When should I go?
Kilimanjaro is climbable all year round. The best months to climb are December-March, and September-October, which are the warmest and driest months. The next best is June to August, but they are colder. July and August are the busiest months.
How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro?
It requires no technical climbing experience, and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain. Most of the hike is casual if you have done some training with long hikes. However, summit day is very strenuous for just about everyone. Altitude is the biggest factor in summitting.
Which route should I take?
Your decision will depend on where you want to sleep and the hiking distance each day and number of days of each route. On the Marangu Route, you sleep in huts with simple beds, while on all the other routes, you sleep in tents. The two most popular routes on the mountain are the Marangu and Machame. You may also want to consider the Rongai Route as it is far less traveled. The Lemosho Route a good choice if you want a longer route (8+ days). None of these routes are technical.
How long does it take to reach the summit-on-summit day?
It will depend on the route you pick and your pace. It can take from 4-8 hours to reach the summit from the highest camp.
How do I cope with change of altitude?
Always remember to maintain a slow, steady pace from beginning to end. Going slowly allows the body to acclimatize while hiking. Those who start out too quickly will have troubles higher up the mountain as the body will be overexerted. This still holds true if you are spending and extra day on the mountain. Your guide with remind you to hike “pole- pole”, which means very slowly.
Some people take Diamox to help with the effects of altitude. This is a prescription you have to get from your doctor.
What kind of climbing gear do I need?
See our Kilimanjaro Packing List page for the full list.
Can children climb Kilimanjaro?
The minimum age set by the National Park Authorities for summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro is 12 years old. However, younger children can attempt the summit with special permission. Younger children can also trek on the mountain without attempting the summit — it is still a great experience!
How big will my group be?
Groups are limited to 10 people. We will combine groups up to this limit if they are starting the same route on the same day. However, we can also arrange for private groups at no extra cost. We will try to add single travelers to a group, if at all possible, but we cannot guarantee it. We can also accommodate large groups of any size.
How many guides, and porters and cooks do we get?
Generally speaking, expect 1 guide per 2 hikers, 1 assistant guide per 3 hikers, and 1 cook per 8 hikers. Porters as follows:
- 2 porters per hiker on the 5-day Marangu Route and Mt. Meru (minimum of 4 porters)
- 3 porters per hiker on a 6 or 7-day trek (minimum of 5 porters)
- 4 porters per hiker on the 8-day Lemosho Route (minimum of porters)
- Sometimes extra porters are required based on the weight of the luggage.
Are the guides trained in first aid and altitude sickness?
Kilimanjaro guides are trained in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and basic mountain first aid. However, they are not doctors or paramedics. Climbers are responsible for bringing their own first aid kit and medical supplies.
Kilimanjaro guides are trained and certified by the Kilimanjaro National Park. They start out as porters and work their way up to assistant guide. When they are ready (after about 2-4 years), they go through the national park certification process.
What kind of tents do you provide?
Our tents are 3-person 4-season dome-style mountain tents for two people each.
Will there be oxygen for our group on the trek?
Oximeters are included on all treks at no charge (1 per group). Oxygen is available for $150/group.
What happens if we one of us gets ill and has to return earlier? Is there an extra charge or is our money returned in case of illness or injury?
All climbers pay a rescue fee to the Kilimanjaro National Park (included in the AWR price). If a client cannot walk because they are injured or sick, the guides, assistant guides, and porters will assist this climber down. There is no extra charge for coming down and taken back to the hotel, but you will get no money back for the time on the mountain that you missed, and you will be responsible for medical assistance and extra hotel nights. We highly recommend ravel insurance cover any medical expenses and further evacuation.
What additional costs can I expect when I travel with you?
Extra expenses include:
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
- Rental equipment (sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.)
- Accommodations and meals in Moshi/Arusha
- Airport transfers
- International and domestic flights
- Any personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, etc.)
Can I use a credit card to pay for my climb?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also wire transfer the money or mail a personal check.
What is the deposit amount to hold my space?
A 20% deposit is required at time of booking to hold your reservation. This deposit is non-refundable.
When do I need to pay the balance of my trip?
Final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival in Tanzania.
Do you cancel or charge more in case other people cancel a trip?
A trip will not be canceled, but you may have to pay more if your group falls below a certain group size.
What kind of accommodation is available during climbing?
On the Marangu Route, the first two huts sleep four people each, and the last hut is dorm-style with bunk beds. On the other routes, you sleep in 3-person 4-season dome-style mountain tents, two people each.
Do your Tanzania trips include any transfer for those arriving in Nairobi, Kenya?
No, but we can schedule transfer from Nairobi either by land or air for an additional charge.
Do you have luggage (weight/size/number) limitations on your climbs?
The one pack that the porters carry for you is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds). Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at $20/day plus tips.
Can we leave excess luggage behind while trekking?
Extra luggage can be stored in a locked storage room at your Moshi hotel at no charge. Valuables should be left in a safe deposit box at your hotel in Moshi ($1/day)
What’s the food like during the climb?
The staple foods in Tanzania are meats, starches, vegetables, and fruits. Most meals will also have a selection of hot drinks like instant coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. We can accommodate special dietary requests.
Do you accommodate people with dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian and other special diets can be accommodated. Please let us know ahead of time and remind your guide during your trek briefing. Protein options may be minimal on a vegetarian diet, so you may want to bring protein supplements.
Who prepare the food on the mountain?
Your trekking party will be supplied with a cook to prepare your meals in a safe and hygienic manner.
What about drinking water?
The porters will purify water for you at each camp.
Can we buy drinking water/ soda on the Kilimanjaro?
You will be able to buy any drinks before getting to the gate at local mini markets in town. Sometimes there are drinks available at the lower camps, but that service is unreliable and expensive.
Can we bring something for the porters?
Donations are easier to take with you when you travel to Tanzania rather than mailing them after you get back from your trip. Porters welcome old hiking boots, warm clothing, and cash donations.
How much is a good tip?
See our full Tanzania Tipping Guide>>
Remember, tips should not be dependent on whether you summit or not, but rather whether they were professional and had your best interests in mind.
Is it better to do a safari first…. then the trek? Or do the trek first?
Most people start with the trek and end with the safari, so they get done with the hardest part of their trip and are able to relax on their safari. However, we can accommodate either order.
Can I get to Zanzibar after my trek? Can you arrange that?
We can book your flights to Zanzibar from Kilimanjaro and your Zanzibar hotels.