Great Rift & Lake Natron

Yes, we are and we have one of the highest ratings possible. We are very proud of this – our porters and crew make your climbing and trekking possible. They sing and dance up the mountain giving us an incredible experience. In return, we do our utmost to support them back.

The mistreatment of porters can be a troubling challenge in the climbing industry. We are an approved Partner company with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project – KPAP – and the International Mountain Explorers Connection – IMEC – Partner for Responsible Travel Program.

We voluntarily participate with KPAP’s monitoring activities and allow KPAP to evaluate the treatment of our porters on all of our climbs. By climbing with us you can be assured that your porters are well taken care of.

KPAP also helps to improve the working conditions of porters by:

• Lending donated clothing at no charge to the mountain crew for use while climbing
• Educating the public on porter working conditions and climbing responsibly
• Providing industry guidelines for proper porter treatment
• Offering educational classes to porters

Again yes we are. This is a very important aspect of 360 operations. Please do chat to 360 and ask for the full documentation on this to see how we operate, not only in Africa on Kilimanjaro but globally.

At 360, we LOVE what we do and are always striving to be better and do more good things.

We provide extensive training to our African team, such as the REC Level 4 Remote Emergency First Aid Course, conducted by UK expert in Rescue & Emergency, Allan Shaw. 

Not only does this keep our standards high and you all safe but we are helping build the skills of our guides, enabling them to push forwards in their careers.

We always offer 3 hot meals a day.. Breakfast will be an English styled (African version) breakfast. Lunch will be a lighter meal and dinner will start with soup and followed by a varied main and desert.

Absolutely, please inform the office of any allergies or intolerances and we will ensure that these are taken into account on the trek.

For this expedition we use bottled drinking water.

There is water at each camp except at Empakai where we will take water from Bulati, and again at Acacia where we will take enough water at Naiyobi village.

Yes – we always advise you bring some snacks with you. Maybe a chunky chocolate bar, biltong or nuts and dried fruits

We have plenty of solo travellers on our expeditions – you’ll likely have others on yours! We don’t charge any extra for single travellers , unless you specifically opt for a single room or tent. All of the accommodation and tents are based on two people sharing, and this is always organised according to sex and then, where possible, age groups.

If you do end up being the only single male or female on a trip, or there’s an odd number, then you may end up with a room to yourself – but there’s no guarantee. If you do wish to have a single room option, do chat to us for the details! We do generally recommend tent sharing, as most altitude related symptoms manifest themselves at night, but our leaders are always on hand and so if you are in a tent on your own, there’s always someone nearby.

We will be in basic campsites in a 2- person tents with bucket showers and simple toilets.

Yes we suggest a micro fast drying towel

At camps there will be basic simple camp toilets

In Moshi at the start the we generally stay in a lovely hotel called San Salenaro. It has a pool and stunning gardens

The final hotel after the trek is in the Tarengire National Park itself .. it is a stunning lodge also with a pool and wonderful view areas where you can sit with a sundowner and watch the animals roam.

There is hot water in bucket!

The expedition is based on a twin share. But you are able to have a single tent and room throughout if that is your preference

Yes you absolutely must. We are in a malaria zone. We suggest Malerone but please see you nurse practitioner at least 2 months before departure to get organised.

No not at all – the highest part of this trek is at 3700m at Olmoti Crater

Yes, absolutely. This will be on the last day at Engaresero village. So do pack your swimmers!

We advocate a little bit of self-help on the mountain. If you have a blister developing for example then please stop take off your boot and treat it before it becomes a problem. Your own first aid kit should contain: a basic blister kit, plasters, antiseptic, high factor sun protection, your own personal medication, basic pain relief (aspirin and Ibuprofen), a personal course of antibiotics if prone to illness. Foot powder in your socks every morning is great for preventing blisters.

Additionally: oral rehydration salt, (enough for one a day) alcohol swap, a small bandage, cotton, plaster, spirit, violin jelly, iodine solution, sanitizer, mediplast, hand gloves, Deep heat spray & gel.

Generally the best approach to take when packing your first aid kit is to include such basic medications as if you would on a family or personal holiday.

The following vaccinations are recommended:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Yellow Fever (see below)
• Anti Malaria Tablets are vital.

This list is not absolute and it is important you should see your GP Surgery or travel clinic for latest recommendations and to ensure you are up to date on necessary vaccinations.

The advice about Yellow Fever vaccinations for travelling to Tanzania changes frequently and you must check with your GP surgery or Travel Clinic for the latest advice before you travel. We cannot advise you on this due to the frequency with which the advice changes.

Yes, you will carry your day pack daily and we hope with water it will weigh no more than 7 – 8 kilios. (aiming for 5)

Inside you will need

• light weight water proof trousers and jacket
• sun cream
• SPF lip-balm
• camera/phone
• snacks,
• liquid hand wash
• head torch
• toilet paper and a few nappy bags
• Water bottles or/and platypus(hydration bladder) enough to carry 3L
• sun glasses
• wide-brimmed hat/cap for sun protection –
• sun hat
• fleece
• Small first aid kit – personal use.

Yes, this bag will be kept clean inside the vehicle, the vehicle that will be with you throughout the trek.

Yes, a jacket and trouser just in-case. But again, sun protection gear is essential.

We suggest you wear light waterproof trekking boots with ankle protections

No we don’t not recommend this and we also do not recommend trainers as we will be passing many bushes and traversing loose rocks areas with small stones.

Yes, by vehicle or donkey.

Should be rated within the -5C comfort zone.  Ensure you get a sleeping bag that has this temperature rating at this comfort zone rather than as its extreme zone.

S leeping bags can be enhanced by using an inner silk liner (or similar), and ultimately by draping your down jacket over you. The idea is to be as comfortable and warm as possible for the night and henceforth to ensure plenty of sleep for the arduous days ahead. It is important to remember that down sleeping bags work by your own body heating the down that’s inside the bag. Once you have warmed the bag up the feather down will retain the heat and ensure that you sleep at a temperature that’s your own body temperature. For best results wear as little as possible when inside your sleeping bag. Our guides will often only wear a set of thermals in their bag. It is important for the bag to trap the heat. By wearing multiple layers of clothing your clothing will trap this heat and your bag will not function properly.

You can rent equipment from our friends at www.outdoorhire.co.uk.

Yes, they will be in your tents waiting for you at each camp.

The best season for this tour is during dry season – late June to October. During this time, the weather is typically more stable, with lower chances of rainfall, making trekking

It can be between 5 – 15 degree centigrade.

360 Expeditions will be booking flights on your behalf. We provide confirmation of flight times and departure terminal approximately three weeks before your departure date. Please be aware that flight schedules are subject to change. Please ensure that you have checked your flight details before you set out for the airport.

No,, just normal travel insurance that allows you to trek in Kenay and to the altitude 3700M

Your passport should be valid for 6 months after the date the trek starts. If it runs out before you may be refused entry. It is also advisable to have a couple of photocopies of your passport in case of loss.

Visas are compulsory for entry into Tanzania for UK citizens. Although these can be acquired relatively easily at the border, we recommend that you contact your nearest Tanzanian embassy to avoid queuing, unnecessary delays and potential clearance.

Tanzania High Commission UK

3 Stratford Place W1C 1AS

London, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 207 569 1470

http://tanzaniahighcommission.co.uk

The 360 expedition training programs have been devised to be expedition specific. Use these as a guide but also feel free to contact us for individual advice on how best to incorporate a suitable fitness program with your own lifestyle. If you are struggling from day one then you will not enjoy the rest of the trip. Physical preparation does not have to be Herculean: concentrate on cardio-vascular exercise during the week by taking short runs when time allows and try to spend at least 2 weekends a month going on long duration walks (longer than 6 hrs) carrying a rucksack of around 10kg.

This kind of regime will not only prepare your body for carrying minor loads but will harden your body against the big days on the mountain itself. In addition it will help break in your boots and get you used to your equipment. In combination this will pay dividends when you reach Kilimanjaro because even though you can’t train for altitude your body will be ready for arduous days and you will be familiar with how to best use your equipment, so you can enjoy and appreciate the mountain all the more. Please also see the recommended training program for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Having a good level of fitness will allow you to enjoy the expedition all the better and increase your chances of reaching our trip goals!

On a day to day level remember that you will be camping at altitude. You are likely to be cold, washing and toilet facilities will be limited, your appetite may be affected by the altitude and as you get higher on the trek you are likely to suffer shortness of breath and many people have difficulty sleeping. Remember that everyone on the trek is probably experiencing exactly the same symptoms, both physical and mental.

Generally speaking deposits are due upon booking as we need to book your international flights well in advance. The full amount should be paid 4 months prior to departure. However having said this, our aim is to get you to the top of this mountain and we understand that personal financial situations can vary. Please contact our friendly office crew to discuss a suitable payment plan should you find raising the funds to be difficult. We have after all been in your shoes and go by the motto of where there’s a will there’s a way.

Please read our terms and conditions careful before you depart. 360 Expeditions highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions. Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits we must adhere to a stringent refund policy.

It is good to ave some money with you on dollars or the local currency so you are able to buy gifts and personal spending

Our local crew work extremely hard to ensure that your expedition runs well. While tipping is not compulsory, once you see how hard the crew work and realise the small amount of money they get paid relative to a western income, tipping will seem the least you can do to say thank you. As a general rule we suggest a minimum of $60-$100 per client, which will be shared out amongst the entire local crew.

Tipping the 360 leader is entirely at your own discretion.

If you need to leave early, arrangements can be made with the help of your guide. Additional costs (transport, hotels, flights etc.) will be incurred.

We can Tip our hard working crew at the end of the trip.

TBC??

It is better you come prepared and bring adapters with you

Yes there is reception sporadically.  There is in Nainokanoka and Bulati and Naiyobi villages but ther is none at Empakai and Acacia

There is no Wifi in any of the camps until you are at Lake Natron.

No – there is no charging facilities therefore we suggest you bring a Power Bank and /or Solar panel charger with you –

While we will do everything we can to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times. As with travel in any foreign country, you need to look after yourself and your possessions, and this is no different.

Almost all the hotels we use in Moshi have pools, so do bring swimming costumes or shorts.

TBA ??

Tanzania has made a bold conservation move and has banned plastic bags – from production to importation and use within the country.

Visitors are advised to avoid carrying plastic bags or packing plastic bags in their luggage but please note that ziploc bags to carry toiletries will be permitted, on the basis they remain in your possession and are not disposed of within the country.  We suggest biodegradable nappy sacks and wet wipes.