Let Loose with Adventure

Why are our flights not included?

There are strict rules about advertising and booking flights for clients and it involves belonging to different associations. As a small company, it isn't cost effective for us to be involved in this and therefore ask you to book your own flights. We do however, work closely with a travel agents who have a dedicated operator for Let Loose customers. Click Here for more information.

What else is not included in the price?

We will announce a pick up and drop off times for the airport, which should cater for everyone's flights times. However if you chose to be outside of this, and it may be because to wish to travel by other means or stay on longer, then there will an extra charge for airport transfer. The same will apply for any additional accommodation and meals and this can occur if you do not complete the trek and need to come down. These are at your expense. You will need to bring your own spending money for any additional food and drink you might want and other purchases such as souvenirs. Tips for local staff is not included, see below. You will need to obtain a visa for Tanzania, and this can be done on arrival.

What about tips for the local staff and I've heard about giving gifts?

At the end of the seven-day trek you will be invited to tip the guides, cook and porters, and we suggest giving $20 - $25 per trekking day.  This is then divided between the local staff according to their roles. This doesn't stop anyone giving more or less, if that's they wish. Having seen how hard the staff we use at work, and their enthusiasm to see you succeed, I think you will find it clear as to how much you would like to tip. Spare or unwanted outdoor clothing and equipment is also appreciated, and it's best to do this at the end as you might need it.

What will the accommodation be like?

We shall stay in a hotel on the night of arrival in Tanzania, the night after the trek, and the night after the safari. The hotels we use are listed on the main expedition page and with links to their websites. I have seen them all and stayed in a couple of them. They are all clean, safe, good food, and with staff who understand good hospitality. The nights on the mountain we shall be in tents; either two or three persons to a tent. These will all be of good standard.

How many will there be in our group?

We will need a minimum of eight people for the trip to run. Our maximum will be twenty people. 

Will I be fit enough?

A common question, and it should be said that not everyone makes it. However, we have until June 2012 to improve on our fitness if we think we need to, and we can always offer advice on how to do this. Our pace throughout the trek is very slow; there's no room for racing snakes purely on the grounds of running the risk of altitude sickness. We have added an extra day to this Macheme route for that purpose. You will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire, which our doctor will advise on if he feels there are any issues. Climbing Kilimanjaro is as much an issue of attitude and will power as it is physical strength. 

What happens if I get sick?

This of course can happen to anyone. We shall be using either safe or bottled water throughout our time in Tanzania. Our meals are freshly cooked and hygienically prepared. You will be advised to seek travel advice from your GP or travel clinic with regards to vaccinations and anti-malarials, and our own doctor will be there for consultations. We will have an established evacuation plan and with the ability of getting you to the closest appropriate hospital.

What clothing and equipment do we need?

You will receive a full kit list when you book as well as a discount letter for the outdoor retailers Cotswold Outdoors Ltd giving 15% discount should you need to buy any clothing or equipment. A winter season bag will be required as the nights on the mountain will be cold. Trekking poles are also recommended, collapsible ones are best, as there are occasions when we don't use them - Barranco Wall for example.

What about toilets during the trek? And what about washing?

In the camps, we use chemical toilets, much the same as you might use if you were caravanning. They are a sit-down toilet inside a tent with toilet paper. We advise the use of anti-bacterial gel. If you need to go when trekking, then it is find someone discreet and we ask that any paper or sanitary items be placed in nappy bags, which are then carried out with the rubbish. At the end of the day and first thing in the morning, we will each have access to a bowl of hot water for washing.

What about the food and will there be enough?

Breakfast on the mountain will be something such as porridge, eggs, bacon, toast, tea, coffee, hot chocolate. Lunch will be a packed lunch sometimes including homemade pasty or chicken pieces. We will have hot drinks and popcorn on arrival in the camp. The evening meal will usually be soup; rice, pasta or potato with vegetables and a sauce; a dessert and hot drinks. You will be asked if you have any dietary requirements and there will be enough for the hungriest trekker. There will be plenty of water, so crucial in our on-going success, and that will either be boiled or chemically treated. Water on the mountain is collected from designated areas.

I am interested, what do I do next?

Simple, drop us an email expressing an interest, it doesn't commit you, and we'll send you details on how to book, the deposit to be paid, and terms and conditions. On receiving your deposit we'll send you a receipt, and this is refundable until the trip is confirmed, that is when we have eight or more people booked. We will then advise regarding flights, timings, clothing and equipment. We shall also be able to suggest a fitness training programme. We are always open to your questions, and aim to support you in any way we can.  

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