Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Faqs

Most people from foreign countries do need a visa to visit Tanzania.

You can get a visa at the airport if you're from the US, Canada, the UK, or many European countries. It costs $100 for US travellers and $50 for most others. US visitors get a visa that lasts longer.

If you're from another country, it's a good idea to check with your embassy to see if you need a visa or can get one when you land in Tanzania. Some people from Africa don't need a visa at all to enter Tanzania.

Remember, your passport should be good for six more months after you plan to leave Tanzania.

Tanzania doesn't ask for specific vaccines to enter. But, if you're coming from a place where yellow fever is a risk, they'll want to see your yellow fever vaccine certificate. The same is true if you visit Tanzania for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing.

It's also a good idea to check with your doctor about getting the following vaccines, even if they aren't required: hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Yellow fever, fever, tetanus, polio, MMR (for measles, mumps, and rubella), and Meningitis (especially if you are visiting parts of Africa and Asia).

You can climb Kilimanjaro anytime during the year. Still, if you're looking for the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro, consider going between July to October or December to February. These periods are typically the warmest and have the least rain.

Kilimanjaro has seven routes to reach the top. Out of which, the Lemosho, Machame, and Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes are the most recommended ones. These paths have a great mix of lovely views and a good chance of reaching the summit.

We would say instead of focusing on kilometres, think about daily walking hours. Typically, days start with a 6:30 AM breakfast and a 7 AM hike start. Expect about four to five hours of walking before a lunch break.

Post-lunch, you'll usually hike for another one to two hours. Although these aren't extremely long days, taking it slow and steady is essential.

For every climber, there's typically a team of three to four local staff, though smaller groups might have even more support. Your team will generally include the following:

• English-speaking guides
• A skilled cook
• Porters to carry equipment

It's great to engage with your mountain crew. They're reliable locals, many of whom have grown up near Kilimanjaro. Several have scaled the mountain over a hundred times, so you're in experienced hands.

On your journey up Kilimanjaro, we prioritize fresh, locally sourced ingredients for nourishing meals. Every dish is designed not only for taste but also to energize you for the challenges ahead.

Our Kilimanjaro Foods are rich in essential carbohydrates, frequently featuring rice, pasta, and potatoes. These staples are paired with selections of meat for a balanced meal. To ensure you receive a diverse range of nutrients, fresh fruits and vegetables accompany every meal, bringing flavour and vitality.

In addition to the main meals, we offer a selection of comforting hot drinks. Choices like tea, instant coffee, and hot chocolate are available to warm you up and keep you hydrated.

While we strive to cater to every dietary need, you might also consider bringing some personal snacks. Items like energy bars, chocolate, or powdered energy drinks can be comforting during your Kilimanjaro Climb.

Showers: Given the remote nature of the Kilimanjaro Trek, traditional showers aren't available. Instead, you'll receive warm water in a bowl for basic face and hand washing every morning and evening. For further cleanliness, consider bringing wet wipes for a quick refresh.

Toilets: Our team sets up a private toilet tent with a plastic toilet for your convenience at each camp. While public pit latrines are available at the Kilimanjaro Camps, they are often unclean and not recommended. If nature calls while you're on the trail, the wilderness is your restroom – find a secluded spot behind a tree or rock.

Please remember to be environmentally conscious. Carry a small baggie of used toilet paper and dispose of it responsibly at the campsite.

The tents on Kilimanjaro Climb are designed for mountain conditions, featuring double walls, mosquito nets, and sturdy, waterproof floors. Although they can fit up to three people, they're most spacious for two, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Our porter team will handle setting up and breaking down the tents. These tents offer ample space for stretching and stowing equipment.

On the Marangu Route, you'll find huts with a simple A-frame design. Each of these huts has four bunk beds, and while they're functional, they might feel a bit tight for taller trekkers. Storage space is available on the floor. External communal facilities are provided for washing and restroom needs.

Based on your fitness level, it's recommended to begin Training for Kilimanjaro at least two to three months in advance. Being in good physical shape will increase your chances of reaching the summit and make the entire journey more pleasurable.

When setting out to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, it's crucial to have the right luggage to keep your essentials organized and accessible.

Firstly, your Kilimanjaro Daypack will be an everyday companion. This backpack should store items you need immediate access to, such as water, snacks, and protective gear like rain gear. For such purposes, a pack with 30 to 50 litres is optimal.

Secondly, you'll need a duffel bag. This is where most of your belongings, like clothes, gear, and personal items, will be stored. Conveniently, a porter will handle this bag for you during the trek.

Lastly, an additional bag can be helpful. If there are items you don't want to bring up the mountain but might need before or after the trek, this bag can hold them. You can safely store this bag at your base hotel.

Organizing your belongings efficiently ensures a smoother and more enjoyable Kilimanjaro experience.

When packing for Kilimanjaro, it's essential to consider the weight restrictions for both your own comfort and that of the porters.

Your duffel bag, which a porter will carry, should ideally not exceed 14 kg (31 lb). For the daypack you'll be holding yourself, keeping its weight under 9 kg (20 lb) is beneficial to ensure you remain comfortable during the trek.

Also, remember that if you're taking domestic flights, the baggage allowance typically ranges from 15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 lb) per traveller. Always check with your airline.

When climbing Kilimanjaro with our team, your safety is our utmost priority.

First and foremost, our guides are extensively trained to handle Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness, the most common and significant challenge climbers face on the mountain. They are well-versed in recognizing the symptoms and implementing immediate measures to ensure climbers' well-being.

Moreover, our guides possess an in-depth understanding of the mountain's terrain, including a comprehensive knowledge of shortcuts. This expertise is invaluable when a quick descent or route change is necessary for our climber's safety.

In any situation, whether routine or emergency, our team is trained to respond promptly, efficiently, and with composure, ensuring that every climber is in the best hands possible.

If circumstances lead to an early descent, rest assured your well-being and experience remain our top priorities.

If any climber, upon consultation with the guide, decides not to proceed further, they'll be safely guided to the nearest campsite to await the return of the rest of the group.

Significantly, one climber's decision will not hinder others' aspirations in the group. Our team ensures there are enough guides on every expedition.

This means all climbers are always accompanied and supported regardless of their pace or condition, even if the group needs to separate for a while. Your safety and experience are never compromised.