GENERAL -

SEASONS -

TUSKER'S ROUTES -

SIGN-UP -

GUIDE TRAINING -

THE CLIMB -

SAFETY -

AIR TRAVEL -

Why Tusker Trail?

Tusker is one of the most experienced outfits climbing Kilimanjaro. We've been leading our own climbs for 29 years. We DO NOT subcontract our climbs. We run our own climbs with our own guides and all our own climbing gear. We are constantly updating our guide training and equipment.

Our primary concern is for your safety, and Tusker's safety record is impeccable. Eddie Frank has worked closely with Wilderness Medical Associates to develop a rigorous Medical Training Course for our guides. Every year, our 16 guides must complete this 50-hour course and pass the exam, both written and practical. This course is not required by the authorities, but is required by Tusker. No other guides on Kilimanjaro receive this type of intensive training.

Why is there such a price difference between companies?

THE LOW END:

Most companies DO NOT operate their own climbs. They contract with a local tour operator to run their climbs, so they have little or no control of the trip standards and guide qualifications. They then mark up the climb, and sell it as their own. In order to maximize profits their tour operators pay their crew low wages, and use old substandard gear. This is how they are able to offer cheap climbs.

THE HIGH END:

A lot of the US outfits are very large companies, and operate a variety of trips worldwide -- they do not specialize in Kilimanjaro (unlike Tusker). Some operate their own climbs, but most of them subcontract. These companies have multiple partners as well as a large staff to support, so they charge what they think the market will bear.

You need to ask the hard questions about guide training, type of emergency equipment carried, experience and track record. You should also contact the references provided by the climbing company.

Are there any other expenses besides the climb & the airfare?

Yes, but not much. You will need to pay for drinks at the hotel, plus laundry, phone calls and tips to the crew.

What if I have to cancel or postpone my trip?

If you postpone more than 60 days before departure, we'll give you a RAINCHECK, at no extra cost. There are nominal fees for rain checks less than 60 days.

If you cancel, there are cancellation fees:

. More than 60 days before you leave: US$250.
. 30-60 days before you leave: 25% of the land cost.
. Less than 30 days before you leave: No refund unless we fill your space.

What is the typical group size?

Our group sizes are 1-8. You can climb alone, join an existing group, or form your own group. If you've got your own group larger than 8, it's not a problem.

How many guides will be on my climb?

All other companies have only 1 head guide per group. For Tusker groups of 2-8 you will have 2 medically qualified guides leading your climb. In the event someone has to be evacuated they will be evacuated by a medically certified guide with oxygen. Most outfits send you down with a porter who is not qualified to administer any medical care whatsoever. If you're climbing alone, you'll be with one medically trained & certified guide.

How many porters will be on my climb?

This depends on the size of your group. We use more porters than other companies, as we carry extra safety and camping gear. But for a group of 8 climbers, there will be approximately 24-38 porters, depending on the length of your trip.

Are kids allowed to climb?

Yes. Kids are not affected any differently by the altitude than adults. The main problem for kids is the mental toughness required as the breathing gets harder.

The National Park authorities have set a minimum age of 12. However, we have received permission for a 10-year old to climb.

Tusker Trail has set the record for the youngest person to reach the summit - 10 years old!

Are airport transfers included?

All transfer to and from Kilimanjaro Int'l Airport are included in the price. Transfers from Nairobi cost US$30 each way. We can make these arrangements for you.

What's the hotel accommodation like?

Very good. We stay at the Keys Hotel. You spend 2 nights at the hotel before the climb, and one night when you come down. This is a family run hotel, owned by some very old friends of Eddie Frank. Their hospitality and food is excellent!

Is Victoria Falls near Lake Victoria in Tanzania?

No it's not. Victoria Falls is on the southern border of Zambia, and is the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It takes about 2 days to fly there. You have to fly from Tanzania to Johannesburg, South Africa, spend the night there, and then fly to Livingstone the next day. These flights can cost a total of US$800-$1200 depending on the season and availability.

Is Victoria Falls near Lake Victoria in Tanzania?

No it's not. Victoria Falls is on the southern border of Zambia, and is the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It takes about 2 days to fly there. You have to fly from Tanzania to Johannesburg, South Africa, spend the night there, and then fly to Livingstone the next day. These flights can cost a total of US$800-$1200 depending on the season and availability.

When is the best time of year to climb?

We used to advise people not to climb from mid-March to mid-April, and mid-October to mid-November, due to the rains. However, over the past 15 years, the weather has become extremely unpredictable. We now recommend climbing all year round.

Keep in mind that Kilimanjaro has it's own weather patterns, and you should count on rain within the first 2-3 days regardless of when you climb.

What's the weather like on the mountain?

On your climb you will experience dry hot weather at the base, with temperatures around 80-90 degrees F. (It does rain at the base as well). As you climb through the rain forest, the moorland, and high desert, the temperatures decrease. The top is considered Arctic weather, where you will find permanent ice. Temperatures at the summit can get as low as 0 degrees F. to minus 15 F.

What routes does Tusker climb?

We climb MACHAME, LEMOSHO or the WESTERN BREACH routes with extra days for acclimatization. With us you can climb from 6-10 days. None of these routes require any technical skills or mountain climbing experience. On the Western Breach there are a couple spots where you will have to do a little rock scrambling, but anyone can do this. 95-98% of the people climbing these longer routes make it to the top.

On the Machame and Lemosho routes, the summit ascent is done at night, whereas on the Western Breach, there is no night climbing.

We do not climb the Marangu Route. Over 22,000 people climb this route every year. It's a 3 1/2 day climb to the summit. Not only is it too crowded, but climbing this fast can be very dangerous. Less than half the people climbing this route don't make it to the top, as it's the fast altitude gain makes them extremely ill.

Is it a technical climb?

Nope.

You don't need any climbing experience. Any person in good physical condition can make the climb.

Can I pay by credit card?

You bet. We take all major credit cards for both land and air. You can also pay by check.

How do I know you won't take a hike with my money?

Tusker Trail has been around for 29 years. We have a long list of happy clients which we recommend you contact. Our reputation in the industry is second to none.

In addition we are a member of the Lake Tahoe Crystal Bay Chamber of Commerce. We also are a registered Seller of Travel with the State of Nevada, and have a US$ 50,000 bond posted with them in the event of fraud or bankruptcy. Our Nevada Seller of Travel registration number is 20030379.

What happens when I sign up?

You will receive our 100+ page pre-departure packet. In the packet you will find a 65-page manual, which tells you ALL you will need to know to prepare for your climb, including a gear list, photographic tips, work-out program, info on life in Tanzania and much more. You will also receive a map of Kilimanjaro and a Kilimanjaro National Park guide to the history, flora and fauna.

What guide qualifications are required by the Tanzania Authorities?

All guides must be licensed by KINAPA, the National Park Authority. Anyone can get a license. The guides receive a bare minimum of first aid instruction, and must be familiar with the various routes up Kilimanjaro. Beyond this, no formal training or English language skills are required.

What gear will I need to bring?

You will get the detailed list in our predeparture manual. However, in general, you'll need wet-weather gear; layered cold weather gear; a good pair of waterproof boots; sleeping bag (or you can rent one from us; hiking poles & gators (also rentable); Diamox and personal meds; and a medium sized daypack.

How's the food?

It's excellent!

John Kitila is a trained safari chef who has been working on Eddie's remote expeditions for 13 years. He is Tusker's Kilimanjaro Operations Manager, and keeps our cooks regularly trained.

You eat two delicious hot meals a day - breakfast & dinner. Lunch is a pack lunch which you carry with you during the day. All camp meals are served up in our dining tent. If you have special dietary needs, let us know, and we'll be happy to oblige. If you'd like a sample menu, contact us.

Our cooks do just that - cook. They're specially trained, and whip up amazing meals for you. There is a great variety of food which is prepared over kerosene and gas stoves in the kitchen tent. Feel free to pop in to the tent for some cooking tips! We do not burn any firewood on the mountain.

Do you provide for special diets?

Certainly. Just let us know what your needs are, and we'll work with you.

Is there a weight limit for my gear on the climb?

You will be issued a heavy duty waterproof Tusker bag for the climb. It's big enough to hold all your gear, and then some. As we limit the weight each porter carries, we ask that you limit your bag weight to approximately 20 pounds. This will be plenty.

What tents do you use?

We use Eureka "Summit XT" and "Scorpion" tents for sleeping. These are 3-person tents, but we sleep 2 to a tent. These are rugged 4-season mountain tents.

What are the sleeping arrangements on the climb?

You will be paired up with a tent mate, if you don't have one already. You can also pay a little extra and have a hotel room and tent to yourself. If you'd rather not bring a sleeping bag, you can rent a bag and a fleece liner for us at a reasonable price.

You sleep on a 2" foam mattress specially designed for us in the US by a friend of Eddie Frank who manufactures river rafting gear - tough, comfortable, rugged.

What do I do with my valuables?

You will deposit them in the hotel safe. It's extremely safe there. You won't need any valuables on the mountain other than a few dollars to buy a soft drink or beer (if you can't wait) on your last night at Millennium camp.

Can I store my clothes for the safari after the climb?

Good question. You will be issued a heavy duty waterproof duffel bag for the climb. As there's no need to carry your safari clothes on your climb, just put them in your own bag and store them in the hotel for when you return.

Will I have time to wash my dirty clothes after the climb?

Yep!

On your last day at Millennium camp, gather your dirty clothes and give them to your guide. The following morning a porter will leave early, and deliver your clothes to the hotel laundry. They'll be clean and dry for your safari or your flight home the next day. Be sure to make a list of the clothes being laundered.

What if I need to be evacuated?

The service provided by the National Park is terrible.

So Tusker Trail has designed our own evacuation protocol and rescue procedure. We carry all our own rescue gear ON EVERY CLIMB, and train our guides intensely on how to use it efficiently and correctly.

You're in extremely safe hands.

What happens if I have to come down early?

If you come down early, you will NOT be penalized with extra costs, like other outfits, such as the hotel transfer, extra hotel accommodation, or extra meal costs. It's all included in the price of your trip.

If you have to go to the hospital, we will get you there, but you will be responsible for the hospital expenses.

What about acclimatization to the altitude?

As you climb, the amount of oxygen in the air, and the oxygen pressure decreases. Every individual's reaction to this is different. There is no way to predict how well you will do at altitude. You will get short of breath -- this is normal. However, you can stack the deck in your favor by being in good physical condition, planning a longer climb, staying well hydrated, taking it very slowly as you hike, and using diamox if you start getting altitude sickness.

Can I climb if I have a medical problem?

Most often, yes.

Eddie Frank, Tusker's owner, has placed a lot of emphasis on medical training not only of our crew, but of our US office staff as well. This is so that we can discuss your condition with you and your doctor intelligently.

We also have a consulting physician with whom we consult regularly. When you sign up you will be required to complete a detailed medical questionnaire. If you have a medical condition, we'll talk to you about it, and if necessary have a discussion with your doctor.

What we're after is to find out the worst case scenario, so that we can prepare for it in the event of an emergency.

What inoculations will I need?

In our predeparture manual, we have a detailed section on medical requirements. But you can choose to get just the Yellow Fever shot, or a whole barrage of them. We'll be happy to talk to you about this once you sign up. You will also need to take anti-malaria pills.

Is the water on the climb safe to drink?

All your drinking water is filtered by our guides through KATADYN filters. We recommend you drink at least 4 quarts/liters per day. Gatorade is a good additive for you to keep your electrolytes replenished. This is important.

Can Tusker organize my air travel?

Absolutely.

We get extremely good prices because of the volume we do. Prices depend on when you travel and where you travel from. Airfare can vary from US$1300 - $2300.

Can Tusker organize my air if I live outside the US?

We can give you plenty of advice on flight schedules, but we cannot make your booking or issue your tickets.