Final note to all 2009 Conquerors

A reminder to all the team to review your Pre-Departure Informdation provided to you by Peregrine to ensure you have all your supplies, water purifying tablets, sleeping mats, etc as per instructions provided.

In case you want to do a final check we have copied the details for you below.

Mt Kilimanjaro - Machame
 
Your adventure starts here...
... and to ensure you make the most of your holiday we've compiled some information that you'll need on your trip. Read this Pre-Departure Information in conjunction with your Detailed Tour Itinerary (which gives the day-by-day information for your tour and the detailed passport, insurance, visa and vaccination information,) Please take these documents with you when you travel.
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Preparing to travel

• Passport
  Please ensure that you have a current passport with an accurate photo that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. For further information please see the detailed tour itinerary.
• Visas
  Australians, Americans, Canadians, British, Norwegians and New Zealanders currently require a visa for Tanzania – the visa for Tanzania must be obtained before arrival into the country.
  Care must be taken to ensure that your visa does not expire before your proposed date of entry to Tanzania (visas are usually valid for three months from the date of issue). It is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.
  
• Insurance
  Please note that it is a requirement for travel on this tour that you must have comprehensive travel insurance. Please see the Detailed Tour Itinerary for full details.
  
• Safety
  Please take great care of your passport, cash and travellers cheques. Most hotels will have safety deposit facilities that we urge you to use. In many countries mugging is becoming more and more common, particularly when valuables such as jewellery and cameras are clearly displayed. Be on the lookout for pick-pockets and bag-snatchers. Do not carry more cash than required. Keep a photocopy of the first few pages of your passport, visas and air tickets - separate from the original documents. If going out at night, take taxis. Please don't pack valuables such as cameras in your suitcase. It is a better idea to carry them with you as hand luggage.

• Wild Animals
  One of the great attractions of Africa, and probably one of the main reasons you are travelling, is the magnificent wildlife. Our trips are designed to give you the best possible chance of seeing outstanding animal and bird life. Birds and animals are their own masters: the amount of water, the time of year, the presence of predators, the amount of vegetation and sheer good or bad luck can all affect the sightings you may get. You should be aware that some of our trips take you into close proximity with potentially dangerous animals. At all times you MUST follow your guide's instructions, and you should never wander away from campsites or lodges on your own.
   
• Medical preparation
  Apart from having travel insurance and being in generally good health, some pre-holiday health preparation is advised. We strongly recommend you visit your doctor to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you regarding the appropriate inoculations and in some places anti-malarial medication may also be required. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure so allow plenty of time. Obtain a certificate of vaccination and carry this with you on this trip. A dental check up is also highly recommended before departure.

• Copies of key documents
  We recommend that you photocopy the main pages of your passport, your airline ticket, itinerary, insurance policy, traveller’s cheques and credit card. Keep one set of photocopies with you, separate from the originals. Leave one set of copies at home with family or friends. It is also worth taking some extra passport photos with you.

• Vaccinations
  Vaccinations are required for this trip. Please consult your doctor or a travel health specialist. The choice of vaccinations can depend on a range of issues including the specific destination, the duration of the trip, your personal health and of course what vaccines you have had before.
  Compulsory vaccines: These days the only compulsory vaccine is for yellow fever, which is required for travel to East Africa. It should be done at least 10 days before travel and must be recorded in an official certificate book. Please note that very often you may not need to show this certificate book when entering these countries, but you will need to produce it to immigration/customs on returning to your home country.
• Routine Background Vaccines: We strongly endorse current public health recommendations that all travellers should be up-to-date with their routine vaccines such as tetanus, diphtheria, measles/mumps/rubella, polio and influenza, and paediatric vaccinations for children.
• Travel Vaccinations: While the food and water-borne diseases such as hepatitis A and typhoid will apply to most of our travellers, other travel vaccines such as hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, Japanese encephalitis and cholera may apply to select travellers, especially long-term travel. Travel health experts can advise on what is required and also what is not required!
• Malaria: There is no vaccination against malaria, which is transmitted by mosquito bites and is a risk in many less-developed tropical areas, particularly in Central, East and West Africa, Melanesia (especially Papua New Guinea) and the Amazon region. In Asia (particularly India) and Central America it may be a problem in rural areas. Protection against mosquito bites is essential and where the risk is considered high, anti-malarial medications are recommended. Anti-malarial medications should be discussed with experts as there are different medications available and not all medications suit all people or all destinations. We prefer that trekkers to altitude try to avoid the use of mefloquine (Lariam) if possible.

For travellers from Australia and New Zealand, we strongly recommend Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics to obtain the most up-to-date advice on health risks and vaccinations (see www.traveldoctor.com.au for locations and detailed vaccine information or phone 1300 658 844 for an appointment in Australia). Some vaccines require more than one dose, so arrange for your visit at least 4-6 weeks before you travel. Travellers living outside Australia and New Zealand will need to consult a similar organisation in their own country (please ask your travel agent for recommendations), but can still access the following link for information:
www.traveldoctor.com.au/travelreport.asp?UnqID=0.4630191&PageID=10&nav=personal-traveller

Things you should know
The Ground Operator will collect and keep one copy of the key pages in your passport in the unlikely event of an emergency. Please bring this along to the initial group meeting.

• Medical Kit
  It is a good idea to take a small medical kit with you, and you should consider packing the following items: Antibiotics, Lip-balm, moisturiser, sunscreen, headache tablets, antiseptic (e.g. Betadine), anti-diarrhoea tablets (for changes in diet and water), laxatives, band-aids/moleskin/dressing strips for blisters, small scissors/tweezers. Note that moleskin is particularly good for blisters and can be obtained from any pharmacy.

It is also recommended to carry a letter from your doctor explaining any less common prescribed medications that you may be carrying.

• Diarrhoea
  Stomach upsets are not uncommon when travelling through new destinations (usually a 24 - 48 hour 'bug') and this may cause diarrhoea, leading to dehydration. Should you develop a stomach upset you should eat only in moderation and drink plenty of fluids. It is a good idea to carry a couple of sachets of rehydrants with you (such as Gastrolite). We also suggest that you carry one of the common anti-diarrhoea tablets such as Imodium
• Sunstroke
  It can be quite easy to get sun burnt when you are not accustomed to the sun in new climates. You should take sensible precautions such as wearing a hat and using a good UV sunscreen. Finally, drink plenty of fluids - preferably water.
• Water
  In general, water is not safe to drink in the areas through which we travel. Bottled Water is widely available and most travellers prefer to drink this. Your guide can assist you in regards to the relative safety of tap water and the availability of bottled water on each tour. When walking, or in hot conditions, you must make a conscious effort to maintain your hydration, drinking as much water/tea as possible to offset fluid loss.
   
• A word on drugs
  In most countries even the smallest quantity of an illegal substance is considered a very serious offence and can carry lengthy jail terms. Avoid any contact with illegal drugs. Don’t put yourself and others at risk and never carry bags or luggage for other people. Any person found to be carrying or using illegal drugs will be asked to leave the trip immediately without the right to any refund.
  
• Government travel advice
  Many governments publish up-to-date travel advice for countries around the world. Information is gleaned from both local and international sources as well as ‘friendly’ governments, and the notices are often on the cautious side. Sometimes there will be conflicting information. For example, the Australian, UK and Canadian governments may agree on the nature of the advice; however, frequently they do not. And sometimes the views expressed by a particular government can be coloured by political considerations.

Peregrine will monitor these travel advisories closely and may alter itineraries or cancel trips as a result. However, it is also your responsibility to stay informed and form a balanced view. We recommend that you visit the websites or contact the departments listed below. Unless otherwise stated, it is not normally the intention of the relevant government travel advice to dissuade you from travelling. Rather, it is to inform you of where and when you should exercise caution to avoid problems. Please also note that, as a responsible tour operator, we maintain constant links with our ground operators and your safety - at all times - is our paramount concerns.

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Advisory:
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel Advisory:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel

• Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Travel Advisory:
  http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp
   
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  Special Preparations
• Climbing Kilimanjaro - Machame Route
  (these notes should be read in conjunction with our main notes relating to the Machame Route)
  At 5,895 metres, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and massive by most standards around the world. There is no technical climbing involved - you will be walking all the way. However, there are a number of factors which you must take into consideration, and plan for accordingly.

Weather & climatic conditions.
Although you will be starting at low altitudes, where mild conditions are the norm, you will rapidly ascend into areas where still-air temperatures are cold, and where windy conditions, if encountered, will accentuate the chill factor.
There are permanent glaciers on the upper sections of the mountain, and you will come across ice or possibly snow. In other words, you must be suitably equipped and mentally prepared for very cold conditions.

There is a tendency for the wettest times to coincide with the general long rains (April and May) and the short rains in November. December to February are the warmest months. Cold to very cold conditions can be encountered on the higher slopes at any time of the year.

Equipment - what to bring
You will be climbing from comparatively warm lower altitudes to high altitudes where it can be very cold, and where wind can add to the need for adequate warm protective clothing. The temperature is sometimes well below zero, frequently to -10°C, and can be as cold as -20°C at night! Whilst walking up hill you will generate body heat which will reduce the need for warmer clothing somewhat, particularly if conditions are still and sunny. However, as soon as you stop moving or lose the effects of the sun, conditions can quickly become much colder. At higher altitude you must avoid wearing cotton clothing: this, when wet through sweat and perspiration, can quickly become dangerously cold. Synthetic clothing, such as long johns and polar fleece is preferable; a layering principal, where you can use a number of thin and medium-weight levels of clothing rather than just one or two thick levels, provides far more flexibility in enabling you to dress at any given time to suit prevailing conditions.

For the lower altitudes you will probably be able to trek in shorts and a T-shirt on the first day. Rain is not uncommon in this lower area. From then on, you will need warmer clothing - using the layer principal.

Equipment Peregrine provides:
A soft-sided, sturdy canvas bag, for your main luggage. This will be carried by porters and should not weigh more than 12 kilos when packed. You can then use your own travelling bag to leave at the Machame Hotel with your excess luggage.  A down jacket for use at night when you arrive into camp.  A good warm sleeping bag with hood: rating 4 seasons or better (down to -20 °Celsius).  An inner sheet.

Equipment you need to bring should include:

• An adequate size day pack (at least 35 litre capacity - recommended with good hip strap support) for the items you will want during the day while you are walking - including water bottle, camera, warm clothing, etc. (Line the bag with a strong plastic bag in case of rain/snow.) You will not have access to your main bag whilst walking during the day, so ensure your day pack is large enough. 
• You will need to bring a sleeping Mat, preferably a Thermarest, it is sometimes possible to hire mats (thin foam mats US$15.00) locally however we give no assurances as to what will be available or the state of repair
• Sturdy water bottle: Sigg or Nalgene (wide mouth) brand or similar. At least 3 litres. It is most important to drink large quantities of water to help you acclimatise to increasing altitude.
• Water Purifying Tablets (eg Puritabs) - to sterilise your drinking water. (Plus powdered flavouring to make the drink taste better!)
• A wide-brimmed hat (with a chin strap in case of wind), strong sun screen, lip-eze or zinc cream, good quality sun glasses - with side protection to protect against strong UV rays and ice glare at higher altitude.
• A small but robust torch, spare bulb, spare batteries (two sets). A head torch is ideal, especially for the climb from the top hut or camp to the summit which usually commences between 1 and 2am.
• A small towel or chamois for the climb only. Face cloth and soap (large “Chucks” or Superwipes dry more quickly than most towels) for a quick body wash to freshen up. There are no showers available on the mountain.
• Camera (not too large or heavy), film, fresh battery and a spare battery (important: cold conditions reduce battery life dramatically).
• Warm gloves or mittens: thin inners and a thicker outer pair and waterproof outer mitts.
• Warm woollen or polartec hat or balaclava - make sure it can cover your ears.
• Warm trousers (not jeans or cottons) or tracksuit pants for the middle altitudes. Fibrepile 200 pants for the higher altitudes are suggested.
• Sturdy waterproof/windproof knee-length over jacket with hood (Gore-Tex is best).
• Waterproof/windproof overpants (zippered bottom legs to enable the pants to be put on or removed without taking off your boots are useful).
• A minimum three layers for upper body wear. Thermal (polypropylene) long-sleeved singlets and long johns.
• Warm lightweight wool pullover or polar fleece 100 inner jacket. A polar fleece 200 or 300 jacket.
• A good pair of hiking boots which are worn in and spare laces. Ideally leather upper or Gortex lined. Waterproofed.
• Spare pair of running shoes, or warmer bivvy boots, etc. to change into after completing the day's walk.
• Thick socks – at least one pair per day. Thinner socks to wear under thick socks - help to keep feet dry and prevent blisters.
• A pair of gaiters to at least mid-calf may be useful on the upper slopes to protect against snow and scree, and against mud lower down.
• A walking pole or pair of poles (with adjustable height) can be very useful and are strongly recommended.
• Toilet paper - carry in a strong plastic bag, plus matches or lighter. If you need to go during the day, please burn the paper responsibly (ensuring that that is all that is burnt).
• A supply of chocolate or glucose-based sweets can be very useful. A spread such as vegemite can also be a little luxury.
• Sturdy plastic bags - garden strength or similar. To line your main bag and day pack for use in case of rain or snow.
• Spare prescription glasses. (Avoid metal rims if possible on prescription and sun glasses - they may freeze on your face in extreme cold.)
• You may be able to wear shorts and a T-shirt on Day 1.
• Warm thermal underwear or tracksuit to wear in sleeping bag at night. 
   
• You should also take a small medical kit. You will need:
• a blister kit, bandaids
• medication for upset digestive system (anti-nausea/anti-spasmodic/anti-diarrhoea),
• creams to prevent infections - norfloxin or betadine ointment for cuts, etc,
• mild aspirin or paracetamol. Preparations such as Panadeine, Codral Forte and similar narcotic-based pain killers should be avoided as they may mask potential severe high-altitude problems. You should also avoid tranquillisers and strong sleeping tablets as they also mask symptoms of altitude sickness and can cause considerable problems because they can decrease the breathing rate.
• Diamox may be considered to offset the effects of altitude: please discuss fully with your medical adviser as opinions vary as to its effectiveness.
• Water purification tablets - enough for 25 litres of water
• Rehydration sachets, Gastrolite.
• Anti-inflammatory cream (mainly for aching joints on descent!)
•  good book/diary/cards/pen
• Small mirror, toiletries
• $US cash for gratuities at end of climb and a couple of celebratory drinks, Sal Salinero Villa does not accept credit cards, US$ cash or Tanzanian Schillings only (all notes post 2001 series).
• It is often appreciated if you take old jerseys/tracksuits etc to give to your porters/guides after your climb.

Hiring of equipment
It is sometimes possible to hire some articles of equipment such as a sleeping mat through our local operator, but unfortunately we can give no assurances as to what will be available or the state of repair. We suggest you limit yourself to non-essentials such as walking sticks and gaiters, and endeavour to bring all other equipment with you.

Effects of high altitude
You will be moving steadily to higher altitude, and in a relatively short time (there are very few downhill sections until you reach the summit!). High altitude, with its reduction in the amount of oxygen in the air and in air pressures, results in changes to your body metabolism. This will probably cause at least minor effects in everyone attempting to climb the mountain, and may cause major affects, loosely known as altitude sickness. It is the major affects that are of great concern; high altitude sickness can be a dangerous disease and potentially fatal if left undiagnosed and untreated. Your guides are highly experienced in recognising severe symptoms, which occur but occasionally, and advising descent to lower altitude. There is little correlation between fitness and the affects of altitude; and youth or a high level of fitness are no insurance. If instructed to descend by your guide (you will be accompanied), you must do so.
 
Mild effects of altitude
For most people the effects of the altitude on Kilimanjaro are merely some discomfort, and a general shortage of breath. There is an increase in pulse and the rate of breathing, and there may be some swelling of your hands, ankles and face. Mild headaches, reduced interest in food, and difficulty sleeping are often experienced, some times accompanied by a feeling of nausea. As you near the summit each step will become a major undertaking, and short distances will suddenly seem interminable! It is here that a degree of mental stamina will become invaluable.

There are a number of factors which are recognised as helping to reduce the likelihood or severity of symptoms:
a) Walking slowly from the start. For some people, especially the very fit, this is physiologically difficult at lower altitudes, but it will pay dividends later. Take your time. Walk slowly. Walk very slowly. Enjoy the views and the surrounding scenery.
b) Maintaining a high level of hydration - drink as much as you can in the way of non-alcoholic beverages including water, even if you are not feeling thirsty. Aim for at least five or six litres a day!
c) Avoid any medications which can act as a sedative.

If symptoms become more severe, which happens very occasionally, your guide will arrange for you to be escorted back to lower altitude straight away. The reduction of even a few hundred feet in altitude will usually lead to a major improvement. You must accept your guide’s decision and instructions in such circumstances - impaired judgement can also be a symptom of altitude sickness!
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Luggage
Remember - the lighter you travel the better! A soft-sided duffel or sausage bag is the ideal form of luggage. It is recommended that you keep your luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option for trips without light aircraft charter sections, but preferably one without a frame. Please note that internal flights carry a restriction of a single bag weighing no more than 15kg per person. SPACE AND WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED; excess baggage may not be loaded. If your tour is beginning and ending in the same location excess luggage can usually be left at the departure hotel for your collection after your safari.

General packing checklist
When you pack your clothing, consider the climate at the time of year you are travelling and any specific requirements for your trip. Laundry facilities are available in some destinations.

Below is a list of equipment and documentation that we suggest you take with you. Please use this checklist as a guide when packing for your Peregrine holiday.
• Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, trip notes
• Copy of passport, visa, travel insurance and air tickets
• Spare passport photos
• Money: cash/credit card
• Money belt
• First aid kit
• Daypack for use on day or overnight excursions
• Watch/alarm clock and torch/flashlight (and spare batteries)
• Toiletries/roll of toilet paper/travel wipes
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen, lip balm, sunhat and sunglasses
• Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)
• 2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain)
• Refillable water bottle
• Phrase book- Swahili
• Warm clothes - when travelling in cooler climates
• Wind and waterproof jacket
• Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with good walking socks
• Camera and spare film (or recharge for digital cameras)
• Binoculars
 Special items you require for this trip
• Pillow
• Quick dry towel
• Sleeping Mat – Recommend Thermarest
 
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While you are travelling
Hotel check in/out
Generally, your room will be available from around midday. Sometimes it may be available mid-morning but this is in no way guaranteed. Generally the check-out times for hotels is 10am. Most hotels have secure left-luggage facilities available to store your luggage until you need to depart.
 
Additional expenses
You will need to take money with you to cover any additional meals/drinks not included in your tour cost. Other costs to consider are drinking water (approx. US$1-2 per 1.5 litre bottle), tips, laundry, souvenirs, additional sightseeing and possible delays. It is much better to come with more than you would expect to spend and to end the trip with a surplus, rather than being caught short! It is always useful to carry an additional amount for emergencies that could happen en route.  Sal Salinero Villa does not accept credit cards, you will need to pay for any bills in US$ cash (notes 2001 series or newer) or Tanzanian Schillings.  If there is a medical emergency you are sometimes required to pay at the source and reimbursement will be made later by your insurance company. This is a situation where having a credit card can be useful.
 
Shopping
Please be aware that in some countries we visit there are sometimes unscrupulous shop keepers and traders who may take advantage of tourists. While our tour leaders will offer limited assistance at advising on the more reputable shops to visit, we ask that you take time to consider your purchases and understand that the decision to buy them is entirely yours.
 
Tipping
Service wages in Africa are minimal and staff rely on tips to supplement these wages. Tipping of all service staff is customary and the only time tips are not given are when service has been exceptionally poor. At restaurants, approximately 10% of the bill is standard (unless such amount is already included as a service charge). For taxi drivers and porters at hotels/airports, a tip of about US$1 is sufficient. Whilst staying at camps/lodges in remote areas it is customary to tip the camp staff, and normally there is a box centrally located for this. The recommended amount is US$1 per client per day.
 It is customary – and expected – that all climbers tip their mountain guide and porter(s). The normal tip paid is around US$120 to US$150 per person in total for the guide and his crew. If you are happy with their services, please give them more. Please ensure that you hold onto your guides tip until you reach the exit gate of the National Park. This will help to ensure that you get the best possible service from your trekking crew.
 
Photo etiquette
Please ask first if you want to take someone's photograph. This is just a normal courtesy and if you are refused permission please abide by that person's wishes. At certain ancient sites, and in most museums, photography (video or still) may be forbidden, or may incur an extra charge for camera-use. Do not take photos of buildings, structures and personnel of potential military significance (including airports, bridges, army barracks, and police stations).
 
Exchange rates
Refer to www.xe.com for current exchange rates. US$1.00 = TSH 1200 - 1300
 
Flexibility & Patience
Travelling in Africa provides some of the most rewarding experiences anywhere in the world. Africa is a huge continent where travel modes and lifestyles are often not as sophisticated as our own. There is also a laid-back attitude amongst workers and there will often seem to be huge amounts of red tape and bureaucracy when doing the simplest things. The continent seems to work on an "African time" frame where there is no hurry at all! You will enjoy your trip much more if you slip into the rhythm of local life and are prepared to take things as they come.
 
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About Tanzania
 
Climate
The relative height of much of the country results in a fairly temperate climate for most of the year, especially in the northern part of the country. Evenings can be quite cool, whilst daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm. The principal rainy season is April/May, whilst in November and early December, the ‘short’ rains bring showers in the early mornings and evenings. The hottest months are October to February; on the coast it is generally hot and humid. Ngorongoro Crater can be very cold at night and in the early morning.
 
 
Currency
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling. Approx. 1200-1300 TSH to US$1.00

Money
You will not have ready access to ATMs on this trip.  US Dollars cash are the recommended currency to take with you, US$ notes should be in a good condition and post-2001 series or newer.  Sal Salinero Villa does not accept credit cards for payments you will need US$ cash or local currency to pay for any bills. If you are travelling with traveller’s cheques you will often be required to show your proof of purchase slip to change money. Exchange rates vary with bigger notes returning more Tanzanian Shillings per dollar than the smaller notes.
 
Detailed country information
For more detailed information about Tanzania please visit
http://www.peregrineadventures.com/Africa/Country/Country-Info.html?countryid=228&country=Tanzania.
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Emergency contact - Peregrine head office
Please contact our local service provider (as stated in your itinerary) for any problems such as airline delays, transfer difficulties, etc. This is the most efficient way of resolving issues locally. In the event of an emergency ONLY, you can contact Peregrine Adventures in Melbourne, Australia, on the after hours mobile phone +61 417 808 800. Please consider the time difference of GMT +10 hours, as this is not a 24-hour office number.
 
About this information
For further information, refer to our Detailed Itinerary for this trip, the relevant Country Dossier, and our Guidelines for Low Impact Travel, all available online at www.peregrineadventures.com.

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!