Why Diamond Glacier Adventures?
Diamond Glacier Adventures is committed to providing a high-class service that our clients will be completely satisfied with. With our highly qualified mountain guides, DGA ensures visitors experience a lifetime adventure while climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, enjoying the amazing wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park, or taking a beach holiday in the white sands of Zanzibar. Our main goal is to provide everyone that comes on a trip with us a fascinating and memorable experience.
We are a local organization that is concerned with porter rights, as well as being eco-friendly. We are also very concerned about safety.
Am I able to visit Tanzania?
Tanzania is now open for commercial flights and has loosened its limitations on international travel. All passengers must submit the online Public Health Surveillance Form within 24 hours of arriving in Tanzania.
Should I enter quarantine when I arrive in Tanzania?
Upon arrival in Tanzania, anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms may be forced to self-quarantine for up to 14 days.
Are COVID-19 tests necessary before entering Tanzania?
All unvaccinated visitors must show proof of a negative PCR test performed 72 hours before entry.
Arrivals who are fully immunized are exempt.
Is Tanzania’s public transit operational?
Tanzania has a functioning public transportation system.
Are there open bars and restaurants in Tanzania?
Tanzania now has open restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Are there open shops and attractions in Tanzania?
Attractions and non-essential businesses are open.
Do I have to cover my face in Tanzania?
Wearing a mask is advised.
What is the food like?
At sunrise, after a bowl of porridge, some toast, fried egg, and sausages, it’s another beautiful day to start your walk/ride.
Dinner will start with a fresh soup either made of carrot, cucumber, pumpkin, or vegetable, followed by a main course, and some fruit. Later on you will have either a hot cup of tea, energy drink, hot chocolate, or coffee.
All diets can be accomodated. Please just give us advance notice.
Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag or tent?
You can either bring your own sleeping bag or hire one. The tent is already included in the price, but if you bring your own, we will lower the price by $30.
How close do I get to the animals?
It is important to follow park regulations. Normally, the guide should keep a distance of at least 25 meters/82 feet from the animals; however, some animals actually come near vehicles or stay close to the tracks. It is a good idea to bring binoculars to see animals that are further in the distance.
What is the safari car like?
All of the safari cars are four-wheel drive, usually either a Land Cruiser or a Land Rover.
What will the safari / climbing Kilimanjaro be like each day?
Your safari driver or mountain guide will tell you the plan for the next day every evening after dinner.
What are the tipping guidelines?
- Chief Guide: $20-$25 per day
- Assistant Guide: $15-$20 per day
- Cook: $15-$20 per day
- Porter: $8 to $10 per day
- Safari driver: $10 to $15 per day/per person in the car
Tips are much appreciated. They tell the guides how much you appreciate their help during the trip. Tips should not be dependent on whether you summit, but rather whether your guides were professional and had your best interests in mind.
If your guides and porters have not met your expectations please inform our office staff immediately and do not feel obligated to give a tip. If anyone presses you for a tip during your trek, inform us as well, as this is against company policy.
Give tips depending on your satisfaction. Tips can go hire or low; these are not our fixed guidelines. Feel free to discuss tips with your guide one night before the end of your trip. The head guide can give advice on tipping for other members of the group.
How are your porters treated?
Our porters are strong and work very hard. Respect for all is our number one priority. The porters walk ahead of you everyday carrying our best camping gear to make sure all luggage arrives before you.
For that reason we make sure we treat all our staff fairly. We pay a decent wage, provide food for them while on the mountain, and provide them with nice tents. We also arrange their transportation to and from the trip.
We make sure they have all necessary hiking gear. They never carry above 20 kg/44 lbs, which is a recommended amount with KIPAP, KINAPA, and all porter organizations of Kilimanjaro. Our crew will cherish you with local traditional songs on the mountain. It’s not only climbing but also singing and dancing for fun.
What are the bathrooms like?
Hygienically, we provide private portable camping toilets. They are set near your tent all the time at the camp. There is no need to walk far for the toilet at the camps. We clean it after each single use.
What about the trash?
We are environmentally friendly. We dispose of trash at the right place on the last day of our descent at the gate.
Which airport do I need to fly into?
You can land at either Kilimanjaro International Airport (45 km/28 miles from Arusha), Mwalimu Nyerere Airport (Dar es salaam), or Nairobi International Airport.
Can I arrange transport with your company to and from the airport?
Yes, you can arrange the transport with us.
Will your company provide travel insurance?
It is recommended that clients have their own traveler’s insurance. There is rescue on Mt. Kilimanjaro, but it does not include medical services, only stretcher service from the mountain base all the way down, and after rescue, ambulance to the hospital. We do everything we can to ensure your safety and health, but we cannot be held responsible. Please organize your insurance from home.
How do I send the deposit to reach you in a safe way?
Please contact us for details on how to send money through the bank.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Booking for any tour you would like to do with us should be made at least 2 weeks before the start date. Doing this will enable us to make preparations, especially for places like Marangu route (which offers hut facilities) and lodge safari.
When is the best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?
We generally advise that the best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October. However, although these are considered to be the best times to climb the mountain in terms of weather, they are also the busiest months.
When is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?
The best time to go on safari in Tanzania is any time outside of the March to early May rains. These can cause travel disruption in the remote south, and wildlife disperses as food and water become more abundant. However, you can go to Tanzania from July to October when the country is at its driest. This coincides with the wildebeest migration of river crossings.