FAQs

You will need a passport that is valid for at least six more months. You will also need a flight card which you will receive on the plane. Finally, you need a Tanzanian visa.

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.

Nothing is required but many are recommended. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania when arriving from countries where yellow fever is present.

Kilimanjaro International Airport

It is possible to fly into Nairobi and take a bus to Arusha. This is quite a cramped 6 – hour ride, which takes on the risks of travel by bus, as well as figuring out immigration from Kenya to Tanzania (All very doable with a little help from locals). This route is better suited to those on a budget with a desire for adventure.

The listed price includes all logistical aspects of your tour. A full list of inclusions and exclusions can be found on our pages.

We cater to private groups from solo hikers upward.

We will try to pair you up with other hikers wishing to join a group. It is best to have flexibility in your travel dates.

We can arrange for you to hike any of the 7 routes up Kilimanjaro.

We highly recommend the Lemosho route due to its acclimatization advantages and its scenic beauty. The Machame route is also highly recommended, though it is a little steeper and requires better fitness levels. It too has excellent acclimatization and very good scenery. The Rongai route is also a good trail for those who have previously hiked at altitude, have acclimatized, have excellent fitness, and want to hike Kilimanjaro in fewer than 7 – 8 days.

The Marangu route is the most direct route up and only takes 6 days This does not provide time for acclimatization and therefore limits your chance of summiting. It is also a very busy route. Accommodation in the huts is quite noisy and limits your oxygen uptake during the night.

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 booking a 4 day hike up Mt Meru with us prior to your Kilimanjaro tour.
Many hikers take Diamox, a drug to assist your body to acclimatize. You will need to visit a travel medical clinic prior to your trip to get these prescribed.

Kilimanjaro is best climbed when the weather is dry. There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania. The long rainy season is from mid-March to early June. The short rainy season is from November to early December. Therefore, the best times to climb Kilimanjaro are mid-December to early-March, and mid-June to end of October.

You will be sent a list of items to bring. This can also be found on the Preparation tab on our website.

Definitely. It can rain and snow all year round. The base of the mountain is in the rainforest. A quality waterproof jacket and pants is an absolute must.

In general, expect to sleep in temperatures as low as 20F and to hike in temperatures as low as -20F. It can be even colder. Be prepared.

We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, which consist of western and traditional Tanzanian style meals. We send you a food questionnaire prior to your trip, so that we can cater to your specific dietary needs.

At each campsite, we set up a private toilet tent, which contains a plastic toilet. 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.

You don't. You can use wet wipes if you like to towel off. We also provide wash bowls with hot water when you arrive at your campsite each day so that you can flannel wash with soap.

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, 2 – way radios and a first aid kit are carried on every climb. Portable stretchers are available at specific locations on the mountain. We register you with the Flying doctor's program, so that you can be airlifted from the mountain (depending on the altitude you are at).

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.

This depends on when in the trip you need to descend, and your medical needs and wishes. It may be possible for you to remain on the mountain at a lower altitude until the rest of your group descend. Alternately, you or your guide may think it best for you to return to the city, Arusha.

No, additional hotel stays are not covered and must be paid by you.

No, not usually, since we need to make preparations for your safari before your trip begins. It is best to pre-plan and pre-book your safari with us to avoid disappointment.

The only additional item you need for the safari is perhaps binoculars. Other than that, the clothing you have for your climb is sufficient.

Most hotels are able to arrange laundry services for you for an additional charge. You should check with your hotel when you arrive and ask how long it will take to get your clean cloths back.

Most hotels have a secure location that luggage and valuables can be stored. Discuss this with the hotel desk manager.