Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, no immunization shots are required to gain entry to the East African countries of Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda unless, before your arrival, you travel through countries infected with yellow fever, cholera, or other diseases. However, for accurate and the most up-to-date information, please visit the embassy website for the countries you plan to visit.

Yes, because malaria is common in East Africa. We recommend you consult your local travel clinic or personal physician for the most appropriate anti-malaria medication for you. We also recommend you take appropriate insect repellent because aside from diseases, mosquitoes and tsetse flies can be a nuisance without a repellant. 

Yes, but this option is dependent on the passport of you are travelling with. We recommend you visit the respective embassies’ websites for the most up-to-date visa application information.

Please email us with as many of your travel details as possible. Then we will do our best to match your requirements to one of our safaris and discuss available options with you.

To best meet your safari requirements for destinations, accommodation choices, and group size, we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance. However, shorter booking windows are also available and we will gladly discuss all available options with you.

Yes, we do! By contacting us and discussing your interests and requirements, we can develop an itinerary that works for you. To do so, we need to know your budget, the places you want to visit, the type of accommodation you prefer, the length of your journey and the number of people in your party. With this information, we can discuss and advise you on the many options so we can arrive at your dream safari.

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of Africa’s most spectacular events. Many people think it happens just once a year, but it is, in fact, an ongoing event that occurs all year round. In late May/early June, the migration (mainly wildebeests and zebras) begins its annual migration from the north of the Serengeti to the crossing of the Mara river, reaching Maasai Mara park sometime in mid-July/early August, depending on rain. After the short rains in November, the herds move back into the Serengeti and make their way to the southern pastures, where they rest and feed through the rains until their search for better grazing leads them to begin their annual migration once again. While many people think that the great wildebeest migration only happens once a year, the migration is, in fact, an all-year-round event – with each time of year offering a unique wildlife experience.

Typical temperatures in most of East Africa between May and early August range  55 F to 70 F during the day and night time temperatures of about 45 F to 65 F. From mid-August to April, the daytime range is between 75 F to 80 F with night time temperatures of 70 F to 75 F; the rainy seasons are in the months of March, April, May, and November.

Absolutely! Our skilled cooks are happy to accommodate your dietary restrictions and allergies.

Whether you are on a lodge or camping safari, below would be a typical menu:

Breakfast: coffee, tea, porridge, yoghurt, tropical fruits, fruit juice, scrambled eggs/omelet, sausage, toast, margarine, honey, and jam.

Lunch: hot tea, coffee, chips, sandwiches, biscuits, pancakes with honey or jam, and fruits.

Dinner: soup, cooked meat, or vegetarian meal (these include chicken/beef with rice, sliced fresh carrots, green beans, mashed potatoes, and salads), fruits, fruit juice, and a variety of hot drinks.

Absolutely! You can even start by talking to some of the Good Earth Tours staff in our USA and Canada offices, who were born and raised in Africa, have been on safaris several times, and know the country better than anybody else!

It is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro throughout the year. However, January, February, and September are the best months, while June, July, August, October, and December are also good.

Not at all. Any person in good physical condition can climb and reach the summit. You should be able to run for half an hour or more without feeling short of breath. No one with a sore throat, cold, or breathing problem should go above 9,843 feet. People with heart or lung problems should not attempt trekking the mountain without consulting their doctor. Being in the right mental state is essential. Do not push yourself to go if your body is exhausted or you have extreme mountain sickness or more severe symptoms.

Yes, our Kilimanjaro and Safari prices include park fees and all other applicable fees and taxes.

Yes, we include a free Nairobi-Arusha-Nairobi bus shuttle transfer for those arriving/departing from Nairobi. Please be advised that there are two daily bus shuttle transfers between Nairobi and Arusha, leaving either place at 08:00 and 14:00, and arriving at the other destination at 12:30 and 18:30, respectively. We can pick you up from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International airport and most hotels in or near Nairobi City center. You will need to be ready at least half an hour before the scheduled times. Please be advised that the most convenient airport will be Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

The minimum age limit set by the National Park Authorities for trekking to Uhuru Peak is 10.

Equatorial to arctic conditions are present on Kilimanjaro, depending on the altitude. The range begins on the warm, dry plains with average temperatures of 86 F, then ascends through a broad belt of wet tropical forest and zones with generally decreasing temperatures and rainfall, to the summit where there is permanent ice and below freezing temperatures. The temperature at the top of the mountain gets as low as -13 F.

Climbing through the Marangu route, one can reach the summit in 5 or 6 days, including a day and a half of descending. On the Machame, Lemosho, and other routes, it is customary to reach the summit in 6 or 7 days, including a day and a half of descending.

You need to have the following items for your climb: Boots, thermal underwear, warm clothes – top and pants, water/windproof pants and shell, socks (at least six pairs – to be changed at least once on the way up), winter hat/balaclava (cover head and ears), water bottle, gators (for wind and mud), gloves (water/windproof), neck warmer or scarf, sunglasses, flashlights, and batteries, walking stick, sleeping tent (for all other routes other than Marangu), sleeping bag and rainwear. Please be advised that Good Earth provides sleeping tents and mattresses on our climbs.

Yes, excess baggage can be left with us or at the hotel, where it will be secure. Valuable items, including cash, should be specified.

Yes. However, only the Marangu route has a reliable, adequately equipped rescue team. Rescue services on other routes are done by contacting the Park Headquarters, which sends a rescue team. The mountain rescue fees cover rescue services from the top to the base of the mountain. We recommend the flying doctor service membership (a $50 value) to cover a flight from the mountain’s base to your hospital.

Accommodation for the climbing package is at a mid-class hotel that includes rooms with ensuite bathrooms, mosquito nets, a bar, and a restaurant. It is located in a quiet neighborhood. For those who prefer something more luxurious, we can upgrade this to a five-star hotel for an additional charge.

The Marangu route offers accommodation in dormitory-style huts with beds and mattresses. For all other routes, accommodation will be based on camping in established campsites. Since a few climbers are allowed on the Marangu route at any given time, booking your spot well in advance is necessary.

Breakfast: coffee, tea, porridge, fruits, fruit juice, scrambled eggs/omelet, sausage, toast, margarine, honey, and jam.

Lunch: hot tea, coffee, chips, sandwiches, biscuits, pancakes with honey or jam, and fruits.

Dinner: soup, cooked meals (these include chicken/beef with rice, sliced fresh carrots and green beans, mashed potatoes), salads, fruits, fruit juice, and a variety of hot drinks.

Absolutely! Our skilled cooks are happy to accommodate your dietary restrictions and allergies (such as Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher, or Halal). Just let us know your preference at the time of booking.

Our cooks, also serving as porters, prepare food for you. They will also boil, filter, and refill your empty water bottles for you.

All our meals are prepared on portable kerosene and gas stoves. Our environmental low-impact policy prohibits us from using firewood on the mountain.

We recommend drinking 4 – 5 liters daily and sipping liquids frequently. Water is best, but fruit juices are a good supplement. You must always carry your water bottle as dehydration is a significant issue and staying hydrated is key to your health and safety. The air is arid above 13,123 feet so avoid panting and try to breathe through your nose—control sweating by wearing clothing that will wick away moisture and layer your garments. Monitor your urine: output should be at least 1.6 quarts per day, and the urine should be clear.

Yes, drinking water and soda can be purchased on the mountain on the Marangu route, although it is much more expensive than in the town of Moshi or Arusha. Good Earth does, however, ensure that there will be enough water available to you on the mountain.

Our climbs take a minimum and a maximum number of one and 15 climbers, respectively. However, in most cases, our average is four climbers with a maximum of 10.

This depends on the number of people in your group. You will have one lead guide, assistant guides (serving as porters), and porters (including skilled cooks). We guarantee enough porters for your luggage, food, and water.

Unlike most other companies, we do not have luggage limitations on our climbs. We also provide free storage for items you do not want to bring on the climb.

If one person gets sick and has to stay behind or return, they will be accompanied by one of the assistant guides while the other climbers continue.

Unlike most other companies that charge about $100, we provide a free transfer from the mountain to the hotel should a climber return earlier than planned.

For medical advice, it is always best to consult your doctor. Please get in touch with the Tanzania embassy in your country for any updated info on the minimum requirements to get into Tanzania or Kenya, if any.

Yes, we can. We have a good working relationship with a wholesale travel agent who can assist with booking international flights at reasonable prices. Let us know so we can help you further with this.

Our land cost prices include almost everything. The only extra costs you will incur are tips for your guide, cooks, and porters, some of the climbing gear, and meals not listed on your itinerary.

Please see our tipping guideline on the right inserts of this page

Absolutely! You can even start by talking to some of our staff in the USA and Canada offices who were born and raised in Tanzania!

Yes! We are a majority-owned African company and can help our local African communities. A percentage of your money goes to local projects that we support, including Nambere Primary School and the Comeca Environmental Organization.

We accept Visa and Master Card for your deposit only. The balance is due 90 days before departure and is payable by check/cheque, wire transfer, or money order.

There is a required deposit of at least $300/person for Kilimanjaro trekking bookings.

The following cancellation fees apply to all our tours:

Cancellations received more than 90 days before departure: $500 per person per tour or extension 89 – 60 days, 20% of the tour price 59 – 30 days, 50% of the tour price 29 – 15 days, 75% of the tour price 14 days or less, 100% of tour price.

In the unlikely event that we must cancel a trip due to reasons beyond our control, you will receive a full refund. Having said that, we have never canceled a trip!

Absolutely not! Once we receive your deposit, both price and departure are guaranteed.