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Is my departure guaranteed?
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All departures are guaranteed! Please wait until you receive confirmation from OneSeed Expeditions before making any travel arrangements.
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What is the best way to get to the trip start location?
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Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), where you'll be met by the OneSeed team and transferred to the lodge for the first night.
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What is the average group size?
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Group sizes vary, but are rarely more than 10 people.
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What are the accommodations like?
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On the trail, you'll be sleeping in mountain huts which are basic mountain lodges with shared dorm-style bunk beds and bathroom facilities. Huts are simple but comfortable spots to rest your head after a long day of trekking. In the cities you'll be staying in lodges or hotels, and during the safari you'll spend a few nights camping in tents.
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Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
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If you are a solo traveler and you would like to stay in a room by yourself, this is an option for an additional fee. OneSeed does offer a complimentary matching service where they try to match solo travelers of the same gender who are interested in sharing a room. If someone else is also interested, then the single supplement fee can be waived. The matching service is completely optional for travelers and a match cannot be guaranteed. Please contact our Adventures Team to check on pricing and availability.
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What is the food like?
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All included meals have two options to choose from (including vegetarian) and also include coffee, tea, and water. Food on the trail is rich in carbohydrates and protein since you'll be burning calories like a champ. Breakfast may include crepes/pancakes, toast, eggs, sausage/bacon, fruit, tea, hot cocoa, and coffee. Lunch may include fried chicken, puff pastry with either spinach or meat/carrots/peas, candy/biscuits, a banana, and hard-boiled eggs. Dinner may include soup, pasta or rice, chicken, beef, or fish, avocado/green pepper salad, and fruit. Other options are available for purchase. OneSeed is able to accommodate most allergies and dietary preferences. Please let them know about any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
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What does the 10% investment in local community (included in my trip cost) go toward?
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OneSeed provides affordable loans to women living in poverty by investing 10% of revenues in trusted local micro-finance banks. The unique nature of these expeditions will take you off the beaten path and allow you to explore the communities supported by OneSeed.
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What is the minimum age to participate?
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Individuals as young as 16 years may attend as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Otherwise, the minimum age is 18 years old to travel alone.
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What should I do to prepare physically for the trip?
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The more prepared you are for the trail, the more you'll be able to enjoy the adventure. For any expedition, the most important thing you can do is get outside and get walking. Break in new gear--especially boots!--and get used to walking on varying terrain (uphill, downhill, trail, etc.). Check the daily mileage of your expedition and use this as a training guide.
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What safety precautions are taken on the mountain?
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The personal safety of travelers is the most important priority on the trail, not summiting the peak. The trip is an attempt to summit. Summiting is not guaranteed. Elevation affects everyone slightly differently. Travelers are monitored on the way up the trail for signs of altitude sickness, and suggestions are made to improve these symptoms. If the symptoms get worse, and the guides do not think you should continue, you'll be escorted to a lower elevation. The rest of the group will continue, so there is no concern or pressure. Some travelers choose to use prescriptions such as Diamox to treat altitude sickness. It is recommended that you talk to your doctor about the use of any prescription medicine. You should always hike at your own pace and drink plenty of water.
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What should I pack?
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You are responsible only for personal clothing and gear listed below, OneSeed will take care of everything else. This expedition includes porters for bag transport. You are only responsible for carrying a daypack. We recommend packing your items in a large backpack or a durable duffle bag. The following is a suggested packing list:
Documents and logistics:
International flights booked and confirmed
Flight information submitted
Passport valid for 6-months after arrival date
Photocopy of passport
US currency for 15 or 30-day Tanzania Visa (available upon arrival for US citizens)
Medical insurance card
Yellow fever vaccination card (if applicable)
Cash for tipping guides, buying souvenirs, incidental costs, etc.
Expedition gear:
Change of clothes for Moshi - to be kept in storage during expedition
Medium/heavyweight down jacket
Fleece jacket or vest (1)
Synthetic hiking pants (1)
Rain jacket
Synthetic long underwear (top and bottom)
Synthetic t-shirt (2)
Wool or synthetic hat
Sun hat
Gloves
Waterproof hiking boots
Nylon-wool blend socks (2-3)
Sandals (for walking around the lodges in the evening)
Day pack
Water bottles (2) or bladder may be substituted for one water bottle
Headlamp
SPF 50+ sunscreen
Sunglasses
Quick-dry towel
Personal toiletries and medicine (showers are available during the trek)
Sleeping bag w/ 0ºF rating
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer
Swimsuit for lodge in Moshi
Bug spray
Balaclava
Other (optional):
Reading material for the trail
Hotel reservations for extended time in Tanzania (if applicable)
Guidebooks
Binoculars for safari
Camera
Trekking poles
Gaiters
Bandana or buff (for dust and wind)
Energy/protein bars
Yaktrax
Outlet adapter
Zip-lock bags for waterproofing passport and other valuables
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Do I need to tip my guide?
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Tipping is customary in Tanzania when you have received good service. Tanzania schillings or US dollars are both widely accepted and it is wise to bring small bills. OneSeed suggests daily tip amounts of $5-$8 per day for guides, $2-$5 per day for cooks, and $2-$3 per day for your porters. Depending on the size of your group this might amount to $200 - $400 over the course of the expedition.
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Can I rent any of the required gear from OneSeed Expeditions?
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The following items are available for rent:
Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Gaiters
Must be confirmed no later than one week prior to expedition start date. Please contact our Adventure Team to check on availability and confirm rates.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
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We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend VisitorsCoverage as a provider.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel or modify my trip?
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Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.
New For 2022 and 2023 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.
Up to 45 days prior to departure*
You may postpone or modify your trip up to 45 days prior to departure. You will have the option to:
1) Choose a new travel date, or
2) Cancel your trip and receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a future date before 12 months expires from the date you requested your original change of date. You don't have to travel within that 12 months, but your new date must be chosen within that timeframe. Additional trip costs may apply.
For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.