Frequently Asked Questions

Dry season (June–October): Best for classic wildlife viewing — animals gather at water sources, vegetation is thinner, excellent photography conditions.

Green/wet season (November–May): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, lower prices, newborn animals (especially Jan–March calving in Serengeti), great birdwatching.

Kilimanjaro climbing is possible year-round, but January–March and September–October usually offer the clearest summit views.

Most nationalities require a visa.

Options:

• e-Visa — recommended (apply online, ~USD 50, processed in 2–10 days)
• Visa on arrival — available at major airports (Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar)

Check exact requirements for your nationality on the official Tanzania Immigration portal or ask us — we guide all clients.

Required: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a risk country (or transiting >12h).

Strongly recommended:

• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus/Diphtheria
• Rabies (for extended rural stays)

Malaria prophylaxis is advised for safari areas. Consult your doctor 4–8 weeks before travel. Bring personal medications and mosquito repellent.

Yes — Tanzania is one of the safest countries in East Africa for organized tourism.

Safari areas, national parks, lodges, and Zanzibar resorts are very secure. Exercise normal precautions in cities (e.g., avoid flashing valuables, use reputable taxis at night).

Kalis Safari provides experienced guides, private vehicles, and 24/7 support — your safety is our top priority.

Absolutely — Tanzania is very family-friendly.

Many lodges offer family suites, kids' menus, and child-friendly activities. Some game drives have minimum age (usually 5–6 years) for safety. We can arrange private vehicles and tailor itineraries for families of all ages.

Most Kalis Safari packages include:

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• All national park/conservation fees
• Accommodation (lodge, camp or tented camp)
• Three meals daily (full board)
• Bottled water & soft drinks on game drives
• Airport transfers (on multi-day packages)

International flights, visas, travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, and tips are usually not included unless specified.

Tanzania has the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa:

• Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Black Rhino
• Great Migration: Millions of wildebeest & zebra (June–October river crossings in Serengeti)
• Special sightings: Tree-climbing lions (Lake Manyara), huge elephant herds (Tarangire), flamingos (Ngorongoro)

With expert Kalis guides, your Big Five success rate is extremely high.

We offer options for every budget and style:

• Luxury lodges: Permanent stone/wood structures with pools, spas
• High-end tented camps: Classic safari feel, very comfortable
• Mobile camps: Follow the migration
• Mid-range & budget: Comfortable lodges and public campsites

Tell us your preference — we’ll match the perfect fit.

Ideal length depends on your goals:

• 3–4 days: Short wildlife escape (Tarangire + Ngorongoro)
• 5–7 days: Classic Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara)
• 8–10+ days: In-depth safari + cultural visits or Zanzibar extension

Longer safaris allow slower travel, better wildlife sightings, and relaxation.

Yes — Tanzania is one of the best first-time safari destinations:

• Excellent road network in northern parks
• Highest wildlife density in Africa
• English-speaking guides
• Well-developed lodges and camps

We handle all logistics — you just enjoy the adventure.

Private safari: Your own vehicle & guide, flexible schedule, tailored pace — most popular with Kalis clients

Group safari: Shared vehicle, fixed itinerary, lower cost — good for solo travelers

Private safaris offer better photography, flexibility, and comfort.

Yes — our most popular combinations:

• Safari + Zanzibar: Wildlife followed by beach relaxation
• Safari + Kilimanjaro: Trek Africa’s highest peak, then recover on safari/beach

We coordinate flights, transfers, and timing seamlessly.

No technical climbing skills are needed — Kilimanjaro is a trek, not a technical climb.

Success depends on:

• Good physical fitness (cardio + hiking training 3–6 months)
• Proper acclimatization (choose 7–8 day route)
• Mental determination

Average summit success rate with good operator: 70–90% on longer routes.

We recommend these beginner-friendly routes:

• Lemosho (7–8 days): Scenic, excellent acclimatization, high success rate (~85–90%)
• Machame (6–7 days): Beautiful "Whiskey route", good acclimatization
• Marangu (5–6 days): Only route with huts — quicker but lower success (~60–70%)

For best chance of summit: choose 7–8 days.

Altitude sickness (AMS) occurs above ~2,500m due to lower oxygen levels.

Prevention strategies we use:

• Longer itineraries (slow ascent)
• "Pole pole" (go slow) walking pace
• Proper hydration & nutrition
• Medicines (Diamox) if recommended by your doctor
• Oxygen & emergency evacuation available

Success rates vary significantly depending on route, duration, operator, and preparation. With Kalis Safari:

• 7–8 day routes (Lemosho, Machame): 80–92% summit success
• 6-day routes: 65–80%
• 5-day Marangu: 55–70%

Longer itineraries with slow acclimatization dramatically increase your chances. We focus on safety and summit success over speed.

Prices depend on route, duration, group size, and luxury level. Current 2026 ranges with Kalis Safari (per person, double occupancy):

• 5–6 days (Marangu/Machame): $1,800–$2,600
• 7–8 days (Lemosho/Machame): $2,800–$4,200
• Luxury/private options: $4,500+

Includes: park fees, guides/porters, meals, camping/lodging, transfers. Excludes: international flights, gear rental, tips (~$250–$400 per climber), visa, insurance.

You’ll experience 5 climate zones in 4–5 days:

• Rainforest (1,800–2,800m): Warm, humid, 15–25°C
• Heath/Moorland (2,800–4,000m): Cooler, 5–15°C
• Alpine desert (4,000–5,000m): Cold, dry, 0–10°C
• Arctic summit (5,000–5,895m): Freezing, -10 to -25°C, possible snow/wind

Best climbing months: January–March and September–October (clearer summit views). Bring layers — nights are cold even in rainforest zone.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but good cardiovascular fitness is essential.

Recommended preparation (3–6 months):

• Cardio: 4–5× week (hiking, running, cycling, stair climbing)
• Hiking: Practice with day hikes carrying 5–10 kg backpack
• Strength: Core, legs, endurance training

Daily trekking: 5–10 hours walking uphill at altitude. Most healthy adults succeed with proper training.

Accommodation depends on the route:

• Marangu: Dormitory-style mountain huts with beds & shared facilities
• Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, etc.: High-quality dome tents with sleeping mats

We provide: 4-season tents, thick sleeping mats, mess tent with tables/chairs, private toilet tent (on premium climbs), hot water for washing.

We serve nutritious, high-energy meals designed for altitude:

• Breakfast: Porridge, eggs, pancakes, fruits, toast
• Lunch: Picnic-style (sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruits, snacks)
• Dinner: Soup, pasta/rice, chicken/beef/fish, vegetables, dessert
• Snacks: Nuts, chocolate, popcorn, energy bars
• Vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options available (inform us in advance)

Fresh food carried daily by porters; hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) provided throughout.

Guides: Fully licensed, English-speaking, experienced in altitude medicine and emergency response. They set the pace, monitor health, and lead the group.

Porters: Carry all group equipment, food, tents, and your personal gear (up to 15kg allowed). They are the backbone of every climb.

We follow KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) fair treatment standards — fair wages, proper gear, food, and insurance for all crew.

Safety is our top priority. Every Kalis Safari climb includes:

• Guides trained in Wilderness First Response & altitude sickness
• Pulse oximeters & blood oxygen monitoring daily
• Emergency oxygen (multiple bottles per group)
• Comprehensive first-aid kit
• 24/7 communication with base & rescue services
• Emergency evacuation insurance included (helicopter available from certain points)

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated (pooled among crew):

Recommended total per climber (7–8 day climb):

• Chief Guide: $25–35/day
• Assistant Guides: $20–25/day each
• Cook: $12–20/day
• Porters: $8–12/day each
• Total per person: $250–400 (shared among 5–8 crew members)

Tip at the final camp after summit — bring cash in USD or TZS.

Yes! Upon successful summit, you receive:

• Official Kilimanjaro National Park summit certificate
• Personalized Kalis Safari completion certificate

We present them during the celebration breakfast after descending to the gate. A memorable keepsake of your achievement!

Yes — Zanzibar is one of the safest beach destinations in East Africa.

Most resorts are gated with 24/7 security. In Stone Town, use normal precautions (avoid dark alleys at night, keep valuables safe).

We only book reputable hotels and provide reliable transfers.

Zanzibar cuisine is a delicious Swahili–Arab–Indian fusion:

• Fresh seafood (lobster, prawns, octopus)
• Spiced pilau rice, coconut curries, biryani
• Street food: Zanzibar pizza, urojo soup, mandazi
• Tropical fruits: mango, pineapple, jackfruit
• Vegetarian & vegan options widely available

Most beach resorts also offer international dishes.

Zanzibar is a year-round destination, but the best months are:

• June–October: Dry, cooler, perfect beach weather
• December–February: Hot, sunny, ideal for swimming/diving

April–May is rainy season — fewer crowds and lower prices.

Zanzibar offers much more than beaches:

• Stone Town historical tours (UNESCO site)
• Spice farm tours
• Snorkeling & diving (Mnemba Atoll)
• Ethical dolphin tours
• Sunset dhow cruises
• Jozani Forest (red colobus monkeys)

Yes — Zanzibar is one of Africa’s top honeymoon destinations:

• Romantic beachfront resorts
• Private villas & spa treatments
• Sunset dhow cruises & candlelit dinners

We offer exclusive honeymoon packages with special surprises.

Zanzibar is culturally conservative outside resorts:

• Beachwear fine at hotels & beaches
• In towns/Stone Town: cover shoulders & knees
• Light, breathable clothing best due to heat

Respectful dressing enhances your local experience.

Yes — Zanzibar is a fantastic stand-alone beach holiday destination.

However, many travelers combine it with a short safari for the ultimate Tanzanian experience. We can design pure Zanzibar packages too!

Top beaches (all with great resorts):

• Nungwi & Kendwa: White sand, clear water, vibrant nightlife
• Kiwengwa & Pongwe: Calm, family-friendly, excellent snorkeling
• Jambiani & Paje: Quiet, traditional, kitesurfing
• Mnemba Atoll: Luxury private island day trips

Yes — world-class marine life:

• Mnemba Atoll: Best reefs, turtles, dolphins
• Chumbe Island: Pristine coral gardens
• Best months: June–October & December–March (calm seas)

We arrange ethical, small-group trips with certified operators.