kilimanjaro marangu route (IYKXM)

Marangu to Marangu 7 days.

• Trip Type: Traveller Plus
• Route: Marangu to Marangu
• Length: 7 days
• Transport: Minibus
• Accommodation: Hotel (2 nts), mountain hut (4 nts). 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners

Countries Visited

Tanzania

Tanzania is the place for the classic East Africa safari experience, home to some of the world’s most famous game parks. The wide open plains of the Serengeti, green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season and home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators, is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa. Flat and rolling with long grasses the plains get its name from the Maasai word siringitu, "the place where the land moves on forever". Game viewing in the Serengeti is amazing and as you camp out at night, don't be surprised to hear lions in the distance as you recount your amazing sightings during the day. Most visitors either choose the Serengeti as their favourite game park or the Ngorongoro Crater. This huge caldera - a volcano which collapsed in an immense explosion measures 19km in diameter and 265km² in area. There is an excellent chance of spotting many of the Big Five as well as many, many other species.

Tanzania is also home to the Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. It stands at nearly 6000 metres. There are many routes to the summit and each bring a fantastic sensation of accomplishment. Standing at the foot of this giant, is the town of Moshi and not only does it boast one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world, it is also a central region in Tanzania's coffee district.

After safari or mountain climbing where better to relax than the island of Zanzibar. From the white beaches with the lapping sky blue waves, to the stone paved walkways, you can disappear into a world of calm. There is opportunity to visit the slaving forts of Stone Town, visit the spice farms, or scuba dive on the islands fantastic coral reefs.

Tanzania is a country full of challenges and beauty, but also it is a chance to relax. Pick your challenge and discover Tanzania.

Day 1: Marangu

Welcome to Tanzania. Travel to Marangu and admire the cloud-covered summit of the upcoming challenge - Mt Kilimanjaro. Perhaps get warmed up for the trek with a walk around the hotel's sprawling tropical gardens.

Our hike begins at the Marangu Hotel in the foothills (1,300 m/4,500 ft) of Mt Kilimanjaro. On clear days, in the evenings and early mornings, the snow-capped mountains are visible from the hotel grounds.

Accommodation

Day 2: Mandara Hut

Start the Kilimanjaro trekking adventure by getting to know the team of guides and porters. Set off with a hike through lush rainforest and spot monkeys and brightly-feathered birds in the overhead canopy. From the base at Mandara Hut, enjoy an optional walk to nearby Maundi Crater.

Each person has a personal porter and there are extra porters for camping equipment and food. Please read your trip notes for further information about your guides and porters. It takes just 15 minutes to get to Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,000 ft) at the entrance of the Mt Kilimanjaro National Park. We have to register as a group which can take a little bit of time depending on how busy things are.

Included Activities

Meals Included

Accommodation

Day 3: Horombo Hut

Get muscles pumping on a trek to Horombo Hut. Rainforest gives way to rolling alpine meadow and the path crosses several ravines before reaching the hut. Spend the night in the shadow of twin snow-tipped peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi.

Our second day on the mountain involves another long hike over a slightly steeper stretch. During the day's walk we traverse several ravines before reaching the hut, which is set in a rocky valley. As we walk there is time to enjoy a wide variety of vegetation and changing landscapes on the way to Horombo Hut (3,780 m/12,000 ft), where we spend the night.

Meals Included

Accommodation

Day 4: Kibo Hut

Heading higher towards the peak of Kilimanjaro, hike up progressively more rugged and rocky terrain and notice the air start to thin. Trek onwards through the hauntingly beautiful moorland forests full of hanging moss and exotic flowers. Skirt the stark moonscape of the Saddle to reach Kibo Hut.

The landscape becomes progressively more rugged and rocky and the air noticeably thinner today so we slow our pace accordingly. We pass giant groundsels and lobelias while travelling across the sparse moorland.

Meals Included

Accommodation

Day 5: Horombo Hut

Close to midnight, wake and enjoy a cup of tea before zigzagging up a scree slope by lamplight. Arrive at Gilman's Point in time to rest tired legs and watch the sun rise from behind Mawenzi Peak. Continue the final trek upwards and pass along the rim of a crater to reach the highest point in Africa. At 5,896m, the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro offers simply unforgettable views of the crater, the ice fields and the distant East African plains.

The trek to Gilman's Point is the stretch that most people find the hardest, and you should be prepared for a very cold morning. However, the dramatic spectacle of the sun rising over the ice fields of the crater will make the early start totally worthwhile. For those who still have the will and the energy, it is a further two hours along the rim of the crater to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), the highest point in Africa. From this peak, there are unforgettable views of the crater, the ice fields and the vast and distant East African plains below.

Meals Included

Accommodation

Day 6 to 7: Marangu

Descend through alpine meadows and lush rainforests to Marangu and celebrate the end of a memorable Kilimanjaro trek with a warm, hearty meal and a well-earned hot shower or relaxing bath.

The distance from Horombo to Marangu Gate is 27 km (approximately 5-6 hours).

Accommodation

What else you need to know

Itinerary disclaimer

Occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It's very important that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.imaginative-traveller.com

Please note that while we operate successful trips in this region throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route.

Physical preparation

Although no mountaineering experience is required a good level of physical fitness is necessary. You must be comfortable walking 6-8 hours uphill a day. This is certainly a strenuous climb so the better prepared you are, the more you should enjoy it.

Plenty of time is available each day to get between the huts on the mountain so you do not need to rush and you are in fact far better off going slowly and enjoying the changing scenery and views. That way you acclimatize better and are in better shape for the final trek from Kibo Hut to Gillman's Point, or Barafu to Stella Point on the Machame route, and then around to Uhuru Peak.

We recommend that in the months leading up to your climb you increase your physical fitness with aerobic exercise. Walking, running and stair-climbing will all strengthen your legs and improve your stamina.

Included activities

Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary, all other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

Money Exchange

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).

The best way to manage your money in Africa is a mixture of cash, an ATM card (best to have both Visa and MasterCard) and some traveller's cheques.

CASH:

Cash is easily changed at exchange bureaus and they generally offer the best rates.

***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE BRINGING USD, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND LARGE BILLS IN GOOD CONDITION, 2003 SERIES ONWARDS ONLY. ANY OLD OR DAMAGED NOTES MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED. YOUR KITTY PAYMENT MUST BE PAID WITH BILLS NO OLDER THEN 2003 SERIES***

EUR or GBP are also widely accepted. The South African Rand can also be used widely in countries of Southern Africa. When changing money, only use reputable authorised money exchange vendors and never anyone on the street. There are many instances of travellers being given counterfeit notes or being tricked when money is being counted out.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

You should also carry some traveller's cheques for back up emergency cash. While traveller's cheques are undoubtedly the safest way to carry money, they are becoming harder to cash around the world and can often result in unfavourable exchange rates and commission charges. It can also be tricky to reach banks during banking business hours which are often short in many African countries. Note: Receipts for traveller's cheques are required by banks and money changers.

VISA AND MASTERCARD:

With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be. Check with your bank before leaving home that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it's not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries. If you're on a multi-country tour, your tour leader will be able to give you an approximate idea of how much money you may need for your stay in each country.

Spending money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Tipping

If you are happy with the services providing a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Imaginative Traveller destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.

The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:

Restaurants: Please check the bill and if there's an addition of 10% service charge, there's no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 10% of the total bill amount is appropriate.

At local markets and basic restaurants: Leave the loose change.

Local guides/Porters: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US$1 per person, per day for local guides/porters.

Your crew (including the leader and driver, and perhaps cook depending on your trip): You may also consider tipping your crew for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US$2-3 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Departure tax

All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.

Important notes

In order to secure your Kilimanjaro climb permit, an additional deposit is required at time of booking.

Please make sure you arrange your flights in order to arrive at Marangu Lodge before 4pm on Day 1 in order to attend the very important pre-climb briefing and information session. This meeting is usually held before dinner, however in some instances it may be necessary to have the meeting on the morning of Day 2. Please check at reception what time and where this meeting will take place.

Breakfasts are provided at your pre/post climb accommodation. Please budget an additional US$20 if you would like dinner.

It's easy to book yourself a transfer from Nairobi to Marangu (or vice versa). Simply ask at your hotel. They will make a booking and collect payment for you (cost is approx US$80). This public shuttle transfer leaves your Nairobi hotel around 8am in the morning and you should arrive at your destination at 3pm. There is also often an afternoon shuttle available - please ask at your hotel.

Group size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group.

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Single travellers

Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don't involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multishare. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis and where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes.

Accommodation

Mountain hut (4 nts), Hotel (2 nts)

Meals

6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners

Budget for meals not included: USD 50.00

Transport

Minibus

Kilimanjaro Climb Team

This trip is led by experienced guides, with a minimum of 1 guide to every 2 climbers. Sufficient porters are employed to carry the group's equipment.

Joining point

For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

07 Jan 2012 (IYKXM120107), 21 Jan 2012 (IYKXM120121), 04 Feb 2012 (IYKXM120204), 18 Feb 2012 (IYKXM120218), 24 Mar 2012 (IYKXM120324), 07 Apr 2012 (IYKXM120407), 21 Apr 2012 (IYKXM120421), 12 May 2012 (IYKXM120512), 26 May 2012 (IYKXM120526), 09 Jun 2012 (IYKXM120609), 23 Jun 2012 (IYKXM120623), 30 Jun 2012 (IYKXM120630), 07 Jul 2012 (IYKXM120707), 14 Jul 2012 (IYKXM120714), 21 Jul 2012 (IYKXM120721), 28 Jul 2012 (IYKXM120728), 04 Aug 2012 (IYKXM120804), 11 Aug 2012 (IYKXM120811), 18 Aug 2012 (IYKXM120818), 25 Aug 2012 (IYKXM120825), 01 Sep 2012 (IYKXM120901), 08 Sep 2012 (IYKXM120908), 15 Sep 2012 (IYKXM120915), 22 Sep 2012 (IYKXM120922), 29 Sep 2012 (IYKXM120929), 06 Oct 2012 (IYKXM121006), 13 Oct 2012 (IYKXM121013), 20 Oct 2012 (IYKXM121020), 27 Oct 2012 (IYKXM121027), 03 Nov 2012 (IYKXM121103), 10 Nov 2012 (IYKXM121110), 17 Nov 2012 (IYKXM121117), 24 Nov 2012 (IYKXM121124), 01 Dec 2012 (IYKXM121201), 08 Dec 2012 (IYKXM121208), 15 Dec 2012 (IYKXM121215), 22 Dec 2012 (IYKXM121222), 29 Dec 2012 (IYKXM121229), 05 Jan 2013 (IYKXM130105), 19 Jan 2013 (IYKXM130119), 02 Feb 2013 (IYKXM130202), 16 Feb 2013 (IYKXM130216), 02 Mar 2013 (IYKXM130302), 16 Mar 2013 (IYKXM130316), 30 Mar 2013 (IYKXM130330), 13 Apr 2013 (IYKXM130413), 27 Apr 2013 (IYKXM130427), 11 May 2013 (IYKXM130511), 25 May 2013 (IYKXM130525), 08 Jun 2013 (IYKXM130608), 22 Jun 2013 (IYKXM130622)

Marangu Hotel

P.O. BOX 40 Marangu

Marangu

TANZANIA

Alternate Joining point

For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

10 Mar 2012 (IYKXM120310)

Babylon Lodge

PO Box 227

Marangu

TANZANIA

Phone: +255762016016

Fax: +255272756355

Arrival complications

We don't expect any problems (and nor should you) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your group leader.

If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the starting point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in these Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.

No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.

Finish point

For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.

07 Jan 2012 (IYKXM120107), 21 Jan 2012 (IYKXM120121), 04 Feb 2012 (IYKXM120204), 18 Feb 2012 (IYKXM120218), 24 Mar 2012 (IYKXM120324), 07 Apr 2012 (IYKXM120407), 21 Apr 2012 (IYKXM120421), 12 May 2012 (IYKXM120512), 26 May 2012 (IYKXM120526), 09 Jun 2012 (IYKXM120609), 23 Jun 2012 (IYKXM120623), 30 Jun 2012 (IYKXM120630), 07 Jul 2012 (IYKXM120707), 14 Jul 2012 (IYKXM120714), 21 Jul 2012 (IYKXM120721), 28 Jul 2012 (IYKXM120728), 04 Aug 2012 (IYKXM120804), 11 Aug 2012 (IYKXM120811), 18 Aug 2012 (IYKXM120818), 25 Aug 2012 (IYKXM120825), 01 Sep 2012 (IYKXM120901), 08 Sep 2012 (IYKXM120908), 15 Sep 2012 (IYKXM120915), 22 Sep 2012 (IYKXM120922), 29 Sep 2012 (IYKXM120929), 06 Oct 2012 (IYKXM121006), 13 Oct 2012 (IYKXM121013), 20 Oct 2012 (IYKXM121020), 27 Oct 2012 (IYKXM121027), 03 Nov 2012 (IYKXM121103), 10 Nov 2012 (IYKXM121110), 17 Nov 2012 (IYKXM121117), 24 Nov 2012 (IYKXM121124), 01 Dec 2012 (IYKXM121201), 08 Dec 2012 (IYKXM121208), 15 Dec 2012 (IYKXM121215), 22 Dec 2012 (IYKXM121222), 29 Dec 2012 (IYKXM121229), 05 Jan 2013 (IYKXM130105), 19 Jan 2013 (IYKXM130119), 02 Feb 2013 (IYKXM130202), 16 Feb 2013 (IYKXM130216), 02 Mar 2013 (IYKXM130302), 16 Mar 2013 (IYKXM130316), 30 Mar 2013 (IYKXM130330), 13 Apr 2013 (IYKXM130413), 27 Apr 2013 (IYKXM130427), 11 May 2013 (IYKXM130511), 25 May 2013 (IYKXM130525), 08 Jun 2013 (IYKXM130608), 22 Jun 2013 (IYKXM130622)

Marangu Hotel

P.O. BOX 40 Marangu

Marangu

TANZANIA

Alternate Finish point

For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.

10 Mar 2012 (IYKXM120310)

Babylon Lodge

PO Box 227

Marangu

TANZANIA

Phone: +255762016016

Fax: +255272756355

Emergency contact

We have a dedicated 24 hour telephone number which should only be used once you have left the UK and in the event of a real emergency. Should you need to call the number, we will do what we can to help but please bear in mind that real progress or action may not be possible until normal office hours.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, please let us know and then make your way to the joining hotel as instructed in these trip notes. If you cannot get through leave a message and a contact number as these will be regularly checked.   

Emergency Number: +44 (0) 7985106564

Emergency funds

Please also make sure you have access to an additional US$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.

Visas

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

TANZANIA:

A visa is required by visitors of most nationalities including from the EU, USA and Australia. It is recommended you purchase your visa in advance. The cost is approximately US$75 depending on nationality. At the present time you do not require a multi entry visa to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due to an agreement between the three countries (eg. if you exit Kenya to Tanzania you can re-enter Kenya on the same visa). However if your trip visits Tanzania twice after a visit to a country other than those listed above, you may need to purchase two visas.

Issues on your trip

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. But we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.

What to take

Most of your clothing that you are not actually wearing will be carried by your porter in a bag which is locally known as a sulfet. This comes from the word 'sulphate' as these sacks originally contained fertiliser. The bags, used to carry 50 kg of fertiliser, are washed and go on sale in the markets. They are made of a woven plastic material and are very strong if far from pretty. The items to be carried by the passenger's porter go into this and it is then put into a homemade plastic sheath for waterproofing and finally a canvas pack that the porters carry on their heads.

Every porter load is weighed by the Park and cannot exceed 25 kg. Marangu Hotel weigh the 'gear sacks' at the hotel before the group sets off - 15 kg is your maximum gear allowance. Although a guide will always accompany you on the trail you are unlikely to see your porter (as they are very fast!) except at the huts or the camps. Therefore it is important you pack carefully the smaller day pack you carry yourself. Anything you need during the course of the day should be in your day pack including, most importantly, something warm and something waterproof.

Light clothing is generally sufficient until you reach the 3-4000 metre/12-14,000 feet altitude range provided you always have something warm and waterproof in your daypack. Beyond these altitudes, even if the mornings are glorious, you must always be ready for dramatic changes in the weather, including snow storms. You must have clothing with you in your daypack adequate to the conditions.

It is for the final ascent that all your warm clothing is important. The ascents are normally done at night and this is when the coldest temperatures are experienced. You must be prepared for temperatures of minus 25 degrees celsius/minus 13 Fahrenheit. As a rule you should wear 2 pairs of socks, 3 layers on the legs, 4-5 layers on top. A balaclava or ski mask is necessary to keep the head warm and you should have a hood to protect your head from wind. Mittens and dark glasses are also needed.

Note: the bag the porter carries for you should not exceed 15 kg/33 lbs. If bags are too heavy items may have to be removed or the climber may choose to hire an additional porter.

• Anorak/parka with hood
• Mittens
• Balaclava/ski mask
• Ski sunglasses
• Scarf
• 2 pairs warm trousers
• Thermal underpants and vest/long sleeved
• 6 pairs socks thin and thick
• T-shirts x 3, long sleeve shirts x 2-3
• Sweater/fleece x 1
• Waterproof trousers and jacket
• Sun hat
• Boots and trainers/sandals
• Small first aid kit
• Day pack, approx 30 litres
• Refillable water bottles (3 x 1 litre) and water purification method
• Good quality, super-warm 4-season sleeping bag (these can be borrowed from our local operator in Tanzania but this
service is on a request basis only - please book your bag at time of booking)
• Thermarest or trekking roll mat.
• Headache tablets
• Imodium (loperamide)
• Climbers may like to consult their physicians about azetazolomide (Diamox), a drug that many find mitigates the ill effects of altitude, headache, diarrhoea & vomiting.
• Towel/soap/toiletries
• Torch/flashlight and spare batteries(head torches are really great)
• Gaiters
• Sunblock and high SPF lip balm
• Camera, film, extra batteries - you will not be able to recharge on the mountain but can at the Marangu Hotel before and after the climb
• Wet wipes

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLOTHES:

Over the years Marangu Hotel has accumulated clothing for use on the mountain and have long had a policy of lending whatever is available at no extra charge. It is vitally important however that you know that this gear is dependent on availability and cannot be guaranteed. Hotel staff will check each climber's clothing and equipment to ensure no essential items are omitted. An agreed upon deposit, refundable upon return in good condition, may be required. Lost equipment will be charged for at replacement value.

Health

All Imaginative Traveller travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Imaginative Traveller reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Please note that this trip spends time above 2800 metres/9200 feet where it's possible to experience some adverse effects on your health due to the altitude, potentially including Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please make sure you discuss it with your doctor and be aware of the way altitude may exacerbate your condition.

It's very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude and monitor your health during this trip. For further information check out the following website: http://www.treksafe.com.au/medical/altitude_illness.htm

YELLOW FEVER:

A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home.

Please check with your doctor before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.

DRINKING WATER:

As a rule we recommend you don't drink tap water, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of different minerals than the water you may have at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Bottled water is widely available and your leader can recommend safe alternatives when available. Water consumption should be about 3 litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhoea blockers are available from many pharmacies.

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Imaginative Traveller itinerary, and Imaginative Traveller makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS:

Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY:

While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When travelling on a group trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

We highly recommend the Imaginative Traveller travel insurance which is tailored specifically for adventure travel and covers ALL activities featured in any of our tours.  For more details please go to http://www.imaginative-traveller.com/travel-insurance

Responsible Travel

Responsible Travel is twofold. It’s about taking people to the places they want to go in a safe and responsible manner but also about respecting and maintaining the natural and often delicate balance of the destination. Economic gain from tourism is often fundamental to a country, but should never be at the expense of its culture or the environment.

Our Aims

• It is our aim to provide journeys that have minimal negative and maximum positive impact on the places we visit.
• We do not believe that, as visitors, we should impose our own cultures on others; rather that we should experience foreign cultures and appreciate them for what they are.
• Whilst it is our aim to show destinations and cultures in a positive light, we do not believe in papering over the cracks or shielding visitors from the realities of life. This does not mean, however, that we condone or endorse certain situations or regimes that may be in place. 
  Our guidelines are meant not as rigid instructions but rather as suggestions to make our holidays more enjoyable – for everybody. As cultural and environmental sensitivities vary from country to country more specific guidelines can be found in our individual country and trip dossiers.

Travellers' Guidelines

Before you depart try to spend some time familiarising yourself with the destination you will be travelling to – their culture and customs. The country dossiers on our website offer detailed information about all the regions we visit. They also include some useful phrases in the local language for you to use on your trip! A few words of the local language can open up many more opportunities for you to interact with the people you will meet.

Although it is tempting to give out pens, sweets and money to people begging, and particularly tempting to give to children, we feel that this encourages a begging mentality and has a long-term negative impact on communities. If someone begging earns more than someone in the same community who works this can discourage local employment. If children regularly bring home money it may discourage their parents from sending them to school.

Always ask permission to photograph local people and respect their decision if they would prefer not to have their picture taken.

Respect local dress codes, especially at religious sites. Our tour leaders are always on hand to give you advice about this.

In many of the countries we visit you might see examples of animal cruelty (for example dancing bears, performing monkeys and snake charmers). Please do not take photographs of this or offer money as it encourages the activity.

Respect the environment you are in. It sounds obvious but do not throw litter, take it with you or use rubbish bins! You may see locals throwing rubbish on the street but do not follow their example!

When shopping in countries where haggling is the norm – enjoy it and only pay what you feel is a fair price for the goods you are purchasing. However, remember that the shopkeeper does have to make a living so do stop once you have reached a price you are happy with. Bargaining should be fun but always remember that a small amount can mean much more to the vendor than to you.

Endeavour to take home souvenirs made locally; the money you spend can be very important to the local communities. However, do use your common sense and don’t buy anything that you think might be made out of endangered animals or plants.

To help keep as much money as possible in the host country - try to eat in locally owned restaurants and order local drinks and produce rather than international brands.

In hotels do be conscious of how much water you are using. Many of the areas we visit regularly have shortages; try not to have hour long showers! Don’t leave lights, air conditioners or fans on when you leave the room – you wouldn’t at home!

Respect the environment you are in, especially when in national parks or reserves. Pay attention to rules about keeping on paths, keeping a distance from animals and not removing any of the natural habitat.

Relax and immerse yourself in the differences of the culture you are in – you’ll be back home in the familiar soon enough (and wishing you were still on holiday!). These cultural differences are part of what makes your experience special.

If you would like to offset the carbon dioxide that will be produced on your flights you can do this on our website (on our Responsible travel page). We work with climatecare, who will reduce the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide that you produce in another part of the World through their emission reduction projects. These projects are low carbon efficient technologies in developing countries and not only serve to reduce emissions but also help to spread the adoption of low carbon technologies and improve the quality of life for local communities. Details of climatecare’s projects can be found on their website.

Please do let us know if you have any comments about responsible travel at rto@imtrav.net

A couple of rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Imaginative Traveller travellers. Imaginative Traveller's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular, the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Carbon offset

Carbon Offset C02-e 209.00 kgs per pax.

These trip notes have been compiled to help you prepare for your journey, once you have booked. They include the full itinerary and dates, information and kit lists, meeting hotels, insurance, vaccinations, visas, and other information that will help you get ready for your trip.

Please ensure you have an up to date version of these Trip Notes

These trip notes were printed on 24/11/2012