Kilimanjaro Information

Arrival:

Day 1 Arrival in Kenya 29^th.January.2005
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on date 29^th.January.2005 Flight # BA 0065 Arrive at 09:20 pm  you will be picked up with our representative from Airport to Boulevard Hotel In Nairobi B&B.

Day 2 Arrivals in Tanzania 30^th.January.2005  
Breakfast will be served at restaurant starting at 06:00 am and you will have to be read for your shuttle to Arusha which will pick you at 07:30 am to Arusha via Namanga Boarder you will stay in New Mount Meru Hotel In Arusha. B&B

Day 3 Arusha to Arusha National Park 31^st.January.2005
After Breakfast you will proceed to Arusha National Park where you will have a chance of Visit 7 Momella Lakes and walking tour in Arusha National Park . Late afternoon you will proceed to Machame village and stay at Aishi Protea Hotel in Machame where you will spend a night before trek begins on the next day. You will have the opportunity to go over any last minute questions. At this point you will also have the chance to leave a bag behind with anything you don't need on this trek. Your left-behind gear will be secured at the storage room and will meet you as soon as you back from the Mountain. Stay overnight at Aishi Protea Hotel B&B

Mt. Kilimanjaro Summit Trek -- Machame Route

Day 4: Machame Gate to Machame Hut (9,300’) 1^st.January.2005
Hike time: 7.5 hrs, Elevation change: +1200 M
Estimated distance: 10km, Final elevation: 3100 MEarly pick-up at Moshi Hotel and a 40-minute drive to Machame gate (5,400’) where trekking formalities take about 30 minutes.  From the gate, we begin our trek following an easy track for the first hour through the dense forest. The path continues to follow the ridge, rising steadily with several steep sections. The gradient eases slightly as the forest merges into heather covered ground we will reach Machame Hut in 10 km (6.2 miles) after a 1,200-meter (3,936’) ascent and 5-7 hours of walking. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Machame Hut to Shira Hut (12,300’) 2^nd.January.2005
Hike time: 7 hrs, Elevation change: +800 M
Estimated distance: 6km, Final elevation: 3800 M
From the Machame Hut we cross the stream onto its west bank and follow the path up the steep rocky ridge crises-crossing a few times before reaching Shira Hut at the base of a semi-circular wall of rocks. We will have ascended 900 meters (3,000’) in 5-7 hours and about 6 km (3.72 miles) of walking. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Shira Hut to Barranco Hut (12,800’) 3^rd.January.2005
Hike time: 5 hrs, Elevation change: +100 M
Estimated distance: ?, Final elevation: 3900 M
From Shira Hut hike to Lava Tower (15,000’) and then proceed to Barranco via the Great Barranco Wall. This route offers panoramic views of Kibo through Karanga Valley as we hike high and sleep low, dropping back down to Barranco after lunch. Today’s hike will take most of the day Barranco campsite located on elevation of 3950m. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Barranco Hut to Karanga Valley (14,800’) 4^th.January.2005
Hike time: 3.5 hrs, Elevation change: +100 M
Estimated distance: 4km, Maximum elevation: 4590 M
Final elevation: 4000 M
From Barranco Hut we climb up through the edge of great Barranco 95percentage of that day walking will be on elevation of 4250m. We will break our day at Karanga valley campsite at elevation of 4,000m walking time is 4 to 5 hrs on this day. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut (4,600m) 5^th.January.2005
Hike time: 3.5 hrs, Elevation change: +600 M
Estimated distance: 4km, Final elevation: 4600 M
Today involves gaining a little more elevation, acclimatizing and resting for the summit attempt the next morning. This day will take us 4 to 6 hrs of walking. (B,L,D)

Day 9: High Camp to the Summit and then Rau Camp (10,500’) 6^th.January.2005   SUMMIT DAY!
Summit time: 7 hrs, Elevation change: +1300 M
Estimated distance: 5km, Final elevation: 5895 M
Descent time: 5 hrs, Elevation change: -2800M
Estimated distance: 12km, Final elevation: 3100 M
We will start trekking early before sunrise (1-2 am) as the walk today will take 10-14 + hours. We will avoid the mist that sets in later in the day; the scree and snow will still be safely frozen. The 1,100-meter (3,600’) ascent in just over 3 km (1.86 miles) will take us about 6-8 hours. After a brief stay at the summit of the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak , at over 5,898 meters (19,340'), we descend via the Barafu Route roughly 2,500 meters (8,200’) in 12 km (7.44 miles) in about 4-7 hours to Mweka Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate (6,000’) 7^th.January.2005
Descent time: 4 hrs, Elevation change: -1250M
Estimated distance: 10km, Final elevation: 1828 M
Today we descend about 1400 meters (4,592’) through the forest on a jungle path for about 10 km (6.2 miles) in 3-4 hours to reach Mweka Gate. Our representative will transfer you to New Mount Meru Hotel B&B

Wildlife Safari
Day12: Moshi to Lake Manyara 8^th.January.2005
Moshi to Lake Manyara 230 Km 3:00 Hrs
Breakfast in your Hotel and proceed to Lake Manyara National Park for game viewing. Lake Manyara is a shallow, alkaline lake which attracts masses of pink flamingoes. The park is well known for its herds of elephants, and for its unusual tree-climbing lions. This was the location for the comprehensive research and subsequent book "Among the Elephants" by Iain and Oria Douglas-Hamilton. The park is also home to hippos, baboons, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, and is particularly good for bird watching with over 380 species having been recorded. You will be staying at Lake Manyara , Twiga Camp (B,L,D)

Day 13: Lake Manyara to Serengeti 9^th.January.2005
Gibbs Farm to Naabi Hill Gate 155 Km
Time: 150 min
Morning walking around Gibbs farm and then around 10:00 you will drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area this morning and stop at the famed Olduvai Gorge , where some of the earliest remains of our species were unearthed by the dedicated Leakey family. Here in these desolate gullies the jawbone of Zinjanthropus Man was discovered. The Gorge Museum explains the Leakey's methods and their remarkable finds.

From Olduvai, you will begin the journey into the great Serengeti. The Serengeti covers and area of over 14,763 sq kms, and is inhabited by more than 3 million mammals, including; lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, buffalo, gazelles, antelope, giraffe, hyena and all of the little animals - rock hyrax, bat eared foxes, mongoose, honey badger, dik-dik, jackals, monkeys, baboon and African hare . There are also nearly 500 species of birds. The multitudes and diversity of species is unrivaled. You'll see herds of animals swiftly running across vast open spaces, and predators hunting prey. Dinner and Stay overnight at Seronera Camp (B,L,D)

Day 15 - Serengeti National Park 10^th.January.2005
Full day game view
Estimated game drive hrs 3hrs – Morning game view 3 hrs -afternoon game view 3 hrs- Sunset game view
Today you'll be driven further according to the animal movements in Serengeti, exploring more of what this fabulous park has to offer.  (This migration movement takes place from April to mid – June) Wildebeest are constantly on the move, always striving for the side with the greener grass. As the sea of grass provides little cover and young are easy pickings, wildebeest have evolved synchronized birthing: About 90 per cent of calves are born within a three week period. Predators cannot make much of a dent in the population of newborns with such a sudden glut of food. Wildebeest young can run minutes after they are born. Within three days, calves are strong enough to keep up with the herd.
Plains zebra and wildebeest often intermingle. They are complementary grazers, preferring different parts of the same grass. Zebra, with their superior vision and hearing, serve as an early warning system for the wildebeest. Given the choice, predators prefer wildebeest meat to zebra. So zebra are happy to offer the carnivores that choice.  Zebra in the greatest numbers and they became one of my favorite animals. You will find the middle of an ocean of zebra stretching to the horizon a restful place to be. This day you will have full day of game viewing include sunrise and sunset Game View. Seronera Camp (B,L,D)

Day 16: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area 11^th.January.2005
Seronera to Ngorongoro 145 Km
Time: 100 min
estimated game view in Serengeti 5 hrs
a sunrise Game view and then Back to the Camp for Breakfast. After breakfast, you'll head toward Ngorongoro Crater, entering the lush green foothills of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and reaching a higher altitude where temperatures are cooler. As you reach the crater rim, your first look will take your breath away. 2,000 feet below the rim, the collapsed caldera is a "Garden of Eden". The crater contains and entire own eco-system with a river, swamps, lakes, forests and savanna.  Drive strait to the Simba Camp (B,L,D)

Day 15: Ngorongoro to Arusha 12^th.January.2005
Ngorongoro to Arusha 150 Km
Time: 130 min
Estimated game view in the crater 6 – 7 hrs
Early Descending to Ngorongoro it does always help to enjoy your Game View you will descend 2,000 feet into the magnificent crater to view wildlife. Here a nearly perfect balance of predator and prey exist within the 102 square miles of the crater floor. Experience an unforgettable spectacle of African wildlife: a teaming world of elephants, rhinoceros, lions, hyenas, zebra, wildebeest, to name a few, living in harmony in this self contained environment. At the end of the day you will leave the Ngorongoro Crater and then drive to Arusha. Stay at Mount Meru Hotel B&B

Day 15: Ngorongoro to Moshi 13^th.January.2005
After breakfast you will have your last minute shopping in Arusha and then later on you will board at Shuttle which departure at 01:00 pm to Nairobi you will be dropped at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport .

Price List
5 pax - Price per person Camping Safari USD
2 pax - Price per person Camping Safari USD
Total price for this group USD this amount should be paid on arrival at New Mount Meru on 30^th.January.2005.
Please not that we will only include shuttle fair for those 2 pax who just do a Safari. Accommodation in Nairobi is not included for them.

Our Price include

Land Costs Include:

• All the hotel accommodations mentioned (double occupancy) B&B

• All transportation in Tanzania/Kenya for those on the regular (official) schedule

• All group equipment for the climb

• All transport specify to this program include shuttle bus from Nairobi and return to Nairobi  

• All meals specify in this program –

• All park fees and climbing permits for participants and staff + during safari

• Car – Toyota Land cruiser Open roof Hatch

• Our entire car fitted with Radio call VHF and HF + Inverter DC to AC for camera charge.

Land Costs Do Not Include

•  International round-trip airfare to Tanzania

• International visas for Tanzania

• Meals and hotels outside the regular itinerary

• Excess-luggage charges and airport taxes

• Personal gear 

• International vaccinations (yellow fever required)

• Single-room supplement for hotels

• Medical/Evacuation trip insurance

• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Moshi Expedition and Mountaineering

• Tips and gratuities

 (B, L, D) B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner and B&B = Bed and Breakfast

More reading

Health Information’s

Trekking on Mt. Kilimanjaro has unique medical implications. Fortunately, the nature of the mountain allows a large number of non-technical, less prepared climbers to reach the summit. All routes on Mt. Kilimanjaro can be safe but preparations must be made to ensure safety. Epics are easier to prevent than extricate oneself from, and thorough planning has significantly reduced mountain sickness cases in our company.

Persons trekking on Mt. Kilimanjaro should be in excellent physical condition with a reasonable goal being the ability to run four to five miles in forty-five minutes. There is no absolute medical contra-indication for climbing to this altitude except for certain cardiac and pulmonary diseases for which effected persons should consult their physician.  Good conditioning will allow the trekker to enjoy his work at altitude, without total fatigue.

Here at M.E.M
In preparation for your trip we include good food, water and protection from the elements. The trekker should consume three to four liters of fluid and eat approximately four thousand calories of food a day. Most estimates by exercise physiologists rate consumption of calories at five thousand per day for trekkers, but weight loss will be inevitable as it is almost impossible to force this many calories down. Appetite tends to fall away and the planned menu must be especially appetizing to entice one even to cook it. A diet high in carbohydrates seems to help reduce symptoms of acute mountain sickness and increase a blood oxygen level as well as being in high calories. We provide a type of food, which will give carbohydrate in lunch and breakfast, and protein food in dinner. A large variety of fruit flavorings are also conducive to increasing fluid intake and preventing dehydration.

Our Advice
any trek, except for solo ascents, requires team thinking. All must establish good communication between team members and set known goals. Every individual will have personal desires and these should be honestly expressed and "aired" prior to ascend. Much tension and hostility can be avoided in this manner.

Mountain Gear
we want to make sure you have all the gear you may need for ascending because the cold can cause problem ranging from minor discomfort to deadly hypothermia. Preparation is always the solution. A person should dress in layers so that proper ventilation can be achieved. It's easy to become overheated while climbing, which produces large a mount of perspiration, causing dehydration and a wet body and clothes. Stopping physical activity in such a condition can be a "chilling" experience; also the temperature change between sunlight and shade, day and night is large, so it's best to have extra warm clothes available.

Three major routes of heating loss occur: 

a) Evaporation, which is mainly cause by wind blowing across the body, so use a wind - breaker. 

b) Conduction, this is when the heat loss by sleeping direct on the ground, to prevent this loss use the insulation pad like closed-cell foam or air mattress.

c) Radiation that is best controlled with reflective material, hats should be worn. The old adage is "cold feet, put on your hat". A person can lose 30% of his or her body heat via head because the vessels of the scalp cannot constrict in response to cold, thus losing valuable warmth.

There are two serious forms of cold pathology

Frostbite is the destruction of soft tissue, usually in the finger and toes, secondary to the freezing of fluid into crystals in and around the cell of the tissues. Its initial presentation is whitening of the skin; it then turns red and feels hard. Frostbite is usually accompanied by numberless and tingling sensation. Blisters and the darkness of the skin are larger signs. Privation is the key, good wool mittens" warmer than gloves because of physical limitations of the insulations properties of an individually wrapped finger.” with over mitts are important. Wool socks and good mountaineering boots provide adequate protection for the feet.

Hypothermia is the lowering of the body's core temperature, and is considered mild to 35 deg centigrade, moderate to 30 degree centigrade. A person can go from normal to severe hypothermia very quickly, particularly if immersion in cold water occurs. Although they can be tremendously uncomfortable, cold feet and toes do not indicate hypothermia, as they do not accurately reflect core temperature. Unfortunately regular fever thermometers do not work well in these temperature ranges. Predisposing factors include improper ventilation and layering of clothes; allow one to become wet from rain or perspiration, inadequate clothing, exhaustion and starvation. The first sign of hypothermia is shaking chills and mental, emotional and intellectual dulling. A person with these symptoms should be keep active and warmed with additional clothing, and near a fire or other hating source. Psychological preparation is good, but has no real temperature changing effect.

To prevent such emergencies the technique of controlled bivouacking is important to lean. If bivouac is a possibility, a bevy bag, preferably Gore-Tex and good quality sleeping bag are essential when embanking on any camping routes.

Hypoxia is low oxygen in the air, which occurs with increasing altitude. This is reflected in the body by low oxygen in the blood called hypoxemia.

Hypoxemia usually noticeable above 3,500 meters and it marked above 5,000 meters. It is heralded by shortness of breath even with mild exertion. The body responds to hypoxemia by acclimatization. There three physiological effects of acclimatization. The most immediate change is due to chemical being released to help the blood free more oxygen for the tissues.

Current medical thought is that high altitude disease is related to decrease breathing while sleeping at altitude. Thus, the adage, "climbing high sleep low" .It is known that at high altitude many trekkers hear their tent mates breathing periodically, with long pauses between breaths "Cheyenne-stroke breathing". This is considered normal, within limits, but thought to be related to mountain diseases. Specific high altitude diseases are divided into three categories: -

Acute mountain sickness "AMS" is the most frequent high altitude disease, and is a failure to acclimatize. Symptoms include headache common), nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, insomnia, swelling of hands, feet or face peripheral edema), and decreased urine output. Nearly all trekkers will have some of these symptoms. Persons with severe symptoms should stop ascending and consider descent for a few days. These symptoms they can be reduced or prevented by slow ascend and acclimatization. DIAMOX "acetazolamide", a mild diuretic, has a side effect of preventing acute mountain sickness. It is not a substitute for slow ascent or acclimatization.

No one knows why a small number of trekkers get the potentially deadly high altitude pulmonary edema or high altitude cerebral edema is unknown. The most single denominator is rapid ascend without acclimatization. HAPE and HACE have not been shown to be associated wit sex, race, physical conditioning, or previous symptoms free high altitude work.

Pulmonary edema is heralded by increased shortness of breath even at rest, gurgling breath sounds "riles", which can be heard with an ear directly placed on chest" the sound like hair being rubbed together next to the ear"; and sometimes the production of a frothy white sputum. The patient usually has a cough and may produce this sputum, blood tinged.” always assume with these symptoms high altitude pulmonary edema until proven and do not make mistake of treating just for pneumonia."

Cerebral edema is heralded by severe headache and incardination. Hallucinations frequently occur, but are usually denied. There are several medical diagnostic signs but only a couple which do not require equipment for testing: 1) a headache unresponsive to aspirin or acetaminophen with codeine; 2) ataxia "incardination". The test for the latter is heel to toe straight in straight line. All people will have some problems with this at high altitude due to cold and clumsy boots, so have a second person walk the line for comparison with the possible HACE patient. If a person cannot walk a competent heal to toe straight line, he or she considered to have HACE until proven otherwise.

Exhaustion: obviously, both mental and physical exhaustion are part of mountain climbing.

Forcing fluids and forcing eating can minimize physical exhaustion; neither of which is pleasant at high altitudes. Adding curry or cayenne pepper to food can usually encourage intake of fluid in most trekkers.

Mental exhaustion is tougher to prevent and treat. It is important to be in a good condition psychological shape, but setbacks and fatigue can frustrate a person into depression. Forcing oneself to carry regular routine of duties at all altitudes seems to add some sense of stability, which can help.

Feet: probably the most common and painful maladies in the mountain are sore feet and blisters. Prevention here is also the best approach. Boots should be well broken in and two or three pairs of socks should be worn. Some prefer wearing tennis or running shoes up to the actual base of technical climb, or until cold conditions are reached.

Lacerations and Abrasions: when a laceration (cut), or abrasion (scrape), occurs on the mountain, there two main treatments: a) pressure on all bleeding sites; this will stop bleeding if held long enough; and b) scrubbing the area well with plain soap and water; antibacterial soap is best, but any other soap will do. Do not place creams or ointments of kind on cuts or scrapes. They make the wound moist and slow healing. Besides they do virtual nothing to kill bacteria. Wounds heal better clean and dry no matter how big.

Sunburn: the strength of the tropical sun is easily underestimated. Its destructive U.V rays penetrate cloud and are more powerful with increased altitude; snow is also a very effective reflector. (60% to 95 %) This reflected light is the most damaging as it often sticks normally unexposed skin, such as the nose and chin. The lips, neck, and the backs of the knees are also very vulnerable sites. Protection is in the form of barriers: silk scarf for lower face and neck, hat, beard, long-sleeved shirt, long socks, etc. The ones containing Para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) or PABA esters such as Pabanol, Pre Sun, are the most successful. Choose on with a high sun protection factor 5% or no 8 at least, and apply before exposure to sunlight and at intervals depending on the degree of sweating.

Violent Injury: Some simple rules: a) Check breathing, pulse and then reassure the patient. b) Prevent further injury. c) Keep warm and dry feed and hydrate. d) Splint for fractures, both for comfort and control internal breathing. e) Trekkers rarely need or request pain medication. Once given, it decreases the injured climber's ability to cooperate or make decisions. f) Send for help if someone is available and give complete information on the situation.

Equipment Check list for trekking:

Each and every item on this list has been chosen to maximize your comfort and safety while hiking on the mountain. Please read through the entire list very carefully. If you have any questions about items on this list, or about the suitability of your own equipment, please contact us, or a reputable mountaineering equipment dealer.

FOR THE HEAD AND FACE:

• Pile or Wool hat: Bring one that covers ears -- a balaclava type is excellent.
• Shade Hat: Visor hats with good brims are essential for protection from the equatorial sun.
• Sunglasses: Essential for eye protection in the tropics and at altitude. Bring a good quality pair, preferably with an IREX protection rating of 100. Attachable side shields are necessary, or bring glacier glasses.
• Sunscreen: Bring plenty of complete sun block with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Unless you have spent time in equatorial sun you will probably underestimate the amount necessary, so bring lots. Sunscreen is difficult to find in Tanzania .
• Lip Balm: With SPF rating of 15 or higher.
• Bandanas: Tied around the neck, they give good sun protection. Can also be used for cleaning glasses, as wash cloths, etc. They dry very quickly.

FOR THE UPPER BODY:

• T-Shirts: Two T-shirts that you don¹t mind getting dirty while on the mountain. Synthetic is best -- no cotton on summit day.
• Upper Body Layers: For climbing the mountain we recommend you have three warm layers for the upper body. Items must be made of wool, synthetic or pile. Make sure all layers fit comfortably over each other and supply good insulation. A good combination is a long underwear top, a sweater, and a pile jacket or heavy wool shirt. Cotton items do not provide adequate insulation and are completely useless when damp.
• Rain Parka: Afternoon showers are common in East Africa , especially on the mountain. Bring a good parka of Gore-Tex or waterproof nylon that has been "seam sealed".
• Wind Shirt: (optional if you have Gore-Tex rain gear) A nylon wind shell (not waterproof), roomy enough to fit comfortably over all upper body layers. Gore-Tex is good for both this wind shirt and for the rain coat.
• Poncho: (Optional) Quick and handy protection for body and rucksack. Poor protection in windy rain.
• Gloves or Mittens: Wool or pile. One pair of heavy mittens and a light pair of gloves work well.
• Mitten Shells: One pair to go over your mittens. These are for use against the winds sometimes encountered in the crater and on the way to the summit.

FOR THE LEGS:

• Quick Dry Hiking Shorts: 1 pair. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain.
• Long Underwear Bottoms: One pair. Wool or synthetic.
• Wool, Bunting or Pile Pants: One pair that fit loosely and is comfortable. These are essential to be worn over the long john bottoms.
• Rain Pants: Bring a good pair of rain pants of Gore-Tex or waterproof nylon that has been "seam sealed".
• Wind Pants: (optional if you have Gore-Tex rain pants.) One pair. These are used often on the mountain for protection against wind. They should be breathable nylon and roomy enough to fit comfortably over wool or pile pants.
• Tights: Lycra types are best. These are comfortable to hike in, help prevent nettle stings, provide good warmth on cool misty days, dry fast and prevent sunburn.
• Undergarments: Enough for the duration of the trek.

FOR THE FEET:

• Thin Socks: Two pair of synthetic socks to wear under heavy wool socks. These help prevent blisters and keep feet dry.
• Thick Socks: Six pair of heavy wool or synthetic socks to wear for warmth with hiking boots.
• Hiking Boots: One pair medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with one liner sock and one heavy wool or synthetic sock.
• Gaiters: One pair of either high or low gaiters made of breathable material to keep dirt and snow out of your boots.
• Tennis Shoes: These are to wear in camp after a day of hiking.

FOR SLEEPING:

• Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sac: On the mountain temperatures can get down to zero degrees Fahrenheit at night so bring a warm bag.
• Sleeping pad: A closed cell foam camping mattress is OK. An inflatable Thermal Rest type is more comfortable.

FOR DRINKING:

• Water Bottle: Two, one liter wide-mouthed plastic bottles.
• Water Treatment: This is very important. The water in East Africa is not unhealthy although its flora content is different from what you are used to. To keep your system running normally we recommend you bring two bottles of "Potable Aqua" or "Polar Pure", crystal iodine in a bottle, to treat drinking water. Filtration pumps are also effective, but costly and rather bulky.
• Water Flavoring: Wyle’s lemonade, Tang, Gatorade, etc. These mixes are hard to come by in Tanzania and make treated water taste much better. Double bag these.

FOR CARRYING YOUR GEAR:

• Frameless Pack: A medium size comfortable pack is adequate to carry personal gear. The pack should fit properly and have a good waist belt. Side pockets are recommended for soft packs. Personal loads with camera gear, water for the day and warm clothes are often between 18 and 25 pounds.
• Pack Cover: Something waterproof to cover your pack when hiking in the rain. Otherwise bring a large plastic bag to line the inside.
• Duffle Bag: Medium size with lock for mountain gear. This will go into our mountain bag that the porters will carry.
• Duffle Bag: Large enough to hold your non-mountain gear. This will meet you at the hotel after the climb.
• Plastic Bags: Several, to double bag your sleeping bag and clothes on the mountain. It can rain every afternoon.

FOR PERSONAL HEALTH AND COMFORT:

• Toiletries: Bring enough for entire trip. Keep simple and light. Few toiletries are available in Tanzania , however, so bring enough for all your needs.
• Ear Plugs: To block out snoring and hut noise, to insure peaceful rest.
• Flashlight and/or Headlamp: Important on summit day and just plain handy in camp. Plenty of batteries.
• Pocket Knife: Simple Swiss Army type with scissors.
• Personal First Aid and drug Kit: Please see recommended list below.
• Trail Munchies: Although plenty of snack food is provided, trekkers like that taste of home in their pack. Touted as an important accessory by those who have brought them in the past!
• Hot Drink Mixes: We will provide plenty of coffee, cocoa and tea, but non-caffeinated drinks are not readily available here. Bring a supply of your favorite herbal teas.
• Towel: For washing up in camp, a small one is fine, or you can use a bandana.
• Towelettes: Such as "Wash'n'Dries" for general hygiene.
• Spare Glasses: For contact wearers in dusty conditions and any eyeglass wearer while on vacation.
• Umbrella: Very useful against rain and sun. Most guides use one.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR PERSONAL FIRST AID AND DRUG KIT: We will have gauze, tape, aspirin, medicated soap, antibiotic ointment, antacid tablets, some antibiotics, pain killers, eye treatments, and anaphylaxis kit, Imodium, Compazine and Diamox. Because of liability problems, prescription drugs will only be dispensed in emergencies. We suggest you bring the following medical items. Please discuss this with your physician prior to coming on this expedition.

• Intestinal disorders: Compazine. 25mg rectal suppositories, for severe nausea, vomiting. Imodium to decrease diarrhea and cramping. Tetracycline, Cipro or Bactrin antibiotics for initial treatment of severe diarrhea. Activated charcoal has proven to be an effective first stage treatment.
• Cuts and scrapes: It s wise to bring a supply of "Band-Aids" to treat those abrasions that sometimes occur.
• Infections: Antibiotic ointment for cuts and abrasions. Erythromycin or amoxicillin tablets for skin or soft tissue infections.
• Blisters: It is wise to bring your own small supply of blister treatment items to insure that you avoid letting any blister get out of hand.
• Headaches: Tylenol and Tylenol with codeine** to help relieve possible altitude headaches. Nothing stronger than codeine should be taken for fear of masking potential severe altitude problems while on the mountain.
• Insomnia: Halcion** 15mg tablets. In high altitude mountaineering restlessness is not uncommon and sleep is very important. Halcion is a light sleeping pill; we do not recommend using any sleeping pills above 15,000 feet.

High Altitude Sickness: Diamox** (acetazolamide) 250mg tablets to be taken twice a day from 13,000 feet to the top. This drug is widely used in high altitude mountaineering and is very highly recommended by our staff

INSURANCE

a) Health Insurance
it is compulsory to have full medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation cover for the period of time you are away.

b) Cancellation and Curtailment
you might have to cancel or curtail your safari due to unforeseen circumstances. If you cancel a trip close to departure date for any reason you could lose all that the safari was going to cost you. Should you have to leave the safari early, we cannot refund you the portion of the safari you do not complete. Dependant on the reason for cancellation and curtailment, insurance may cover you for this eventuality.

c) Baggage & Money Insurance
it is advisable to take out baggage and money insurance, especially if you are carrying a large amount of cash or expensive and valuable camera equipment. You should always carry such equipment as "carry-on" luggage. Do not put anything of value in your checked baggage!

Claims
If you anticipate an insurance claim upon your return, be sure to document as accurately as possible any accident, injury or loss. Doctor’s notes and police reports will aid any claim

BOOKINGS AND CONDITION

Bookings shall be confirmed in writing (E-mail, fax, or via post)

Bookings shall be considered confirmed only when such booking is accompanied by a deposit valued at 40% of the tour price, whose receipt has been acknowledged by our bankers. The remaining 60% must be paid before the tour begins; either in our Moshi, TZ office or via bank three weeks prior to tour commencement. Please see the payment section below to find out what types of currency we accept.

 2. CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

Any cancellation of a reservation must be in writing and shall only be effective upon its receipt and acknowledgment.

The following reimbursements will be made for cancellations:

a.       More than 30 days prior to trip commencement – 70% of deposit

b.      7 to 30 days prior to trip commencement  – 50% of deposit

c.       48 hrs to 7 days prior to trip commencement (or no show) – 0% of the total tour price

No refunds are given for the following:

a.       Lost travel time or substitution of facilities

b.      Itineraries amended after departure

c.       Presence of circumstances beyond company’s control which requires alternative arrangements be made to ensure the safety or further participation and enjoyment of your tour

d.      Lack of your appearance for any accommodation, service, activity, or tour segment without prior notice (see above)

e.      Premature contract termination

 3. PAYMENT

Non-residents of Tanzania are required by law to pay in foreign convertible currencies. Payment for any extraneous details may be done at our Moshi, TZ office via traveler’s cheque or cash.  Please bring your passport to validate your resident status.

Deposits and other transactions may be addressed to our account as follows:

Please note that after sending your deposit, we request that you fax us (+255 27 2754788) your copy of confirmation vouchers from your bank.  In doing so, we are notified that the money is on the way, and may begin the provision booking.  We will confirm your booking after receiving acknowledgement of transfer from our bankers.

 4. ACCESS

We cannot be held responsible for road and airstrip conditions, which may make travel impossible at times. Any changes to the initial booking are subject to the conditions and rates outlined above, despite any access issues or weather conditions.

 5. RISK

a.       The company and its owners, directors, management and employees shall not be held responsible for any injury or death to persons on tour, nor for loss or damage to personal property, how ever may they be caused.

b.      The company draws your attention to the fact that there are certain inherent risks present when on safari, or when engaging in any strenuous physical activity.

c.       It is your sole responsibility to obtain appropriate medical advice as to medication, immunization, and whether or not you are fit enough to undertake the trip, prior to departure. The company shall not be liable for illness, injury or death sustained whilst visiting the properties owned and managed by the company.         

6. FORCE MAJEURE

a.       “Force Majeure “ means, in relation to the company, any circumstances beyond the control of the company (including and without limitation, acts of God, explosions, floods, tempests, fires, accidents, war or threat of war, sabotage, insurrection, civil disturbance or requisition, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions or other outwards occurrences)

b.      If the company is affected by force majeure it shall forthwith notify you of the nature and extent thereof.

c.       The company shall not be deemed to be in breach of these items and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, by reason of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of its obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any force majeure.

d.      If the company is affected by force majeure it shall be entitled to, and may at its sole and absolute discretion, vary or cancel any reservations or cancel any reservation or arrangement in relation to the visits. Payment of any refund by the company to you as result of the non-performance of any company shall use its reasonable endeavors to reimburse you where possible. However, the company shall be entitled to deduct from any refund recoverable to the reasonable actual and potential costs to the company of the force majeure.

7. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These are the terms and conditions governing the relationship between the company and you, to the total exclusion of any other terms and conditions.  No alterations to the terms and condition may be made by any of the company’s employees, authorized representative or agents, unless in writing by an authorized officer of the company. All decisions and matters subject to the company’s discretion shall be by authorized officer of the company.

 8. DISPUTES

If you have any cause of complaints while traveling, you must immediately bring it to the attention of the company’s local representative or agent who will attempt to resolve the situation

 9. CONSENT

The payment of the deposit or any other partial payment for a reservation constitutes consent to all provisions of the Terms and Conditions. The Terms under which you agree to make the reservation cannot be changed or amended unless this is done in writing and signed by an authorized officer of the company.