Frequent Asked Questions
TRAINING FOR KILIMANJARO TREK
Training to climb Kilimanjaro is as much about your physical endurance as it is about your mental stamina. The physical training for Kilimanjaro should be a good mix of stair masters, uphill treadmill climbs, and breathing exercises. You should alternate days using the stair master and the treadmill.
Here below is some recommended training for the Kilimanjaro climb.
There always comes a point during summit night that you will want to quit and just head back down the mountain. Keeping a positive attitude and digging deep to push through is an incredibly important and valuable skill. Training your mental stamina is no easy thing, but there are ways to accomplish it. You essentially need to construct an activity that pushes your body to what it thinks is its limit, then you need to push past that to reach your goal. A great way to achieve this is long-distance running such as half marathons and full marathons. A marathon will push you to your limit whilst having an achievable goal in sight of the finish line.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is in fact just one long hike. The best way to prepare for a long hike is to do a few yourself. If you can do back-to-back days that would be even better. Doing a few practice hikes as part of your training to climb Kilimanjaro will help you to experience what a 5-hour hike on difficult terrain feels like, going up and down and also getting to wear your boots. There is nothing worse than arriving in Kilimanjaro with unworn-in boots. This can seriously stymie your summit attempt as you will get blisters and sore feet early on in your hike.
Aerobic training uses oxygen to adequately meet the energy demands of exercise via aerobic metabolism. The types of exercise that use aerobic metabolism are generally light-to-moderate intensity activities like long-distance jogging, swimming, cycling, and walking. This differs from anaerobic exercise like high-intensity weight lifting and sprinting which uses anaerobic metabolism to supplement the aerobic system due to increased energy demands. Aerobic exercise builds the cardiovascular system which is key when training to climb Kilimanjaro, as a strong cardiovascular system will help you process limited oxygen in a more efficient way.
Any Kilimanjaro training plan should also include strength training. Although not as important as your aerobic training, strengthening your upper body, core, and, in particular, your legs, will greatly increase your chances of success. Squats, Front and reverse leg curls, Lunges, and Step aerobics are recommended
How does a safari work ?
Start your day early with breakfast before heading out on a morning game drive. Guided by our experienced local team, you’ll explore Tanzania’s wilderness in search of wildlife — from lions and elephants to giraffes and zebras. No two days are the same; every safari brings the chance to witness unexpected moments in the wild. Around midday, enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic spot before continuing your afternoon drive. On wildebeest migration safaris, the experience is dynamic as the herds move across the plains. Return to your lodge or camp in the late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and fireside drinks. Safari itineraries are flexible, ensuring your adventure is safe, memorable, and tailored to the unpredictable beauty of nature.
How many days should I stay ?
We recommend a minimum of three days for a safari to fully experience a single park, such as the Serengeti. This allows enough time to enjoy wildlife viewing without feeling rushed. For a more relaxed and immersive experience, 5 to 7 days is ideal. This gives you the opportunity to explore multiple parks while also enjoying the amenities and comfort of your accommodation. If you wish to visit 2–4 top parks, a longer itinerary is advisable. Transfers between parks take time, and extending your stay ensures you can experience each destination fully, including game drives, excursions, and leisure time at your lodge or camp.
Is accommodation included in the booking ?
All our safaris are inclusive of meals and accommodation for the entire duration of your safari as well as domestic travels to the destination, park & camping fees. Accommodation may be at different places. When we send a proposed itinerary, it will include the lodging that we recommend best based on your budget and preference. Should you wish to receive other accommodation proposals offer or have specific ones in mind, just let us know.
One of the best ways to keep your budget at bay is to reduce the number of days of your safari as doing so means you have less no. of days to pay for accommodation, food expense, and park fees, which are paid on a daily basis. Also take in mind the type of accommodation preferred. The midrange option is a great choice for those on a budget. You still get to enjoy great buffet meals, and mid level amenities. Luxury lodges are common in Tanzania but they come with a price to avail amenities such as bath-tub, pool and more
Absolutely! Kids will have fun witnessing life in the wild. You will be in the vehicle most of the time and you can stop as you wish or go on a lower pace as needed, which makes this a great option for elders too. Similarly, most lodges have family-friendly accommodation with no stairs and less walking. The meals are usually a buffet, giving you ample choices for all taste and preference.
Meals provided in your accommodation is usually buffet style. Breakfasts include eggs, potatoes, cereals, bacon/sausage, and toast among others. For dinner, you can expect a variety of soups, salads, local and international meals, rice, pasta, fruits and desserts. At lunch, most guests are out in a safari so they bring a lunchbox with a sandwich, raw veggies, yogurt, juice, hard-boiled eggs, and cookies. However, you can also opt for a hot meal where we can set-up a number of dishes served in buffet trays in an ambient spot where you have a view of the savannah
RECOMMENDATIONS TIPS FOR TRAVELERS
Preparing for a trip to Tanzania
Before your journey, ensure you have both physical and electronic copies of all essential documents, including your passport, driving license, and yellow fever vaccination certificate. Complete all necessary vaccinations for travel to Tanzania, and check that your credit and debit cards are valid for international use. Notify your bank of your travel plans and keep emergency contact numbers handy in case your card is lost or blocked. Pack essentials in your carry-on luggage, keeping in mind that prohibited items are not allowed on flights. Although delays with checked luggage are rare, they can occur. If this happens, your belongings will be delivered directly to your hotel — even to mountain lodges during climbing tours. To avoid inconvenience, consider packing a few changes of clothing in your hand luggage.
In Tanzania
Tanzania is a safe and peaceful country, but it’s important to practice common travel precautions. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash, and when exchanging money or using ATMs, count your funds in a secure and private location. If carrying valuable items like cameras or laptops, consider taking a taxi, especially at night. Most hotels provide safe boxes or reception storage for valuables. Always use registered taxis — never private vehicles. Official taxis have white license plates and registration numbers on the doors. In Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Moshi, taxis are usually white with green writing. Your hotel or BAS Tours can arrange a safe taxi for you. Tanzania has a Tourism Police Force in Arusha and Zanzibar to support visitors. If you encounter issues, your BAS guide can assist in contacting them. Exchange money only at authorized bureaus or banks, and always request official receipts when shopping. For handicrafts and souvenirs, rely on your guide to recommend authentic markets, ensuring safe and genuine purchases.
While Climbing Kilimanjaro / Meru
Leave valuables behind. Laptops, smartphones, and other electronics are at high risk of damage from extreme weather, and charging them during a trek is difficult. Your guides are equipped with phones and radios for communication. Stay hydrated. Drink 3–4 liters of water daily to aid high-altitude adaptation and reduce symptoms of altitude sickness. Enjoy your afternoons. Most trekking takes place in the morning, leaving the afternoon free for rest or leisure activities such as reading, listening to music, or playing cards. Tipping your climbing team. Tips can be left at the office after your trek for fair distribution among guides, cooks, and porters. Recommended amounts per person per day are: Guide $20, Cook $15, Porter $10. Special requests for distribution can also be accommodated.
While on Safari
Dress appropriately. Ngorongoro can be cold in the early morning and at night, so pack warm layers such as trousers and a fleece jacket. Avoid bright colors like white, yellow, or blue, which stand out in the bush; choose khaki, dark green, or neutral tones to blend with nature and minimize dust visibility. Pack essentials. Bring wet wipes for dusty conditions and a fresh set of clothes for each day. A high-quality camera with zoom lenses is recommended to capture wildlife in all its glory. Tipping etiquette. Tipping is appreciated in Tanzania. For safari guides, $20–$40 per day per vehicle is customary. In hotels, $1–$2 for baggage assistance and small tips for restaurant staff are sufficient.