Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers. No sales pitch. Just what you need to know.
Honest answers. No sales pitch. Just what you need to know.
Yes, with a reputable operator. Kilimanjaro has a strong safety record when climbers use licensed operators with proper medical training, oxygen equipment, and evacuation protocols.
Our guides hold Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications and monitor your vitals — pulse, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure — twice daily. We carry emergency oxygen on every climb and have helicopter evacuation protocols in place.
The biggest risk is altitude sickness, which is manageable with proper acclimatization (longer routes), experienced guides, and honest communication about how you're feeling.
Probably, yes. Kilimanjaro is a trek, not a technical climb — no ropes, no ice axes, no climbing experience needed. If you can hike 8-10 miles on hilly terrain with a daypack, you have the baseline fitness.
The average successful climber is 37 years old, and we've guided everyone from 18-year-olds to people in their 70s. We recommend starting a training program 3-4 months before your climb — mostly cardio, hiking with a pack, and stair work.
Fitness helps, but mental toughness matters more. Summit night is a grind. The people who make it are the ones who keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Our packages range from $2,400 (Machame 7-day) to $4,400 (Northern Circuit 9-day). That's the real price — no hidden fees, no surprise charges at the gate.
What's included: park fees, guides, porters, cook, all meals on mountain, camping equipment, airport transfers, hotel accommodation.
What's not included: international flights ($800-1,500), visa ($50), travel insurance ($100-200), personal gear, and tips ($250-350).
All-in budget: expect $4,000-$6,500 total depending on your package and where you fly from. We publish a full cost breakdown on our packages page.
Lemosho 8-day (our most popular): Best balance of scenery, acclimatization, and success rate. Approaches from the west through lush rainforest. 98% success rate with proper pacing.
Machame 7-day: The "Whiskey Route" — more challenging, excellent scenery, slightly lower success rate. Great for confident hikers on a tighter budget.
Northern Circuit 9-day: The longest route, circumnavigating the mountain. Best acclimatization, fewest crowds, most varied scenery. For those who want the full experience.
Not sure? Contact us and we'll recommend the best route for your fitness level, budget, and goals.
4-6 months for most dates. 6-12 months for peak season (July-August) or full moon summit dates.
Last-minute bookings (1-2 months) are sometimes possible but give you less time to train and fewer date options. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have.
Most climbers experience some symptoms above 4,000m — headaches, nausea, fatigue, trouble sleeping. This is normal and usually mild.
We manage this three ways: longer routes (more acclimatization days), medical monitoring (twice-daily oxygen and pulse checks), and experienced guides who know when to push and when to slow down.
Serious altitude sickness (HACE, HAPE) is rare with proper pacing. If it happens, we descend immediately — no summit is worth your health. We carry emergency oxygen on every climb.
Some climbers take Diamox (acetazolamide) as a preventative — discuss with your doctor before your trip.
Your safety comes first. Always. If altitude sickness or other health concerns arise, our guides will make the call to descend.
About 2% of our climbers don't summit — usually due to altitude sickness that doesn't resolve with rest and medication. There is no refund for weather or health-related turnarounds (this is standard across all operators), but we work with you on rebooking options.
We're honest about this upfront because we'd rather you know the reality than sell you a fantasy. A 98% success rate means 98 out of 100 climbers stand on Uhuru Peak. Those are excellent odds.
Much better than you'd expect. Our cooks prepare fresh meals on the mountain — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Think porridge and eggs for breakfast, sandwiches and fruit for lunch, and hot soup, pasta, rice, and vegetables for dinner.
We accommodate dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher) — just let us know when booking. Proper nutrition is critical at altitude, so we don't cut corners on food.
Both options work. About 40% of our climbers come solo and join an open group — it's a great way to meet people, and many leave as lifelong friends.
You always have guides and porters with you regardless. Private climbs for individuals, couples, or your own group are also available at any time.
We publish this because tipping anxiety is real and nobody else tells you straight:
For an 8-day Lemosho climb, budget $250-350 total. Tips are given at the end of the trek in a brief ceremony. We provide envelopes and a detailed guide before your trip so there's no guesswork.
Yes, mandatory. You need coverage for high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance won't cover this.
We recommend World Nomads or Global Rescue. Expect $100-200 for a policy. We verify insurance before departure — no exceptions.
We provide: tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, toilet tent, tables, chairs, and all cooking equipment.
You bring: hiking boots (broken in!), warm layers, rain jacket, sleeping bag (rentable from us), headlamp, daypack, trekking poles, sunscreen, and personal items.
We send a detailed packing list after booking. Most gear can be rented or bought in Moshi if you'd rather not haul it from home.
We pay porters $25-30 per day — well above the industry average of $10-15. We enforce strict 20kg weight limits, provide proper gear, meals, and sleeping arrangements, and support KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) standards.
This isn't a marketing claim — it's a commitment we're transparent about because the industry has a serious problem with porter exploitation. When you climb with us, the people carrying your gear are treated with dignity.
Absolutely — and we recommend it. Over 40% of our climbers extend their trip. Popular add-ons:
We handle all logistics so the transition from mountain to beach or bush is seamless. Just let us know when booking.
Yes. KINAPA (Kilimanjaro National Park Authority) issues official summit certificates to everyone who reaches Uhuru Peak (5,895m). You also receive a certificate for reaching Stella Point (5,756m) if you turn back there. These are given at the park gate on your descent day.
We respond within 4 hours. No chatbots, no canned replies — just honest answers from people who know the mountain.
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