FAQ
Yes. We are based out of the USA and primarily our clients are from the USA. However, a significant number of our clients are from Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. We have led climbers from all over the world, including Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Kenya, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, China, Japan and more.
Our prices include hotel accommodations before and after the climb, transportation from the hotel to the trail and back, all park fees, and meals on the mountain. Prices do not include flights, lunch, dinner or beverages at the hotel, personal gear and equipment, or tips. Our prices are listed in US Dollars.
We limit our climbs to 12 people.
If you are not spending any extra days before or after the climb, you should book your flight to land on the “Arrival Date” and leave on the “Departure Date”. The “Arrival Date” is the day before the climb begins. It represents the latest date you should be in Moshi. We have our trip briefings at 5PM at your hotel on this day, though we can schedule a personal trip briefing for you later in the evening or the next morning if you arrive late. The “Departure Date” is the day after you climb ends, after spending the night at the hotel.
With a group climb, you will be in a party of up to 12 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.
We pair same sex 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.
We recommend the 8-day Lemosho and 7-day Rongai routes. These routes offer the best balance of high success rates, beautiful scenery and smaller crowds. 7-day Machame is a nice route as well, but has a lot of other climbers on it.
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. Lastly, assemble the right gear for your climb.
Avoiding altitude sickness is key. Do this by walking slowly. Drink lots of water and eat enough food. Go on all optional acclimatization hikes. Consider taking Diamox. Also prevent other illnesses by disinfecting your hands after every time you use the bathroom and before any meals.
There is a variety of technical clothing and equipment you will need for your climb. A detailed gear list is available here.
The weight limit is 15 kgs (33 lbs). The sleeping bag is included in the limit. Porters will carry your duffel bag in a waterproof bag.
Try to keep it under 20 lbs. In fact, try to keep all of your belongings to under 40 lbs.
You should follow the layering principle when you dress. Layering is a systematic, logical approach to wearing multiple layers of clothing. The layers you will have are: base layer, mid layer, and outer shell.
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.
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 Kilimanajro are mid-December to early-March, and mid-June to end of October.
Definitely. It can rain and snow all year round. The base of the mountain is in the rain forest. 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 style meals.
We can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets. For more specific requirements, we will try our best but please contact us to discuss.
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 bins with warm water and soap upon request for you convenience.
Our guides are highly experienced to manage altitude sickness, which is the biggest obstacle on the mountain. They are certified Wilderness First Responders. 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.
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.
Additional hotel stays are not covered and must be paid in country.
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.
Our climbs begin and end in Moshi. Moshi is about 25 miles from Kilimanjaro National Airport (JRO). You should fly into Kilimanjaro National Airport and we can arrange for pick up.
We do not book flights. We recommend flying on KLM. Flights from the USA to JRO typically range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the season. Vayama is a good source for domestic Tanzanian flights if you want to extend your vacation to other parts of Tanzania or East Africa.
Have questions about Kilimanjaro treks?
If you have questions about planning your own Kilimanjaro adventure, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you!
