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Frequently Asked Questions

Many questions will arise throughout your Kilimanjaro climb and Safari planning. Our staff will address and provide all answers needed. Here are a few helpful answers to common questions:

What time of year should I climb Kili?

What route is best for me?

Why is there a difference in price with tour operators?

How far will I trek each day?

What personal equipment and gear is needed for the climb and/or safari?

Can I rent personal gear?

What will I need to carry in my day pack?

What safety equipment will be available?

What vaccinations or immunizations do I need before entering Tanzania?

Can Climb Kili assist with Air Travel?

What Airport should I fly into?

What can I do with items I don’t bring on the climb and/or safari?

How do I physically prepare for Kilimanjaro?

Should I use Altitude medication?

What Languages are spoken?

Is the water safe to drinky drink?

Do I need travelers insurance?

What are the Tanzanian Visa requirements to enter the country?

What Currency is used in Tanzania; can I use Credit Cards?

What Electricity is used?

What is the Menu?

What’s included with Climb Kili?

Can I climb with Special Needs?

Is Mt Kilimanjaro a technical climb?

How much should I tip the staff?

Safari & More Questions

What Safari is right for me?

What vehicles are used?

Can I extend my Safari?

Are there any weight or age restrictions to skydive?

Is skydiving weather dependent?

How long will the jump take?

What time of year should I climb Kili?

Kilimanjaro has been summited every day of the year. We have scheduled climbs every week, year round. If you have a particular event or day you would like to be standing on the summit, we will arrange that.  The following provides detail on average monthly temperatures (at the beginning of the climb, not on the upper mountain) and rainfall:

Month January February March April May June July August September October November Decebmer

Avg. Temp. (F ~ C) 78° ~ 26° 78° ~ 26° 78° ~ 26° 76° ~ 24° 72° ~ 22° 70° ~ 21° 69° ~ 21° 70° ~ 21° 71° ~ 22° 75° ~ 24° 76° ~ 24° 77° ~ 25°

Rainfall (inches ~ cm) 1.4   ~  3.6 2.0   ~  5.1 4.7   ~  11.9 13.8 ~  35.1 9.3   ~  23.6 1.5   ~  3.8 1.0   ~  2.5 .7     ~  1.8 .6     ~  1.5 1.0   ~  2.5 2.5   ~  6.4 2.1   ~  5.3

What route is best for me?

Climb Kili selects routes that are the most scenic, best for acclimatization and yield the greatest chance of success. Please view our 3D Routes for further detail.

Why is there a difference in price with tour operators ?

You can overpay to climb Kili and you can under pay. Cheap operators may sacrifice safety equipment, certified guides and porters, neglect proper cooking preparations, exclude private sanitary facilities, poor group equipment, select quick and crowded routes; the list can go on and on.

Overpriced operators pay a hefty premium for top internet ad space, include unnecessary days on and off the mountain, mail costly promotional material, or simply charge thousands more to illicit an increased sense of security and/or comfort.

Compare Climb Kili to ANY overpriced operator and we Guarantee to offer more services, safety and summit success, all at a better value.

Kilimanjaro is our only peak and our only focus.

Observing any of the group camps on Kilimanjaro, one can quickly see and understand the variance between trekking companies. The quality of staff, food, equipment, sleeping pads, pre-climb preparation, guide to client ratios, safety equipment and emergency priorities are a few of the costs that determine your experience. Climb Kili’s position has never wavered from the highest quality Kili climbs and Tanzanian adventures.

At Climb Kili, our approach is not to provide you with a cheap experience, but rather to assist you in achieving your ultimate purpose of why you’ve chosen to take this adventure of a lifetime.

A Note on Summit Success: The Kilimanjaro National Park service requires each exiting climber to document several pieces of information including their trekking company and if summited. Year after year, the Park reports summit success at less than 50%. Overwhelmingly, these reports continue to indicate the cheapest operators yield the highest unsuccessful summit rates.  Year after year, Climb Kili continues to enjoy a near perfect summit success rate.

How far will I trek each day?

Depending upon the selected route, you may trek an average of 4-8 hours per day with the summit day being the longest. Our 3D interactive map shows details on how far you trek and the elevation change each day.

What personal equipment and gear is needed for the climb and/or safari?

Climb Kili provides a detailed Equipment List in the Welcome Package that ensures every detail and item is in order.

Can I rent personal gear?

Yes. Climb Kili rents anything from sleeping bags to warm jackets down to trekking poles and gaiters. If you currently don’t have items on the Equipment List and feel it would be better to rent, simply reserve these items and we’ll have them ready for you upon arrival.

What will I need to carry in my day pack?

The only items you will carry are the essentials you want while trekking that particular day. Our detailed Kilimanjaro Information Guide will provide gear and suggestions on optimizing your day pack.

What safety equipment will be available?

No other company provides more safety equipment than Climb Kili. From supplemental oxygen, to altitude bags, portable stretchers to pulse oximeters, you are in good hands should the rare occasion arise that these safety devises are needed. Each Lead guide is certified for the usage and handling of all our safety equipment.

What vaccinations or immunizations do I need before entering Tanzania?

While there are no current restrictions for non Africans entering Tanzania, you should however check with your local travel clinic for the latest recommendations. We highly recommend you are up to date with your Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Tetanus.

For current Health information for Travels to Tanzania, visit the Center for Disease Control website.

What can I do with items I don’t bring on the climb and/or safari?

Our hotels have a Safe Room that stores all baggage and equipment not needed for the climb or safari.

How do I physically prepare for Kilimanjaro?

Climb Kili provides a detailed Fitness Program based on your time before departure, the altitude you live, age, and fitness level. Climb Kili offers a comprehensive personal fitness program to ensure your condition prior to taking your first step on the mountain.

Should I use Altitude medication?

The majority of our clients have not been at high altitude before and do not know how their body will react. Diamox (generic name Acetazolamide) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which means it forces the kidneys to expel bicarbonate, thus re-acidifying the blood. The drug forces the kidneys to emit bicarbonate. By increasing the amount of bicarbonate removed to the urine, the blood becomes more acidic. Acidifying the blood stimulates ventilation, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and has shown to decrease the detrimental effects of altitude on the body.

This is a personal choice and has been known to assist clients with minimizing the effects of altitude.

This should ultimately be a decision between you and your physician.

What Languages are spoken?

Tanzania’s official languages are English and Swahili.

All Climb Kili guides speak English, with some of our guides conversant in French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Is the water safe to drink?

You should drink bottled water while in town and on your Safari. While on the mountain, our staff takes careful consideration to purify water each day and provide sufficient water for each client as much as they need. All Climb Kili Safaris come with daily bottled water.

Do I need travelers insurance?

Travelers insurance is strongly recommended. Our staff will discuss with you the best suited option for you as well as suggest many options and reputable companies.

What are the Tanzanian Visa requirements to enter the country?

The Visa to enter Tanzania is $100 for US citizens and $50 for all others. These can be purchased upon arrival at Tanzania Airports or at the Kenya/Tanzania boarder. US Cash or Tanzanian Shilling ONLY.

What Currency is used in Tanzania; can I use Credit Cards?

The Tanzanian Shilling is the national currency. US Dollars are widely accepted throughout Moshi and Arusha and park entrances throughout the Safari. There are also many currency exchange locations and banks to facilitate currency trade throughout Moshi and Arusha.

Credit cards are only accepted at the airlines and Major hotels within Tanzania. Plan on traveling with sufficient cash and/or travelers checks.

What Electricity is used?

The local electricity supply is 220 volts 50 cycles AC, Type G and Type D outlets. You will need to supply your own international standard adapter if you plan to power and recharge your electronic devises.

What is the Menu?

We understand that sufficient caloric intake and purified water are essential to keep the body functioning properly high up on the mountain. Our menu is specific to the activities of that day, and day of trekking ahead. By incorporating the right balance of carbohydrates and proteins, we keep our clients in top health. We also have vegetarian menus available and do our best with other special dietary situations.

The following are a sample of our menu items:

Breakfast

• Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
• Toast, Biscuits with Margarine, Jam, Peanut Butter
• Eggs, meat, sausage
• Porridge
• Fresh fruits: Mango, Banana, Avocado, Watermelon, Oranges

Lunch

• Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
• Chicken or Vegetable Soup
• Bread, Biscuits or Pancakes with Jam, Peanut Butter
• Sandwich with Meat or Cheese, Boiled Egg
• Snack: Peanuts, Popcorn, Cake, Cookies
• Fresh fruits and Fruit Salad: Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, Carrots

Dinner

• Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
• Chicken or Vegetable Soup
• Bread, Biscuits or Pancakes with Jam, Peanut Butter
• Roasted Chicken, Beef or Fish
• Potatoes, Rice, Pasta
• Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, Peas, Tomato, Beans

What’s included with Climb Kili?

• Welcome Packet: including Detailed Itinerary, Invoice, Information Guide, Equipment List, Personalized Fitness Training program, Kilimanjaro Journal, warm Summit Cap.

• Personal trekking coordinator to assist throughout your preparation
• Transport to and from Kilimanjaro Airport
• 2 Nights Hotel
• Breakfast at Hotel
• Daily trip reports our office staff emails back home to interested friends and family
• Transportation to and from your selected route
• All personal and group tents
• All Tanzanian National Park Fees
• Government Climbing Taxes
• Climbing permits
• All Meals while on Kilimanjaro and Safari
• Sleeping pads
• Private chemical toilets
• Staff Salaries
• All meals during the duration
• Purified water
• Climb Kili exclusive Guides, Assistant Guides, Chefs and Porters
• Safety Equipment:
  • Emergency Oxygen
  • Hyperbaric Bag
  • Pulse Oximeter
• Hot drinks at every meal
• One tree planted on your behalf
• Emergency rescue fees
• Free wireless internet at the hotel
• Solo Supplement included (if applicable)
• Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park
• Climb Kili’s exclusive Guarantee

Can I climb with Special Needs?

Absolutely.  Climb Kili has led Special Olympians, paraplegics, visually impaired, amputees,  and many other clients with special needs to the summit. Please contact us to discuss specific situations and for any questions you may have.

Can Climb Kili assist with Air Travel?

Yes. We will recommend the best airlines and travel arrangements to provide you with the optimal value based upon your air travel preference.  If flying to Nairobi is your preferred option, we have complete transpiration schedules to assist you from Nairobi right to us and back.

What Airport should I fly into?

The majority of those climbing Kilimanjaro and/or traveling on safari fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (Airport Code: JRO). Some find it more economical flying to Nairobi, Kenya (Airport Code: NBO) and then taking the 6-8 hour shuttle transportation to Arusha or Moshi.

Additional Airport codes of interest: Zanzibar (ZNZ), Arusha (ARK), Dar es Salaam (DAR), Serengeti Airstrip/Airport (SEU)

Is Mt Kilimanjaro a technical climb?

No, in the sense that no prior climbing experience is needed. However, this should not lead to the notion that this is a simple hike. The Climb Kili personal Fitness Program will prepare your body and mind for the daily trekking and rigors of the mountain.

How much should I tip the staff?

On Kilimanjaro and Safari tipping is an expected practice for the crew who assist you.

• As a general rule $200 to $300 per person will adequately cover crew tips on the mountain.

• For Safari, $15 per person per day is recommended.

Several factors can increase or decrease the per person amounts such as longer expedition will increase the overall amount as well as smaller groups typically will tip more as they will employ a larger number of crew per customer ratio than larger groups. If you prefer to tip each crew member individually here is a general rule for the total tip amount:

Approximate DAILY Rates TOTAL:

• Lead Guide: $15
• Assistant Guides: $10
• Chef: $10
• Porters: $7

At the end of your trek you may choose to either tip each crew member individually or give your entire tip to the lead guide who will in turn divide the tip accordingly to each crew member. Tips can be handed out on the final night or as you complete your journey on the final day. Do what you feel works best and don’t hesitate to ask your Guide what he may recommend.

Safari & More Questions:

What Safari is right for me?

We can customize your safari to accommodate your schedule. Our Safari’s typically range from 3-7 days.

What vehicles are used?

All our vehicles are Land Rover and Land Cruisers which are serviced after each and every safari. All our vehicles have pop up canopy roofs with personal window seat viewing for each client.

Can I extend my Safari?

Sure. We provide just a few popular itineraries that work well with a typical schedule. If you would like to discuss a longer Safari we would be happy to accommodate and review our additional Safari extension options.

Are there any weight or age restrictions to skydive?

You must under 210 Pounds~95 kgs and 18 years or older.

Is skydiving weather dependent?

Yes. We ask that you give us a call approximately one hour before your due to arrive and we can give you a fairly accurate picture of the weather conditions and suitability for jumping. Please remember that we have no control of the weather. We ask for your patience when the weather is marginal as our decisions are made primarily for your safety.

How long will the jump take?

The actual jump from exit of the aircraft till landing is about 5 minutes but we ask that you allow at least a couple of hours for the entire experience. Group bookings may require more time depending on group size. Give us a call with your needs and we will do our best to help.