Frequently Asked Questions

How many days ahead of the climb should I arrive in Tanzania?

We recommend arriving in Tanzania at least one day before the climb. This gives you some time to relax and adjust to the local weather; it also gives you a safety net in case your flight is delayed.

My inbound flight lands very late in the night or very early in the morning. Is this okay?

This is okay, we do airport transfers at any time, including late nights and early mornings.

Do I need a Visa to get into Tanzania?

Foreigners seeking to enter the United Republic of Tanzania should be in possession of a valid passport; the passport must be valid for 6 months after the intended length of stay in Tanzania. US citizens and other nationalities will need a visa. To see a detailed list of entry requirements see Entry Requirements for Tanzania.

Do I need vaccinations or immunizations to get into Tanzania?

If you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever the government requires proof of yellow fever vaccination; other than the aforementioned, no other vaccination is mandatory. However, we think it is important to get some recommended vaccines for your own safety; see the list here.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. Your travel insurance should cover high altitude trekking, medical and repatriation costs, and trip cancellation. See more details about travel insurance here.

What kind of gear should I pack for Kilimanjaro trip?

Please see an exhaustive list of gear and equipment required for Kilimanjaro here.

How do I book a trip?

To book a trip, you can fill out a booking form, email us directly or call us at +255 684 888 881. Please note that filling the booking form does not confirm the trip; trips are only confirmed once you have paid a 20% deposit by credit card or wire transfer. The remaining balance( i.e the remaining 80%)  is due 60 days before departure of the trip.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept credit cards(Visa and Mastercard) and bank wire transfers – domestic and international.

What are your refund, cancellation and trip transfer policies?

To confirm your booking you are expected to pay a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost;  the deposit is due within 14 days of making the booking and there shall be no binding contract until the deposit has been paid. The remaining balance(the remaining 80%) is due 60 days prior to the first day of service provision. If we do not receive the remaining balance by the due date, the booking shall be canceled automatically. The deposit money is not refundable under any circumstances.

Should the client be unable to make the trip, it is possible to transfer payments and deposits to a new trip; the new trip must take place within one year of the original trip date. Sabaya Tours reserves the right to reject trip transfers. If you request to transfer the trip to a new date that is within 60 days of the original date, a fee of  $200 per person will be charged; if you request to transfer the trip to a date that is within 30 days of the original date, a fee of $400 will be charged per person. No trip transfers will be granted if the new trip date is within 30 days of the original date.

If the client leaves the trip under for any reason, after the trip has begun there will be no refunds; in fact, any additional costs incurred due to such action is the sole responsibility of the client. We do not refund for unutilized services.

Any cancellation must be in writing by email; Cancellation charges shall apply as follows:

• 50% of total cost if canceled 60-30 days prior to the first day of service provision
• 20% of total cost if canceled 60 or more days prior to the first day of service provision
• If canceled 30 or less days prior to the first day of service provision, there are no refunds.

(For more details refer to Booking Terms & Conditions)

What are the minimum and maximum climbing age?

The minimum allowable age for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is 10 years; while there is no maximum climbing age, if you are over 60 years old, please get cleared by your doctor before attempting the climb. Generally, anyone attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro should see their doctor before attempting the climb; it is even more important for those below 18 years and those above 60 years.

Why do other operators have lower or higher prices?

we are uniquely positioned to utilize our expertise and connections to provide you with affordable, very high-quality and innovative services. We are mid-a range operator and are uniquely capable of providing a variety of premium packages, at very fair rates.

Luxury operators charge higher rates for things non-essential add-ons that you do not need; on the other hand,  budget operators charge lower prices at the expense of your safety and comfort.

Must I join a group or can I do a private trip?

When you choose to climb with us or go on safari with us, you have a choice; you can decide to join a group or embarking on a private trip.

Is there a minimum number of people required for a trip to depart?

No, all climbs will depart as soon as one person joins.

What is accommodation like before and after the climb as well as during safaris?

We provide hotel/lodge accommodation before and after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. We choose simple, clean, quiet and comfortable lodges/hotels to help you relax after a long flight, after a climb or during a safari. The websites of those lodges/hotels are linked in our itineraries.  

Do you rent mountain gear?

Yes, we have high-quality mountain gear for rent to our clients; climbing gear is expensive, renting rather than buying, saves you money.  Rental gear is only available to Sabaya Tours clients; we do not rent to other companies or individuals climbing with other companies.

I don’t live near a mountain how can I prepare for altitude?

If you have no access to hills, mountains or nice trails, you can still train adequately by walking as much as possible; try to have at least two days of extended walking or hiking every week. You can also train on a stair master machine at your local gym.  See more information about training for Kilimanjaro here.

What is the weather like on Mount Kilimanjaro?

See this a detailed breakdown of weather on Mount Kilimanjaro here.

When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

See the best times to climb and reasons here.

Who will pick me up from the airport?

We do airport transfers at any time, including late nights and early mornings.

Who do I contact while en route to Tanzania?

If you need to contact us while en route to Tanzania please call us at+255 684 888 881.

Where do I store my valuables while on the Mount Kilimanjaro?

Any valuable items that you do not need on the mountain can be stored in a secure room in the hotel.

How do I call home while in Tanzania?

To call home we recommend WhatsApp or any similar messaging app. Most hotels and some restaurants have WiFi; our safari vehicles also have WiFi onboard. Unfortunately, there is no WiFi or cellular on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Can I book a safari or Kilimanjaro climb once in Tanzania?

Unfortunately no, all safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs must be pre-booked; we need to make preparations before your trip begins.

What happens if one person in a group cannot continue climbing Kilimanjaro? Does everyone else in the group have to descend with them?

If a climber cannot continue, one guide will go down with them to ensure their safety; the rest of the trekking party will continue with the ascent.

How do I shower on the mountain?

There are no shower facilities on the mountain; when preparing for Kilimanjaro please pack wet wipes. In the morning and late in the evening we provide warm water for you to wash your face and hands.

Do you cater to special diets on Kilimanjaro climbs?

Yes, if you have special dietary requirements, just let us know in advance.

Are there charging stations on Mountain Kilimanjaro?

No, prior to the climb make sure your camera or phone is fully charged; you can also bring additional batteries. Batteries do not like the cold, so wrap them in a piece of cloth and put them in your pocket.

What safety measure do you take on the mountain?

We are focused on safety so we take the following precautions:  on each climb, we carry a portable stretcher, a comprehensive first aid kit, and emergency oxygen.

What gear do I need for Safari?

For safari we recommend:

• A good DSLR camera
• Several batteries
• Several storage cards
• At least a 300MM lens.
• Long sleeve shirt
• Convertible pants
• A neck gaiter or bandana for dust
• Binoculars
• Sunscreen

What is included in my Kilimanjaro trip and what is not included?

Kilimanjaro prices include:

• 2 Nights accommodation and dinner at a hotel in Arusha.
• Kilimanjaro climbing services as per itinerary
• Professional mountain guides
• Cooks & porters
• Accommodation in mountain camps & tents
• Meals as per itinerary (Dinner, Lunch & Breakfast)
• Park fees
• Arrival and departure airport transfers
• Clean purified drinking water
• Emergency Evacuation
• Mountain & camping equipment

Kilimanjaro prices do not include:

• Expenses for optional activities
• Expenses for personal spending e.g souvenir purchases, etc
• Drinks (Alcoholic and soft drinks)
• Visa fees
• Tips or gratuities for porters and cooks
• Optional safaris  or beach holiday after the climb
• Travel insurance *

What is included in my safari and what is not included?

Safari prices include:

• Accommodation for the duration of the safari
• Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a popup viewing roof
• Professional guide(driver)
• Park fees including taxes
• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Bottled Water
• Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport – JRO or Arusha Airport – ARK)
• Flying Doctors (AMREF) insurance during the safari

Safari prices do not include:

• Expenses for optional activities
• Expenses for personal spending e.g souvenir purchases, etc
• Drinks (Alcoholic and soft drinks)
• Visa fees
• Tips or gratuities
• Optional beach holidays or Kilimanjaro Climbs
• Travel insurance *