Hotel Boulevard

Harry Thuku Rd

Nairobi

Kenya

Tel:  +254 20 227 567

Fax:  +254 20 334 071

The Hotel Boulevard can be booked through the Kumuka office or your travel agent.

Please note: We are not able to match people up in twin share rooms.

If you do not pre book an arrival transfer then the best way to get to the Hotel Boulevard is via a local taxi firm at Nairobi Airport called Venture Africa. There is a circular wooden desk in the arrivals hall with the VENTURE AFRICA sign. It is easy to find, as Nairobi Airport is quite small. The transfer will cost you approximately USD$20. Ignore all the other taxi drivers who are shouting ‘Taxi! Taxi!’ and make your way to the desk. Kumuka passengers have been using Venture Africa for many years and it is a reliable, friendly firm.

Nairobi to Moshi.  The tour leaves Nairobi from the Hotel Boulevard, where you will catch the Nairobi to Moshi express bus. A driver will be at the Hotel Boulevard holding a sign - please make yourself known to him. You are asked to meet the driver in the Hotel Boulevard reception at 7.15am sharp! The journey to Moshi takes between 6 and 7 hours, including the stop at the border and a stop in Arusha. Drop off is at the Moshi shuttle station where a representative will transfer you to your hotel.  On arrival at the Hotel in Moshi you will be met by a Kilimanjaro Climb representative who will run through all pre-climb details.  Overnight stay, 3 star hotel. 

NB Money changing facilities in Moshi are limited.  ATM's are available and accept Visa card, but not Mastercard.

Simba to Kikelewa.  After breakfast begin walking through moorland  with distant views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. If the weather is clear it may also be possible to glimpse the Eastern ice fields. The walk is around 15km over 5-7 hours.  Overnight at Kikelewa Camp (3800m). 

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo.   After breakfast walk through moorland and a stunningly beautiful alpine area before finally trekking through the saddle which separates Kibo and Mawnzi Peaks. From the saddle it is a one hour walk to camp.  Evening rest at Kibo Camp (4700m) before the midnight ascent to the summit.

Horombo to Moshi. Descend to Marangu Gate via the Mandara Huts for lunch. You will be collected and transferred back to Moshi. Overnight at hotel in Moshi.

Hotel Boulevard

Harry Thuku Road

Nairobi

Kenya

Tel:  +254 20 227 567

Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the most difficult holidays offered by Kumuka. To ensure you get the most out of your experience, it is important you are aware of the difficulties and the fitness and physical requirements for the trip.

This climb requires a high level of physical fitness, and previous trekking experience is strongly recommended. Walking days are on average 5-8 hours per day and may involve more than 1000m of ascent. Long walks with steep ascents and descents are to be expected. Stamina is important when walking at high altitudes.

We advise to begin physical preparation for the climb well before departure, and activities such as hill climbing, running and other cardivascular excercise are some of the best ways to get into shape, and improve your chances of success.

It is important that you are aware that this climb will take you through 5 different vegetational zones and from one climatic extreme to another. It is the equivalent of walking from the Equator to the Pole and to many people is the most demanding experience of their lives. It is essential that you have adequate clothing and equipment to increase your chances of making it to the Roof of Africa.

The height of Mt Kilimanjaro means that altitude sickness can be experienced. Extreme cases of Acute Mountain Sickness are rare, but if it becomes necessary for someone to abandon the trek, the tour leaders decision will be final.

If you have any concerns about the suitability of this trip, don't hesitate to contact us to speak to one of our staff, some of whom have climbed Kilimanjaro.

Prices are for the entire trek, payable in cash in Moshi

We provide tents and foam sleeping pads at no charge

It is advisable to be fully equipped

Rucksack/Daypack: 12 US$

Balaclava: 6 US$

Normal Standard Sleeping Bag –10C: 18 US$

Mont Bell Sleeping Bag – 25C: 40 US$

The North Face Sleeping Bag – 25C: 35 US$

Socks: 4 US$

Duffel Bag: 6 US$

Hiking Poles (2):12 US$

Gaiters: 8 US$

Torch/Flashlight: 8 US$

Gloves: 6 US$

Sweater: 5 US$

Sunglasses: 8 US$

Long Underwear: 5 US$

Raincoat: 6 US$

Rain Pants: 12 US$

Hiking Boots: 9 US$

Water Bottle: 5 US$

Fleece Pants: 6 US$

Warm Jacket: 8-12 US$

Hat: 6 US$

Please Note: Prices are subject to change

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.

The following information is a guideline only.  Kumuka Worldwide are not medical professionals and we strongly advise you make an appointment with your GP or Traveller’s Medical Centre at least TWO months prior to your departure date.

Vaccinations:
You must have an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination if crossing borders within Africa and to enter Tanzania. Southern African countries i.e. South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe DO NOT need the International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination if you are only travelling between these countries.

Compulsory Inoculations:
Yellow Fever if you are arriving from an infected area. Please refer to your GP or Immunization Clinic. To enter Tanzania you are required to show proof of Yellow fever vaccination.

Strongly Recommended:
Diphtheria, Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningitis, Hepatitis A & B, Yellow Fever.
These may vary from country to country, please consult your GP or local Travel Clinic.
- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
- That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.

You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.

Medical Supplies:
Each Kumuka vehicle has a well-equipped medical kit that by law must remain sealed and can only be used in an emergency. We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:

Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.

A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

• 3 meals per day are provided (included in cost)
• All water is provided – generally you will receive bottled water each day, which you can transfer into your hydration bladder and drink bottles. Count on 3-4 litres per day, per person.
• Tea/Coffee/Milo is provided regularly – as you wake up, at breakfast, as you arrive into camp each night and with dinner. Boiled, bottled water is generally used.
• Food = Energy!
• Low Glycemic food is provided for slow and sustained energy release
• Snacks like popcorn/biscuits also provided

Typical meals include porridge, eggs, toast, fruit, chicken, pasta, fish, stews, rice etc. Food is plentiful and nutritious and always contains many options to satisfy personal tastes and hunger levels.

Good snacks to bring with you are chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, fruit bars, energy bars, glucose lollies (i.e. jelly beans, jelly babies)
Energy drink powder like Lucozade can be handy for hits of energy during the day

As a general rule when travelling, it is worthwhile being prepared for all types of weather.  Keep a lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho – this should prepare you for all seasons!

For detailed climate information about the areas you are travelling to, please visit our website www.kumuka.com

Currency and how much to take is something that we’re always asked about.   We hope that the following information will assist with your budgeting. 

Please keep in mind that only YOU will know how much you’ll spend on souvenirs, drinks, meals off the truck, internet fees etc.    It’s always best to allow for more than you think you’ll need rather than go without.

Our recommendation is to allow for at least US$20 to US$25 per day for incidentals over and above the cost of the relevant local payment, optional excursions and visa fees which should be budgeted for separately.  There will be days when you’ll not spend anything and other days when you may blow your budget entirely on that souvenir that you have to have or a round of drinks for your fellow travellers.

US Dollars CASH is the most widely accepted currency in most parts of Africa.  Please ensure that all notes are clean and printed AFTER 2001.   Small denominations are best for changing into local currencies and tipping i.e. US$5, US$10 & US$20.    Where visas are required (refer to our visa guide) you can pay with US$50 notes however keep in mind that it is ALWAYS best to have the correct denomination as you will find immigration officials rarely have change available.

When changing money from USD to local currency be aware that you will NOT be able to change back to USD or into another currency, what money you don’t spend will be useless after you’ve left that country.   It is also often a good idea to join forces with other travellers to do one large money change transaction, thus avoiding excess conversion fees. 

If you are travelling to South Africa or Namibia you can easily withdraw Rand from an ATM in South Africa or Namibia, just be mindful of security when doing this.

Other currencies accepted but not as popular are Pounds and Euros, however you will find the exchange rate is not as favourable as USD.

Do not rely on credit cards for payment nor the use of working ATM’s to withdraw money as it is very common for the card facility to NOT be working when you most need it.  There have also been instances of credit card fraud and many ATM’s have been tampered with in the major cities.  

Where credit cards ARE accepted you will find that VISA CARD is more widely known than Mastercard or Cirus

Traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted and when the facility is available often you will receive a much lower rate of exchange.   If you do wish to take traveller’s cheques, we recommend taking 10% to 20% of your overall budget to use in case of emergency.

NOTE: - For passengers joining or visiting Victoria Falls, please do not change any USD to local currency without speaking with your tour leader first.

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

Africa has some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the world. To capture these scenes you will need to bring a camera with a good zoom lens. For game photography, a 200mm lens or higher is recommended. Tripods tend to be bulky and cumbersome and a versatile beanbag is a good substitute.

If you are using print film, all supplies plus any filters and other accessories should be obtained prior to departure. We do not recommend that you develop your film whilst in East Africa, as the standards vary considerably and are often unreliable.

NOTE:- Protect your camera from the elements, particularly dust, as getting your camera repaired will be impossible in most places.  A good idea is to use an old tea towel or t-shirt to wrap your camera up inside it’s dustproof camera bag when not in use.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations

The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from your trip. It is all about participation and mucking in with your fellow passengers!

Participation is a key factor on a tour of this nature and everyone is expected to pull their weight and get involved with the daily duties (e.g. cooking, cleaning and food shopping). The most successful trips are those where people become involved.  Naturally, amongst any group of people you will find a multitude of personalities, just remember that this is YOUR trip of a lifetime and don’t let other people’s quirks and habits bother you too much – take home your happy memories of Africa.    On the flipside you may find your tent partner will become a lifelong friend, which is one of the joys of the internet & social networking sites!

NOTE:- The longer Kumuka journeys are combinations of shorter tours. Passengers on our longer tours will therefore change crew and vehicles at either Nairobi or Victoria Falls. These and other destinations are also pickup and dropoff points for passengers so new faces and personalities will join the tours.

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com