What is excluded in the Lemosho Package

The Lemosho Route Trekking Package with Tranquil Kilimanjaro is a comprehensive, all-inclusive experience designed to provide climbers with everything needed for a successful and memorable ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. While the package covers a wide range of services—such as accommodations, meals, professional guides, park fees, and essential equipment—there are certain costs and items that are not included in the pricing to allow flexibility for individual preferences and needs. Understanding these exclusions is crucial for proper trip planning and budgeting. Below is a detailed list of what is excluded from the package, along with brief explanations of each item to help you prepare for additional expenses and arrangements.

• Tanzania Visa
  The cost of obtaining a tourist visa for Tanzania is not included. Required for most nationalities (e.g., UK, US, Canada, Australia, EU), the visa typically costs around USD50 (higher for US citizens) and is valid for three months. You can apply online, at Tanzanian embassies, or upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), though pre-application is recommended to avoid delays.
• Gratuity
  Tips for guides, porters, and cooks are not included in the package price. Tranquil Kilimanjaro follows the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project guidelines, recommending $6-10/day per porter, $20/day for guides, and $12-15/day for assistant guides and cooks per group, with additional tips encouraged for summit-night porters. Tips are collected post-trek at the hotel for secure distribution.
• Personal Expenses (e.g., Laundry, Telephone, Beverages, etc.)
  Any personal expenditures, such as laundry services, telephone calls, alcoholic or specialty beverages, souvenirs, or other incidental costs incurred during your stay in Tanzania (outside of provided trek meals and water), are not covered and will be your responsibility.
• Meals Not Listed Above
  Meals outside of those provided during the trek (e.g., breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the mountain, plus specified hotel meals in Moshi or Arusha) are not included. This includes any additional dining in Moshi, Arusha, or during travel days before or after the trek.
• Optional Tours (e.g., Short Safari After Your Climb)
  Any additional activities or tours, such as a short safari, cultural excursions, or trips to Zanzibar following your Kilimanjaro climb, are not included in the package price. These can be arranged separately for an additional cost, offering flexibility to extend your Tanzanian adventure.

Trekking Package Package Highlights:

• Trek Overview and Physical Demands: The 8-day Lemosho route is structured to enhance acclimatization, making it less strenuous than other routes, though challenges like the Barranco Wall and a steep nighttime summit ascent remain. An extra rest day before the summit allows arrival at base camp by midday for rest and preparation. No technical expertise is needed, but strong physical conditioning is critical. Training resources, such as Kate Sielmann’s mountaineering programs, are recommended for preparation.
• Meals and Nutrition: Proper nutrition is vital at high altitudes where appetite may wane. Menus, crafted by an expert chef, are designed to be flavorful, energy-rich, and balanced, featuring daily fresh produce and meat (restocked at Karanga Camp for southern routes). Post-summit, climbers enjoy a customizable “All Day English Breakfast” at base camp, and local Tanzanian specialties like Njegere and Machalari are served before departure.
• Lodging Arrangements:
  • Before and after the trek, accommodations are provided in Moshi hotels (or Arusha for safari travelers) with meal plans included. Note that Tanzania’s infrastructure may cause occasional water or power disruptions, potentially affecting hot showers.
  • On the mountain, climbers stay in high-quality Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 tents, built for durability but not standing height. A large dining tent offers a comfortable space for meals, and a private toilet tent with toilet paper is provided.
• Transportation:
  • Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) are in Toyota Alphard vehicles, while trailhead transfers use rugged Toyota Hiace or Coaster vehicles. Complimentary amenities include water, Wi-Fi, and wet wipes.
  • Drivers are skilled, English-speaking professionals. Rear seatbelts may not always be available, and routine police checks are standard but not a cause for concern. Issues can be addressed with drivers or the local team.
• Luggage Policies:
  • Porters are restricted to carrying 15kg per bag (including sleeping bags), weighed at the hotel. Excess weight requires leaving items or hiring extra porters at $25/day.
  • Tanzania’s single-use plastic ban (effective June 1, 2019) requires eco-friendly alternatives like packing cubes. Zip-lock bags for liquids are permitted in carry-on luggage.
  • Non-essential items (e.g., suitcases, electronics, or safari gear) can be securely stored at trusted hotel facilities.
• Travel Logistics:
  • Flights to JRO are available from major UK/US airports via airlines like KLM (with Amsterdam layovers), Turkish, Emirates, or Qatar. Tours begin in Moshi, a short drive from JRO, with arranged transport. A rest day post-flight is advised. Avoid Nairobi connections due to potential delays. Zanzibar flights from Dar es Salaam are an option for extended travel.
• Eco-Conscious Travel:
  • Trip carbon emissions (excluding flights) are offset, with an eCO2 calculator provided for flight offsets.
  • Tranquil Kilimanjaro emphasizes a “Leave No Trace” approach, with a dedicated team ensuring no waste is left behind and cleaning litter from other groups. Lunchbox packaging (day one; hot lunches provided otherwise) is compostable, sourced from Vegware, a UK-based eco-packaging leader.
• Physical Preparation: A Kilimanjaro Training Guide is included to help climbers prepare physically for the trek.
• Currency Tips: Tanzanian Shillings are unavailable outside Tanzania. Bring crisp US dollars for exchanges at the airport or ATMs. Notify your bank about international card use to prevent issues.
• Support Staff:
  • Over 200 professionals, including reservation specialists, transfer coordinators, and expedition experts, ensure a seamless experience. 24/7 support is available via email, phone, or messaging.
  • Guides, with at least seven years of experience, offer insights into Kilimanjaro’s history, ecology, and culture, while respecting climbers’ need for quiet moments. Porters, camp managers, and chefs handle logistics and meals.
• Park Fees: All required fees (camping, conservation, rescue, crew, and forest fees for specific routes) are included, comprising about half the trip cost, reflecting Kilimanjaro’s higher expense compared to other destinations.
• Tipping Protocol: Adheres to Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project guidelines ($6-10/day per porter, $20/day for guides, $12-15/day for assistant guides/cooks per group). Extra tips for summit-night porters are encouraged. Tips are collected post-trek at the hotel for secure, transparent distribution.
• Health and Documentation:
  • Passport and Visa: A passport valid for six months beyond your stay is required, along with a return ticket and sufficient funds. Tourist visas (typically ~USD50, higher for US citizens, valid for three months) are mandatory for many nationalities (UK, US, Canada, Australia, EU, etc.). Apply online, at Tanzanian embassies, or at entry points like JRO (though expect delays). Check requirements via www.thevisacompany.com.
  • Vaccinations: Consult a doctor for current advice. Strongly recommended: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Yellow Fever (if traveling from high-risk areas). Others like Hepatitis B, Rabies, or Cholera may be advised.
  • Insurance: Comprehensive coverage is essential, including helicopter evacuation, 6000m altitude activities, missed flights, and baggage loss. World Nomads is suggested, with a “hiking up to 6,000m” specification.
  • Health Precautions:
    • Malaria: Use anti-malarials, DEET repellent, and long clothing below 3000m.
    • Diarrhea: Avoid untreated water and raw foods; the trek ensures clean food/water. Carry rehydration solutions or antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin (consult a doctor).
    • Dehydration: Drink 3+ liters daily, especially during the summit push, monitoring urine color.
    • Sun Protection: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, UV sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
    • Altitude Sickness (AMS): Mitigate by pacing, hydrating, and considering Diamox (consult a doctor).
    • Medications: Carry personal supplies (painkillers, anti-inflammatories, blister treatments, sunscreen, etc.). Guides carry first aid kits.
• Equipment and Gear:
  • A detailed gear list accounts for weather, altitude, and route conditions, avoiding unnecessary items. Gear is available for rent/purchase in Moshi or Arusha.
  • Key Items:
    • Packs: Two 120L+ duffel bags (one for trek, one for storage), TSA-compliant locks, 35L+ backpack, optional 25L+ day pack, and a pack cover.
    • Sleeping Gear: Down sleeping bag (0° to 20°F), compression sack, inflatable and foam sleeping pads.
    • Technical Gear: Lightweight, collapsible trekking poles.
    • Clothing: Five upper-body layers (baselayer, light/medium insulators, rain jacket, insulated parka), four lower-body layers (underwear, baselayer, softshell pants, rain pants), waterproof hiking boots, casual shoes, optional gaiters, wool/synthetic socks.
    • Accessories: Warm hat, sun hat, buff, headlamp, glacier glasses, light/medium/heavy gloves, sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm (SPF 15+), insect repellent, water bottles (2x1L), optional items (camera, power bank, pee funnel/bottle, binoculars).
    • Travel Documents: Passport, copies, flight itinerary, extra photos, immunization record.
  • Provided Gear: Sleeping/dining tents, cooking equipment, fuel, tables, chairs, private toilet, rescue equipment, first aid kits, two-way radios, and a satellite phone.
• Pre-Trip Checklist: Secure travel insurance, book flights, reserve rental gear, and prioritize fitness training.