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Mt Kilimanjaro Trek - Rongai Route 6 Days
6 Days / 5 Nights On The Mountain, 2 Nights In Arusha Hotel | Private Tour | Basic | ETPKR6B
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TRIP INTRODUCTION
The Rongai Route begins near to the Kenyan border and approaches our most majestic mountain from the north, the only one of the various routes to do so. It is sometimes referred to as the Loitokitok or the Nalemuru Route, but Rongai is its most frequent name tag.
Why would you choose this route? Well, it is still a fairly popular route, but it carries much less ‘traffic’ than either the Machame or Marangu alternatives. This means that it gives a slightly less crowded and more remote trekking experience. For the descent, those who ascend on Rongai must descend on Marangu. In terms of difficulty, Rongai would probably best be described as ‘moderate.’ In terms of scenery, it has some fairly striking, stark wilderness sections, though other routes could perhaps lay claim to a bit more variety.
Trip Highlight
Words can never describe the breath-taking views enjoyed from the summit, the very ‘Roof of Africa,’ but the incomparable, exhilarating sense of achievement in getting to the top of Kilimanjaro is surely in itself the highlight of any trip.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Physical Level
Challenging. Guests undertaking one of our trips categorized as ‘challenging’ will require a good level of fitness and proper physical preparation –perhaps two or three months – in advance of arriving in Tanzania. To take one of these trips, you must be confident in your own level of fitness and stamina. Our ‘challenging’ trips involve a significant degree of high-altitude hiking, and at times a degree of discomfort can be expected. For example, on a summit day to reach the top of Kilimanjaro, a total of around 13 hours is required of participants and this is combined with a great deal of ascent and descent. Special clothing and equipment are required for these trips, as advised on our trip notes, and accommodation is in tents or mountain huts, depending on which trip is undertaken.
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour is in our Basic category, with two night’s hotel accommodation in Arusha and five nights out on the Mountain in the public campsite. Our Basic level accommodations are selected by Easy Travel to focus on good value.
Tour Summary
- Day 1 – Kilimanjaro International Airport To Arusha
- Day 2 – Arusha – Nalemuru Gate – Simba Camp
- Day 3 – Simba Camp – Kikelelwa Camp
- Day 4 – Kikelelwa Camp -Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Day 5 – Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Kibo Tarn Camp
- Day 6 – Kibo Hut – Summit – Horombo Hut
- Day 7 – Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha
- Day 8 – Departure – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Tour Map
Chart
| Day | Start (Location) | Altitude (Meter) | Altitude (Feet) | Finish (Location) | Altitude (Meter) | Altitude (Feet) | Time (Hrs) | Vegetation(Zone) | Distance (km) | Distance(Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rongai Gate | 1950 | 6398 | Simba Camp | 2620 | 8596 | 3-4 | Rain Forest | 8 | 5 |
| 2 | Simba Camp Second Cave | 2620 3450 | 8596 11,319 | Second Cave Kikelewa Camp | 3450 3600 | 11,319 11,811 | 3-4 3-4 | Heath & Moorland | 6 6 | 4 4 |
| 3 | Kikelewa Camp | 3600 | 11,811 | Mawenzi Tarn | 4300 | 14,108 | 3-4 | Alpine Desert | 5 | 3 |
| 4 | Mawenzi Tarn | 4300 | 14,108 | Kibo Camp | 4700 | 15,420 | 5-6 | Alpine Desert | 8 | 5 |
| 5 | Kibo Camp Uhuru Peak | 4700 5895 | 15,420 19,341 | Uhuru Peak Horombo Camp | 5895 3720 | 19,341 12,205 | 6-8 4-5 | Ice Camp Heath & Moorland | 6 16 | 4 10 |
| 6 | Horombo Camp | 3720 | 12,205 | Marangu Gate | 1970 | 6463 | 5-7 | Rain Forest | 20 | 12 |
| 75 | 47 | |||||||||
Tour Itinerary
After your long flight, you’ll be pleased to spend your first night in comfort at your hotel, the Planet Lodge in Arusha. If you have chosen to be picked-up by us from Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Easy Travel driver will be waiting to meet and welcome you and take you to your hotel in Arusha to relax after your flight. Your adventure has begun!
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- Accommodation
- Planet Lodge Hotel
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- Meal Plan Dinner at hotel.
- Journey time and Distance 1 hour, 55 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha
After an early breakfast at your hotel, we depart around 08.00hrs, arriving at the Nalemuru Gate for around 13.00hrs, when we will enjoy our picnic lunch.
We complete the registration formalities and are introduced to the all-important trekking team who will accompany you up the mountain. Your porters will load up, and then we are ready to start the trek! Today’s starting altitude is at 1950 metres and during our trek we will ascend up to a new altitude of 2620 metres. The vegetation at first is pine forest, as well as some vegetable fields, but you briefly enter lusher forest where colobus monkeys can sometimes be seen. After the forest, the landscape changes to heathland with its characteristic huge heathers. Our goal is to reach Simba Camp 2620 meters by 17.00hrs; our walking distance today is only 8km/5miles and our projected walking time is around 3-4 hours. After relaxing on arrival at the camp, we will take our dinner at about 19.00hrs.
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- Accommodation in tents at Simba Camp
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- Meal Plan Breakfast, Picnic Lunch box and Dinner
- Journey time and Altitude 3-4 hours’ walking, from 1950m at Nalemuru Gate to 2620m at Simba Camp
- Walking distance 8km/5miles
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- Accommodation in tents at Kikelelwa Camp
- Meal Plan Breakfast, Picnic Lunch box and Dinner
- Journey time and Altitude Between 6 and 8 hours’ walking, climbing from 2620m at Simba Camp to 3600m at Kikelelwa Camp
- Walking distance 12km/8miles
An hour extra to enjoy in bed, as we schedule a slightly later departure. Why? Well, our distance today is short at only 5km/3miles, though we do have to ascend over 700 metres so you may come to appreciate that extra sleep! As you continue to climb today, you will notice how you leave the vegetation behind you: it definitely thins out rapidly at this altitude! But the views on Rongai are truly exceptional. We aim to arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp 4300 meters nice and early, probably around 13.00hrs, in time for a cooked lunch. The afternoon is a time for acclimatization in this beautiful setting. In clear weather, the views up to Kibo 4700 meters are exceptional. Dinner tonight will be served around 18.00hrs.
- Accommodation in tents at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Meal Plan Breakfast, Cooked Lunch and Dinner
- Journey time and Altitude Between 3-4 hours, climbing from 3600m at Kikelelwa to 4300m at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Walking distance 5km/3miles
We’re back to our early breakfast schedule again, to ensure we are ready to depart Mawenzi by 08.00hrs. From our starting altitude at 4300 metres, we will ascend today to Kibo Camp, which sits at 4700 metres. On the way, we head westwards before crossing the ridge and continue towards along the edge of what is known as the Saddle. While there is little vegetation to admire, don’t be too surprised if you see an eland – quite astonishing, really, at this lofty altitude. Our objective is to arrive at Kibo Camp 4700 meters at around 15.00hrs, having stopped for our midday picnic lunch. This evening, as we prepare for tomorrow’s summit attempt, we will be served dinner at an early hour (around 17.30) which will allow you to retire to bed at a good time!
- Accommodation in tents at Kibo Camp
- Meal Plan Breakfast, Picnic Lunch box and Dinner
- Journey time and Altitude Around 5-6 hours, climbing from Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4300m to Kibo at 4700m.
- Walking distance 8km/5miles
Our schedule for our ‘Summit Day’ is necessarily very different to our other days on the mountain. Rising at 23.00hrs, we take our tea and biscuits (23.30hrs) before a midnight departure. Today, we have around 1195 metres to climb, on what will be our toughest day, with around 10-13 hours of actual walking time and a total distance of 22km/14miles.
Our expectation is to reach the summit from 07.00hrs onwards. We begin on a rocky path, and then climb via a series of zig-zags which get ever tighter as we climb.
Our reference points on our ascent today are, first, William’s Point (5131 metres), Hans Meyer Cave (5258 metres) and then Gillman’s Point (5719 metres). The focus today is on walking pole pole – that is, slowly. On reaching the Uhuru Peak (5895 meters), we take time to celebrate the successful climb, take those essential photos and congratulate ourselves, before making the descent to return to Kibo hut for about 11.00hrs. There we take a very well-deserved, two-hour rest and enjoy a welcome Brunch. Setting off again at 14.00hrs, we continue our descent until we reach the now-familiar Horombo Hut 3720 meters for about 17.00hrs. Dinner today will be served at 19.00
- Accommodation Horombo Hut
- Meal Plan Brunch and Dinner
- Journey time and Altitude 10-13 hours’ walk, from 4700m at Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak at 5895m then return to 3720m at Horombo Hut
- Walking distance 22km/14miles
After breakfast at our now-familiar time of 07.00hrs, we take the chance to thank our hard-working guides and porters at the important ‘Tipping Celebration’. Afterwards, we depart from Horombo Huts and start our descent down towards Marangu Gate 1970 meters, stopping at Mandara around midday for a cooked lunch.
Marangu Gate 1970 meters is usually reached by 16.00hrs, and today’s section is approximately 20km/12miles which takes us between 5 to 7 hours of walking time. Having reached Marangu Gate, you will be presented with your certificate, a fitting souvenir recognising your tremendous achievement. We then return by vehicle to Arusha, to the comfort of your lodge, for your overnight stay and some deserved relaxation. Or perhaps, if you still have some energy, you can celebrate your wonderful achievement. After all, you have just climbed Africa’s highest mountain!
- Accommodation Planet Lodge Hotel
- Meal Plan Breakfast, Cooked Lunch and Dinner (at hotel)
- Journey time and Altitude 6-7 hours’ walk from Horombo Hut 3720m to Marangu Gate 1970m, then return by vehicle from Marangu to Arusha 3 hours drive
- Walking distance 20km/12miles
After breakfast at our now-familiar time of 07.00hrs, we take the chance to thank our hard-working guides and porters at the important ‘Tipping Celebration’. Afterwards, we depart from Horombo Huts and start our descent down towards Marangu Gate 1970 meters, stopping at Mandara around midday for a cooked lunch.
Marangu Gate 1970 meters is usually reached by 16.00hrs, and today’s section is approximately 20km/12miles which takes us between 5 to 7 hours of walking time. Having reached Marangu Gate, you will be presented with your certificate, a fitting souvenir recognising your tremendous achievement. We then return by vehicle to Arusha, to the comfort of your lodge, for your overnight stay and some deserved relaxation. Or perhaps, if you still have some energy, you can celebrate your wonderful achievement. After all, you have just climbed Africa’s highest mountain!
- Accommodation Planet Lodge Hotel
- Meal Plan Breakfast, Cooked Lunch and Dinner (at hotel)
- Journey time and Altitude 6-7 hours’ walk from Horombo Hut 3720m to Marangu Gate 1970m, then return by vehicle from Marangu to Arusha 3 hours drive
- Walking distance 20km/12miles
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Easy Travel – Transport:
- Transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha at the beginning and end of your trip.
- Transport from your Arusha hotel to the start of the climb and return to your Arusha hotel at the end of the climb.
- 2 nights in Arusha, 5 nights on the Mountain in the Tents
- 1st night – Planet Lodge
- 2nd night – Simba Camp
- 3rd night – Kikelewa Camp
- 4th night – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- 5th night – Kibo Camp
- 6th night – Horombo Camp
- 7th night – Planet Lodge
Food and Water 6 Breakfasts, 3 Picnic Lunches, 2 Cooked Lunch, 1 Brunch, 7 Dinners Treated water (on the mountain)
- Day 1: Planet Lodge – Dinner
- Day 2: Planet Lodge – Breakfast
- Day 2: on the Mountain – Picnic Lunch Box
- Day 2: Simba Camp – Dinner
- Day 3: Simba Camp – Breakfast
- Day 3: on the Mountain – Picnic Lunch Box
- Day 3: Kikelewa Camp – Dinner
- Day 4: Kikelewa Camp – Breakfast
- Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Cooked Lunch
- Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Dinner
- Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Breakfast
- Day 5: on the Mountain – Picnic Lunch Box
- Day 5: Kibo Camp – Dinner
- Day 6: Kibo Camp – Mid night Tea and Biscuit
- Day 6: Kibo Camp – After summit Brunch
- Day 6: Horombo Camp – Dinner
- Day 7: Horombo Camp – Breakfast
- Day 7: Mandara Hut – Cooked Lunch
- Day 7: Planet Lodge – Dinner
- Day 8: Planet Lodge – Breakfast
Mountain Team
- Dedicated, expert Easy Travel mountain guides, mountain chef, mountain porters
Entrance Fee
- Mount Kilimanjaro Entrance Park Fee and Camping Fee
Camping Equipment
- Sleeping Tents
- Dining Tents
- Sleeping mattress
- Utensils
- Tables and Chairs
Award
- Of course, we have a high success rate and your trip includes a Certificate of Achievement if you make it to the summit at Uhuru (5895m). But your trip includes a Certificate of Achievement even if you only reach Gilman’s point (5719m) or Stella point (5685m).
What’s Not Included
Medical Insurance
Medial Insurance which covers high altitude trekking up to 6000 meters is Essential (nothing less than 6000 meters)
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance which covers “Cancel for any Reason” is Essential
Own Room/Tent
My Own Room at the Hotel and My Own Tent on the Mountain
Personal Items
- Technical Gear
- Technical Clothing
- Footwear
- Handwear
- Accessories
- Laundry
- Toiletries
Tips
Mountain Guide: $25 per day / per guide / per Group
Mountain Chef: $15 per day / per group
Mountain Porter: $8 per day / per porter
FAQS
PLANNING
Options To ‘fly In/fly Out’
This itinerary is based on transportation by vehicle. Our reliable, comfortable 4 x 4 vehicles will pick you up at the airport at the start of your safari and take you back to the airport at the end. Our Tanzanian roads are very rough in places and distances between the national parks are not insignificant. On this safari, there may be the option to reduce the time spent in your vehicle, by flying to your first safari destination at the start of your safari, or by flying back at the end of your safari, or both. These options of taking an internal flight or flights do attract an extra cost. If this is of interest to you, please ask your Easy Travel tour consultant at the time of booking your safari and they will be happy to advise you.
Back Pain
All visitors will spend some significant time in our comfortable vehicles on the rather rough roads of Tanzania. Anyone who is liable to back pain may experience severe discomfort and should satisfy themselves as to the suitability of a safari (and take medical advice if appropriate) before booking.
Visitors With Limited Mobility
Please note that our itineraries are not suitable for those with limited mobility or who are physically disabled. Our vehicles are not capable of being adapted to accommodate those people, unfortunately.
Wildlife Spotting
Please note that we cannot guarantee the sighting of any particular animal or bird during our safaris. In our itinerary descriptions, we make reference to many of the animals you may see, but these references are for illustrative purposes only. For example, your driver-guide will do all he can to find you a black rhino if you are visiting Ngorongoro, but such animals are rare. While no sightings of any particular animal can be guaranteed, a quick read of our visitor reviews on Tripadvisor will show you what incredible wildlife experiences our visitors enjoy. And remember: the more days you book, the more wildlife encounters you will have.
Types Of Safari: Migration Safaris
All of our Migration Safari itineraries are designed to give visitors the best possible opportunities of seeing The Great Migration, and our driver-guides are passionate and experienced in finding you the best wildlife experiences. Visitors should be aware, however, that the wildlife act according to the availability of water, not to the schedule of any safari operator. When booking a Migration Safari, you may have an expectation of witnessing a ‘river crossing’ but there can be no guarantee that this will take place on any particular day. If the wildebeest don’t want to cross, then no crossing will take place. Many of our Migration Safaris will visit two different locations – for example the Western Serengeti and the Northern Serengeti. But should you see a crossing in Western Serengeti, do not also expect to see one in the Northern Serengeti on the same safari. Nature and the rains will always dictate the whereabouts of the animals, and the migrating herds cannot be in two separate places at the same time!
Serengeti National Park: Programme Changes
Our aim is always to keep you safe and to give you the best experiences. We will only make changes to your chosen itinerary for one of those two reasons. Bear in mind that as accommodation is pre-booked, your itinerary will not change substantially. However, where visitors are spending multiple days in Serengeti National Park, the driver-guide may change the itinerary from day-to-day, according to conditions, travelling time and what is happening in the park. So, where – for example – the itinerary description indicates that you will go to the Visitor Centre on Day 4, your driver-guide may decide to visit it on Day 5 instead. If he does make a programme change, he will have a good reason for it and he will inform you.
A Word About Our Lunches
We know that a day’s safari can make you hungry and we ensure that we always provide you with a balanced and nutritious lunch that will leave you satisfied. Generally, we provide you with either a picnic lunch box or a hamper lunch. You can read more about these here. On any particular day, we wish to remain flexible: after all, there may be times when the last thing you want to do is interrupt your wildlife-watching simply to watch your driver-guide set up a picnic table. On such occasions, it may be preferable to eat a lunchbox at the designated picnic sites, to ensure that you don’t miss any excitement! We will try to offer you something different each day, working with the hotels, camps and lodges to ensure that your midday meals are a pleasurable experience. Bon appetit!
Trip Duration
Please note that all our itineraries begin at Kilimanjaro International Airport, with an overnight hotel stay in Arusha included in the price. This means that where an itinerary is entitled, for example, ‘The Ultimate Wildebeest Migration Safari – 6 Days,’ then the arrival day and Arusha overnight stay will count as Day 1. This is simply because our visitors come from all over the world and the flights can arrive at any time of day. If you are already in Arusha prior to the start of the safari and do not need the Arusha overnight stay that we provide, please inform your Easy Travel tour consultant and we will remove the cost of the Arusha hotel from the tour price.
About Tanzania
- Where is Tanzania and how do I get there?
Tanzania is located in East Africa and is bordered by the Indian Ocean on it eastern side, by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south.
Arrival in Tanzania is normally at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (640km, or 2 hours’ flight from Arusha City), or at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (45 minutes’ drive from Arusha City.)
- Is it safe for me to visit Tanzania?Most of our visitors come to Tanzania for our wildlife, but by the time they leave their experience is much wider and richer than perhaps they had 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. We are sure you’ll feel very safe here, we’re sure you’ll feel very welcome. As in 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.
- What language is spoken in Tanzania?Kiswahili is the official language of Tanzania, and most of our people speak it. Just as well, as we have well over 100 different tribal languages! You will be pleased to know that English is widely spoken in the larger towns and places where visitors frequent. At Easy Travel, we have a team of driver-guides who can speak languages such as English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German.
- Which is the better safari destination – Kenya or Tanzania?If your budget was unlimited, then you might choose to combine both of these destinations on your safari trip to East Africa. For many visitors, it is a question of making a choice. Many people are very keen to see the Great Migration as part of their trip, so choosing your destination country is important. The migration spends eleven months of each year in Tanzania, and it is only in September that the herds cross the Mara River and spend their time in the Maasai Mara – which is, of course, in Kenya. Even in that month, there are thousands of the wildebeest who prefer not cross the river, spending their time grazing instead in the Northern Serengeti, Tanzania. When making your decision, you might also consider that Serengeti National Park in Tanzania has twice consecutively won the World Travel Awards coveted ‘Best African National Park’ award (2019 and 2020).
- How do I organize my Tanzanian safari?Just let us know when you want to visit, how long you want to be on safari, how many people will be in your group and give us an idea of your budget. That’s all we need to design a trip of a lifetime for you. Let us send you our proposal, for you to consider, and we can make any adjustments. Just contact us!
Weather
- When is Tanzania’s rainy season?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.
- What weather can I expect in Tanzania?
Of course, weather seasons can vary every year, so you have to be prepared for anything. 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.
Most visitors choose to visit the National Parks in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. Because many of these are at altitude, the temperature is usually pleasant for a safari even at the hottest part of the day. The seasonal variations in temperature are perhaps less than you might expect. For example, in the popular Serengeti, the high in the warmer months (between October and March) is usually around 29C while in the other months a maximum of 26C can be expected. The respective lows would be 17C and 13C. One exception is up on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater (altitude 2, 200 metres) where the temperature can plummet below freezing at nighttime. Visitors to Ngorongoro are therefore advised to bring some warmer clothing.
Health and Safety
- Is there malaria in Tanzania?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.
- Will I need a first aid kit when I visit Tanzania?
Safety is always our first priority at Easy Travel. Our driver-guides are all trained in first aid and our vehicles are all equipped with a first aid kit. Nevertheless, we suggest that you bring your own first aid kit: your doctor can advise you on what your kit should contain. Of course, you should always bring any prescription medicines, sufficient to last your entire trip. Remember that we will be spending a lot of time in very remote locations, so you should be prepared for any eventuality.
- What procedures do you have in place, if I get injured or become sick while on safari?
All Easy Travel’s safari tours are inclusive of Emergency Evacuation Service in conjunction with AMREF Flying Doctors (http://www.flydoc.org). This service provides immediate evacuation for guests from the nearest airstrip to the nearest hospital (usually in Nairobi, sometimes Arusha). This service operates in daylight hours only. When you are ill, but the symptoms and severity do not require immediate evacuation, there are other hospitals and clinics in Serengeti and Karatu. Our guests are strongly advised to buy comprehensive travel insurance. Without this, you cannot use the Emergency Evacuation Services provided by AMREF Flying Doctors. If you wish to purchase the AMREF service (cost US $20 per person), you will need to provide us with a copy of your current insurance, the issuer details and policy number. We will include the cost of this in your safari trip invoice and provide you with your tickets for the service, during your safari briefing.
- What is the best way to avoid tsetse flies?
The tsetse fly is present in woodland areas of Tarangire and in certain parts of Serengeti. They are most active during daylight hours. You can help to avoid these biting flies by choosing to wear neutral-coloured clothing (khali, beige, green, olive, light brown) as the flies are attracted to bright colours. Most people suffer no adverse reactions to the bites of these flies, but a few suffer from itchiness and swelling.
Booking, Pricing, Payment and Terms & Conditions
- How far in advance should I book my Tanzanian safari with Easy Travel? Peak season (December to February) and high season (June to October) put pressure on the availability of accommodation, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended. We at Easy Travel suggest that you book your safari trip between six months and one year in advance, as this helps secure the accommodation choices and allows us to sort out all other logistics. We welcome enquiries for last-minute bookings, but the availability of the accommodation will determine if we can provide your last-minute desired safari package.
- What is included in the price of the safari package?
The price agreed for your safari package includes all lodging and meals throughout your trip as detailed on your itinerary, all park entrance fees, the services of an expert driver-guide, game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle, 1ltr of bottled water per person, per day during game drives only.
- The following things are NOT included in the price:
Any international flights, any domestic flights (unless specified and agreed as part of your package), any travel and medical insurance, entry visa to Tanzania, (you should obtain this before you arrive; you can get a visa on entry to Tanzania, but this involves standing in long lines between 30-45 minutes or sometimes more), soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, gratuities for your driver-guides or any other Easy Travel staff, gratuities for any camp/lodge staff, Maasai Village visit, any extra activities not pre-booked and paid for, emergency evacuation service (unless pre-booked and pre- paid) and any other items not mentioned in this list.
- What are the Easy Travel booking terms and conditions?
Once we have agreed your safari trip itinerary with you, you will be required to make an initial deposit of 30% to us. This allows us to be able to confirm your booking. The full balance must then be paid 30 days before the start of your safari trip. For any last-minute booking made less than 30 days prior to your proposed arrival date, we require payment of the full amount to be made when booking.
- What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept payment either by credit card, or by direct wire transfer.
- Payment by Credit Card Online:
We accept Visa, Master Card and American Express. This is the fastest and easiest method of payment as it avoids the necessity of complying with numerous banking procedures. You will need to allow for 3.5% on top of the trip cost, this being bank charges for use of the credit card. This 3.5% charge stays with the bank, not Easy Travel (Tanzania Bank Policy).
- Payment by Direct Wire Transfer:
If paying by this method, any bank charges incurred will be at your cost. Beneficiary bank charges are approximately $45 and they will be added by us on to your invoice. It usually takes a minimum of 5 to 7 working days for the funds to arrive into our account. At that point, we are able to issue your booking confirmation.
Flights, Insurance, Visas and Entry Requirements
- Are there direct flights to Tanzania?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.
- Does Easy Travel also organize domestic flights?
Easy Travel can organize domestic flights for Zanzibar and to the Northern and Southern National
Parks of Tanzania. Visitors should be aware that the aircraft employed are light aircraft which land
and takeoff from small airstrips either inside or close to the relevant National Park. - Is there a maximum weight limit for luggage carried on domestic flights?
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. On internal flights, the weight limits are strictly enforced and any excess weight will be subject to a charge of $5 per kg. You should also be aware that there is no guarantee that excess weight will be accepted, especially in peak season. Safety will always be the pilot’s top priority. Passengers are advised never to check in high-value items such as cash, jewellery, cameras, laptops etc.
- Can I leave some luggage with you and then collect it at a later date during my trip?
Easy Travel are happy to look after your luggage, free of charge, if you leave it with us at our Arusha offices. This can be particularly convenient for those visitors who are climbing Kilimanjaro and then following it with a safari or beach holiday.
- Do I need to obtain travel insurance before travelling to Tanzania?
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.
Pre-Trip Day in Arusha
- If I have a pre-trip day in Arusha, what is there to do?A pre-trip day can provide an excellent chance to experience life in one of Arusha’s villages. We would recommend a half-day (3.5 hours) tour, the Ilkiding’a Village Cultural Tour. This includes a visit to a Maasai Boma (traditional enclosure of mud huts), a coffee plantation, a farm tour, and an opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of Arusha City. You will also experience a tasty traditional Tanzanian lunch.
Extra Activities on Safari
- Can Easy Travel organize for us to have a balloon trip as part of our safari experience?Yes, we can organize this, though the balloon trips are undertaken by a separate company. The lower age limit for balloon ride is 7 years. Many visitors take advantage of this amazing opportunity to see the incredible wildlife of Serengeti, Tarangire or Ndutu from a totally different perspective. A balloon trip will normally involve a one-hour flight, followed by a full champagne breakfast. Your balloon trip will also be commemorated by the award of a certificate. Visitors should be aware that, as safety is always the priority, the pilot will take the decision to cancel the flight in the event of bad weather. In such a case, you will be moved to a subsequent flight the next day (subject to availability) or given a refund if there is no such availability, or if your safari itinerary does not allow you to take a subsequent flight.
- Will there be opportunities for cultural visits during my trip?Of course! Although our wildlife is fascinating, we know that many of our visitors are equally interested in the lives and culture of our people. So, we offer the opportunity of a cultural tour during the safari trip. This normally involves a tour of Mto wa Mbu village, which includes a visit to a rice farm, banana plantation, a tasting of the local village brew and a look inside a traditional house. Please note that the cost of this activity is additional to your trip cost. If you are interested, please ask when booking your safari so we can schedule it in your itinerary.
- After my safari, can I add a trip to Zanzibar, Pemba or the Mafia Islands?Easy Travel can organize an add-on trip to Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia. Accommodation options in Zanzibar are plentiful, although those in either Mafia or Pemba are much more limited. In addition to the cost of any add-on trip you choose, please note that there is an infrastructure tax ($1.50 per person) in Zanzibar, payable on arrival. On arrival, those visiting Mafia must pay a Marine Park Fee of $20 per person / per day.
Children on Safari
- Are safaris suitable for children?Most children absolutely love the safari experience, if they are old enough to fully benefit from what is a holiday of a lifetime. There can be nothing better than for children to be so close to our amazing wildlife, so much better than watching it on TV or merely reading a book about it. And of course, we at Easy Travel can advise on child-friendly accommodations and ensure that you get a family- friendly room. It is essential to be realistic, however. A safari involves a lot of driving over rough terrain, and we would not recommend a safari trip for children under 3 years old.
Accommodation
- What is the cost of a safari to Tanzania?The cost of a safari to Tanzania depends on a number of different factors, principally the accommodation style you choose, the number of days your trip lasts and how many people will share your vehicle. Once you discuss your requirements with us, we will devise an itinerary for you and advise you of the exact cost.
- What are the accommodation options and what are they like?
Easy Travel safaris are available with four different choices of accommodation styles to suit your taste and budget. We offer Basic, Comfort, Comfort Plus and Luxury style accommodation options.
Easy Travel selects 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.
- Does the wildlife come close to the camps and lodges?Perhaps the best thing about a Tanzanian safari is that you get really close to the wildlife, and sometimes it might seem that the wildlife actually wants to get close to you. There are no fences around most camps, so the animals wander in and out as they wish. These are wild animals, not tame pets: you have to be cautious and of course we at Easy Travel take your safety very seriously. Attacks on visitors are very rare, but you have to act sensibly. In particular, those with children should never let them out of sight or let them wander alone. You will often be escorted from your tent to dinner, and back again, particularly at the smaller tented lodges. Any concerns you have about safety should immediately be raised with a staff member or camp manager.
- Are mosquito nets provided at all camps and lodges?Those who choose our Comfort style accommodations (tented camps) will find them equipped with mosquito nets. Although not all camps/lodges in Tanzania have mosquito nets, during the nightly turndown service the bedrooms are sprayed with mosquito repellent. We also encourage visitors to bring their own insect repellent and to use it during the safari.
- Will I be able to do my laundry at the camps and lodges?Most of the lodges and camps are able to offer laundry services, at extra cost to yourself. In our Comfort style accommodations, please note that all laundry is done by hand, and drying relies on sunlight. Please only ask for laundry services when you are staying more than one night. This ensures that there will be sufficient time for your clothes to dry before you depart the camp.
- What types of cuisine are available?You will find that both western-style and local cuisines are available on our safari trips. A vegetarian choice is offered at each meal. Easy Travel can cater for special dietary requirements, with advance notice.
- Can you provide me with a single room?Prices for safaris are based on room-sharing, but you can have a room to yourself, at additional cost. Please let us know what your accommodation preference is when making your initial enquiries.
Food and Drinks
- What can I expect to eat for lunch when out on safari?
One of the great things about a private safari is the flexibility it offers you. When it comes to food, you can make the daily choice of whether to enjoy your breakfast and lunch in the comfort of your tented camp or lodge, or enjoy a picnic box out in the bush. In the morning, you may want to enjoy the stunning sunrises by taking an early game drive and then return to your accommodation for breakfast, or prefer to have breakfast at your lodging first and then set off on your day’s game drive with no need to return to your accommodation at mealtimes.
For breakfast, a picnic box will typically include coffee, bread, pastries, juice, a banana, apple, hardboiled-egg, bacon or sausages. A lunchtime picnic box might contain chicken, bread, sandwiches, banana, apple, juice, muffin and chocolate. Any special dietary requirements can be accommodated – just let us know in advance.
- Are you able to cater for visitors with special dietary requirements?
We ask that our guests give us advance notice of any special dietary needs when planning the safari trip. We when pass this information to your accommodation choices, to ensure that your requirements are met at each place you visit.
- Do you provide drinks in the safari vehicles?Of course – you will need refreshments when out on safari, and we offer you bottled water, soft drinks, juice, coffee and tea. And our safari vehicles are all equipped with a small cooler to ensure your drinks remain chilled during the safari.
Trip Duration
Please note that all our itineraries begin at Kilimanjaro International Airport, with an overnight hotel stay in Arusha included in the price. This means that where an itinerary is entitled, for example, ‘The Great Wildebeest Migration Safari – 9 Days,’ then the arrival day and Arusha overnight stay will count as Day 1. This is simply because our visitors come from all over the world and the flights can arrive at any time of day. If you are already in Arusha prior to the start of the safari and do not need the Arusha overnight stay that we provide, please inform your Easy Travel tour consultant and we will remove the cost of the Arusha hotel from the tour price.
Options To ‘fly In/fly Out’
This itinerary is based on transportation by vehicle. Our reliable, comfortable 4 x 4 vehicles will pick you up at the airport at the start of your safari and take you back to the airport at the end. Our Tanzanian roads are very rough in places and distances between the national parks are not insignificant. On this safari, there may be the option to reduce the time spent in your vehicle, by flying to your first safari destination at the start of your safari, or by flying back at the end of your safari, or both. These options of taking an internal flight or flights do attract an extra cost. If this is of interest to you, please ask your Easy Travel tour consultant at the time of booking your safari and they will be happy to advise you.
Back Pain
All visitors will spend some significant time in our comfortable vehicles on the rather rough roads of Tanzania. Anyone who is liable to back pain may experience severe discomfort and should satisfy themselves as to the suitability of a safari (and take medical advice if appropriate) before booking.
Visitors With Limited Mobility
Please note that our itineraries are not suitable for those with limited mobility or who are physically disabled. Our vehicles are not capable of being adapted to accommodate those people, unfortunately.
Wildlife Spotting
Please note that we cannot guarantee the sighting of any particular animal or bird during our safaris. In our itinerary descriptions, we make reference to many of the animals you may see, but these references are for illustrative purposes only. For example, your driver-guide will do all he can to find you a black rhino if you are visiting Ngorongoro, but such animals are rare. While no sightings of any particular animal can be guaranteed, a quick read of our visitor reviews on Tripadvisor will show you what incredible wildlife experiences our visitors enjoy. And remember: the more days you book, the more wildlife encounters you will have.
Types Of Safari: Migration Safaris
All of our Migration Safari itineraries are designed to give visitors the best possible opportunities of seeing The Great Migration, and our driver-guides are passionate and experienced in finding you the best wildlife experiences. Visitors should be aware, however, that the wildlife act according to the availability of water, not to the schedule of any safari operator. When booking a Migration Safari, you may have an expectation of witnessing a ‘river crossing’ but there can be no guarantee that this will take place on any particular day. If the wildebeest don’t want to cross, then no crossing will take place. Many of our Migration Safaris will visit two different locations – for example the Western Serengeti and the Northern Serengeti. But should you see a crossing in Western Serengeti, do not also expect to see one in the Northern Serengeti on the same safari. Nature and the rains will always dictate the whereabouts of the animals, and the migrating herds cannot be in two separate places at the same time!
Serengeti National Park: Programme Changes
Our aim is always to keep you safe and to give you the best experiences. We will only make changes to your chosen itinerary for one of those two reasons. Bear in mind that as accommodation is pre-booked, your itinerary will not change substantially. However, where visitors are spending multiple days in Serengeti National Park, the driver-guide may change the itinerary from day-to-day, according to conditions, travelling time and what is happening in the park. So, where – for example – the itinerary description indicates that you will go to the Visitor Centre on Day 4, your driver-guide may decide to visit it on Day 5 instead. If he does make a programme change, he will have a good reason for it and he will inform you.
A Word About Our Lunches
We know that a day’s safari can make you hungry and we ensure that we always provide you with a balanced and nutritious lunch that will leave you satisfied. Generally, we provide you with either a picnic lunch box or a hamper lunch. You can read more about these here. On any particular day, we wish to remain flexible: after all, there may be times when the last thing you want to do is interrupt your wildlife-watching simply to watch your driver-guide set up a picnic table. On such occasions, it may be preferable to eat a lunchbox at the designated picnic sites, to ensure that you don’t miss any excitement! We will try to offer you something different each day, working with the hotels, camps and lodges to ensure that your midday meals are a pleasurable experience. Bon appetit!
Roads and National Parks
- What road conditions can I expect while on safari?There is no point in denying it: road surfaces in our National Parks can be rutted and rough, especially after rain. Our driver-guides are expert drivers, but you will definitely feel some bumps along the way! If you suffer from back problems, you should seriously consider if a safari is right for you. Let us know and we can provide extra back cushions to minimize discomfort. You should also keep your safety belt fastened at all times, keep your valuables secure (to avoid damage) and hold on when standing up to view the wildlife out of the pop-up roof.
- Will the safari be dusty?As well as the wildlife, you are guaranteed to see some dust when you visit Tanzania! Between June and October – the dry season – the dust is at its worst. But even in the other months the dust can be a slight irritation and visitors should expect this. Some visitors like to wear a bandana over their mouth/nose to combat this, and if you wear contact lenses you may need extra lens fluid. It is also advisable to ask your driver-guide to close the vehicle windows. Remember that dust can also affect sensitive camera and video equipment, so storing these in a suitable bag when not using them is a good idea.
- How do the National Park entrance fees work?The entrance fees for the National Parks on your itinerary are of course included in the cost of your safari package. All these entrance fees are valid for a maximum of 24 hours single entry, and your itinerary is carefully planned and arrangements for entering the parks are made – and often paid for – in advance. Each evening, your driver-guide will brief you about the following day’s schedule. Overstaying the time limit for any stay in a National Park incurs a penalty, and if this is as a result of visitors wishing to stay beyond the permit limit, then the visitor will be wholly responsible for that penalty.
- What is the availability of washroom facilities out on safari?Rest assured, bathroom facilities are available at many places throughout your safari trip. These are located at lodges, camps, park ranger stations, visitor centres and picnic areas. Of course, a lot of time we are out in the wilderness, so there will be plenty of times when there will be no nearby toilet facilities – and no other visitors or vehicles in sight. That means that you will be able to simply get out of the safari vehicle in privacy to attend to your toilet needs, out of view of any of your fellow travelers. This is what we call the ‘bush bathroom’ and most of our visitors adapt! Our driver-guides are sensitive to this issue and will always make sure that it is dealt with professionally and discreetly.
Driver Guides
- Who will accompany us on our safari?Each safari trip is accompanied by one of our expert driver-guides. As well as being a safe and expert driver – essential qualities on our tough terrain – he is also an encyclopedia, full of incredible knowledge about the Tanzanian wildlife, people, terrain and culture. If you choose one of our Basic Level safaris, you will also be accompanied by a Safari Chef, responsible for setting up your tents and providing you with excellent tasty meals during your trip.
Arrival Information
- Can Easy Travel arrange an airport pick-up for us from Nairobi City or Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport (JKIA)?Of course, Easy Travel are happy to organize either a Private or Public Shuttle transfer to Arusha from Nairobi City or JKIA.
Please note that the cost of this transfer is not included in your trip cost, nor is the return transfer back to either Nairobi City or JKIA at the end of your trip. For Easy Travel to arrange transfers for you from/to Nairobi City or JKIA. All you have to do is let us know your flight number and arrival time and make the appropriate payment to us in addition to the price of your trip.
Two daily public shuttles operate from JKIA to Arusha, with one departing at 08.00 hours and the other at 14.00 hours. The price for a single ticket is $40 per person and the journey time is between 6 and 7 hours. The price for a private shuttle is $400 per vehicle, one way, so will usually only be suitable if you are arriving in a group. Whichever airport you arrive at, we strongly advise that when you approach the driver (who will be waiting outside the baggage reclaim area) that you ask him who he has come to collect, rather than giving him your name. (Our driver will display your name on an Easy Travel signboard.) By following this advice, you will be sure that you are picked up by the correct driver, rather than by an airport taxi driver who is just looking for business.
Safari Vehicle
- What vehicles do Easy Travel use for their safari trips? What luggage can I bring?
Easy Travel use Toyota Land Cruiser 4 x4s, which are recognized by many as the best and most reliable vehicles for the rough terrain of Tanzania. Each of the maximum 6 passengers enjoys the benefit of a window seat. The Land Cruisers are fully equipped, featuring: a pop-up roof for excellent game viewing; a radio call facility for optimal communications; a mini cooler box for keeping drinks cool (while the vehicle engine is running); a UK-Type socket for charging your mobile phone, camera battery or laptop; guidebooks and binoculars.
Due to restrictions of space, all passengers are limited to one softshell, duffel-style bag and one carry-on bag. Please note that hardshell suitcases are not advisable on safari, as they take up too much space.
- Will we have to share our safari vehicle with others? Those booking one of our private tours will have exclusive use of the safari vehicle. If you choose one of our small group tours, you will share the vehicle with other travelers who have chosen the same departure date as yourselves.
Clothing and Camera Equipment
- What should I wear on my safari?Our recommendation is to bring nether dark clothing (no black or dark blue clothing), nor bright/white clothing. (see Top 10 Essential items to pack for your safari) The former attracts tsetse flies, and the latter is unsuitable for the often dusty conditions. Khaki is the recommended colour for safari trips. Bringing layers of clothing will give you the maximum flexibility, and you should bring clothing made from lightweight, quick-dry fabric. Remember that a safari holiday is informal, you do not need super-smart clothing. Put the emphasis on comfort and practicality, not fashion ! For your feet, bring a pair of decent-quality walking boots or shoes. In higher altitude regions, such as the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, it can be cold in the evenings, so bring a warmer layer. A light rain jacket is also a good idea. Sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent are all essential.
- Do I need to bring any special equipment or gadgets?
It’s always nice to forget about the developed world when you are enjoying your ‘wilderness experience’ out on safari, but a few modern devices will maximize your enjoyment and ensure that you can take home some special memories.
First of all, you will need to bring a converter plug for any devices you bring. Note that electricity in Tanzania is 220 to 240 volts (50 hertz) and our Tanzanian sockets are of the British-type with three rectangular blade pins. You will no doubt want to take loads of photos, so a lightweight camera with a good zoom or suitable mobile phone, plus extra memory cards, batteries and/or charger are essential. You may also want to bring a small, powerful flashlight as some camps have little lighting. You can share the binoculars provided by us in the safari vehicle, though many visitors choose to bring their own to make sure they don’t miss anything.
Money Matters
- Are credit cards acceptable?Most lodges accept credit cards, but if you want to pay by cash instead, you should use US Dollars. Please note that all dollar bills should be dated from 2009 onwards. For credit cards, you should bring either MASTERCARD or VISA.
- Am I able to withdraw cash from an ATM while in Tanzania?For cash, we advise you to bring US Dollars with you from home, as these are accepted in most places. If you 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 begins. Note that in many small towns or beach hotels there are no ATM machines, so you should have sufficient cash before you depart for remote areas or the beach. Any cash withdrawn from ATM machines will only be issued in Tanzanian Shillings (Tshs) and there is a daily limit of 400,000 Tshs per card/per day
- Will I be able to use foreign currency?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. Do not change money on the street: you should only exchange your money in hotels, banks, bureaux de change or with your tour operator. Always get a receipt for currency exchanges.
- What additional costs might I incur when travelling in Tanzania?Your safari package with Easy Travel includes all your accommodation, game drives, park fees, services of driver guides and meals as set out in your programme. It also includes your transfers between Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport, but not if you choose to arrive at another airport. Your package does not include 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 activities not included in your safari package, visas or any shopping. 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.
- Should I bring gifts to give to local children?It is not advisable to randomly hand out pens, money and sweets. Our experience is that this just sets unrealistic expectations and encourages begging. Easy Travel appreciates visitors’ desire to express their generosity and we have connections with schools and orphanages which can responsibly distribute any gifts to those who need them. 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
- What souvenirs can I buy in Tanzania?During your safari, there will be opportunities to purchase handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs on your way to and from the National Parks. Examples of items you will find include wood-carvings, masks, antiques, beadwork and paintings. Those visitors who like jewellery might be interested in Tanzanite, a unique precious gemstone which can only be found in Tanzania. Tanzanite is a beautiful, dark blue stone. Major credit cards (Mastercard and Visa) are accepted by most of the larger curio shops. Prices are negotiable for most items.
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- Ground Floor , New Safari Hotel, Bomma Road , Arusha 1912 , Tanzania
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