Your questions answered
We’ve put together some commonly asked questions to give you more information about Usambara Adventures and what we offer.
If you intend to travel during the coronavirus pandemic.
Please read the CDC coronavirus travel advice. Recommend to add this to your vacinations before travel.
Can I create a custom itinerary?
Yes I specialize in building custom itineraries to exactly suit your wishes. I have created trips ranging from a 3 day hikes to 6 week adventures, including preparation for Mt Kilmanjaro.
Are there Cultural experiences?
My studies include mammology, ontology, herpetology, anthropology, geology and history. You will listen to informative stories and experience how local communities live in their local environment.
What to expect see Usambara?
In Usambara, there are villages, farms, local Farming, Tropical rain forests, Chameleons, Colubus Monkeys, Velvet Monkeys, historical sites, Waterfalls, spectacular mountain views over the Maasai plain.
Are there limits on group size?
The average group size we work with is four people. We can accommodate larger parties as we have great network of multilingual experienced guides in the community to support us.
Do you host Trekks?
Whether I host the trek or arrange to have one of my guides who speaks good English lead you on the trek. All of the guides I work with are professional guides and will provide a high level of service.
Length of hikes each day?
This will depend on the tour you choose, how many days and what your goals are for your journey. Longer days would be from 5 to 7 hours. Most of the terrain are well marked tracks.
Choice on accommodation?
There are many options, some guest house have electricity, running water, others are Solar, African showers, and camping available. Please contact in advance so I can make arrangements.
Is the local food safe to eat?
The food provided is safe to eat and most guests do not have any problems. It is up to the clients discretion whether or not to eat fresh uncooked items, as local water may be used to wash/prepare them.
What Clothing should I bring?
Dress in natural colours like Brown, Beiges, Khaki. Short sleeved shirts/blouses or cotton T-Shirts. Woolen sweaters, for the evening, early mornings, as surprisingly cold in the mountains in Africa!
What shoes should I wear?
You will need trekking boots or solid hiking/sport shoes, depending if wet season. If it is rainy season ('long rains', lasts during about March, April and May.)Gators can be useful to save wet feet and a good rain jacket a must.
What should I bring?
An Alarm clock and Flashlight, Sun Glasses, Hat, Sun Cream, Camera, SD cards, replacement Batteries, Binoculars. Most stops have electricity for recharging electronics, there may be occasions where we may not have power for a few days.
Level of fitness required?
You should be able to walk 3-5 hours per day over uneven terrain without too much difficulty. There are some elevation gains and losses, but it is not extreme. We can modify the pace of the trek to the fitness level of the group as well.
Transport, How do I get there?
Treks are based from Lushoto. The most popular option to bus from Dar El Salaam - Mombo, then we pick you with my private transport and take you to Lushoto. Another option fly to Arusha, then bus to Mombo, where I can pick you up. It is possible to bus from Mombo to Lushoto if you prefer.
Currency, ATM's and payments?
Tanzania uses Shillings 100,000.00 = $43 USD approx. ATM are available around main cities like Mombo, Arusha. Please arrange the cash you need prior to getting to Lushoto. Safaris are paid USD. Please contact me to advise your plans I can give you a quote for the trek or Safari.
Personal Safety and valuables?
The areas I will be taking you are considered generally safe, but as a traveller in a foreign country, you need to use your travel smarts. Remember it always good to be aware of yourself and your possessions when travelling, espcially around the larger Cities and at night.
Is there Internet access??
There are few places with internet access, by western standards, very slow. Only plan on the minimal of check-ins (if that) while we are trekking or on a safari. Less than 45 percent of the area of Tanzania is covered by any form of cell phone reception.
Is it ok to take photos?
It is no problem to take photos of local villages but for people we have to ask them before we photograph them. Most are ok with it, some ask for money and the kids love to see their photo on the camera. Always best to ask for permission first!
Can we bring gifts for Villagers?
It is not ideal to bring candy and pens to the villages but will be so good if we can bring them to school. Do not give money to beggars. Instead make a resolution that you will make a donation to a local school or health project before you leave Africa.
On Safari - What animals will we see?
We will see lots of animals and a great variety too. You can expect to see hundreds in the dry season and thousands, possibly, millions in the wet season. We will keep an eye out for the Big 5 too (Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalos)! We often see several of these on each trip, but there are no guarantees that we will see all 5.
On Safari - What is Included in price?
All our safari packages include transport by Safari vehicle (Toyota 4WD or similair), all game park entry fees, camping fees, guide fees, administration fees, camping equipment, foam mattresses. 20 percent is donated to a local school or health project for the village development fund. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner each day whilst on Safari, prepared by our personal cook.
What are Tanzania’s Safari parks?
Parks are divided into three circuits, Northern Tanzania (Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Manyara NP, Tarangirie NP, Arusha NP and Mount Kilimanjaro NP). Southern circuit (Selous NP, Ruaha NP and Mikumi NP) and Gombe National Stream Park and Mahale Mountain National Park make up the western circuit.