Kilimanjaro - FAQ
FAQ Trip Specific Questions
- What are the accommodations?
- Where does my trip start?
- What happens in a typical day?
- How far will I hike each day during the Kilimanjaro Trek? And how many days of trekking do we do until we reach the summit?
- Where are we going on safari?
- How will we get around Tanzania?
- Do I need to break in my boots?
- Are there any vaccinations I need for this trip?
- What will I learn by the end of my trip?
- How cold is it on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro?
- What community service projects will I do?
- Where is Tanzania on the African continent?
- What is the weather like in Tanzania?
What are the accommodations?
While you're in Tanzania you'll have a few different lodging opportunities. While working at the orphanage with Focus in Africa, you'll sleep in volunteer housing bunk houses. During the Mount Kilimanjaro trek, you'll sleep in huts along the trek. During the safari, you'll camp in tents in national parks. You'll also have a few nights in local hotels for proper rest and showers!
Where does my trip start?
You and your group will fly together with one co-leader from Atlanta. You'll fly from Atlanta to Amsterdam to Tanzania together. The other co-leader and our local coordinators will meet us upon arrival.
What happens in a typical day?
During hat depends on whether you are trekking, visiting a local village, or snapping photos on a safari, but you can expect to laugh, see a beautiful part of Tanzania, and learn a couple of things about each activity. After a morning and afternoon of mountaineering, your group will hike to your campsite, and, after setting up camp for the evening, enjoy a warm meal and a hot drink. Each night ends with "moonup;" a chance to debrief the day, talk about upcoming adventures and challenges, and just hang out.
How far will I hike each day during the Kilimanjaro Trek? And how many days of trekking do we do until we reach the summit?
Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro is strenuous yet you'll be an amazing group and you'll have porters and guides to help carry your gear. You can expect to hike anywhere from 4 to 8 hours each day, with the last day (summit day) as the longest and most strenuous. The total trek will be 7 days, which will allow us an additional day with very minimal activity for proper acclimatization.
Where are we going on safari?
You will be at the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. You'll participate in both walking and driving safaris.
How will we get around Tanzania?
You and your group will have private transportation every where you go during your adventure. You'll specifically travel in 7 passenger open-roof land cruisers during the safari section.
Do I need to break in my boots?
Absolutely. The most common medical injury we face in the backcountry is blisters. Though that may not seem like a big deal, blisters can turn a hike into a nightmare if not properly attended. The best way to avoid blisters is to buy boots that fit you properly and to wear them often to break them in. Leather boots can take 1-2 months to break in, so start early! Once your trip starts, your leaders will show you how to care for your feet to avoid any unwanted blisters!
Are there any vaccinations I need for this trip?
While the Center for Disease Control does not require any vaccinations to enter Tanzania, the CDC recommends that travelers to Tanzania have at least a current tetanus booster, a yellow fever vaccination, a Hepatitis A vaccination, Hepatitis B vaccination, rabies vaccination, and a typhoid vaccination. We continue to discuss this with doctors and clinics as well as the Center for Disease Control to gain their insights into this important issue. According to all these sources, with regard to health concerns, travel to Tanzania is a safe experience. Nevertheless, rare diseases such as malaria, typhoid and yellow fever are still problems in some portions of the country. We will not be visiting the regions where these diseases are a problem, but taking these precautions helps ensure a safe traveling experience in Tanzania. While not mandatory, the clinics, doctors and the CDC also recommend a prescription for one of the following anti malarial drugs: mefloquine, doxycycline, or atovaquone/proquanil. Malaria medicine should be purchased in the United States, as drugs purchased oversees are not manufactured according to United States standards.
What will I learn by the end of my trip?
By the end of your Moondance experience, you may learn how to cook a great meal, how to communicate with people from a unique culture, or how to help navigate up a mountain peak. Most of all, you'll learn that life's lessons are often camouflaged as a brilliant rainbow that follows a storm, a challenging jungle trek and summit attempt, the beauty of simple living found within the strong family ties of those you meet, or strangers that become family at the end of 21 days. The self-confidence that you can gain by exploring the unknown will provide a constant foundation for your life adventures down the road.
How cold is it on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro?
It will be the dry season when you climb the mountain and for the most part, it will be relatively mild until the very last day (summit day). During that day you can expect temperatures to range between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Never fear however, you'll have all the appropriate gear to keep you warm, your body will be working hard up the mountain, and by the time you reach the top, the weather will be the last thing on your mind! The exhilaration and the accomplishment of what you just did will be overwhelming.
What community service projects will I do?
While you're in Tanzania, you'll work with an organization called the Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania. This wonderful organization was established in 2008 and operates a secondary school just outside of Arusha. You'll spend four days getting to know the children, helping with construction projects, working in the local garden, and you'll even sleep in family huts - being completely immersed in their culture! It will be an experience of a life time!
Where is Tanzania on the African continent?
Of Africa’s 53 independent countries, Tanzania is located on the Indian Ocean coastline in the north eastern part of the country.
What is the weather like in Tanzania?
Tanzania is famous for its sunshine, but remember that you will be visiting during the end of their rainy months so don’t forget to pack a fleece for chilly nights. Humidity is relatively low, and daytime highs are in the upper 80’s. The sun is strong so make sure that a brimmed hat is packed.
See also
- Trip Finder
- Program Chart
- Get Your Gear
- Leadership Adventures - Other trips
