Tanzania - frequently asked questions
To.
What is the best time of
year to visit Tanzania?
You can visit any month of
the year. However, the warmest months with the
clearest trekking days, are from mid to late
December, January, February, September and October.
The rains often come in April and the start of May
with the possibility of some snow. June through to
August are superb trekking months, though evening
temperatures tend to be colder. The wettest months
are November and early December, where snowfalls are
likely.
What do Visas cost?
USD 60 per
visa.
Do I need any Inoculations
for Tanzania?
Yes, a Yellow Fever
inoculation is required for entry to Tanzania.
If I am on trek, how much weight will I have
to carry during the day?
You will carry a day pack
of about 3-5kg. This will hold your camera, snacks,
emergency medicine, water, fleece and headlamp etc.
How much must my gear weigh
and what must I bring it in?
The kit bags should be
about 33 x 33 x 75cm bag. This one can take
everything including your sleeping bags and an extra
thermal mattress if you wanted. The weight limit is
15kg but we ask clients to try and keep it at no
more than 12kg. This must be packed in a waterproof
duffel bag or large rucksack for the porters to
carry.
What kind of help is
available in case of an emergency?
We always have a first aid
kit close at hand. More serious injuries are rare.
Porters will assist injured climbers to the base of
the mountain and onward to a clinic or hospital.
Those that cannot walk will be carried down by
porters or on stretchers.
Can one be emergency
airlifted off the mountain?
There are only two places
on the mountain that helicopters can reach, Karanga
Valley and Barafu. Emergency vehicles can come up to
Shira Camp but response time of the Parks
Authorities is notoriously low. Often the quickest
way off the mountain, is on foot or stretcher.
Can I charge my camera
equipment on the mountain?
Sadly, no, no electricity
on the mountain, though you can buy a beer or soda
at some camps like Barafu and Mweka. However, for
the camera batteries, remember that altitude
diminishes battery life so please go armed with more
batteries that you would normally use over a 10 day
period, for a standard 6/7 day trek.
Can I train for altitude?
No, unless you already live
at a high altitude e.g. 4000m, you cannot train. All
you can do is go on climbs to higher altitude than
you are to determine how you will react. You must
stick by the rules: a) walk slowly b) breath at the
pace you walk, i.e. two breaths in for two paces,
two breaths out per two paces etc c) drink 3-5
litres of water a day d) carry Diamox with you,
which is optional, but cannot be taken if you are
allergic to Sulphur.
More Questions?
If you have further questions, then please
feel free to contact us anytime.
E-mail:
info@makaluadventure.com
Tanzania
is the largest country in East Africa see inside