Mount Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the "Roof of Africa"? This blog post is a great resource to answer all your questions to prepare you for your unforgettable Kilimanjaro trek.

When is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but most climbers prefer the dry seasons: December to March and June to October. January, February, and September are widely considered the best months to climb Kilimanjaro, due to favorable weather conditions.

Does Climbing Kilimanjaro Involve Technical Climbing?

The trek up Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb. You don't need any special mountaineering equipment to reach the summit. A good level of physical fitness is more important. You should be able to comfortably run for 30 minutes and hike for at least 2 hours on hilly terrain without feeling overly exhausted. Altitude sickness is a major concern, so anyone with pre-existing respiratory problems should consult a doctor before attempting the climb.

Are Park Fees Included in Your Kilimanjaro Climb Cost?

Yes, all Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) fees are included in our Kilimanjaro climb prices. Currently, park fees are US$70 per person per day and US$50 per person per night for camping. Crew entry fees and Tanzanian Forest Services Agency (TFS) fees (applicable for Rongai, Shira and Lemosho routes) are also included in our Kilimanjaro climb cost. Learn more about our Kilimanjaro climb packages on our website Kilimanjaro Trekking Tours

Can Children Climb Kilimanjaro?

The minimum age requirement set by Kilimanjaro National Park for children trekking to Uhuru Peak is 10 years old.

What is the Weather Like on Mount Kilimanjaro?

Expect a wide range of weather conditions on Kilimanjaro, from equatorial to arctic. Depending on the route chosen, you will start your trek in dry plains or rainforests with average temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. As you ascend, you will encounter various terrains and weather zones, including permanent snow at the summit. Expect rain and sub-zero temperatures during your trek. Read More about Kilimanjaro's Temperature

How Long Does it Take to Reach the Summit of Kilimanjaro?

Depending on the route chosen, most treks take 4-6 days to reach the summit. Choosing a longer route allows for more time to acclimatize to the altitude, which increases your chances of summit success.

Planning Your Kilimanjaro Climb

Here are some additional details to consider as you plan your Kilimanjaro climb:

What Kind of Gear Do I Need?

You will need a combination of warm and waterproof clothing and gear for the varying climates on the mountain. Our recommendation includes:

Soft duffel bag (for porters to carry)
Small daypack
Rain gear
Dry bags
Sun hat
Warm hat
Buff
Sunglasses
Waterproof jacket and pants
Insulated jacket
Thermal layers
Trekking pants
Shorts (optional)
Underwear/sports bra
Waterproof gloves
Liner gloves
Gaiters
Hiking socks
Liner socks
Hiking boots
Spare laces
Camp shoes (optional)
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag
Water bottles or hydration bladder
Water purification tablets (optional)
Electrolyte tablets or drink mixes
Snacks
Knee brace (optional)
Eye protection for dust/wind
Headlamp with spare batteries
Camera
Memory cards
Personal toiletries
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Pen and paper
Personal first-aid kit
Medication (Diamox - consult your doctor)

Can I Leave Luggage at Your Camp While Trekking?

Yes, you can leave any excess luggage you don't need for the climb at our office in Moshi. We recommend keeping valuables with you at all times.

What is the Weight Limit for Luggage on Kilimanjaro Climbs?

Each porter is authorized to carry a maximum of 20kg of your luggage.

What Kind of Food Can I Expect During My Kilimanjaro Climb?

We provide a variety of nutritious meals on the mountain, including:

Breakfast: Coffee, tea, porridge, fruits, fruit juice, eggs, sausage, toast, jam, honey
Lunch: Tea, coffee, chips, sandwiches, biscuits, pancakes, fruit
Dinner: Soup, cooked meat or vegetarian option with rice and vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, fruit, and hot drinks.

We can cater to most dietary restrictions, including vegetarian

How many porters will accompany us?

You will have 4-6 porters per person for your group. This depends on your group size and the weight of your luggage.

The porters will carry all the tents, food, and the luggage that you do not require while hiking so you will only need to carry a day pack during the day.

How is the quality of the camping equipment that you use?

We use high quality of waterproof tents imported from the USA, Canada and Australia. We also provide foam mattresses designed for mountain excursions (not the thin yoga mat type).

What safety equipment do you carry on the trek?

All of our lead guides are trained and certified in the following areas: altitude sickness and recognizing symptoms in the early stages, emergency use of oxygen, wilderness first responder and performing CPR. Each guide carries a first aid kit which includes: paracetamol, Imodium, ibuprofen, rehydration salts, paraffin gauze, sterile swabs, bandages, plasters, cotton wools, latex gloves & tongs, antiseptic disinfectant, antimicrobial cream, antihistamine, Diamox, etc.

We check in with the clients and crew daily at camp as they are equipped with mobile phones. Each ranger post also has radio communication.

What if one member of the group gets sick while trying to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro?

Because you will have many guides and assistant guides, an assistant will take the ill person down while the rest of the group goes on. If the person is extremely sick then we call for a dispatch for stretcher - the rescue fee is included in your quote. But before reaching that point, our guides are very careful and they will monitor the health of everyone everyday on the mountain to make sure that the sickness does not get to that point.

What is the recommended weight for our day pack?

We would recommend that you carry no more than 10kg. The average is 7kg. You only need to carry the essentials (3 L drinking water, valuables, camera, lunch/snacks, rain layer). The rest of the items you can leave with porters to carry.

Are you supporting the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project?

Yes. In addition to paying a proper wage above the minimum rate and supplying proper food and tents on the mountain, we also cover for any medical expenses in case of injury or illness arising from work.

Mount Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked Questions