Moonlight Tours Expedition

CLIMBER’S PACKING LIST

CLIMBER’S PACKING LIST

Baggage Day

Pack, for you to carry larger duffel bag or backpack, for potters to carry. The weight per potter is limited to 15kg [35Ib]. If you bring overweight luggage, every 15kg will be charged extra at 100$ for an extra porter for the whole climbing. Your backpack/duffel bag will be brought from campsite to campsite- before you arrive it will already be there. Plastic bags

Clothing

You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening , and for sleeping. Layers are important as temperature varies greatly. Kilimanjaro may be near the equator, but it gets cold up there! You want your inner layer to be wicking-no cotton. Your next layer should be insulating and warm, and your top layer should be water proof but breathable

*Shorts , for first and last day only

*Pants, for hiking and for lounging in the evening

*Short-sleeved or t-shirt

*Long-sleeved shirt, for hiking and for lounging in the evening

*Long underwear

*Fleece pants

*Down jacket, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow

*Rain pants, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow

*Underwear

*Sport bras, for women

Cold Weather Accessories

*Mittens and /or gloves [water proof, one thin pair that can be layered]

*Wool or pile hat

*Balaclava or neck gaitor

*Hand and foot warmers [chemical activated]

Footwear

Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike!

Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferably warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support-not too light and not too heavy Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening Gaiters

*Hiking socks for warmer conditions

*Wool socks for colder conditions

*Sock liners to wick away moisture

Sleeping

*Sleeping bag [Rated-25 degrees C/-10 degrees F or colder is recommended]

*Sleeping pad and repair kit

*Tent are supplied by Moonlight Tours Expedition at no charge

*Foam sleeping pads are provided by Moonlight Tours Expedition at no charge [ The more rest is highly recommended, however]

*Water bottles and Camelback [2-3] Get 3 litters of bottled water before the trip [ Available at any super market]

Your guides will boil water for you along the route, or use steripens for water sanitization. To prevent water from freezing in summit day, keep your water source inside your jacket. For camelbacks, blow air back into the bladder after each sip and drink often.

*Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals.

*Water filter or iodine purification tablets

*Sun hat with brim

*Sunglasses

*Bandana

*Money [$400 or more in cash and /or travellers cheques, including some small U.S., Euro, or Tanzanian bills ski or trekking poles]

*Headlamp or flashlight

*Camera, film, tripod

*Video camera, tapes

*Batteried-Bring extra sets for headlamp/flashlight and camera as cold weather shortens their life

*Binocular

*Note book,journal,pencil,and pen pocket knife

*Electricity adapter

*Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods

*Playing cards, games,books,Frisbee,football,kite

*Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides,porters and other climbers. Umbrella,particulary useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2

*Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing

*Sewing kit salt,pepper, and spices for bland food

*Business cards

*Alarm clock

*Calculator [for currency conversion]

*Swim suit for hotel swimming pool

Toiletries

*Toilet paper [and baggie to carry used paper while on trail]

*Small towel soap

*Toothbrush and toothpaste

*Handi-wipes [moist towelettes for cleaning] Hand-sanitizer

*Lotion Glasses,contacts,solution [take contacts out each night to prevent blurred vision comb,

Documents

*Passport

*Yellow fever certificate

*Tanzania visa

*Medical insurance

*Address book

*Vaccination records

*Airline tickets

*Cash, travellers cheques, credit cards

*Maps, guidebooks

Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets, and travellers cheques numbers. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in separate places in your luggage

First Aid

*Ibuprofen, Aceteminophen, or paracetamol Throat losenges

*Bandaids

*Moleskin

*Sunscreen [SPF 15+]

*Lip balm with sunscreen

*Insect repellent

*Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream

*Bandages and tape

*Diarrhea medicine

*Antihistemines

*Ace bandage Melatonin [1-3mg] or other sleep aid

*Malaria pills [talk to your doctor]

*Antibiotics [talk to your doctor]

*Prescription drugs [talk to your doctor] Diamox [talk to your doctor]

Gifts for Guides, Porters & locals

*Shoes

*Any warm clothing

*T-shirts

*Hats

*Nerf football, Frisbee

*Pens

*Packing for your flight to Africa

*U-shaped neck pillow [blow-up] books/magazines ,toiletries

*Snacks

*Mp3 player and music Eye shades, ear plugs Melatonic or other sleep aid

*Critical climbing gear [in case baggage is delayed]

Notes

The pack that the potters carry is limited to 15kg [35 pounds]. Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at 100$ per trek luggage limit per person on domestic flights is 15-20kg per person [checked in and luggage] Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags [ double sealed if possible]. Wrap clothing in plastic bags in the day pack, take along water, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain pants, and jacket at a minimum. Add any other items you might need during the day, since you may not see your porters until the end of the day. MOONLIGHT TOURS EXPEDITION is interested in purchasing second-hand gear for rentals. You may want to bring some older items of warm clothing as gift for your guides and porters or donation to disabled people.

Guides & Porters

12:10 AM

Guides & Porters

Every climbing group will have at least 1 lead guide, 1 assistant guide per 4 clients, 1 cook, and 3-4 porters per climber. On the first day of your climb, ask the guide to introduce you to the entire staff. You should have the same number of staff at the beginning of the trek and the end of the trek.

Our guides and porters are paid good standard wages. They are provided healthy food, good tents, warm sleeping bag, and mountain clothing as needed at no charge. Sick and injured porters will be treated just as a client would be.

Our porters carry 20kg of group equipment plus 5kg of their personal gear. Your porters will stay with you for the entire trek.

Tanzania Joy Tours ensures that the mountain staff is treated with great respect. We help with classes on first aid, HIV/AIDS, financial responsibility, customer service, and English.

More Information:

Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP)

Health

12:03 AM

Medical Considerations
All travelers should visit their personal physician 4-8 weeks before departure. Talk to your doctor about the following:
• Vaccinations
o Hepatitis A
o Hepatitis B
o Typhoid
o Yellow fever
o Tetanus
o Polio
o MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
o Meningococcal Meningitis (Africa/Asia)
o Japanese encephalitis (Asian regions)
• Malaria pills (equatorial regions)
• Altitude sickness/Diamox pills (for high altitude travel/trekking)
• Prescriptions you are currently taking
• EKG testing
Should you require any medication whatsoever, you must provide your own and be able to administer it yourself. Medical supplies in other countries are not reliable or guaranteed.
Bring adequate supplies of all medications in their original containers, clearly labeled. Carry a signed, dated letter from the primary physician describing all medical conditions and listing all medications, including generic names.

VACCINATION CERTIFICATE
• You will need a Yellow Fever Certificate of Vaccination for these countries >>

DENGUE FEVER
• Dengue Fever has been reported in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Dengue fever is a severe, flu-like illness, but seldom causes death.
• More Information: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs117/en/

MALARIA
Insect protection measures are essential in all areas where malaria is reported. The number of cases of malaria has risen sharply in recent years, due in part to internal migration and the spread of irrigation for rice and cotton farming.
Wear long sleeves, long pants, hats and shoes (rather than sandals). Apply insect repellents containing 20-35% DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) or 20% picaridin (Bayrepel) to exposed skin (but not to the eyes, mouth, or open wounds).

DRINKING WATER
We recommend that you always drink bottled or treated water.

TREKKING
Trekking is a strenuous adventure and should not be undertaken if you have any health conditions which may put you at risk. You are strongly advised to consult your physician for a thorough medical check-up and clearance before attempting a trek in the mountain. If you are over 50 years old, talk to your doctor about doing a “stress EKG”.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS (for High Alitude Trekking)
Many people will experience the effects of high altitude. Take precautions to avoid altitude sickness if you are prone to it. Be sure to try a hot tea or an infusion of coca leaves on arrival at altitude. During your first day move slowly and eat lightly, resting the first couple of hours.
Travel to high altitudes is generally not recommended for those with a history of heart disease, lung disease, or sickle cell disease.

MORE INFORMATION
• Center for Disease Control (CDC) Traveler Information Center
• IAMAT
• Travelers Vaccines for U.S. Residents
• Health Recommendations for Travel Around the World

Best Season to Climb Kili

12:01 AM

Best Season to Climb Kili

Kilimanjaro’s trekking best seasons

The main trekking seasons on Kilimanjaro correspond with the mountain’s two dry seasons (an imprecise term, the weather being occasionally inclement during these periods too) namely January to mid-March and June to October. Of course you can trek up Kilimanjaro in the rainy season but not only is there a much higher chance of trekking in the rain, the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi are likely to be wreathed in thick cloud too. Indeed, several agencies even suspend their operations in November and December, deciding that any trek up Kilimanjaro is foolhardy at this time and the rewards for the trekkers considerably less. Curiously, however, Christmas and New Year, when the weather is far from perfect, are actually the most popular times for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Which is the best season on Kilimanjaro?

The January-to-March trekking season on Kilimanjaro

As to the relative merits of the two trekking seasons, the differences are small though significant. The January to March season tends to be (slightly) colder and there is a much greater chance of snow on the path at this time. The days, however, are often clearer, with only the occasional brief shower. It is usually an exceptionally beautiful time to climb and is often a little quieter than the other peak season of June to October, which coincides with the main academic holidays in Europe and the West. In this latter season the clouds tend to hang around the tree-line following the heavy rains of March to May. Once above this altitude, however, the skies are blue and brilliant and the chance of precipitation minimal (though still present).

The June-to-October trekking season on Kilimanjaro

Although the June to October season tends to be busier, this is not necessarily a disadvantage. For example, if you are travelling independently to Tanzania but wish, for the sake of companionship or simply to cut down on costs, to join up with other travellers for your Kilimanjaro trek, then the high visitor numbers in the June-October peak season will give you the best chance of doing this.

While if you do crave solitude when you walk, it can still be found on the mountain during this peak season. The trails are long, so you can always find vast gaps between trekkers to allow you to walk in peace; some of the routes – Rongai, for example, or the two trails across the Shira Plateau – almost never have more than one or two trekking groups on them at any one time, and are often completely deserted.

And besides, Kilimanjaro is just so huge that its presence will dwarf your fellow trekkers to the point where they become, if you wish them to be, quite unnoticeable.

Travel Tips

11:57 PM

Requirements to get into the country:

Visa

Visas are compulsory for all visitors, and cost from $50. Visas are obtainable at the airport when you arrive, but rather have one before you land, as officials tend to “not have change”. Visas are obtainable from the Tanzanian Embassy. Please contact us should you want the Embassy address in your area. You will need 2 passport photos and 2 completed forms. Should you not have the time to organize a visa, please contact us and we will gladly assist you for a small fee.

Yellow Fever inoculation certificate

The inoculation is obtainable from your nearest travel clinic or from your local physician. Staple it into the front of your passport if you are afraid of losing it. Most African countries require this certificate, so don’t ever be without it when traveling in Africa.

Malaria Tablets

Zanzibar is situated in a malaria zone, so it is recommended that you consult your physician on the prescription right for you. Pregnant women are not allowed to take Malaria prevention drugs, and are cautioned before entering any malaria area. To set your mind at rest, we stayed in Zanzibar for 2 years, and fortunately never contracted malaria. This is not to say you won’t get it.. JUST BE CAREFUL.

Insect/ Mosquito repellent

Mosquitoes, like little vampires, favor night conditions. Be sure to take a repellent, and cover all exposed areas of your body (e.g. neck and arms). We recommend that you wear trousers at night and long sleeved shirts should you be outdoors. If the heat is too much and you wear a short sleeved shirt, make sure you smear/ spray your arms with repellent. At night before you go to bed, make sure your mosquito net is either touching the ground, or is tucked in, and your exposed areas (especially your ankles) are protected with repellent.

Anti-histamine cream

For those irritating bites

Currency

Traveler’s cheques and cash are accepted at hotels and Bureau de Changes. US$ are the preferred currency. If you plan on taking cash, make sure you take large bills (e.g. $50 or $100) as these for some unknown reason always get a better rate. Don’t go running to the first Bureau you see at the airport, as these, along with the hotels and resorts, normally have the worst exchange rate. If you are planning on taking a taxi into town, rather pay the fare in US$ and go to a bureau in town. There are many all over town. Try to negotiate a better rate, you never know.

Try to pay for as much as possible in the local currency (Tanzanian Shillings), always bearing in mind the exchange rate. If the locals see you have foreign currency, they will try to relieve you of it. ALWAYS haggle or bargain and try to pretend you know what you are doing. Remember to keep some of your home currency for your return, just in case. You will also have to pay a departure tax of $30 when you leave.

Embassies

There are a few consulates on the island, but all embassies are situated in Dar Es Salaam.

Medical

Make sure you consult your physician before coming to Tanzania if you have any health problems. Medical facilities in the country are very restricted, so best to make sure. The flying Doctor service is available. Please contact us if you require any more info on this.

Travel insurance

It is imperative that you have travel insurance. Even though they do not check any certificates when you enter the airports, for your own peace of mind, make sure that you are adequately covered.

What to pack

Light sandals or rubber flip-flops. Some places require you to remove your shoes before entering. Good walking shoes if you plan on doing a lot of sight seeing.

Raincoat or umbrella if you are traveling in the rainy season. Monsoon rains are heavy.

Flashlight, for those irritating power cuts. Many hotels do have generator backup systems though.

Clothes – these should be light as it is very hot and humid. A jersey or windbreaker is recommended for those winter nights (just in case). Women are “frowned upon” for wearing revealing clothes. Mini-skirts are a definite no. Try to wear shorts (no not hot pants) or a long skirt, and try to keep the shoulders covered.

Communications

There are many Internet cafes in major towns and at some of the hotels and resorts, so in a non-emergency, this is the best form of communication. Charges range from Tsh1,000 to Tsh5,000 (about $1 to $5) for an hour’s connection. The local telephone company TTCL is inadequate, so if you need to phone internationally, best you ask at the Internet café. They usually have facilities, or they will be able to direct you to someone who has. Be careful, it may be expensive.

Electricity

This is the same as the UK and in South Africa, being 220/230 V. Do not leave appliances plugged in all day, as there are many power fluctuations which might destroy them. US Citizens will have to get an adapter and a transformer for Zanzibar power. If your plug does not match, then enquire at a local shop, they should be able to assist.

Driving

If you are planning on renting a car or motorbike, make sure you have a VALID international driver’s license. You will be stopped in one of the many roadblocks, and often police are just looking for a bribe. Bribery has become a culture amongst the police, so make sure you have the correct documentation, to avoid having to pay a bribe.

If you plan on driving in Stone Town, make sure you know the roads, as there are many one way streets and the drivers are reckless. If a police car approaches with a siren hailing, you have to pull over to the side of the road and stop, no matter which way it is going. Once it has passed, you may pull out and continue.

Crime

As with all cities, Zanzibar is not free of crime. Unfortunately it has been on the increase, so make sure you do not take valuables on holiday with you. If you do take expensive jewelry, make sure it is either locked up when you go out, or hidden from sight.

Be careful not to walk the streets at night alone, this invites trouble. If you are confronted, do not resist, and try to report the matter to the police as soon as possible. The police are sometimes rude and arrogant, but an attempt will be made to recover your property.

Tipping

11:55 PM

Tipping

Before climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, most climbers often start worrying about the porter and guide’s tip before the climb starts. They want to know how much it will affect their budget, and to make sure they are paying a good tip. Moonlight Tours Expedition philosophy is just like service in a restaurant, a climbing tip should only be given if you received good service from us. A typical porter on an seven day climb should receive around a $40 tip; a cook could receive about $80; and a head guide could receive $100 or more. These tips are divided by the total number of people in the group, not per person.

A general estimate, for your budget, per Kilimanjaro climber runs from about $175 to $250 per person depending upon the following factors: the number of people in your group, the number of the porters, number of guides, cooks and sometimes the route. It’s impossible to predict an exact tip in advance because it really depends upon how much gear is brought up the mountain and how much weight is brought up the mountain. There is no a de facto standard of tipping for all companies, it’s only a recommendations from organizations, NGOs and the Tanzanian government. Some higher-end companies have seen tips in excess of these recommendations. Some budget companies have seen tips lower than this.

A couple things to remember when tipping Kilimanjaro porters:

Tip directly to the porters, not the guides.

Bring a packet of letter size envelopes to distribute the tip

Determine a tip for each component of your climbing group: the porters, cooks, assistant guides, and the lead guide.

Distribute it on the final morning of the descent usually at Mweka Camp or the Park Gate

Tip in either Tanzanian Shillings or US Dollars

The average Tanzanian makes $40 per month. A $40 tip for difficult work for many days is a great wage and supports the local economy.

Generally speaking, an example of a tips break down like this:

Porters $5 per day per porter

Cooks $8 to $10 per cook

Assistant Guides $8 to $10 per guide

Kilimanjaro Guides $20 per day per guide

Safari Guides $20 per day and up per guide

In other words, if you had four porters, 2 assistant guides and 1 lead guide. The total trip would be around $420.

4 porters X $40 = $160 Total

2 assistant guides X $80 = $160

1 lead guide X $100 = $100

Total = $420 / Number of people in the group

Please Note: Tip amounts listed for Kilimanjaro and safari are per group, not per individual traveler. For instance, if four people are on safari, they should each contribute $5/day if they want to tip the driver.

Contact Us

2:11 AM

Moonlight Tours Expedition

P.O.BOX 2149

Arusha-Tanzania

Contact: +255769927462

+255692580536

Emails: moonlighttoursexpedition@gmail.com

moonlighttoursmarketingdirecto@gmail.com

enquiries@moonlighttoursexpedition.com

moonlighttouroperator@gmail.com

moonlightreservationistofficer@gmail.com

Blogs: www.moonlighttourssafaris.blogspot.com

www.moonlightafricasafaristaying.blogspot.com

website: www.moonlighttoursexpedition.com

MOOMLIGHT TOURS EXPEDITION CLIMBER’S PACKING LIST

12:55 AM

MOOMLIGHT TOURS EXPEDITION