Our essential information section replicates the headings contained in the general information section but supplies you the essential information in regard to your specific trip with us.
Your AB trip includes or precludes the following:
(unless stated otherwise in your trip itinerary or agreed by AB)
Your AB leader to Kenya or Tanzania will be an experienced fully qualified UK mountain leader who will work closely with our expert in country guides. You will be given direct access to your guide at the earliest opportunity after you book your trip.
We only use accredited English speaking local guides on our Mt Kenya or Kilimanjaro trips. They are friendly and a joy to work with. As our Kenya and Tanzania climbs are not technically difficult our guide ratio will normally be 1:10 and sometimes your price will include an assistant guide.
Hotels: We have a choice of hotels we can use in both Kenya or Tanzania but as a standard rule we use standard basic hotels that are are very comfortable, clean and well run. For those who want a more up market approach to their mountain experience we can utilise 4/5* star hotels for you. Those in Nairobi are of a particularly high standard.
NB: Hotels in Nairobi or Moshi normally provide wifi or internet facilities whilst the further away from these centres you go then you either get dial up connection or no connection facilities at all.
Refuges: The standard of the refuges on Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro do differ quite considerably. The standard of the refuges on each of the mountains can also differ from top to bottom. In general the standard of the refugees on Mt Kenya range from very good to quite poor depending on the route chosen. On our Sirmon/Chogoria route they are generally very good. On the Marangu route on Kilimanjaro you stay in Swedish Alpine style lodges until the summit day where you stay at the Kibo hut, which is a standard high mountain refuge which is clean and comfortable.
Mt Kilimanjaro - Refugees on the Marangu Route
Mandara hut (2750m) located on the Marangu Route 3-4 hours walk from park gate this is where most climbers spend their first night. Scenically located in the tropical forest it provides relatively luxurious accommodation to stay in each hut sleeping four people. Washing facilities are available and so is solar powered electricity and water. It is definitely the warmest place you will stay in on your way up.
Horombo hut (3800m) is located further up the mountain among the heathers with a magnificent view of the clouds below and the summit of Kibo above. Some of the best views of sunset and sunrises are obtained from here. The huts are similar to Mandara and sleep 4 and provide solar electricity and wash facilities.Kibo Hut (4725m) is located just below the main peak region and at the edge of the saddle. On a clear day be sure to carry your camera with you at all time as the views are magnificent. Kibo Hut consists of a single hut which sleeps around 40 people. Water is scarce and toilets are located outside the huts.
Mt Kenya - Sirmon Route Huts
Shiptons Camp (4200m)The Shiptons Camp is located just below the main peaks of Mount Kenya. A spacious comfortable mountain hut with bunks and good all round facilities that you would associate with a summit hut on a major mountain. The Shipton hut is used by most hikers on their final day before summiting Pt. Lenana.
Old Moses Mountain Hut (3300m)The Old Moses Mountain Hut is where most hikers spend their first night of the trek on the Sirmon route. At the hut you have the option to sleep in dormitory like bunks or camp in the spacious grounds surrounding it. The hut has a kitchen and dining area plus a clean and well maintained bathroom.
Mt Kenya - Chogoria Route Huts
Meru Mt Kenya Lodge (3,017m) A privately owned lodge situated on the edge of the national park. The lodge is about 500 m from the park gate and consists of several log cabins, each with a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living area with log fireplace. There is hot running water in the cabins, which sleep 3-4 people. The campsite is located at the park gate, and has running water
Mintos Hut (4297m). Is located near the Gorges Valley and is a small window less affair with very basic amenities that sleeps eight. This hut is not the best advertisement for mountain huts on Mt Kenya!
Tents: The tents provided by our providers tend to be standard mountain tents that can sleep two to four people.
Single supplements: Are available on request at any of our hotels or other city stays but availability may be limited. Single supplements will not be available at stays in mountain huts but are available on any of our fully service camping options. There will be a surcharge for any single supplement option otherwise single clients will inordinarily be doubled up with clients of the same gender. When ever possible we will make every effort to accommodate all of your accommodation requests.
NB: If camping or staying in a mountain huts, you will need to bring a suitable sleeping bag and sleeping mat or Thermarest.
We are particularly conscious of the inherent risks involved whilst driving in other countries so our transportation in Kenya and Tanzania is provided entirely by our reputable in country providers, which normally consists of a comfortable tour bus, mini bus or car. Whilst we cannot guarantee the same driving and regulatory standards as that of the UK we do specifically ask our in country drivers to supply suitable drivers and vehicles for our use at all times.
There are park fees to be paid for entry to both Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro national parks. These are inclusive of our prices.
Your price will include the cost of your booked adventure activities outlined in your itinerary. The cost will generally include equipment costs unless otherwise specified in the clothing and equipment section below or in our supplied equipment list for your specific trip.
Our in country providers supply no group climbing equipment for Mt Kenya or Kilimanjaro as the routes are relatively straight forward and don't necessitate the use of any technical equipment. If your trip entails full service camping then we will supply any tents, stoves, fuel or cooking gear that is required for your trip i.e. Mt Kenya.
The actual provision of food for your trip will vary depending on the destination country. As a general rule most of your meals will be included. Hotel stays in cities however will in the main only include breakfast unless otherwise stated i.e. the provision of hiking day lunches. Any stays at mountain lodges, haciendas or refuges will include all meals on a set menu basis.
Kenyan and Tanzanian cuisine is similar in many respects and it may come as a surprise to find both countries as something of a gourmet paradise. Africa as a whole is not noted for the quality of its food, but Kenya and Tanzania can produce almost everything from fine beef to a wide variety of seafood, from strawberries and apples to bananas, passion fruit, and papaya. The quality and range of the superb tropical fruits is the single greatest treat these countries have to offer.
In addition to this, the migratory pattern of this part of Africa has resulted in an influx of a wide variety of traditional overseas cuisines from traditional African fare to English pies and puddings. Swahili and Indian dishes have been absorbed as local standards and pizza, pasta, and hamburgers are coming up from behind. Meanwhile, the international tourist trade has quietly transformed standards and meals tend to come in enormous quantities - either in set meals of several courses or on groaning buffet tables. These can be found in most hotels and restaurants and offer amazing value at low prices.
Traditional Kenyan and Tanzanian cuisine is also very similar with most dishes being filling and inexpensive to make. Staple foods consist mainly of corn, maize, potatoes, and beans. Ugali, a porridge made of maize (farina or cream in Tanzania) and meat are typically eaten inland, while the coastal peoples eat a more varied diet. Ugali is normally eaten with meat, stews, or Sukuma Wiki, which is a combination of chopped spinach or kale (a leafy green vegetable) that is fried with onions, tomatoes, maybe a green pepper, and any leftover meat, if available. It is seasoned with salt and some pepper. The traditional way of eating Ugali is to pinch off a piece of the dough with the right hand, and shape it into a scoop by pressing and indentation into the dough with the thumb. The Ugali is then used to scoop any sauce or stew.
We do ask that if any client has got any dietary requirements then they let us know at the earliest opportunity in order that we can make suitable arrangements for you.
Adventure Beyond is not an IATA bonded company and such we do not provide flight bookings. You will find suitable flight booking advice on each our destination pages and on our client information brochures. Our itineraries and prices are compiled on the assumption that the first day and the last day coincide with your pre-arranged day of arrival and departure. Should you be arriving or departing on alternative dates then this will be at your own expense but AB can make these arrangements for you and charge you appropriately.
Depending on your trip you may simply fly into Kenya or Tanzania direct and return the same way. Otherwise if you do our combined Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro climb then you may fly into Kenya and out of Tanzania or into Kenya and also chose to catch your return flight from Kenya too (we have done this in the past). If you do the latter then ensure you check the HO website for up to date visa information as re-entering Kenya might constitute you having to obtain a multi entry visa at a higher price.
Kenya - Flights
Regular carrier operating to Kenya include:
The national airline is Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com).
Other airlines that fly direct to to Kenya include British Airways (www.britishairways.com) and Virgin Atlantic
(www.virgin-atlantic.com).
Flight options and costs.
The most popular option is to fly direct from Heathrow or Gatwick to Nairobi (NBO - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport). Flight times from London to Nairobi is around nine and a half hours and expect to pay between £400 to £600 depending on the airline, time of year and availability.
Tanzania -Flights
Regular carrier operating to Tanzania include:
The national airline is Air Tanzania but it has a chequered past and we do not advocate flying with air Tanzania.
Direct flights can be had from the UK to Dar Es Saalam with British Airways (www.britishairways.com). Indirect flights can be had with Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com) and KLM (www.klm.com)
Almost All Flights fly to Dar Es Salaam (DAR - Julius Nyerere International Airport) with some stopover flights to Kilimanjaro. The most popular option is to fly direct from Heathrow or Gatwick to Dar Es Saalam or Kilimanjaro direct. Flight times from London to Tanzania is around ten hours. The prices vary considerably but expect to pay between £500 to £600 as a norm depending on the airline, time of year and availability.
Taxes
You have to pay a $30 departure tax on leaving Tanzania but this is normally included in the price of a ticket, please check during your booking. There is no departure tax for Kenya.
The general rule will be that your lunch or evening meals at hotel stays will not be provided unless it specifies in your particular trip or expedition essential information notes.
We do not include any form of insurance as part of our price but you must have adequate and valid travel insurance and it is a condition of accepting your booking that you obtain insurance cover and provide us with a copy of your policy. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical costs, rescue (including mountain rescue and repatriation) in the event of an emergency. In addition we advocate having suitable cover for baggage and effects, personal liability and cancellation should you become ill and are unable to travel with us. Most good travel insurance policies will cover these items but please ensure that you are covered for your specific trek, climb or any activities that you will participate in. We find that Snowcard or The BMC provide the best policies for adventure travellers.
Africa is a special place and if you are going on one of our mountain trips you will see why. Kenya and Tanzania are countries of contrast as far as the weather goes. One day you can be enjoying the sun at around 30c and the next day you will be wearing your full winter gear on Mt Kenya or Kilimanjaro. Once you book your trip we will send you a full list of equipment that you will need for your trip. The list will include the items you will need for for your mountain trip and for any other activity that you will be taking part in. Each item will either be labelled up as desirable 'D' or essential 'E'. Clients are strongly advised to take with them items marked as desirable whilst those labelled as essential are mandatory and required for survival in the mountains. These lists are designed to help you choose the right equipment for the demands of that particular trip or expedition. Please ensure that have everything that is on the list.
As a precautionary note we do especially highlight the fact that clients will be expected to supply their ownrucksacks, waterproof jackets, trousers, hiking/climbing boots and sleeping bag for all of our hiking andclimbing trips and that these items are suitable for their needs. For all of our climbing and hiking trips ataltitude our general rule is that you need to be dressed and equipped for a day out in the Scottish hills in winter.
Any food or refreshment you consume that is outside the remit of our supplied itinerary will be paid for by the client.
Our overseas itineraries and prices are compiled on the assumption that the first day and the last day coincide with your pre-arranged day of arrival and departure. Should you be arriving or departing on alternative dates then this will be at your own expense but AB can make these arrangements for you and invoice you appropriately.
The amount of spending money you take is up to you, we can only advise on this. You will need monies to pay for about 25% of your meals, any tips given, laundry or room service charges and any social expenses that you incur. Tips are also referred to in our responsible tourism section below.
Kenya - Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency & restrictions: Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol KSh) = 100 cents. There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent must be declared.
Currency Exchange: Currency can be exchanged at the major banks, bureaux de change or authorised hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros.
Exchange Rate: 1.00 GBP = 110 KSh (Kenyan Shillings) as at 20th July 2010.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATM's: American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and Visa are all widely accepted.
Traveller's Cheques: These can be changed at banks, and are widely accepted.
Tanzania - Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency & restrictions: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS; symbol TSh). The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival.
Currency Exchange: US dollars, Euros, and sometimes British and other currencies, may be changed at banks, authorised dealers and bureaux de change. A receipt should be obtained and kept until departure.
Exchange Rate: 1.00 GBP = 2,265 TSh (Tanzanian Shillings) as at 20th July 2010.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATM's: In Tanzania, surprisingly few places can process credit card payments. Most top-end hotels and some travel agents accept Visa and Master Card, though a commission is usually charged. Cash easily can be withdrawn from ATM's using Visa or Master Card and any sizable town now has at least one bank with an ATM.
Traveller's Cheques: May be cashed with authorised dealers or bureaux de change in Tanzania's major cities and Zanzibar. They are now accepted by Tanzania National Parks for park entry fees.
Customers who are British citizens will need a full British passport that is valid for at least;
Kenya - Three months (from date of entry).
Tanzania - Six months (from date of entry). You should carry identification (e.g. a copy of your passport) at all times.
If you are not a British national other regulations may apply to you and you should check with the embassy of your destination country. Please note that for all of our trips we will require a copy of your passport details and additional photographs. These are to be used only in the event of an emergency.
Kenya
Visas: Are required by all British nationals and these must be obtained prior to travelling to Tanzania.
Cost: Visa costs are - single-entry £20, multiple-entry £30 and transit: £10.
Validity: Single-entry - up to three months from date of issue and multiple-entry visas - one year from date of issue.
Tanzania
Visas: Are required by all British nationals and these can be obtained on entry to Kenya. Multiple entry visas may only be issued to nationals of the United Kingdom on application.
Cost: Visa costs are - single-entry £38 per single entry visa (applied for at the high commission in London).
Validity: Single-entry - up to three months from date of issue.
You are responsible for any necessary medical immunisations required for your respective trip or expedition. We are able to advise on health requirements but we are not medical experts. You should obtain suitable medical advice and recommendations for your travel destination from your local doctor or travel clinic at least two months in advance of your date of departure. You are also well advised to have a dental check prior to your departure. Clients are reminded that should you have to undergo any medical or dental treatment whilst abroad then the treatment may be expensive and the services not of the same standard as the UK.
KENYA & TANZANIA
Health overview: Kenya and Tanzania are surprisingly healthy places to visit but it it is Africa and precautions are necessary. Both countries are very similar as far as pre travel precautions are concerned.
Malaria (Kenya): Risk present throughout the year in the whole country, but small in Nairobi and in the highlands (above 2500m) of Central, Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western Provinces.
Malaria (Tanzania): Malaria precautions are essential in all areas below 1800m, all year round.
Malaria tablets and precautions should be taken if you are travelling to Kenya OR Tanzania on our trips.
Immunisations: You should check with your local travel clinic but general advice is to;
Aids: The prevalence rate of Aids in Kenya and Tanzania in 2008 was estimated at between 6 and 8% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
Altitude: Our climbing trips to both Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro is at altitude. You are advised to acclimatise properly and take it easy for the first few days. See our altitude section below and our altitude information page for further advice.
Further information: For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the NHS (Healthcare abroad) website, its Scottish counterpart NHS Fit for travel and the health section for your destination country on the FCO website. In addition the NaTHNaC (National Travel Health Network and Centre) also provides excellent medical information.
Any client suffering from any mobility impairment, illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or pre existing medical condition must declare the true nature of such condition at the time of booking.
Some of the countries we visit have higher crime rates than we do here at home. We carry out a security risk assessment for all of our trips and will give you sensible and suitable advice for your destination country. Though we will do our utmost to take care of your safety we cannot guarantee it due to the many variable factors involved. We do expect any person travelling with us to take due notice of our safety advice but in addition we also expect each person to be aware of their own personal security by behaving appropriately and taking basic sensible precautions.
Crime overview in Kenya: There are incidents of car-jacking and armed robbery involving foreign nationals in and around Nairobi. Muggings and armed attacks by gangs can occur at any time, particularly in Nairobi. Avoid walking around after dark as attacks can occur anywhere.
Crime overview in Tanzania: Although most visits to Tanzania are trouble-free, violent and armed crime is increasing, with incidents reported both on the mainland and the islands. Mugging and robberies, sometimes accompanied by violence or the threat of violence, occur throughout Tanzania. All visitors, particularly women, should avoid walking alone, especially in isolated areas.
Should you wish to know more about crime and security in Kenya and Tanzania visit Nation Master. In addition the FCO gives out excellent travel information advice on their Travel Advice by Country page and provides an excellent travel service on its Know Before You Go page.
Kenya:
Although there are no strict dress codes, you should note that the coastal areas are predominantly Muslim in tradition.
Smoking in all public places (except in designated areas) is prohibited throughout Kenya. This applies to areas such as hotel grounds, lounge areas and entrances. Be wary as offences attract fines ranging from 50,000 to three million Kenya shillings and/or imprisonment for six months to three years.
Homosexual activity is illegal in Kenya.
Tanzania:
There is a high proportion of Muslims in Tanzania, especially along the coast. You should dress modestly and women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops away from tourist resorts.
Tanzanians are welcoming and well disposed towards visitors. But you should be sensitive to local culture. Loud or aggressive behaviour, drunkenness, foul language and disrespect, especially towards older people, will cause offence. Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania (including Zanzibar).
Our trips to both Kenya and Kilimanjaro include mountain routes that are designated as non technical ascents. They will be at altitude but are primarily hiking trails on distinct and well maintained paths. On the summit days on both mountains you will have to negotiate trails rocky scree slopes but these are not unduly difficult. For the last two to three hours on Kilimanjaro you will be walking on snow but this will not require the use of ice axe or crampons. If you are accustomed to hiking in the UK in summer and have some winter experience on snow then you will manage these trips quite easily.
Each of our trips are graded appropriately in accordance with our grading trips section. Clients should not underestimate the physical demands required for any of our trips. This is particular so for our mountain climbs as they are at altitude and taxing physical endeavours. With that said regular UK hikers should have the experience and fitness levels required to complete any of our trips or expeditions.
Climbing Mt Kenya is a far easier proposition than Kilimanjaro and next to our Mt Toukbal climb it is the easiest climb in our expedition list. Kilimanjaro on the other hand is not altogether difficult until the summit day, which can be in excess of a fourteen hour climbing day (ascent and decent). Climbing Mt Kenya before Kilimanjaro is not only a fantastic all round mountain experience but your time spent on Mt Kenya is excellent acclimatisation and training for the harsh reality of the 'Kili' summit day.
The mountains that you will hike or climb in Kenya and Tanzania from between 4,900m to nearly 5,900m. At 4,900m you will have 56% of the oxygen available to you at sea level and at 6,300m this will equate to 49% (click on www.altitude.org for these figures).
All of our treks and expeditions are designed with an acclimatisation program that will suit the majority of people. However some people will adapt better than others and we anticipate that our programs to be successful in 90-95% of cases. However about 10-20% of our clients may experience some symptoms such as headache and loss of appetite on our climbs. You may also be one of the 5% of the population who adapt least well to high altitude and if so most if not all commercial climbing trips will not suit you. While we will do our utmost to acclimatise in our destination location it is important that clients without prior high altitude experience take heed of the above.
In any event we ask all of our clients to familiarise themselves with our in depth section on altitude.
Kenya and Tanzania are a mix of the old Africa tinged with the new. Whilst you will find them staunchly Muslim countries, this is tempered with a liberal lean towards western culture and attitudes. Their customs, laws and values however are very different to those experienced in Western society.
This can also be said about the standards of service, food and accommodation on offer. Whilst we endeavour to provide you with the best facilities we can you have to be prepared for the easy going African mindset and culture, after all you did book with us for an adventure trip. In addition you will have booked to go on a mountain climb and therefore must expect to encounter a degree of discomfort and hardship during your travels with us.
In addition to this some things just cannot be planned for and our itinerary may have to be changed due to some unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. We will always attempt to minimise any disruption to your trip and such incidents will be dealt with by the designated Adventure Beyond guide and when ever possible in accordance with our booking conditions.
Our trips to Kenya and Tanzania have been formally risk assessed and our trip leaders and in country providers will direct our expeditions in accordance with these risk assessments. Each expedition group travelling with us will be briefed in full in regard to their booked activities and personal security in country.
Our mountain guides, trip leaders and our in country providers will do their utmost to ensure that you have a save and pleasurable trip. However mountain climbing and outdoor related activities in general do carry the risk of injury. On all of our trips and expeditions we have to take extra care of our clients but we cannot guarantee that we can eliminate all of the risks due to the very nature of the activity you will be partaking in. Where the risks are deemed by your guide or leader to be above a reasonable level then that activity may be cancelled or terminated.
In order to adhere to a system of continuity Adventure Beyond applies the same standards of safety to its overseas ventures as if it was undertaken by NGB (National Governing Body) organisation within the UK i.e. BMC (British Mountaineering Council), BCU (British Canoe Union).