Trekking Frequently Asked Questions

Maybe you have some questions about food, some queries about our guides and porters, perhaps some enquiries about the accommodation or worries about toilets? You might want to understand the important process of tipping your mountain crew. This section gives you all the information you need on these important matters.

Where is Mount Kilimanjaro located?

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, East Africa. It is the highest peak in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

What is the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro?

The highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.

What is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, which runs from late June to October, and January to mid-March. These months have the most stable weather conditions and lower chances of rainfall.

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

The length of time it takes to climb Kilimanjaro depends on the route taken and the pace of the climb. On average, it takes between 5-9 days to climb Kilimanjaro.

What is the altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro?

The altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level at its highest point.

How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro can be a challenging experience, but it is not a technical climb. However, it requires good physical fitness, mental endurance, and acclimatization to high altitudes.

Do I need to have climbing experience to climb Kilimanjaro?

No, you don’t need to have previous climbing experience to climb Kilimanjaro. However, it is recommended to have some level of physical fitness and prior hiking experience.

What equipment do I need to climb Kilimanjaro?

Some of the essential equipment needed to climb Kilimanjaro includes proper hiking boots, warm clothing layers, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, and a backpack. More specialized equipment such as crampons, ice axes, and harnesses may be necessary for some routes.

Do I need a permit to climb Kilimanjaro?

Yes, you need a permit to climb Kilimanjaro. The permit is obtained through a licensed tour operator, and the fees vary depending on the route and the number of days of the climb.

Is it safe to climb Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is generally considered safe. However, altitude sickness and other medical issues can occur, so it is important to prepare adequately and climb with an experienced guide.

What is the cost of climbing Kilimanjaro?

The cost of climbing Kilimanjaro varies depending on the route taken, the length of the climb, and the tour operator chosen. On average, the cost can range from $1,500 to $5,000 per person.

What should I wear to climb Kilimanjaro?

It is important to wear warm and comfortable clothing that can protect against the cold and windy conditions on the mountain. This includes layers of breathable fabrics, insulated jackets, waterproof pants, and sturdy hiking boots.

What is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?

The best route to climb Kilimanjaro depends on the individual’s fitness level, experience, and personal preferences. Some popular routes include the Machame Route, Lemosho Route, and Marangu Route.

What is the success rate for climbing Kilimanjaro?

The success rate for climbing Kilimanjaro varies depending on the route, the climber’s preparation, and the guide’s expertise. On average, the success rate is around 90-100%, but this can be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances.

What are the health risks of climbing Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro involves exposure to high altitude and extreme weather conditions, which can lead to health risks such as altitude sickness, hypothermia, and frostbite. It is important to prepare adequately, climb with an experienced guide, and monitor one’s health closely while on the mountain.

What rental gear is available?

We have sleeping bags and trekking poles available for rent. You do not have to reserve them. You can acquire your rentals and pay for them at the trip briefing. If you need other gear, our staff can take you to independently owned shops to purchase or rent gear. However, we are not responsible for the quality of the gear you obtain at these shops. We provide foam sleeping mats for all climbers.

Which routes do you recommend?

We recommend the Marangu route 5, 6 days or 9 days Northern Circuit, 8 days Lemosho, and 7 days Rongai routes. These routes offer the best balance of high success rates, beautiful scenery and smaller crowds. 7, 6 days Machame is a nice route as well, but has a lot of other climbers on it.

What is the difference between a group climb and private climb?

With a group climb, you will be in a party of up to12 or more than that but we put them in the different groups in the same way. Climbers who have booked with us separately (strangers). Group climbs are scheduled for set dates on set routes. In a private climb, you will be in a party of people you specifically booked with (friends, family, etc.). Private climbs can be scheduled on any date you choose and on any route. There is no maximum number of climbers for a private climb. The service on the mountain is exactly the same.
If I am a single climber, do I have to share a room and tent with someone else on a group climb? We pair same single climbers to share a double room before and after the climb and to share a three person tent during the trek. You can get a single room and single tent for yourself by paying for a single supplement. Single supplements must be arranged at the time of booking.

Can I obtain my visa at the airport?

USA, Canadian, British and most European citizens can obtain their visas upon arrival at Kilimanjaro National Airport. The cost is $100 for USA passport holders and $50 for others. If you are a citizen of a different country, please check with your embassy whether you can obtain a visa upon arrival.

What kind of food is prepared on the mountain?

We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, which consist of western style meals but you can get a locally food if your interested.

Can you cater to special diets?

We can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets. For more specific requirements, we will try our best but please contact us to discuss.

How do I use the bathroom on the mountain?

At each campsite, we set up a private toilet tent, which contains a plastic toilet (If requested) each campsite also has public “long drop” toilets. If you need to use the bathroom on the trail, find a spot behind a tree or rock. We recommend bringing pee bottles so that you do not have to leave your tent multiple times during the night to urinate. But there’s no problems if you will walk out as there’s no dangers animals in Kilimanjaro.

How do I shower on the mountain?

You don’t. You can use wet wipes if you like to towel off. We also provide wash bins with soap for you to wash your hands and face.

What safety measures are taken by the staff?

Our guides are highly experienced to manage altitude sickness, which is the biggest obstacle on the mountain. They are certified Wilderness First Responders. They conduct twice daily health checks to measure your oxygen saturation and pulse. A rescue plan is in place in the event of an emergency. Bottled oxygen, a portable stretcher, and a first aid kit is carried on every climb. What happens if someone in my group needs to descend? Does the entire party also have to descend? No. We bring multiple guides on every climb so that when a climber needs to descend, it does not affect the rest of the party. If I have to descend early, are the additional nights at the hotel covered? Additional hotel stays are not covered and must be paid by the client.

What routes do you offer for group climbs?

We have group climbs on the 9 days Northern Circuit, 8 days Lemosho route, 7 days Rongai route Marangu route, and 7 days to 6 days Machame route. We specialize in Machame so most of our group climbs are on this route.

What routes do you offer for private climbs?

We can arrange private climbs on 10 days Northern Circuit/Crater Camp, 9 days Lemosho/Crater Camp, 9 days Northern Circuit, 7-8 days Lemosho route, 7-8 days Shira route, 6-7 days Rongai route, 6-7 days Machame route, 6- 7 days Umbwe route, 5-6 days Marangu route, and 4 day Mount Meru.

What is the best way to increase my chance of making it to the top, before the trip?

First and foremost, choose a longer route. 7 days should be the minimum and 8 or 9 days is even better. Next, put effort into your training and do it for at least two months, incorporating some long hikes if possible. Third, assemble the right gear for your climb. Lastly, consider the acclimatization.