Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GUIDES & PORTERS
Guides are required for treks on Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru, in the Crater Highlands and in
Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Elsewhere, although not essential, a local guide is re-
commended to show you the way, to provide introductions in remote places and to guard
against occasional instances of hassling and robberies in some areas. If you decide to hike
without a guide, you'll need to know some basic Swahili. Wherever you trek, always be
sure your guide is accredited, or affiliated with an established company. On Kilimanjaro,
this should be taken care of by your trekking company, and on Mt Meru and in Udzung-
wa Mountains National Park, guides are park rangers. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area
also has its own guides. In other areas, check with the local tourist office or guide associ-
ation before finalising your arrangements. Avoid going with freelancers.
Porters are commonly used on Mt Kilimanjaro, and sometimes on Mt Meru, though not
elsewhere. In the Crater Highlands, donkeys may be used to carry gear.
WHAT TO BRING
For Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru, you'll need a full range of waterproof cold-
weather clothing and gear. Particularly on Kilimanjaro, waterproof everything,
especially your sleeping bag, as things rarely dry on the mountain. Also con-
sider the following:
»Good-quality sleeping bag (sometimes available to rent through trekking oper-
ators)
»Birding guides and checklists
»Mosquito repellent
»Rain gear and waterproofs
»Sunglasses and sunscreen
»Camera (and extra memory)
»Extra contact-lens solution and prescription glasses
»Mosquito net
»Tent
»Extra water bottles
In all of Tanzania's mountain areas, expect rain at any time of year and consid-
erably cooler weather than along the coast. Nights can be very chilly, and a wa-
ter- and wind-proof jacket and warm pullover are essential almost everywhere.
Trekking Areas
For more information on each, see the destination chapters.
