Can You Get by with English in Tanzania?

Can you get by with English in Tanzania? The answer to that is yes. Most people in Tanzania speak English. Nonetheless, Swahili is the native language in Tanzania, well not exactly.

“Polepole” means slow. The guides will say it if you are hiking too fast

SWAHILI

In Tanzania, there are more than 120 different tribes. Most of them speak a different language. However, one of the founding directives, when the United Republic of Tanzania became independent in 1961, was that no ethnic group should dominate. To achieve this, the Tanzanian government has adopted Swahili as the official language of Tanzania. 

With Swahili being the official language do you have to know it to travel to Tanzania? No, you don’t. In Tanzania, Swahili is taught and used exclusively in primary school. However, when students get to secondary school English is the primary language. Unfortunately, this causes a high dropout rate.

Despite English being used everywhere, there are a few key words and phrases you can learn and use around the country. This applies more to traveling in town such as the market or out in the countryside between safari parks.

Tanzania has many people selling food and souvenirs on the street around the smaller towns. Some of them can get rather aggressive with trying to push their wares on you. We have witnessed pedallers jumping on safari vehicles to get them to stop so they can sell to tourists. This doesn’t happen very often but you may have to deal with them poking their heads into your vehicle. So how can you keep them from getting too pushy? One way is to learn some Swahili.

LEARN THESE

These are the ones you will hear frequently, so learning them will allow you to understand what is being said.

Polepole Slow

Maji Water

Asante Sana Thank you very much

Hapana Asante No thank you

Asante Thank you

Takataka Trash

Maji Water

Chai Tea

Kahawa Coffee

Bia Beer

Jambo Hello

Habari How are you?

Hapana No

Ndiyo Yes

Hakuna mata No trouble

Karibu Welcome

Ask for “Kahawa” so you’ll get coffee in the morning.

ADDITIONAL WORDS

These words are not as important to know, but if you are enjoying learning Swahili, then why not?

Bei gain? How much is it?

Ghali sana It’s too expensive

Ninatazama tuy I’m just looking around

Benki Bank

Wakati gani? What time is it?

Nina njaa I’m hungry

Ladha! It was delicious!

Nina mboga I am vegetarian

Mvinyo Wine

Sina sana I don’t feel very good

Siku nzuri Have a nice day

Bafuni Bathroom

Teksi Taxi

Acha Stop

Nenda Go

Private Toilet Tent

FINAL THOUGHTS

Again, it isn’t required to know the language, but it is good to know some words. It is fun to use them and the locals will also enjoy teaching them to you.

For the mountain, you definitely will hear, “maji” frequently. You need to drink water on your climb. and they will remind you often. You’ll also hear “polepole” if you are hiking too fast. “Asante” and “jambo” will also be used daily. And don’t forget “Hakuna mata”. This is actually not just from Disney’s Lion King it is an actual phrase and the mountain crew loves to sing about it.

On safari, “acha” is used when you want to stop and take a picture. When you are ready to proceed, then “nenda asante” (go, thank you) can be used. Keep in mind that that isn’t always the words that our drivers or guides may use. Because they may teach you some of these words in their tribal language instead of Swahili.

We hope this information makes traveling to Tanzania an even more enjoyable experience. We are confident that you’ll find the people of Tanzania as friendly and as pleasant as we do.

Protip: Have a Swahili cheat sheet on your phone. Click to enlarge

Can a Beginner Climb Kilimanjaro?

If reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t already at the top of your bucket list, it should be. This African gem, located in Tanzania, is the highest peak in Africa. Trekking to the top of its 19,341-foot summit will take your breath away. It is a life-changing experience.

Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro? Yes, beginners can climb Kilimanjaro. However, as a beginner, you should be fully aware of the conditions, climate, and requirements to prepare yourself for this challenge.

To prepare for everything you need to know for your trip to Kilimanjaro, we have created this detailed guide to take you through each stage of getting you up to the summit.

Keep reading to learn more about the essentials of climbing up the world’s tallest, free-standing mountain.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Although the climb up Kilimanjaro is accessible to almost anyone of varying degrees of skill, there are a few requirements you need to know before you can attempt a trek up the mountain.

The following requirements are for your safety and the safety of others.

AGE AND SKILL LEVEL

If you are new to mountain climbing or trekking Kilimanjaro, there’s no need to worry. Although trekking to the mountain’s summit is a multi-day, high-altitude hike, you don’t have to be a trained climber. Ropes aren’t required. Furthermore, the terrain and trail conditions are good enough for most committed hikers to reach the summit.

One of the few restrictions you’ll find for climbing Kilimanjaro is age. Kilimanjaro National Park rules do not allow anyone under the age of 10 to climb Kilimanjaro.

GEAR

Having quality, reliable gear for drastically changing weather will be essential on your trek. You can expect extreme heat, followed by heavy rains (depending on the time of year you travel), and night temperatures dropping below freezing—this is often experienced within a single day.

So having lightweight, weatherproof, and water-resistant gear is highly recommended for your Kilimanjaro climb.

Some examples of equipment or gear you may need to bring with you include:

• -15 to -20 Degree Sleeping Bag, We do rent them.
• Sleeping Pad, which is included in our climb price. Ours are also better than your inflatable ones, which tend to deflate and are more comfortable.
• Trekking Poles, rent ours for $15 instead of the hassling with packing yours. Ours are Black Diamond and Leki.
• Insulated Trekking Gloves, Pants, and Winter Jacket
• Hiking Boots
• 70-90 Liter Duffle
• 30-35 Liter Day Pack

Follow this link for our complete gear recommendation Kilimanjaro gear List: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/how-to-prepare/#gear

One of the most challenging things about doing long-distance, multi-day treks is having to lug around your gear. That extra weight can begin to take a toll on hikers of all experience levels—especially when reaching high altitudes.

That is why operators will carry 90% of the equipment necessary for the trek. These will be the tents, chairs, and tables. Keep in mind that the porters can only carry 33 pounds. They check this at the trailhead and each camp.

BOOKING A KILIMANJARO GUIDE

If you want to successfully climb up one of the world’s tallest mountains—especially on your first try—it’s worth booking a reputable guiding company to help guide you along the way. Climbing to an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet is not easy but can be accomplished by most hikers with the assistance of a guide that knows the terrain and local environment.

Here is some knowledge you can expect your guides to know

Terrain: The terrain and trail conditions of multi-day treks vary—especially on Kilimanjaro. That is why having a guide who knows how to approach the ever-evolving landscape will assure you that you will be prepared for anything.
Weather: We will expand on this below, but keep in mind that the weather on Kilimanjaro will vary. Having the insight and experience to approach the contrasting conditions en route to the summit is essential.
Health Checks: You can count on our professional guides to give you daily health checks throughout the expedition. This is to monitor health risks such as altitude sickness, fatigue, and other illnesses.

Finding a reliable operator can be a challenge. Many tour operators have a poor summit success rate of about 50%. This is due to a lack of responsibility and care provided by budget operators. Their main goal is to make a quick profit instead of guaranteeing customer satisfaction.

Make sure you do your research and book with a trusted and professional tour operator with a high summit success rate. When you book with a reliable tour operator, you can count on their guidance on your trek every step of the way. They will provide you with all the support you need to make it to the summit.

HOW DO YOU FIND A GOOD OPERATOR?

Look for an operator that has their guides get Wilderness First Responder (WRF) certified. Also, make sure they are members of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP).

TRAVELING TO TANZANIA

The first step to getting you to Kilimanjaro is to fly into Tanzania, Africa. While there are several different airports in the country, you should fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport was established for easy access to the mountain.

You may also find that many tour operators will offer transportation to and from the airport for a price.

BEST TIME TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO

One of the great things about climbing Kilimanjaro is that it is open all year round. However, you should bear in mind that certain times of the year are much more suitable for climbing than others, which will result in a safer and more comfortable experience. When are the best times to climb? Read below.
Here’s what you can expect your climbing experience to be like during different times of the year:

JANUARY – EARLY MARCH

If you want to stay dry as you make your way to Kilimanjaro’s summit, booking a climb during this time of year is ideal. Not only is the weather agreeable, but you’ll find that there’s less trail traffic as well.

JUNE – SEPTEMBER

You can expect to find some of the most stable weather conditions during this time of year, which is a major reason it tends to be the most popular time to climb.

If you don’t mind more people on your way up to the summit, this is still a fantastic time of year for trekking up Kilimanjaro. We recommend booking your tour closer to June, as the likelihood of rain increases the closer you book toward the end of October.

OFF-SEASON

The gaps between the seasons mentioned above are considered the “off-season months” of climbing Kilimanjaro (April-May and October-November). However, the trails are still technically open for use should you decide to make the journey to the mountain’s summit during these times of the year.

However, here are some things you should keep in mind when climbing Kilimanjaro during the off-season:

Weather: The chance of rain is much higher on your trek to the summit. So be prepared to be wet and pack accordingly.
Trail Conditions: The heavy—and often lengthy—rains during the off-season damage the trails, creating mud that amounts to a more strenuous trek.
Visibility: For many people, a trip to Kilimanjaro is about seeing the magic of its natural beauty and scoring some awesome social media photos. If you climb the mountain during this time of year, the weather conditions can hinder the views.

Although you can expect a few more obstacles in an off-season climb, many climbers don’t mind the trails’ extra ruggedness. However, if you’re a beginner, we highly recommend sticking to the months of January-March or June-September seasons.

Note: Regardless of the time of year, you should be prepared for extreme weather changes each day. Daily conditions often transition from intense heat to below-freezing cold.

KILIMANJARO ROUTES

When you choose Kilimanjaro as your next destination, you will find you have a handful of different routes to pick from to climb to the peak. All paths available will give you the incredible breathtaking views you hope to see on the mountain but can differ in terrain, difficulty level, and comfortability. You will find treks for each route can also vary in cost.

When we say the trail length is approximate or about, it is due to where you make your camp. The distance is measured from sign to sign, but you may be camped a quarter-mile from the sign depending on the camp size and the number of people.

Let’s dive into your trail options for reaching the summit:

MACHAME ROUTE

The Machame route has earned the title Whiskey Route since it is a step up in difficulty from the Coca-Cola Route and tends to be the most popular way to reach the mountain peak. This is an excellent option if you want a more rugged experience during your climb.

Traveling this route will take seven days to reach the summit. However, you’ll be surprised to find that the Machame Route is shorter in distance than the Marangu route. It is about 37 miles.

The significant factor that creates this difference is the difficulty level. To help climbers acclimate to the challenges they may face on the Machame Route, an additional day is usually added.

LEMOSHO ROUTE

The Lemosho Route offers you the opportunity to get contrasting views of other trails. In our opinion, the Lemosho route is the most beautiful way to the summit.

The Lemossdho route joins with the Machame route about halfway through the trek. It is one day longer, which makes it better for acclimatization. The overall length is roughly 46 miles.

RONGAI ROUTE

This path to Kilimanjaro offers the opportunity to get off the “beaten track” in many ways, as you will be approaching your trek from the opposite side of the mountain from all the other routes.

The Rongai Route has the appeal of being a less wandered path and has significantly fewer people, which is often a calling card to those who are coming to Kilimanjaro for a second trip. Because this trail is more remote, you are more likely to find undisturbed nature and wildlife.

However, previous climbers have claimed that its scenery does not quite live up to the expectations of other trails on this list.

The route is roughly 43 miles in length and usually takes six days to complete.

THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT

The Northern Circuit route is the only route that circles the north side of Kilimanjaro. It takes nine days and has the fewest number of people on it. It is very remote and has amazing views of Kenya below.

The route is approximately 53 miles.

MARANGU ROUTE

The Marangu Route—sometimes referred to as the Coca-Cola Route—is the oldest route on Kilimanjaro. Marangu is a six-day out and back trek that differs from every other route option since you sleep in huts versus tents. You also ascend and descend on the same trail.

The route is the easiest, so if you are not feeling confident in your trekking skills or physical abilities or are climbing the mountain for the first time, we highly encourage taking this route to ensure a safe and successful climb to the summit. We do not offer it as a group climb, but you can book a private climb on this route.

It is about 45 miles.

UMBWE ROUTE

If you feel ambitious and want a real trekking challenge, the Umbwe Route is the perfect choice for you. It is the most challenging way to the summit. Be prepared for a tough journey that requires you to be in the best shape to guarantee you can make it to the top.

Due to this route’s difficulty level, many people avoid choosing this option, meaning fewer crowds are on the trail (regardless of the season). We do not offer this route due to its lack of success, under 50%.

FINAL SAFETY TIPS FOR CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

Even if you have all the gear and meet all the requirements for your Kilimanjaro climb, you still need to know a few safety protocols to ensure you have a safe and successful journey.

That is why booking your trek with an experienced operator is the most important factor in having a safe and successful climb. They will have all the necessary equipment on hand—such as emergency oxygen, pulse oximeters, etc.—should an emergency occur. They will perform daily health checks and monitor your health as you make your way up the mountain.

However, personally looking after your safety is just as crucial. Be aware and alert throughout the trek. Here are some vital safety tips to keep in mind on your journey:

Pace Yourself: When you are hiking, especially on multi-day, high-altitude treks, you should remember that it is a marathon, not a race. Taking your time and not being in a rush can help you avoid fatigue. Remember, it is the journey, not the destination.

Take Frequent Breaks: It’s much better to stop, take a breath, and relax throughout the day to keep yourself from burning out in the long run. This becomes increasingly important as you get closer to the summit, where the air becomes thinner and the chances of altitude sickness increase.

Acclimate: If you can acclimate to higher altitudes before beginning your trek, you will feel more prepared for what’s ahead.

Hydrate: There is probably nothing more important than staying hydrated on your Kilimanjaro climb. You should frequently drink water throughout the day, even when resting in the evening.

Following these safety tips can amount to having a safe and enjoyable experience on any hike (big or small), especially when dealing with long-distance treks that reach an altitude as high as Mount Kilimanjaro.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

If you are interested in climbing Kilimanjaro, you should be happy to hear that almost anyone can do it. Preparation is key. By following the tips above, you’ll be ready to cross Kilimanjaro off your bucket list.

Tanzania Lifts COVID Testing for Vaccinated Travelers

Great news Tanzania lifts COVID restrictions! As of March 17, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers are welcome to travel to Tanzania without a negative COVID test per the Tanzania Ministry of Health.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) All vaccinated travelers will be required to show their COVID vaccination card.

For those travelers who are not vaccinated, you will still be required to present a negative COVID test. The results must be from a COVID testing facility and not a home test. It must also be a PCR test, not a Rapid test. The test must be performed within 72 hours of your arrival at JRO in order to board the plane. For example, if you are flying from LAX to Doha to JRO, which is about 24 hours of flight time (not including layovers) you should be fine to get your test the day before your flight and receive the results before boarding at LAX. Check with the testing facility to verify how long it will take to receive the results via email.

KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT PROCEDURES

Once you arrive at JRO, unvaccinated travelers will also have to get a Rapid PCR test at the airport.

Travelers must also have valid passports and visas. The passport needs to be valid for six months past your departure date. Visas are still available for $100 at JRO.

For more detailed information on COVID testing and vaccine requirements for Tanzania follow the link for U.S. Embassy in Tanzania: https://tz.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/?goal=0_d645392662-68fa3a34d3-251778101&mc_cid=68fa3a34d3&mc_eid=5ef1d6d859

RETURNING TO THE US

The requirement for returning to the US is to have a negative COVID test before boarding the plane. This is for all travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated. The COVID test must be administered within 24 hours of travel. Rapid Antigen Tests are available at JRO, Just outside the airport gate on the left. We recommend that clients arrive at least four hours before their departure to receive test results with enough time. The price of the test is $10 USD.

MASKS

As far as federal guidelines for masks, the mandate is still in effect until April 18, 2022. At that time it may be rescinded or extended. Fingers crossed. Many countries such as the UK and Ireland have dropped their mask mandates. However, they still recommend wearing a mask in airports for your safety.

UPDATE: Masks are no longer required to fly to Tanzania. Additionally, a negative COVID test is no longer required to return to the US.

How to Charge Devices on Kilimanjaro

Wouldn’t it be easier if there were universal charges, earbuds, camera batteries, and phones? It would make just one item in your hectic life easier. Unfortunately, we are pretty sure that’ll never happen. Even Apple can’t decide on charging cables and change with every major upgrade to their iPhones. It is frustrating to try and keep up. What do you do with all the old charging cables? If you are like most you have a drawer, box, or bin full of obsolete electronics.

The magnitude of that situation is outside the scope of this article. This article is about charging electronics while in Tanzania, on safari, and on Mount Kilimanjaro.

AIRPLANE

Let’s start with the airplane. Depending on who you are flying with it could mean you’ll have a USB charging port on the seat in front of you. If not you’ll need a power bank in your carry-on luggage. Lithium batteries are currently not allowed in checked bags.

If you have wireless earbuds, they’ll work with your phone or tablet, but as of right now, not with the airplane. Either bring traditional plug earbuds or use the free ones they pass out on the flight.

LODGE

Universal Travel Power Adapter

The lodges we use are in Arusha. It is a fairly large town by African standards and therefore it has better ways to charge devices. At these lodges, there are outlets in each room. However, if you are from the US, you’ll need an adapter. The outlets in Tanzania are the typical United Kingdom type. More than likely, they are the British “Type G” BS-1363 version. However, it could also be the “Type D” Indian BS-546 5 amp. But this is not very common. They may also have USB ports built into the outlets, but they don’t always supply enough power for charging. USB has had three major updates since first introduced. 

The outlets in Tanzania supply between 220 and 240 volts. In the United States, electronics only need 110 to 120 volts. If you are not careful, you can burn up your device. However, most laptops, cell phones, and cameras are designed to be compatible with worldwide voltages. To be safe, check your owner’s manual or the internet for each of your devices.

THE MOUNTAIN

There are no charging stations on Kilimanjaro. It is your responsibility to bring chargers and make sure they are compatible. In addition to a charging device, we also recommend bringing spare batteries if your charger is depleted. 

Of the two chargers you have as options, there are power banks and solar panels. Both work well, however, we have seen power banks last longer and have fewer issues than solar panels. 

Our recommendation is to bring two power banks that at least 10,000mAh to 20,000mAh.

Furthermore, batteries do not work well in cold temperatures. Keep them wrapped in something or in your pocket. Sometimes you can revive them by warming them up. Keep in mind that the generic batteries last about half the amount of time as name-brand batteries such as Nikon or Canon. A “tough” camera can handle the elements better and is usually freeze, drop, and waterproof. 

Most newer cameras have a USB cable for charging instead of a regular plug. This makes things easier.

ON SAFARI

Charging on safari is much easier since you will be staying in a lodge or tented camp each night. You should have enough charge each day by charging your devices as you sleep. Just remember to bring your wall charger and the Type G adapter. If for some reason, your adapter doesn’t work, talk to your guide and he can stop at a market so you to buy a new one.

Furthermore, all of our safari vehicles have charging ports throughout the vehicle. They are also equipped with wifi, as long as there is a strong signal.

HELPFUL TIP

If your phone is close to capacity on storage. We recommend backing it up before you leave home. In addition, you can buy a flash drive that you can back up your photos and videos to while you are in Africa in case you lose, damage, or run out of space on your phone.

We hope this helps you prepare for your amazing adventure and feel free to contact us if you have further questions.

Do You Have to Exchange US Dollars to Tanzanian Shillings?

Traveling to Tanzania can be an intimidating trip. One of the questions we frequently receive is do I have to exchange US Dollars (USD) for Tanzanian Shillings? No, you do not need to exchange USD for Tanzanian Shillings. USD is accepted almost everywhere in Tanzania. There is no need to exchange your US Dollars into Tanzanian Shillings while in Tanzania. However, by paying with US dollars you’ll actually pay more since most merchants will round up to the nearest dollar when doing a currency conversion. For example, if a bottle of water is 1700 Shillings and the current conversion is 1900 Shillings to one US dollar, they will charge you one full dollar for the bottle of water.

When paying for items with USD, please note that they must be dated at least 2009 or newer. Most merchants and even banks will not accept USD that is older than 2009. You can find out the date of your dollars by looking for the Series date on each bill.

ATMS

Additionally, ATMs are not very plentiful in Tanzania so we suggest that you bring all the cash that you think you may need. Do not rely on being able to find an ATM while you are in Tanzania.

Large hotels and restaurants will take credit cards. However, many will impose a fee of up to 5% for using a credit card. Smaller merchants and street vendors do not accept credit cards.

In addition to the bills being newer than 2009. Make sure that they are not damaged. They cannot have tears or writing on them or they will not accept them. Even government or large companies like COVID tests and the banks will not accept damaged USD.

TIPPING

For tipping, larger bills like $100 work better, because the exchange rate is better for larger bills. So bring a few of those for tipping your mountain crew.

Finally, we recommend bringing at least $700-800 in USD if you are climbing Kilimanjaro. If you are also going on safari, then bring at least $200 more. The money can be safely stored at the hotel. We do not recommend bringing much on the mountain, just enough to buy beer, soda, and souvenirs at the park gate once you come off the mountain.

How Do You Get to Kilimanjaro?

What is the best way to get to Kilimanjaro? Continue reading if you need to know what airport to book your arrival flights to for your Kilimanjaro climb and/or your Tanzanian safari.

Everyone’s flights are different, depending on where they live. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the best airport to fly into. JRO is the airport’s international code.

The airport is located southwest of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. It lies roughly halfway between Arusha and Moshi.

WHERE DO THE MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBS BEGIN?

We begin our climbs in Arusha, Tanzania. Other operators begin in Moshi. Most tour operators base themselves in one of these places. You can find good accommodations, restaurants, shops, and markets here.

Moshi is closer to the Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO), about 40 minutes by car (45 km). Arusha is about 70 kilometers (60 minutes) away.

THE BEST WAY TO FLY TO JRO

It is easiest for climbers in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom to fly from a major local airport hub to Amsterdam (most major airports in the US, Europe, and the UK have flights to Amsterdam) and then catch KLM Airlines to JRO.

Another option is to fly American Airlines from most major hubs in the US then transfer to Qatar. From there it’ll be a long flight to Doha, Qatar, and then on to JRO.

Below we have listed airlines that fly directly to Kilimanjaro airport (JRO).

• KLM: Direct flights from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro airport
• Condor Air: Direct flights from Frankfurt to Kilimanjaro airport
• Turkish Airlines: Direct flights from Istanbul to Kilimanjaro airport
• Kenya Airways: Direct flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro airport
• Precision Air: Direct flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro airport
• Qatar Airlines: Direct flights from Doha to Kilimanjaro airport
• Ethiopian Airlines: Direct flights from Addis Ababa to Kilimanjaro airport
• RwandAir: Direct flights from Kigali to Kilimanjaro airport

In case you cannot find direct flights to Kilimanjaro airport, you can fly to Dar Es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya). Nairobi is much closer to Mount Kilimanjaro than Dar Es Salaam.

If you need a visual of the region, click on the interactive map below to see the major airports, safari parks, cities, and Kilimanjaro.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS WITHIN TANZANIA

The following airlines offer domestic flights within the Tanzania region:

• Precision Air
• Fly540
• Regional Air
• Zan Air
• Coastal Aviation
• Air Excel

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR TANZANIA TRAVEL

• Please check your Visa & Passport requirements well in advance of your reservation, including any visa requirements for transit countries.
• Make sure you have all the recommended vaccinations. No vaccinations are necessary for Tanzania. However, if you spend more than eight hours in Kenya, a Yellow Fever vaccination is required.
• It is recommended that you arrive a few days before your climb. You will then be able to recover from your long flight and any flight or luggage delays.
• With prior arrangements, we will pick you up from JRO. There is a fee to do so. Or you can take a taxi to the hotel.

KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Kilimanjaro Airport was opened in December 1971. The construction cost $13 million. The Italian government provided a long-term loan to finance the construction. The airport became Africa’s first private international airport when it was privatized in 1998. It is operated by the Kilimanjaro Airport Development Company.

Aside from climbers heading to Kilimanjaro, the airport is also used by those wishing to travel to one or more of Tanzania’s world-famous safari parks. These parks include the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Serengeti National Park.

The airport advertises itself as the “Gateway to Africa’s Wildlife Heritage”. In February 2014, the Tanzanian and Dutch governments signed a grant agreement to renovate JRO. Upgrades were made to the terminal building and taxiways. The project cost nearly $41 million USD.

One of the most notable contributions was $17 million from the Netherlands. The rest of the funds were provided by Tanzania. Construction of the airport began in November 2015. This improvement doubled the airport’s capacity.

JRO could handle 600,000 passengers annually before the upgrades. With the upgrades, the passenger capacity has been increased to 1.2 million people.

OPTIONAL AIRPORTS

Arusha Airport (ARK)

Arusha has a small airport in the city. It has limited flights. However, if you are coming from a nearby country such as Nairobi, Kenya, or Zanzibar this may be an option for you. We will pick you up, but there will be a transfer fee. Additionally, you may take a taxi. We will need to know in advance if you arrive here since ARK to Arusha is approximately 40 minutes each way.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Furthermore, some clients choose to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya. From Nairobi, you can take a daily shuttle to Arusha. The ride is about 5 hours. We do not provide any transportation to or from Nairobi. Clients must arrange this transportation themselves. Keep in mind that if you are in Kenya for over eight hours you will be required to get a Yellow Fever vaccination before arriving in Africa. One of the benefits of traveling this route is you can get your visa fairly easily at the Tanzania border. There is usually only one line if there is one at all.

Clients can also book flights on a local, smaller airline like those listed above, to JRO or ARK.

EMERGENCY ISSUES EN ROUTE TO TANZANIA

If you have any problems on your way to Tanzania. You’ll need to contact us right away. Issues may include delayed or canceled flights, lost luggage, missed flights, or an accident on the way to the airport. Since Tanzania is 10-hours ahead of the main U.S. offices, contacting our Operations Manager via a text message through WhatsApp is the best and fastest way to reach us. You should program this number into WhatsApp: +255 754 400 141. This is our 24-hour emergency phone number.

Finally, we hope this helps you book your flights for your climb Kilimanjaro climb and/or safari. Remember, if you have any issues along the way, please do not hesitate to text us via WhatsApp. If your flight times change, please let us know. We will do our best to make sure your time in Tanzania is the best it can be.

Tribes of Tanzania

Some say a journey to Tanzania is like going back to the beginning of man. There are more than 120 different tribes in Tanzania. Nowhere else in Africa can you find this level of tribal diversity. 

A Maasai Outdoor Market

One of the founding directives, when the United Republic of Tanzania became independent, was that no ethnic group should dominate. This was actually not that difficult to achieve since none of the tribes made up more than 10% of the country’s overall population. Despite the many languages, the Tanzanian government has adopted Swahili as the official language of Tanzania. 

With such a diversity of people contained within the boundaries of Tanzania, having Swahili as a national language has given the country a strong sense of national identity.

Furthermore, Tanzania is the only African nation whose tribes represent all four of the continent’s major ethnolinguistic groups—Bantu, Cushitic, Nilotic, and Khoisan.

What does this mean? Continue reading to find out more.

BANTU

The Bantu languages are a large family of languages spoken by the Bantu peoples in the southern half of Africa. They form the largest branch of the Southern Bantoid languages. The total number of Bantu languages ranges in the hundreds, depending on the definition of “language” versus “dialect”, and is estimated at between 440 and 680 distinct languages. The total number of Bantu speakers is in the hundreds of millions, estimated at around 350 million in the mid-2010s (roughly 30% of the total population of Africa or roughly 5% of the world population).

The Bantu language with the largest total number of speakers is Swahili. Of note, In Tanzania, all primary schools teach Swahili. However, English is the teaching language in secondary school.

CUSHITIC

40 languages make up the Cushitic language. it is spoken throughout Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, and northwestern Kenya.  In Tanzania, the South Cushitic language is spoken mainly in the central part of the country.

NILOTIC

The word Nilotic comes from the Nile River or the Nile region of Africa. The Nilotic peoples originally migrated from the Gezira area in Sudan. Today, the Nilotic language speakers live in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

KHOISAN

The Khoisan language is a unique language spoken mainly in Southern Africa. There are also two outlying languages found in eastern Africa. The term is a compound word from the Nama dialect of the Khoisan language The words are khoekhoe which means ‘person’ and saan which means ‘bush dweller’.

Their most distinctive linguistic characteristic is the extensive use of click sounds. It is a feature that has spread through many Bantu languages.

TOP FIVE TRIBES

Now that you have a better understanding of the languages, let’s talk about how that relates to the people of Tanzania. As previously mentioned, there are more than 120 tribes in Tanzania. Learning about all the tribes would take too long, a lifetime, probably, so let’s narrow it down to the top five. Below are the five most important and influential tribes you should know about. These are the ones that you’ll most likely interact with during your Tanzanian travels.

• Sukuma
• Chagga
• Maasai
• The Hadza or Hadzabe
• Iraqw

SUKUMA

Sukuma Tribe Traditional Dance. Photo: Imani Selemani Nsamila

Let’s start with the Sukuma since they have the largest population at 5.5 million people. 

As you can see from the map, they are located to the North, near Lake Victoria.

The Sukuma language is spoken in their tribe.

Additionally, they are mainly rural-living and many today practice Christianity. Polygyny is standard practice with the Sukuma, too, yet they are predominately a matriarchal society.

Like many tribes in East Africa, dance and singing are hallmark activities.

The Sukuma economy consists of growing crops and raising livestock.

The wind does not break a tree that bends.”

—Sukuma Proverb

CHAGGA

Many Porters are from the Chagga Tribe

About 2 million people make up the Chagga tribe. They are located on the southern and eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro. They speak Chaga or Kichagga and are the third largest ethnic group in Tanzania. Most Chagga members are farmers. They farm millet, bananas, and coffee.

Many also now practice Christianity and Islam.

The Chagga people are known for their strong work ethic. If you climb Kilimanjaro chances are you will encounter members of the Chagga on your approach. There will also be porters and guides on your mountain staff that are from the Chagga Tribe.

He who leaves a child lives eternally.”

—Chagga proverb

MAASAI

Two Maasai Boys Tend to Their Herd

The Maasai is the tribe you most likely imagine when you think of Africa—walking with their red cloaks and long sticks. Their population is estimated at around 800,000 in Tanzania. However, they also roam the southern end of Kenya which makes their numbers even larger.

You’ll likely interact with Maasai around the major national parks such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.

Most Maasai speak Swahili or some English.

The Maasai are mainly pastoralist herders. Cattle are their primary economic driver of exchange. The Maasai are patriarchal and monotheistic. Their traditional diet derives almost exclusively from cattle—meat, milk, and blood. They live in kraals, enclosed villages, and many are intricate bead workers. Song and dance are, you guessed it, central to celebration and ceremony.

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” 

—Maasai proverb

THE HADZA, OR HADZABE

Traditional Hadzabe Dance. Photo: Imani selemani Nsamila

They are a very small tribe. Their estimated population is between 1,200-1,300 people. They have simple dwellings and many live in the caves around Lake Eyasi near the Serengeti.

The reason they are mentioned is not that you’ll interact with them, but rather for their unique language. Their language consists of the clicking sound we mentioned earlier. It is unrelated to any regional language.

The Hadzabe are a small hunter-gatherer tribe, one the world’s last remaining of its kind. Without livestock or agriculture, most mornings start with hunting and foraging. They adhere to a simple diet which they believe holds the key to their health. 

The men typically hunt on their own to bring home meat and honey. The women and children gather fruit, berries, and roots.

IRAQW

Iraqw women. Photo: Dotasafaris

Finally, the Iraqw tribe, estimated at around 350,000 people is located in north-central Tanzania in the Arusha Province and Lake Manyara regions.

Most of the Iraqw population is concentrated on the Mbulu Plateau, between Lake Manyara and Lake Eyasi. Furthermore, When you go on safari you’ll travel through the Iraqw territory. The Iraqw tribe was the first tribe to settle the Ngorongoro Crater. 

The men are blacksmiths and the women create pottery. They often grow their food and tend to cattle.

Not only is Tanzania rich in safari parks, but it is also a treasure trove of history. The diverse intersection of tribes, languages, folktales, and music converges in Tanzania and invites you to celebrate its people and culture.

You want to start planning a Kilimanjaro climb but don’t know where to begin?

If you are an avid outdoors person or just love nature, then climbing Kilimanjaro should be on your shortlist of outdoor adventures. So how do you start planning a Kilimanjaro climb to make it an awesome experience one that you’ll remember for a lifetime? I’m sure it seems overwhelming. Read further to see how to make it much easier.

WHY MOUNT KILIMANJARO?

First of all, Kilimanjaro is the tallest “walkable” mountain on the planet. You can summit if you are in fairly decent shape and have hiking experience. 

A dik dik

You will pass through amazingly different climate zones en route to the Summit. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the peak and glaciers above and the clouds and rainforest below. You may get to see blue and colobus monkeys, a dik dik, and maybe a stray lion that decided to check out why everyone is going up the mountain. Don’t scoff, since COVID, the number of people trekking has dropped off considerably and the animals on the plains below have been spotted venturing as high as Shira I camp.

If you choose to book with Kilimanjaro Sunrise you’ll see the quality of our service, guides, porters, and equipment compared to other companies. Our expert and knowledgeable guides and friendly porters will make your climb as pleasant as possible.  

SIGN ME UP, WHERE DO I START?

Now that you have decided the Kilimanjaro is something you want to do, you’ll want to find an experienced and safe operator. There are hundreds of operators on the Mountain, but only a handful are reputable. Just to give you an idea of what is reputable, here is what we offer at Kilimanjaro Sunrise

• Daily health checks of climbers including pulse and oxygen saturation readings
• Wilderness First Responder certified guides
• AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation insurance
• Heavy-duty mountaineering tents for sleeping and dining
• The most comfortable Foam Pads you ever slept on
• Three hot meals a day instead of boxed lunches
• Membership in Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) – an independent organization that monitors trekking companies and verifies that porters are treated ethically
• Airport pick up and drop off – for a fee, up to six people
• Quality Rental Equipment such as Jackets, Trekking Poles, Private Toilet Tents, Duffel Bags, and Down Sleeping Bags

Budget operators do not offer any of these amenities. Their equipment is often used, handmade, damaged, and inadequate for high-altitude trekking. Client safety is not a priority.

Most of all, make sure your operator exists before you arrive. They may just take your money and run. If you choose to go with a budget operator, get trip insurance or you may be out several thousands of dollars.

NOW THAT I HAVE CHOSEN AN OPERATOR, WHAT’S NEXT?

The next step is to make your 30% deposit. You’ll make the payment on our secure Payment Portal page. Then wait for a trip confirmation email. 

This email will have a lot of important information. Please read all of it. There are links to several forms to fill out in this email.

After you receive your trip confirmation email book your flights. You should also purchase trip insurance and send in your client information forms. Also, make sure your passport will be current for at least six months after your scheduled Tanzanian departure date. 

Furthermore, depending on how far away your trip is you may need to start training and gathering gear. 

Here is what we recommend for training: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/how-to-prepare/

Here is the gear we recommend: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/wp-content/uploads/kilimanjaro-sunrise-gear-list.pdf

and what to wear: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/what-to-wear-on-kilimanjaro/

If you need to rent any gear also fill out your rental form: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/rental-gear/

MY TRIP IS GETTING CLOSE

Double-check to make sure you have everything booked, airport pick up, flights, extra lodging, safari, trip insurance, and someone is watching your dog. 

Contact your operator if you have any questions. Many questions can be answered here: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/faqs/

If you chose Kilimanjaro Sunrise, we are with you every step of the way. Contact us by phone: (602) 730-5028 or email: info@kilimanjarosunrise.com with any questions about your trip before leaving for Tanzania.

I’M ON MY WAY TO TANZANIA

Our office is 10 hours behind Tanzania, if you have any issues while you are on your way, please contact us as soon as possible. Once you arrive in Tanzania you’ll contact our local office. We will have sent you that number in the trip confirmation email. You will need to download WhatsApp prior to departing for Tanzania and save that number there. You can text us if there are any delays.

If you are coming from the U.S. we recommend applying for your visa in advance. This will alleviate having to stand in the potentially two-hour-long line at JRO. If you don’t obtain your visa before your trip please hurry to the visa line(s). In the first line, you’ll show them your passport and be directed to the second line where you’ll get your visa. Then you’ll proceed to a third line to pay $100 USD. They will place the visa in your passport. 

Once through customs, you will proceed to the baggage claim area. Tell our driver if your bags aren’t. When you leave the baggage claim area you will exit the building toward the parking lot. If you booked an airport pick up in advance, our driver will be there with a sign reading “Kilimanjaro Sunrise”. Please look for him. He’ll drive you to your lodging for the night. If you did not book a private pick-up, then proceed to the taxi area (don’t worry someone will show you where it is for a $1 tip). Taxis cost about $50 to take you to your hotel in Arusha. 

Once you finally arrive at the hotel, you’ll be met by our Guides and given a trip briefing and an initial health check. They will let you know what time to be ready the next day, then you’ll be able to head off to bed. Your long trip will have tired you out.

That is if you didn’t book a flight recovery day (recommended in case of flight delays or delayed luggage) or a safari before the climb. Then we will perform the health check and trip briefing on your rest day.

In conclusion, we hope this helps ease some of your anxiety about traveling to Africa and how to start planning a Kilimanjaro Climb. If you still have questions or concerns feel free to contact us.

Is Mount Kilimanjaro an Active Volcano?

In case you didn’t know, Mount Kilimanjaro is a volcano. Kilimanjaro’s cone, Kibo, is a dormant volcano. According to science, a dormant volcano does have the potential to erupt in the future. On the other hand, this shouldn’t deter you from climbing to its summit. It has been a long time since Mount Kilimanjaro erupted.

When is the last time Kilimanjaro erupted? In order to answer that question, we need to look at the mountain itself. Kilimanjaro is actually three volcanic cones. They are Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct whereas Kibo is categorized as a dormant volcano.

According to research, Shira was the first of the cones to erupt. Once it stopped, Mawenzi formed and continued to erupt. Finally, when Mawenzi ceased to spew forth ash, gases, and lava, Kibo took its place.

EXTINCT VS. DORMANT

What is the difference between volcanos listed as extinct versus dormant? An extinct volcano means that scientists believe that most likely will not erupt. It also means that it has been more than 10,000 years since its last eruption. When a volcano hasn’t erupted in historical times it is classified as dormant (inactive).

Conversely, if it is erupting then it is listed as active. An example of an extremely active volcano is Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Pavlof near the end of the Alaskan Peninsula is also a very active volcano. It has erupted more than 24 times in the last 100 years.

ACTIVE VOLCANOS MAP

[enlarge]

WILL KIBO ERUPT AGAIN?

It is hard to tell. But the fact that it is dormant means there is a possibility of it erupting in the future. An example of a dormant volcano erupting is Mount Vesuvius which destroyed Pompeii. It is actually a very active volcano. That has had eight major eruptions in the last 17,000 years. Kibo is considered dormant since it hasn’t erupted since 1944.

A theory is that once the glaciers on top of Kilimanjaro melt, which scientists believe will happen in the next 30 years, the cone will no longer be cooled by the ice. They speculate that Kibo may roar back to life.

It is also theorized that Ol Doinyo Lengai, a Stratovolcano, similar to Kilimanjaro is the volcanic vent for Kibo.

OL DOINYO LENGAI VOLCANO

Ol Doinyo Lengai sits at 2,890 meters or 9,481 feet. Its approximately 100 miles Northwest of Kilimanjaro.

Current status: minor activity or eruption warning (3 out of 5)

Last update: 27 Aug 2021

Activity Description: Effusion of natrocarbonatite lava inside the pit crater in the northern main crater

Typical eruption style: Explosive activity. In addition, at least during the past 30 years near-continuous effusion and mildly explosive eruption of natrocarbonatite lava from vents inside the crater, sometimes overflowing over the rim, are taking place.

Ol Doinyo Lengai, an asymmetrical, steep classical stratovolcano rises majestically about 6,500 feet from the East Africa Rift Valley depression to a summit elevation of 9,481 ft.

Natrocarbonatites

TANZANIA VOLCANOS

Burko (Stratovolcano 2136 m / 7008 ft)

Embagai  (Caldera 3220 m / 10564 ft)

Gelai  (Shield 2942 m / 9652 ft)

Hanang  (Stratovolcano 3418 m / 11214 ft)

Igwisi Hills  (Tuff cones unknown summit elevation)

Izumbwe-Mpoli  (Pyroclastic cones 1568 m / 5,144 ft)

Katete  (Stratovolcano 2481 m / 8140 ft)

Kerimasi  (Stratovolcano 2600 m / 8530 ft)

Ketumbeine  (Shield 2942 m / 9652 ft)

Kilimanjaro  (Stratovolcano 5895 m (19,340 ft))

Kwaraha  (Stratovolcano 2415 m / 7923 ft)

Kyejo  (Stratovolcano 2175 m / 7,136 ft)

Loolmalasin  (Unknown 3627 m / 11900 ft)

Meru  (Stratovolcano 4565 m / 14,977 ft)

Ngorongoro  (Caldera 2376 m / 7795 ft)

Ngozi  (Caldera 2622 m / 8,602 ft)

Ol Doinyo Lengai  (Stratovolcano 2890 m )

Olmoti  (Caldera 3099 m / 10167 ft)

Rungwe  (Stratovolcano 2956 m / 9,698 ft)

Sadiman  (Stratovolcano 2865 m / 9400 ft)

SW Usangu Basin (Lava domes 2179 m / 7,149 ft)

Tukuyu (Shield 1541 m / 5056 ft)

Usangu Scarp Basalt (Pyroclastic cone 1690 m / 5545 ft)

OL DOINYO LENGAI ERUPTIONS

Estimated

• 1550 BC
• 50 AD
• 700 AD
• 1350 AD

Recorded

• 1880
• 1882
• 1904
• 1907
• 1914
• 1916
• 1921
• 1926
• 1940
• 1954
• 1955
• 1958
• 1960
• 1967
• 1983
• 1994
• 2006
• 2007-Ongoing

In addition, The Maasai people believe Ol Doinyo Lengai is the home of God, which is also the meaning of the name.

Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only active volcano that erupts carbonatite lava. Scientists made this discovery as recently as the 1960s. They concluded that the lavas are not melting silica, but rather natroncarbonate.

That is to say, the temperatures of Ol Doinyo Lengai lava are much lower at 1,100° Fahrenheit versus other volcanoes which produce lava around 2,000° F.

Furthermore, Lengai’s lava does not emit enough light to glow during the day—only at night—the dull reddish glow has only a faint illumination.

Also because of its peculiar chemical composition, the lava is extremely fluid and behaves very much like water, with the exception that it is as black as oil. After it cools, it becomes a whitish powder.

Geologically, the present-day cone was formed approximately 15,000 years ago. Historical eruptions have been moderate to small explosive events. Also, its intermittent explosive activity occurs at intervals of typically years or decades. Numerous natrocarbonitite lava flows have erupted from vents on the floor of the active summit crater.

IS IT SAFE TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO?

Getting back to Kilimanjaro, it is safe to climb.? Are you worried that it may erupt? Then book your trek sooner than later before the glaciers melt and the scientific conjecture is put to the test.

COVID and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) Procedures

You may be itching to travel and are thinking about going to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro or go on a safari. However, COVID and traveling during a pandemic, of course, worries you. You have your vaccinations and got a COVID test. The results were negative, but what else is required?

MY EXPERIENCE

As someone who has traveled to Tanzania, twice during the pandemic. I am quite experienced with the ever-changing COVID procedures. COVID and Kilimanjaro, don’t really come into play once you leave the trailhead. In town and at JRO are a different story.

First of all, I got a COVID test Sunday—my flight was leaving on Tuesday evening from Phoenix to Los Angeles. I received my negative COVID results right before I went to the airport. Once I landed in LAX and tried to check in with Qatar Airlines for my flight to Doha International Airport. (DOH), I was told that I needed a COVID test to board the plane for my connecting flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), even though I was going to Doha first. They don’t do testing in DOH. Yes, I already had a negative COVID test, but, the test was taken on Sunday and I wouldn’t arrive at JRO until Thursday- Outside the 72-hour window.

So with my LAX negative Rapid Test results in hand (and $199 less in my wallet), I boarded the plane to DOH. My recommendation is to have at least six hours between flights to have enough time to get your Rapid Test.

16.5 hours later, I landed in DOH. Upon entering the airport, no one asked for my COVID test results or my vaccination card. Also, few people were wearing masks in the airport.

Eight hours later, I boarded the plane to JRO.

KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Six hours later I landed at the small airport. We were all herded into a line to get our mandatory COVID test. After taking our temperature, the first thing they asked for was either the online results of your health questionnaire or the paper version. Of course, no one had either version since at no point were we told we needed or provided them. I filled mine out online and showed it to the attendant.

I was then ushered into another line to pay the $25 for another COVID test… Yes, the third one since Sunday. They made a copy of my passport.

Following the payment line,  I was sent to yet another line for the test.

I was directed to a little 6’x6′ makeshift room. They took my passport and proof of payment. They made a copy of the passport and swabbed my nose and sent me out.

While I waited for the results I filled out the immigration card.

Five minutes later, I had my negative results and was sent to the line to obtain a visa. While I waited, I filled out the visa form and handed the paperwork and passport to the person behind the glass. I also tried to pay the $100 but was told to pay at the next window. I went to the next window and again tried to pay. Denied again. They looked at my passport then sent me to a third window to pay.

After my visa was paid, I was finally allowed to go into baggage claim. Keep in mind it isn’t a typical baggage claim. Everyone’s luggage is laying on the floor.

I showed the attendant my baggage claim slip, I was clear of the chaos. I took a taxi to my hotel in Arusha.

The entire trip, with layovers, took 41 hours from my door to the hotel room. JRO alone took over two hours.

Our advice to you is to be patient and be prepared to have long wait times. Tanzania doesn’t work at the speed of the U.S.

DEPARTURE

As a final note, I was told I needed a negative COVID test to return to the U.S. However, no one else in JRO was getting one. The departure side of the airport did not have a Rapid COVID center. A JRO attendant had to take me outside the airport through a gate, get me a clearance badge, take me through security, and over to the arrival side of the airport. Luckily, she took me to the front of the sea of people who just arrived and were waiting to take their COVID Rapid Test.

I got right in and got a negative result—fourth in just over a week.

She then took me back through all that to the departure side of the airport.

I boarded my plane back to DOH, Then LAX, and finally on to Phoenix. Can you guess how many people asked for my negative COVID test results on my return journey?

If you guessed zero, you were correct.

UPDATE: 10/18/2021

I just got back from Tanzania after climbing Kilimanjaro again. The airport procedures for leaving JRO are a bit different. First of all, the test is now only $15. There is now a testing facility at the airport,  just outside the gate on the left. You can have the taxi or your driver pull in there. Depending on how many people are in line it doesn’t take long to get the nasal swab. The results will be available at the booth just outside security at JRO. Make sure to take a photo of your results because they will take them at the airline check-in counter.

UPDATE: JUNE 10, 2022

UPDATE: Masks are no longer required to fly to Tanzania. Additionally, a negative COVID test is no longer required to return to the US.