim form is clearly recorded with all your overnight accommodations as per your Itinerary, our full office contact details and the airline officer’s contact details. Please note: Based on the airline’s baggage policy and your current location, we may be able to arrange delivery of your baggage to you at an extra fee.
We highly recommend that you pack some essential clothing and items in your hand baggage to begin your tour, in the event your checked-in baggage is delayed enroute. Please note: Single-use Plastic Carrier Bags are now banned in East Africa. To avoid any inconveniences upon arrival, please do not pack any items in Plastic Bags. Ziploc Bags are still permitted for use.
Domestic Flights
Scheduled domestic flights may vary by route and duration, as they may stop at airstrips/airports enroute to your destination to collect or drop off other passengers, or to refuel. You also may be required to change aircrafts enroute. Please note: Flights and road transfers are quoted on a shared/scheduled basis, unless specified otherwise.
Domestic flights, notably to/from National Parks, are usually operated by smaller aircrafts (ie. 12-Seater Cessna Grand Caravans) with limited storage compartments and therefore require soft-sided baggage such as duffle bags or carry-on sized suitcases. Generally, domestic baggage allowance is :
– one (1) piece of checked-in soft bag (Max. 15kg and 70x65x35cm)
– one (1) piece of hand luggage (Max. 5kg and 35x30x20cm)
– Extra baggage is subject to availability and charged in slabs of 5-10kg, at a rate of roughly USD5 per kg.
Baggage allowances vary according to airlines and routes; please check the specific baggage information on your tickets. Further Baggage Policy guidelines can be referenced at –
Airport Road Transfers
If you have arranged your transfers with us, after clearing immigration and customs at the airport, you will have to look out for your transfer driver holding a Tanzania Serengeti Adventure (TSA) sign board with your Group Name printed on it. Introduce yourselves and they shall transfer you to your first day accommodation.
If you are being transferred by shuttle bus or another supplier, first look out for their respective sign board as indicated in your itinerary, with your Group Name printed on it. They will reconfirm your transfer booking and then transfer you to either, your first day accommodation, or a rendezvous point with your safari driver-guide.
Due to limited luggage space in the safari vehicles, we can only allow one (1) piece of baggage per person whilst on a tour. Duffle bags or small soft sided suitcases are recommended for ease of handling and storage.
Safari Vehicle
The safari Land Cruiser you’ll be traveling in is meticulously built for rugged terrain, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey through the African wilderness.
Equipped with essential tools, kits, and jacks, this vehicle is designed to handle all types of landscapes. Our experienced guides are also trained in basic mechanics to handle any on-the-road issues, prioritizing your safety at all times. Onboard amenities include binoculars for close-up views of wildlife, field guides, ample drinking water, and personal storage compartments to keep your items secure. For an immersive viewing experience, the vehicle features a pop-up roof and large windows.
Please avoid standing on the seats as you lean out, and watch for the seatbelt, which may rest on the floor when not in use. On bumpy trails, it’s best to wear your seatbelt and hold onto the handles for stability. If you’re traveling with young children, baby seats are available upon request. Lastly, please help us keep the vehicle in good condition by being mindful of its features and keeping all provided items safe.
Accommodation
Safari Lodges
Safari lodges are permanent accommodations located within or near game reserves, offering a luxurious base for your safari experience. They usually have reliable electricity, full staff, and top-notch facilities like swimming pools, lounges, and sometimes spas. Lodges typically feature between 10 and 30 rooms, with amenities like en-suite bathrooms, plush bedding, and private balconies. Safari lodges cater to guests seeking comfort and a close-to-nature feel with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Safari Permanant Tented Camps/Lodges
Safari permanent tented camps combine the charm of camping with the amenities of a lodge. These fixed camps are fully staffed and provide electricity, either solar-powered or generator-based, with facilities like dining tents, fire pits, and lounges. Rooms are canvas tents with solid floors, typically between 10 and 20 in number, offering en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and comfortable furnishings. Ideal for those seeking immersion in nature without sacrificing comfort.
Safari Tented Camps
Mobile safari camps move seasonally, following wildlife patterns, allowing you to experience the best game-viewing locations. These camps have fewer facilities and a smaller staff, with electricity often limited to solar power. Room numbers are generally small, around 5 to 10 tents, providing a more intimate experience. Amenities are basic yet comfortable, with beds, private bathrooms with bucket showers, and limited charging options, focusing on adventure and proximity to nature.
Hotels
Hotels are found in towns and cities and offer a range of services and amenities catering to both leisure and business travelers. They generally have robust electricity, a large staff, and extensive facilities like restaurants, gyms, and business centers. Room numbers vary widely, often from 30 to hundreds, with options like single rooms, suites, and family rooms. Amenities are comprehensive, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and often 24-hour room service.
Boutique Hotels
Boutique hotels provide an intimate and stylish experience, often featuring unique decor and personalized service. Typically located in cities or scenic areas, they have a smaller staff but highly attentive service. Facilities are more limited than large hotels but often include cozy lounges, intimate dining areas, and sometimes spa services. Rooms usually range from 5 to 20, each uniquely styled, with amenities like premium toiletries, plush bedding, and curated experiences, focusing on exclusivity and charm.
Resorts
Zanzibar resorts offer all-inclusive experiences on the island’s pristine beaches, ideal for those seeking relaxation and luxury. They have reliable electricity, full staff, and extensive facilities like pools, beachfront access, spas, and multiple dining options. Room numbers vary widely, typically ranging from 50 to over 100. Guests enjoy amenities like air conditioning, private terraces, en-suite bathrooms, and, in some cases, water sports, diving centers, and cultural activities.
Boutique Resorts
Zanzibar boutique resorts combine beachfront luxury with intimate, personalized service in a smaller, more exclusive setting. With fewer rooms, usually between 5 and 25, these resorts offer privacy and a relaxed atmosphere, staffed with a dedicated team. Facilities often include a pool, private beach access, and a cozy restaurant. Amenities are thoughtfully curated, with options like air conditioning, unique decor, private balconies, and activities such as yoga sessions, local excursions, and sunset cruises.
Safari Rules
Stay on Official Tracks
To protect the environment and ensure your safety, driver-guides must stick to designated tracks in National Parks and Game Reserves. Off-road driving is allowed only in certain areas authorized by park officials to avoid disrupting wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Feel free to take plenty of photos, but please don’t disturb the animals. Refrain from shouting, feeding, or tossing objects to attract their attention. Wildlife viewing is best enjoyed respectfully, observing animals in their natural behavior without interference.
Optimal Wildlife Viewing
Your driver-guide will skillfully position the vehicle to give you great views of the wildlife, ensuring you capture memorable moments. Be patient, as guides know the best ways to approach sightings safely and maximize your experience.
Remain in the Vehicle
Wildlife roams freely and can be unpredictable. Stay inside your safari vehicle unless your driver-guide confirms it’s safe to step out. This precaution protects you and helps avoid unintended disturbances to animals in their natural habitat.
“Call of Nature” Protocol
Toilet facilities may not be nearby. Let your guide know if you need a restroom stop, and stay close to the vehicle when stepping out. Safety is paramount, so please take every precaution in open areas with potential wildlife presence.
Prohibition on Littering
Help keep the parks pristine. Dispose of any trash in the designated bags or pouches provided in your vehicle. Your driver-guide will handle responsible disposal according to park regulations, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
Photography Restrictions
Photography of airports, military sites, police, prisoners, bridges, and government buildings is prohibited. For photographing the Maasai people, a token fee is customary. Always ask locals for permission before photographing to show respect and cultural sensitivity.
Follow Your Guide’s Advice
Your safari guide is highly knowledgeable and experienced. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and rely on their guidance throughout the trip. They’ll provide insights, answer questions, and ensure your safari is both safe and enjoyable. – Guide Code of Conduct
Observe Park Permit Regulations
National Parks enforce strict regulations for park entry and exit times. Follow your guide’s instructions for timely entry and exit to avoid penalties. Adhering to these schedules helps protect wildlife and supports sustainable tourism practices.
Trekking Pre-Departure Information
Climbing Rules
Mountain cleanliness is strictly enforced by park authorities, so please make sure all litter is disposed of in the bags provided by your guide(s). Specifically, cigarette butts should not be thrown out to avoid the possibility of causing a fire. The park authorities only allow you to overnight as per your itinerary in their designated campsites.
Symptoms and conditions from Altitude Sickness varies. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, difficulty breathing and general weakness. More severe conditions can include Cerebral Edema and Pulmonary Edema, which may result in permanent injury or death. Judgement can be affected in individuals experiencing Acute Mountain Sickness. Please do not hesitate to ask your guides of any uncertainties faced on the mountain.
Your guides will help you maximise your chances of summiting, however, they will also determine if any climber is displaying symptoms of acute mountain sickness that may put them in danger, or endanger others in the group. In the event you are unwell and have to descend to a lower altitude, you will not be allowed to reascend. In this situation, one guide will escort you down through the designated mountain exit routes, where you will be met with a transfer driver. Remember, our mountain guides are experienced and are licensed by the Park Authorities, so please do take their advice. Even when you may think your judgement is correct, for everyone’s safety, the guides always have the final say on the mountain.
Based on experience, the golden rule is, “pole pole” – meaning “slowly slowly” in Kiswahili. Take your time and climb at your own pace. Stay hydrated; make it a habit to drink water every 15 minutes, trying to drink 4-6 litres per day. Ultimately, enjoy your climb to The Roof of Africa – That’s a rule!
Mountain Rescure Services
The Rescue Service is provided by, and is the responsibility of, the Park Authorities. Rescue Service calls are normally initiated via radio from the nearest hut/camp. Please take into consideration rescue logistic times which will vary due to factors such as; your current location, the rescue teams current locations and the weather conditions. The service officially ends at the base of the mountain/route gates. However, if your condition is critical, the Rescue Service will drive you to the nearest hospital. From the mountain base/gates or the hospital, we will organise your transport and accommodation for the rest of the day(s) until you are as scheduled in Your Itinerary. Please note: Any unscheduled transfers, accommodations, hospitalisation and medical fees, is at an extra cost, and will need to be settled by the climber.
You need to promptly let your guides know if you are feeling unwell at any time during your climb, whether day or night. Assessing your condition and other risk factors, the guides will make one of the following decisions:
- Allow you to carry on with the climb
- Assist and escort you off the mountain
- Call the Rescue Service, and assist them in escorting you off the mountain.
Weather & Climate Zones
Mt. Kilimanjaro’s climate range begins with warm tropical temperatures, around 20-30°C, on its cultivated lower slopes and ascends through a wide belt of damp Montane Forest until approximately 2800 amsl. Here, clear nights can be quite cold with light frost, however, daytime temperatures range around a pleasant 17°C. The Forest is followed by Moorland scattered with heath and wildflowers up to 4000 amsl. From this zone onwards, expect sub-zero nighttime temperatures, with increasingly strong solar radiation. The arid Alpine Desert follows until 5000 amsl, and then finally, all that is left between you and Uhuru Peak, is the barren Arctic Zone. At this altitude, oxygen levels are half that of sea level. The temperatures during the final ascent can plummet to -20°C, and with the wind chill factor, be as low as -40°C.
Climb Tipping
Gratuities, although discretionary, are customary and much appreciated in Tanzania and East Africa – it serves as a direct and significant expression of thanks (“Asante sana!”) to those who made your tour special. Tipping is normally given directly after a specific service, or at the end of the tour, as a gesture of a job well done. For ease, we recommend that you use anonymous envelopes for groups, and for accommodations, please use their shared ‘Tip Box’ to allow for fair distribution of your gratuity. These are general guidelines on tipping, shared by the number of tour participants:
General
Transfer driver: 5-10 USD per transfer per group.
Climbings Guides
Mountain Head guide (typically 1 per group): 20-30 USD per climb day per group
Mountain Assistant guide (1 per 2 climbers): 15-20 USD per climb day per group
Mountain Cook (typically 1): 10-15 USD per climb day per group
Mountain Porter (4 per climber): 5-10 USD per climb day per group
Recommended Climb Gear
Having appropriate and comfortable climbing gear is important for a successful climb. Before the climb, your guide(s) will go through your equipment to check if you have the required climbing gear. Items that are missing or inadequate can be hired from our office in Arusha.
One porter will carry your duffel bag (max. weight 15kg) which should contain items not needed for the day’s trek. The other porters will carry your food and camp equipment, and will proceed ahead of you to set up camp on arrival. You will have to carry your own day pack which should contain full water/wind proof gear, cameras, drinking water, sun lotion, snacks, toiletries, valuables, medicines, first aid and any other items required during the day’s trek.
Layering is vital for adapting to the mountain’s unpredictable weather conditions. An effective way of staying warm is to avoid cotton in your base/next-to-skin layer, as its hydrophilic nature hinders moisture from passing through layers. Instead, materials such as polypropylene, capilene and merino wool, will work far better as they are breathable and moisture-wicking.
The final stages of the ascent will be very cold, factoring wind chill, rain or snow. This is when durable waterproof and windproof materials, such as Gore-Tex and H2No, are essential in keeping the elements out. Your guides will re-check your gear before the final ascent to ensure your wear is appropriate and are packing efficiently to maximise your chances of reaching the summit.
Please note: Although there is no definitive gear checklist for this climb, our guides and previous climbers have fine-tuned the Recommended Climb Gear Checklist provided below to help you better prepare for a comfortable and successful climb.
