Overview
This is two weeks of discovery of African safari germ from the giant peak of Africa to the endless plain of Serengeti national park, we challenge, conquer, and celebrate our success.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro had been a lifetime dream for many travelers across the globe. With its magnificent glacier peak in a tropical area, it stands out as the natural wonder of the world.
With its best routes including Marangu, Machame, Rongai, and Lemosho to mention a few, the success rate to the summit range from 60-70% in less than seven days.
Through the Marangu route together we will celebrate “Uhuru peak at 5895 meters “.
Pole-pole toward the Marangu gate we return for intensive Tanzania safari expeditions for Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti.
Experience what it takes to be on an African vacation. The home of the big five & don’t forget the small five! The mixture of mountain huts & luxury safari lodges cements the manifestation of what a true travel life means. The soul of Africa.
Scope
- Duration: 14 Days Tanzania Safari
- Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti
- Enjoy charming and warmly team soon after arrival at the Airport and drop off at the hotel
- Enjoy the short ride from the airport to the hotel depending on arrival time, you can experience the semi-arid environment before reaching the beautiful city of Arusha.
- Expect to meet Blessing safaris Team for tour briefing and other arrangements
- A beautiful start of the day with a heavy breakfast and a hot shower at the hotel
- Expect to travel with not only a travel guide but also a friendly and knowledgeable mountain and safari expert
- The Africa highest mountain challenge for six days
- Feel and be part of the world challenge group of the free-standing mountain in the world
- Cut-across global climatic zone just in six days. Kilimanjaro is calling to you!
- Visit the authentic Maasai Cultural Program in Arusha after the climb.
- Expect the welcoming groups of big elephants near the gate of TarangireNational Park one of the best attraction in this park
- The bao-bao trees with fascinating stories also the Tarangire river which heart of this park
- Stunning view of Mount Meru and Maasai steppe while herding to the small town of Karatu before Ngorongoro
- Don’t forget for the best weather while approaching the plain of Ngorongoro crater
- Expect to spend some minutes waiting for clearance at the park gate of Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Open your heart and mind for the best view and enjoyment of wildlife within Ngorongoro Crater
- What a feeling? Transfer toward Serengeti enjoy the semi-arid land with endless view
- In Serengeti National Park! We let the true nature amaze you with millions of animals roaming around with every rhythmic of the wild
- Wildebeest migration across the Mara-river is the world unique experience to witness (though not predictable its a timing event )
- Delicious and healthy meals served on time, depending on the type of accommodation option you have chosen ( lodge, hotel, camping)…
- Also, you will have an option to visit cultural villages for an authentic Africa experience
- Sleep in a safe and neatly adventurous environment safe from wild animals and mosquitos
- Expect direct communication with the ground team for tour monitoring but also in-case of any emergency. Your safety is our priority.
- Return to Arusha for airport transfer or other arrangements with the Blessing Safaris team
- The Marangu route is the headquarters of the park, the route is also known as the Coca-Cola route, It is flat at the beginning making it the easiest route.
- Climbers via the Marangu route have the opportunity to visit Zebra rocks and Mahundi crater.
- It is possible to climb for a minimum of days but a maximum of six days is recommended.
- The summit night of the Marangu route is a bit challenging, the trail to the summit is very steep until you reach Gilman’s point.
- The Marangu Route is the only route that offers hut accommodation.
- Climbers via the Marangu route use the same trail for ascending and descending.
Imagine waking up early in the morning, enjoying breakfast while waiting for your team at the hotel ready for your Kilimanjaro adventure!. Your lifetime adventure begins this morning, spend your time taking memory photos together with your mountain team before you leave the hotel. After the short introduction, start your trip from Arusha to Machame Gate. You will stop and shop at the supermarket before you head to Machame gate. After arriving at the park gate, sign the visitor’s book and take your time while the guides register your climb, and the porters make final preparations in order to obtain your climbing permit. You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. Depending on the weather of the season, you should expect sun, rain, dust, mud, hot or cold. You also expect to see Blue Monkeys, Colobus monkeys, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Old Man’s Beard, and Impatiens Kilimanjari. Halfway stop for lunch, take advantage of your lunch break to relax your muscles and boost your energy to finalize your hiking. Expect to reach the first camp (Machame Camp) in the late afternoon or evening. After arriving at the camp you will find all the tents are well-pitched by our team. The hot water will be provided for washing up, while our waiters ready to serve for the hot tea/coffee with popcorn for energizing while waiting for your first dinner on the mountain. Also, expect dinner to be served around 19:30 EAT, make sure you stay warm enough because the temperature may decrease.
Itinerary
Meet your driver at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your program, your mountain guide will meet you in the hotel for briefing and equipment checking but also we advise you to take your time to rest for the fresh start of your climb after a long trip from your country. Welcome to Tanzania!
Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel
You will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha to Marangu Gate. After completing the necessary registration formalities at the gate, spend your time taking photos and changing your clothes if necessary while waiting for the climbing permit. After obtaining the permit, your adventure starts from the rainforest where you might see Black and white Colobus Monkeys Stop for a picnic lunch halfway to fuel up for the remaining hours of hiking to the camp. After lunch, continue hiking for 2 more hours until reaching Mandara hut. After arriving at the camp, you will be welcomed by our friendly team, the waiter will provide you with hot water for washing up, tea/coffee with popcorn to regain your energy while waiting for your first dinner on Kilimanjaro Mountain. If you are willing, you can take a short walk to the Mahundi crater where you can see the first view of the mountain.
- Hiking time: 3hours Hiking distance 8 km
The morning after breakfast, start your day walking through the forest until you reach open moorland where you can see the first view of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks if the weather is clear. Enjoy your picnic lunch and proceed on your journey until you reach Horombo hut after 5 hours of your trekking. On the way, expect to see Lobelia Deckenii and Senecio Kilimanjari
- Hiking time: 5hours Hiking distance 11 km
Unlike other days, today you spend your full day at the camp for acclimatization. After a heavy breakfast, you will discuss with your guide the best time to have a short walk to visit Zebra rocks. It is the set of large volcanic rocks with black and white stripes that resembles that of Zebras. Enjoy hot lunch at the camp today.
After breakfast, start hiking through moorland, alpine desert to the saddle area between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Picnic lunch will be served halfway before reaching the camp. After arriving at Kibo Hut, check-in, and spend your time resting until dinner time. Today you will get your dinner earlier to give yourself enough time for rest. Your guides will meet for a summit briefing before you go to sleep. Carefully listen and follow the advice from your guides for a successful summit.
- Hiking time: 5hours Hiking distance 9 km
Today you wake up early around 11 pm for summit preparation and breakfast. Unlike other days your breakfast will be very early and light. After breakfast, we start our summit journey around 12.00. Don’t rush, enjoy your special night. The summit night is always challenging but if you respect the mountain and follow the advice from your guides it will be easy. At some point, you can feel exhausted but never give up, try to push yourself slowly while drinking frequently. It is advised to drink a lot of water at the beginning before freezing. Stop at Gilman’s Point 5,681 m for hot drinks and photos. It takes us 2 hours from Gilman’s point to Uhuru Peak where we celebrate conquering the peak of Africa and enjoying the beautiful sunrise, crater view, and glaciers. After taking many photos at the top of Africa, we return to the base camp for breakfast, short rest, and lunch before we descend to Horombo Hut 3720 m. Enjoy your last dinner and your last night in Kilimanjaro. Hopefully, you will get a better night’s sleep due to physical exhaustion.
- Hiking time and distance from Kibo Hut to Gilman’s Point: 6 hrs 4 km
- Hiking time and distance from Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak: 2 hours 2km
- Descending time and distance from Uhuru to Horombo Hut: 5 hrs 16 km
After the last breakfast on the mountain, you will descend about 5 to 6 hours back to Marangu Gate. Your guide will collect your certificates on arrival check out and be ready to drive back to your hotel in Arusha for a shower and celebrations.
Descending time: 6 hours Descending distance 19k m
Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel
The morning after breakfast our guide will pick you from your hotel to Ilkiding’ a village for a cultural tourism program. Late evening after cultural tour programs, you will be taken back to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Read more about Ilkiding’ a Cultura Tour Program.
Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel
The morning after breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you at the hotel ready for the safari. You will head to Lake Manyara National park. The park is famous for its fabulous beauty and lion climbing trees also for its large population of Elephants, Big baobab trees, Lions, Gazelle, different species of birds, and many other animals. Later evening drive to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Fanaka Lodge
After breakfast, drive from Mto wa Mbu to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After registration at the entrance gate, you will descend inside the Ngorongoro Crater, one of seven natural wonders of the world and the only wildlife sanctuary throughout the year. You will enjoy the short-grass plains of the crater floor with the expectation to see Black Rhinos, Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Flamingos, Jackals, Antelopes, and the different species of birds. You will have a picnic lunch at the crater. Evening ascends from the crater rim to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge
Soon after breakfast, leave Ngorongoro to Serengeti National park through Olduvai Gorge, the tribute for Dr. Leakey and Mary Leakey searching for the origin of man. After spending enough time at Olduvai, the journey will proceed to an endless plain of the Serengeti, You will have amazing moments enjoying the en-route game drive to the lodge in Serengeti.
Accommodation: Serena Lodge
Spending the whole day exploring the rolling plains of Serengeti National Park in search of the large predators and the gentle herbivores on which they feed, Serengeti is famous for the Wildebeest migration. If you visit during the right time for the migration you will have an unforgettable experience. Just in case you visit before or after the migration, do not worry you still have a chance to see many animals such as Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Monkeys, Baboons, Hippos, Rhinos, Antelopes, and different species of birds. After a full game at the endless plain, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Serena Lodge
After enjoying your breakfast at the Serengeti leave the lodge then get ready for en-route game enjoyment to Lodge in Mto wa Mbu. The Lunch will be served before arriving at the lodge.
Accommodation: Fanaka Lodge
Wake up early in the morning, after breakfast you will drive to Tarangire National Park for a short game drive. The park is famous for its large population of Elephants, Big baobab trees, Lions, Gazelle, different species of birds, and many other animals. After lunch, depending on your flying time, we will take you to the airport to catch your home flight. As we come to the end of your Africa safari, our team wishes you a safe journey back home, we are delighted to express our gratitude for choosing us as your host in Africa. We believe you have learned, enjoyed, and exchange social tokens with our friendly team. Bon, voyage
Costs & Inclusions
Request for quote. Inquire Now
Tour Includes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Arusha
- Full board accommodation on Climbing
- Emergency oxygen tanks
- Oxygen Tanks Pulse Oximeter
- Fair salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Full board accommodation on safari
- All entrance fees and Government taxes.
- Services of Professional multilingual mountain and safari guide
- Enough litters of mineral water per person per day.
- Safari jeep 4×4 with pop up roof suitable for game viewing
- Unlimited mileage on the safari
Tour Excludes
- International and local airfare.
- Optional tours example, Balloon Safaris $500 per person.
- Personal expenses example Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Items of a personal nature such as passport, visa, and traveler’s insurance.
- Tips for driver-guide
- Tips for Porters, Cook, and Guides
Booking Process
If you’re satisfied enough with the information, you can book this tour directly, remember to confirm your booking with a deposit of 40% of the total cost per person. This is needed to secure accommodation and other services which belong to third parties.
At that point, we will issue you with an invoice that includes a balance due date. We must receive the full payment not less than thirty (30) days before the departure date.
In the case of holidays booked within less than thirty (30) days of the departure date, we must receive the full cost within seven (7) working days of our sending written confirmation and invoice.
In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit, as well as any other cancellation charges. Before you do any payment don’t hesitate to discuss with your tour planner the best option. Your satisfaction is our happiness
How to make payments
BRANCH NAME | NEW ARUSHA MARKET |
---|---|
BANK NAME | NMB BANK PLC |
SWIFT CODE | NMIBTZTZ |
ACCOUNT NAME | BLESSING SAFARIS LIMITED |
ACCOUNT NUMBER | 42710042425 |
CURRENCY TYPE | USD |
We accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express
If you decide to use this mode of payment, a 3.9% bank surcharge has to be added on top of the original amount. The 3.9% charge does not come from Blessing Safaris Limited, it is a bank surcharge for credit card transactions
Sometimes the gateways or your bank may request additional documents to approve the transaction, bear in mind that it is for your financial safety.
You can pay through Pesapal (PCi DSS & PCi PTS compliance)
Kilimanjaro Travel Information
Travel insurance is very crucial once it comes to travel around the world, for any traveler. Getting travel insurance in Tanzania made easy through third parties companies which are dealing specifically with evacuation in case of any emergency during your tour, we do not sale it but we will be happy to recommend reliable compressive travel insurance that covers things like emergency helicopter rescue, medical evacuations expense it will be assisted protection tour to cover personal injury, repatriation expenses, and any kind of possibility illness will be covered. Having good travel insurance guarantees peace of mind while traveling, safety comes first.
As any other endeavor challenges are part of the journey, you may experience congestion while arriving or you may experience network outage in most of the areas while on safari. Bear in mind that there are challenges which we can control as human beings but in case of natural disasters that we do not wish to happen if we are supposed to stop your tour, immediate actions are necessary to save a life.
This comes not actually from the company side but has something to do with yourself, you may wish to support locals by buying souvenirs or you may arrange some extra tours around the city or tipping to your team. Is the best way to acknowledge others as one of the best practices in life. Feel comfortable to discuss with your tour planner anytime
Climate. Tanzania climate is tropical and there are two rain seasons the longer being March through May and the shorter between October and November. The dry season lasts from July through October with clear sky and sunshine the whole day. The weather is suitable for beach vacations. The coastal area is normally hot and humid.
Visa: Coming to Tanzania has been made easy for visitors. It is easy to obtain a Tanzanian visa and there are three ways to obtain it: You can get a visa from a Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission from your country or upon arrival at the port of entry or you can apply online via Tanzania Immigration site, that is, the airport or at the border port. The above procedure applies to North American and European citizens. For more details about visas please contact the nearest Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission in your area.
Tanzania’s International Airports: Tanzania has two international airports, one outside the commercial capital Dar es Salaam (airport code: DAR) and the other near Arusha (and Mount Kilimanjaro) called Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code: JRO). Charter flights and some international operators fly directly to Zanzibar Island (airport code: ZNZ)
Getting to Tanzania: If you’re planning to visit Northern Tanzania, the best airport to arrive at is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). KLM has daily flights from Amsterdam. Ethiopian and Kenya Airways / Precision Air also fly into KIA.
If you’re planning to visit Zanzibar, southern and western Tanzania, it is ideal to fly to the capital city of Dar es Salaam. European carriers that fly into Dar es Salaam include British Airways, KLM and Swissair(which share codes with Delta). There are long-distance bus services between Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Attractions: The country has a lot to offer educationally, historically, for leisure and adventures. These adventures are safaris (game) driving in the National Parks like Serengeti, Manyara, and Tarangire to see wildlife, historical sites such as museums, landscapes, mountains, beaches, lakes, rivers, and culture.
Social life: The country has more than 120 tribes. Each tribe has its own vernacular. Although there are many languages “Swahili” was adopted as the national language in 1961 right after independence. The language has spread and is being used in the neighboring countries of Uganda, Kenya, and Central Africa. English is the second official language of the nation. You will find that Tanzanians are very welcoming and friendly.
Political system: Tanzania is perhaps the leading country on the continent of Africa for its political stability, peace, and tranquility. The political system is multi-party and the government is democratic. Political and religious conflicts are resolved through dialogue. In short, religious and tribal conflicts are very rare in this country because every citizen is free to worship as he/she pleases provided that one does not violate the law of the land
Currency: The national currency of Tanzania is the “shilling” (Tshs). Exchange rates vary and are subject to change anytime. Credit cards such as Euro-card, American Express, Master Card, Access, and Visa are accepted by most tourists’ hotels, carving shops, bureau de change, and banks. Also, Traveler’s Cheques in sterling pounds and US dollars are acceptable.
Religions: Because of its historical diversity Tanzania is a land of various religions. Nevertheless, the major religions are Christianity, Islam, Hindu, and African Traditional Religions. On the east coast – Dar es salaam, Bagamoyo, Zanzibar, and Tanga – the dominant religions are Islam and Hindu. This is due to the advent of Arabs and Eastern Indians which led to the spread of the two religions. The mainland is dominantly Christian and this is since European colonists, like Arabs, spread the Christian religion to the indigenous people.
Infrastructure & Accessibility: Major roads are paved and accessible throughout the year. Side roads and those around and within the National Parks are muddy and rough. For this reason, a 4WD car is required for safaris. Four-wheel cars include Toyota Land Cruisers, Land Rovers, and Toyota Hiace 4WD. These are the cars commonly used. The railway is also used in the eastern, southern, central, and western parts of the country.
Time: The time zone is GMT + 3 and the electricity is 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz.
Expect to drink pure water from the mountain during your trek, we will refill your water bottles every day at all camps. The water is very clean and treated. You will get hot water for washing up every day in the morning and evening.
We carry enough food to eat every day on the mountain. The food we carry is for our clients and everyone on our team. Our cooks are very professional, they will make sure that you get quality and delicious food on time. Enjoy three meals per day, feel at home away from home.
After the confirmation of the booking, we will send you the menu to be aware of your meal from the first day to the last day of the trek, we are always open for discussion about what you want to be included in the menu. For any suggestions about the food during your trek, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your guides and cooks.
There are no hotels or lodges on the mountain. Climbers to the Marangu route (Kilimanjaro) and Mount Meru sleep in hut accommodation based on shared rooms with double-decker beds. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be served at mess rooms available in every camp in Marangu and Mount Meru. All rooms are installed with a solar system however the power may not be sufficient for charging your cell phones. Both Marangu and Mount Meru have flash toilets except at the base camp.
Climbers through other routes using tents. Porters are always fast, they get to the camp earlier and set up your tents. Every group has camping managers who make sure all tents are well-pitched. We use new quality mountain tents for sleeping. Every tent shared by two (2) clients, we also carry quality mercy tents, kitchen tents, and crew tents.
Toilets are available at all camps in the mountains. In case you don’t want to use public toilets, you can request a private toilet from us.
After the end of your tour, your supporting team expects to be paid the tips. YES, it is very appreciated! When and how do you pay your tips?
1: You can pay tips after the last meal on the mountain
– You may pay it personally in separate envelopes given by us before the beginning of the tour
-You may hand over the envelopes to the head guide who will then help you to distribute them to everyone.
2: You can pay tips at the hotel after the end of your trek
In case you don’t want to carry money on the mountain, you may leave it at the hotel/bank then you pay your supporting team at the hotel soon after descending
3: You can pay for your package together with tips
For those who wish to receive the invoice for the whole package (include tips), It is possible to don’t hesitate to tell us.
The following is the tipping amount in USD per person per day.
$20 per guide, per day.
$15 per cook, per day.
$10 per porter per day.
NB: The tipping cost will be shared by the whole group, as the company we appreciate you’re generosity. Bear in mind that the shared guidelines do not restrict any clients to contribute more.
The weather of Kilimanjaro is very unpredictable however it is better to know the common weather of the mountain before you decide to book your tour. The dry season is a good time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro because you will enjoy nature and a good view.
The dry season is from the beginning of December through the beginning of March, and from late June through the end of October, June to December.
The peak season is from August to September and the heavy rainy season is from the end of March to the middle of May
Tanzania is the safest country in Africa, Tanzanians are very friendly. There is no history of dangerous animals on Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro’s trails are always busy, there are hundreds of people climbing all routes every day. Every group is accompanied by guides, the security is also reliable at the campsite, there are armed rangers at every camp to ensure your safety during climbing. Only climbers to Mount Meru will be escorted by the armed rangers due to the presence of the wild animals inside the Mountain. No need to fear about your health, we provide healthy food. Our guides are well-trained and certified in First Aid, we always carry the first aid kit and oxygen cylinders for emergencies. The rescue is also available on the mountain at all camps. In case of any serious emergence, we can arrange for a helicopter rescue
Conservation fees per day (all routes)
(a) US$70 of or above the age of 16 years
(b) US$20 between the age of 5 and 15 years
Public Campsite Fee per Night
(a) US$50 of or above the age of 16 years
(b) US$10 between the age of 5 and 15 years
Hut Fee
(a) US$60 per night (of or above the age of 16 years)
(b) US$20 per night (between the age of 5 and 15 years)
Rescue Fee
-US$20 per person per trip
Crew Fee
US$2 per person per trip
Crater camping fee
US$100
Mawenzi peak climbing
US$750 (it is technical climbing)
Paragliding on Kilimanjaro
(a) Pilot fee US$500
(b) Passenger fee $250
Cycling on Kilimanjaro National Park
US$50
Video Shooting per group of 2-20 people (This is for recording own art eg music or movies)
(a) Park US$100
(b) TANAPA HQ US$50
All fees above exclude VAT 18%
Besides the excitement and the beauty of hiking these giant mountains in Tanzania. Every success is accompanied by unexpected challenges, and for climbing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is one of the major threats once it comes to climbers. Since safety is our priority we have prepared a list of common altitude sickness which may happen. We invite you to spend time to learn more.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
It is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. People who climb high mountains might experience the early symptoms of Altitude Sickness. Our guides are well-trained, they are Certified Wilderness First Responder WFR. If you experience any symptoms mentioned below, please inform your guides as soon as possible.
- Nausea & dizziness
- Headache
- Poor appetite
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Poor sleeping
High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE)
Caused by brain swelling, it is very dangerous and can kill very quickly if not treated as soon as possible. Normally HACE symptoms tend to set in at nighttime.
Symptoms of HACE
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe headache
- Increase of clumsiness
- Loss of coordination example ataxia
- Loss of memory
- Coma
High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE)
Caused by fluid collecting in the lungs, it is very dangerous and can kill very quickly if not treated as soon as possible. It happens due to the fast ascending to a higher altitude. If your guide advises you to descend, please do it immediately even if taking medicine because it is the only reliable cure.
Symptoms of HAPE
- Trouble breathing even when resting
- Coughing
- Very tight chest
- Suffocation/feeling tired
- Froth in saliva or spit
- Blood in saliva
- Confusion, hallucination, and irrational behavior
Prevention of altitude sickness
- Ascend slowly (pole-pole)
- Drink well, 3-4 liters of water per day
- Eat well and regularly
- Sleep well, give yourself time to rest
- Wear proper warm gears (Make sure you are warm enough)
- Avoid wet boots, gloves, & socks
Wearing the right kind of gear for the summit is very important. Try to cover your body with many layers to avoid coldness during the summit. Avoid wearing wet clothes, wear fresh and dry clothes for the summit night especially the inner layers to make sure you are always warm. Remember to cover your Cell Phone, Camera, spare batteries, and water bottles to avoid freezing. Turn ON your headlight, walk slowly, stay behind your guide all time. Avoid frequent stops because it will make you feel cold and tired. Don’t forget to bring your walking poles, your poles are very important for both ascending and descending. Remember to set the right size before you leave the base camp because might freeze and get stuck. Remember to drink plenty of water at the beginning, your water might freeze as you climb higher. Try to blowback the camelback tube from time to time after drinking to avoid water freezing.
We remind you to bring quality personal climbing gear for your Kilimanjaro climbing. Proper layering is necessary to keep you dry, warm, and comfortable. Before packing, make sure your gear selection depends on the weather of the season you plan to climb; however, the weather on Kilimanjaro is unpredictable. Mid-March, May and early June is the long rainy season, while November to early December is the short rainy season. Make sure your outermost layer must be warm and made of waterproof materials to protect you against rain, wind and snow.
Rain Geers
Poncho, Waterproof Jackets, Waterproof trousers, Rucksack rain cover, Waterproof gaiters
Warm Clothing
Body covering:
Underwear, Fleece jackets, Down jackets, Fleece trousers, Hiking pants, Shorts, T-shirts, Fleece shirts
Head, neck & face Covering:
Buff ,Balaclava,Mask,Hat
Hands covering
Fleece gloves, Waterproof mittens
Feet covering:
Pairs of wool socks, Gaiters, Waterproof hiking boots, Sneakers
Other important Equipment and accessories
Sleeping bag, Sunglass, Sun cream, Sun hat, Headlamp, Trekking Poles, Water bottle, Camel bag, Camera and spare battery, Powerbank, Towel, Backpack for day hiking use, Duffle bag/kit bag for porters to carry your staffs, Snacks for high energy and calorie gain, Passport, Visa
Careful packing
- Make sure all your gears are warm and lite, don’t pack jeans, avoid cotton as cotton material traps moisture, and also avoid overweight packing.
- Pack your bags the night before your trek, don’t wait until the morning to avoid rushing.
- Don’t pack anything that shouldn’t be there, you may leave unwanted staff for the mountain at your hotel or feel free to leave at our office.
- If necessary to pack your laptop, keep in mind that there is no electricity on the mountain.
- If possible avoid packing delicate stuff
- Pack all important documents and everything you think you will need to use on the way before getting to the camp. Example: Camera, Phone, sun cream, hut, passport, sunglasses, poncho, etc.
Health and Hygiene tips
- Remember to keep your hands clean every time before eating to avoid stomach problems which can cause dehydration
- Before using medication like Acetazolamide or Diamox and others, it is important to take advice from your doctor
- Be prepared for altitude sickness even if it doesn’t often happen, do a general health check-up before you come to Kilimanjaro.
- If you feel abnormal, please tell your guides.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol on the mountain
- Avoid ascending further when you realize the symptoms of altitude sickness
Listen to your guides
We advise listening and follow the instructions from your guides. All our guides have long-time guiding experience, they are well-trained and licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. Our guides are very friendly and knowledgeable and they will take you to the top safely.
Trash-in trash-out
Avoid littering the trail, collect all rubbish in your bag until you reach the camp
Climb slowly (Pole-pole)
Avoid rushing, save your energy for the Summit night. Hike slowly, enjoy your holiday, and the beauty of Kilimanjaro
Prepare for your trek
Remember to prepare for your trek, make sure you apply for your Visa on time, book for your flight after getting your Visa verification. Pack all travel documents and trekking gears. Train your body by doing small physical exercises like running and biking to keep your body fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are determined to ensure that you experience the luxury of genuinely memorable travel. On every trip, we aim to create a ‘charmed space’ within which you can relax, absorb fresh insights, be stimulated and charmed by new encounters – and have fun!
Whether traveling alone or with friends, Blessing Safaris guests often mention how particularly agreeable they find their traveling companions. our groups are deliberately small, comprising 2 to 7 guests especially for safari.
Our team carefully researched and focused on trips which attract people with the same interest and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.
Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.
Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners include hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges
Help us to help you by organizing even better tours, and save money. If you contact us in advance you will save a big deal in terms of price as you have the best time for negotiation and customization of the tour with a safari planner and save more.
Why not? , We offer private tours whether you’re alone or with family and friends celebrating a special anniversary or planning a reunion of family and friends you can discuss with us. We can create a special itinerary away from traffic, travel in style with the itinerary specifically shaped to your requirements.
The answer is absolutely yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.
African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.
This aspect is much overstated. You will rarely see a snake, but if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows and doors. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the idealistic ambiance. Bear in mind that malaria is a threat in most wildlife areas, and it is necessary to consult your doctor for advice before embarking on your safari.
Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park
Around the turn of the century (until the ’30s and ’40s), mobile tenting was the only option, and “camp as you go” was the standard practice. Over the years the luxury connected with the traditional mobile tenting safari has increased. By the same token, one can understand that the cost of having a “luxury hotel” following one around in Africa is expensive. However, most people settle for permanent tented camps. Because they are “permanent” they can be equipped with flush toilets and traditional bathroom fixtures and conveniences. Don’t be misled by terminology – a permanent tented camp offers the comfort of a 5-star hotel but with the romance and adventure of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa.
(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.
Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered