Kilimanjaro FAQ

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 are June to August, but they are colder. July, August, and September are the busiest months.

Summiting on or soon after a full moon is very beautiful and helps illuminate the landscape without using headlamps. However, it is also very bright for sleeping and stars are not as visible.

What is the weather like on Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain and -15 to -20 degrees Celsius on top plus wind chill. Lower down, it can be wet and humid, but higher up, there can be snow. Rain and snow may be encountered any time of the year! See our Weather page for more details.

How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro?

It requires no technical climbing experience, and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain.

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. There are two main routes on the mountain: the Marangu and Machame. You may also want to consider the Rongai Route as it is far less traveled. The Lemosho Route is a good choice if you want a longer route (8+ days). None of these routes are technical. See our Route Comparison guide.

How long does it take to reach the summit?

It will depend on the route you pick and your pace. It can take from 4-8 hours to reach the summit from the high 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.

What kind of climbing gear do I need?

See our Kilimanjaro Packing List for the full list.

What shots should I get?

Talk to your doctor about getting

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Yellow fever
Tetanus
Polio
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Meningococcal Meningitis (Africa/Asia)

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 reaching the summit.

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?

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.

Are the guides licensed / certified?

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.

Do guides carry cell phones or radios on the mountain?

Yes, but reception on the mountain can be spotty.

What kind of tents do you provide?

Our tents are 3-person 4-season dome-style mountain tents, two people each.

Does the company have a 24 hour emergency telephone number?

Our 24 hr. emergency phone is +255 27 27 51480 (Chacha Kehengu)

Will there be oxygen for our group on the trek?

Oximeters are included on all treks at no charge. Oxygen is available for $30/group.

Will there be a hyperbaric pressure bag for our group?

We can provide hyperbaric bag for $120/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 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 that mountain day you missed, and you will be responsible for medical assistance and extra hotel nights. We highly recommend travel insurance to cover any medical expenses and further evacuation.

How much does it cost?

See our full Pricing List.

What additional costs can I expect when I travel with you?

Extra expenses include:

Tips for guides and porters
Rental equipment (sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.)
Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
Any personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, etc.).

How much is a good tip?

The typical tip is $15/day for guides, $10/day for assistant guides and cooks, $7/porter/day for porters. These tips are from the whole group, not per hiker.

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.

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.

Is my payment going to help local African communities?

Yes, Adventures Within Reach supports a number local charities through our non-profit organization Charities Within Reach.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

See our cancellation policy >>

We highly recommend travel insurance to cover any cancellation fees.

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 provided for the 2 nights before and after the climb that are included in your climbing prices?

The trek price includes 2 nights at a 3-star hotel like the Bristol Cottage, which is a comfortable tourist hotel situated in an quiet but convenient location in Moshi.

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. While 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 whilst on 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. See more on Meals on Trek.

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.

Will I have a chance to interact with the local people of Tanzania?

Some people combine their safari with some days volunteering at a local orphanage. You can choose from volunteering at the Shalom Orphanage, which is located in Karatu between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, or at TunaHAKI in Moshi. More information on orphanages.

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.

Is there an opportunity to give service while I'm in Tanzania?

We run a Tanzania Volunteer Trip for 8 days on the Machame Route (clean up Kilimanjaro) and a 7 days volunteering at the Shalom Orphanage with a 5 days on safari. The Shalom Orphanage is located in Karatu (between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater). It houses 33 children between the ages of 1 and 8. They also have an on-site school. Volunteers will be asked to clean laundry, feed the children and help in the school. Projects are available for 1 day, 1 week or longer.

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.

What is there to do in Moshi? Is it safe to walk around on my own?

Take a look to the Tours we offer in Moshi. It is safe to walk around the main area of town during the day with valuables well hidden, but it not advised to be walk around at night for your own safety.

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. See our Zanzibar page for more information.

Can you book airfares?

We can help book your international and local flights to Tanzania. Contact us for flight information and prices.

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