Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»consider trekking out of season, when you may be able to negotiate discounted
rates.
However, it's not worth cutting corners where reliability is essential, such as on
Kilimanjaro. Always check that there are enough porters, a cook and an assist-
ant guide or two (in case the group splits or somebody has to return due to ill-
ness). Beware of unscrupulous budget companies charging you for, say, a five-
day trek but only paying mountain and hut fees for four days. And, be wary of
staff stories about 'running out of money' while on the mountain, as promises of
refunds are usually forgotten or denied when you get back to base.
WHEN TO GO
The best times for trekking are during the dry, warmer season from mid-December to
February, and the dry, cooler season from June to October. The least favourable time is
from mid-March to mid-May, when the heaviest rains fall. That said, trekking is possible in
most areas year-round, with the exception of the Udzungwa, Usambara, Pare and Uluguru
Mountains, where conditions become extremely muddy during the March to May rains.
TYPES OF TREKS
Stage-by-stage fully equipped trekking accompanied by guides and porters is the norm for
treks on Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru (although climbing Meru doesn't require porters). Ol
Doinyo Lengai is also a relatively structured and generally fully equipped venture, given
the rugged conditions and difficulties of access, as is most trekking in the Crater Highlands.
The Usambaras, and to a lesser extent the Pares, involve comparatively easy village-to-vil-
lage walks where you can stock up on basic food items as you go along. Most other areas
are somewhere in between, requiring that you stock up in advance on basics and have a
guide (or a GPS and some basic Swahili), but with flexibility as to routes and guiding.
TIPPING
Tipping guidelines for guides and porters on Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru are
covered separately in the Trekking Mt Kilimanjaro (
Click here
)
and Trekking
Mt Meru (
Click here
)
sections. In other areas, assuming service has been satis-
factory, guides will expect a modest but fair tip. In the case of national parks
(such as Udzungwa Mountains National Park), daily rates are pre-determined by
the park, and noted in the relevant sections of this topic. Elsewhere, check with
the local Cultural Tourism Program for the going rates - which are generally
well below those on Mt Kilimanjaro.
