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Frequently Asked Questions

Most recommended Company on TripAdvisor!

Longest Reviewed, Highest Reviewed, Most Reviewed Company on Kili

FAQs

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.

Most Recommended Company on TripAdvisor!

Longest Reviewed, Highest Reviewed, Most Reviewed Company on Kili

Why Trust Climb Kili?

  • Locally owned in Tanzania since 1984 — run by Nick Moshi, not a foreign reseller
  • KPAP-certified — the only independently monitored ethical porter treatment program on the mountain
  • 98.8% summit success rate — verified across multiple routes over several years
  • Groups capped at 6 climbers — every guide can actually monitor every climber
  • Wilderness First Responder-certified guides on every climb
  • Emergency oxygen & hyperbaric bag carried on every single climb
  • Private toilets included on every departure
  • 1,300+ verified TripAdvisor reviews, TripAdvisor 'Best of the Best' 2027

Climb Kili vs. a Typical Budget Operator

A general comparison based on what's commonly included, or not, across the industry — not a claim about any specific named operator.

FeatureClimb KiliTypical Budget Operator
Locally owned & operated✓Sometimes
KPAP certified✓Not always
Group size capped at 6✓Often larger
Emergency oxygen carried✓Varies
Hyperbaric bag carried✓Varies
Daily oxygen/health checks✓Varies
Private toilets included✓Usually optional/extra

Reviewed by Climb Kili's Lead Guides & Mountain Operations Team

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Planning Your Trip

Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round — we run scheduled departures every week. The clearest, driest conditions fall in late June through October and late December through February. March through May is the long rainy season, and November brings the short rains. Even then there's usually a bit of sunshine between the showers, and we adjust route and pacing to keep you comfortable if that's when you're climbing. If you have a specific date in mind — an anniversary, a birthday on the summit — tell us and we'll build the trip around it. The table below shows average monthly temperature (at the start of the climb, not the upper mountain) and rainfall:
Month Avg. Temp (F ~ C) Rainfall (in ~ cm)
January78° ~ 26°1.4 ~ 3.6
February78° ~ 26°2.0 ~ 5.1
March78° ~ 26°4.7 ~ 11.9
April76° ~ 24°13.8 ~ 35.1
May72° ~ 22°9.3 ~ 23.6
June70° ~ 21°1.5 ~ 3.8
July69° ~ 21°1.0 ~ 2.5
August70° ~ 21°.7 ~ 1.8
September71° ~ 22°.6 ~ 1.5
October75° ~ 24°1.0 ~ 2.5
November76° ~ 24°2.5 ~ 6.4
December77° ~ 25°2.1 ~ 5.3

Quick Answer

Don't choose on price alone. Compare operators on safety equipment, who actually runs the climb, group size, and what's really included in the price.

You can overpay to climb Kili, and you can underpay. Before you compare prices, ask every operator these four questions:
  • What safety equipment do you carry? Look for emergency oxygen, a hyperbaric bag and pulse oximeters, plus guides trained to use them.
  • Who actually runs the climb? Some companies sell the trip, then contract it out to an operator you've never heard of.
  • What's the group size and guide-to-climber ratio? Smaller groups mean your guides can watch every climber closely.
  • What's included, and what's billed as an add-on? Park fees, hotel nights, private toilets and transfers add up quickly.

Red flags on both ends of the price range

  • Too cheap: savings usually come from cutting safety equipment, subcontracting the climb, using non-certified guides, or skipping private toilets.
  • Too expensive: some operators pay a premium for top ad placement, add unnecessary days, or charge thousands more for the appearance of comfort without actually adding to it.

Climb Kili is locally owned and operated. Your guides work directly for us, never subcontracted, and every one is Wilderness First Responder-certified. See exactly what's included with Climb Kili, or jump to the comparison table above. Compare us with any operator, overpriced or discount, and we guarantee more service, more safety, and better summit success at a better value.

People Also Ask

Should I book directly with a local operator?

Generally yes — booking direct with a locally owned operator means no middleman markup, and your money supports the guides and community directly rather than a foreign agency's margin.

Why do some operators charge so much less?

Usually by cutting something you won't see until you're on the mountain — safety equipment, guide certification, group size, or camp quality.

We recommend applying for your Tanzania visa online 30–60 days before you travel, through the official site at visa.immigration.go.tz. It's faster and less stressful than handling it at the airport. The fee is $100 USD for U.S. citizens (who need a multiple-entry visa) and $50 USD for most other nationalities. Pay with a credit card rather than a debit card for chargeback protection. Make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond your entry date and has at least one blank page.

Can I get a visa on arrival? Yes, you can also apply for your visa on arrival at the airport, and the same fees apply. Bring backup cash or a credit card.

The Lemosho route is 8 trekking days and the Machame route is 7 trekking days. You'll also want to be in Arusha the day before your climb starts, so be sure to plan for that arrival day plus your departure day at the end.

Yes, every week! We run set departures on both the Lemosho and Machame routes for three kinds of groups: Open groups, Solo Trekkers groups, and Women's-only groups. If you're traveling with friends, family or a team and would love the mountain to yourselves, we're happy to arrange a private departure too.

Legal and safety rules

  • No unassisted or self-guided climbs: under Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) regulations in place since 1991, every climber must be accompanied by a licensed local guide and registered through an authorized tour operator.
  • No unauthorized trekking: entering the park or hiking without a registered guide and support crew is illegal and results in immediate removal or fines at the park gates.

The good news is you can absolutely travel solo with us. Join one of our weekly Solo Trekkers departures and share the mountain with fellow climbers, with a licensed lead guide looking after your health and pace every single day.

Not at all. Every Climb Kili departure is guaranteed, even if you're the only climber who signed up, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Yes, we do! Women's-only groups are part of our weekly set departures and are open to solo women or women coming with friends. The lead guide on these departures is a woman. Reserve your spot →

Women's-only groups are capped at 8 climbers, so the group stays small and everyone gets plenty of attention from the guides.

Yes. The lead guide is a woman, while the porters are men and the assistant guide may also be a man. It's a women-led trek, with a full mountain crew supporting the group every step of the way.

Tanzania's national park regulations set no official minimum age, but most tour operators, Climb Kili included, recommend 12 as the youngest age to attempt the trek. If you're planning a family climb, we'd love to help you think it through. Read our full guide to the Kilimanjaro minimum age →

We'd love that! If you have a special date in mind, like an anniversary or a birthday on the summit, just tell us and we'll build the trip around it.

Yes! Climb Kili runs its own safaris, and your safari starts the day after your climb ends. See the Safari section below for details.

Pricing depends on your route and dates, and you'll find current rates on our Dates & Prices page. When you compare operators, we always suggest comparing what's included too: park fees, safety equipment, hotel nights, private toilets and transfers are all part of our price. See everything we include.

Yes! About a week before your climb, we'll send you a private update link, and you can forward it to your family and friends. Our mountain team sends updates and photos from the trail, and we post them to your group's page as often as possible.

Yes. Each group gets its own uniquely named update link, and it's only shared with your group, so you can share it with your loved ones knowing it stays private.

Right away! As soon as you book, you'll receive your Welcome Portal with your trip information, including the full gear list with mandatory and recommended items.

Your final itinerary goes out about 15 days before departure. If you have any questions before then, we're always happy to help.

Yes! Every booking includes a personal trekking coordinator who'll help you throughout your preparation, so you're never on your own with questions.

We'd love to hear from you! Email us at info@climbkili.com or info@climbkili.co, or reach us through our contact page.

Routes & Acclimatization

Since 1984, Climb Kili has guided thousands of climbers up Kilimanjaro, and the route that matters most is the one matched to your fitness, schedule, and acclimatization needs. For first-time climbers, we generally recommend the 8-day Lemosho route — the extra day builds in more acclimatization time, which contributes directly to our 98.8% summit success rate. If you're already well-acclimatized or on a tighter schedule, the 7-day Machame route is steeper early on and widely considered the most scenic. Both converge on the same corridor before exiting via Mweka. See the full route comparison →
⭐ Climb Kili Expert Tip: Most summit attempts fail because people ascend too quickly — not because they aren't fit. Choosing an itinerary with enough acclimatization time is one of the best ways to improve your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

People Also Ask

Is Machame or Lemosho better for beginners?

Lemosho, generally — the extra acclimatization day gives first-timers more buffer without requiring extra fitness.

Can beginners climb Kilimanjaro?

Yes — no technical climbing experience is required on either route. A reasonable level of fitness and the right pacing matter more than prior mountaineering experience.

Quick Answer

Altitude sickness affects many climbers because Kilimanjaro rises to 5,895m. The best prevention is gradual acclimatization — a longer itinerary with a "climb high, sleep low" pattern, combined with daily health monitoring by your guides.

Time on the mountain is the single biggest factor in summit success — more than fitness. Our routes follow a "climb high, sleep low" pattern on key days: you gain altitude while the sun's up, then drop down to sleep, which is the most effective way to adjust. Guides check every climber's oxygen levels daily with a pulse oximeter and watch for early symptoms of altitude sickness, so we can act before anything becomes serious.

People Also Ask

Can beginners get altitude sickness?

Yes — altitude sickness isn't about fitness level or climbing experience. Even very fit, experienced athletes can be affected if they ascend too quickly. This is why pacing and itinerary length matter more than training.

How do guides monitor altitude sickness?

Guides check every climber's blood oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter daily and watch for symptoms like headache, nausea, and loss of coordination, so mild cases can be caught before they become serious.

What happens if someone gets sick?

Guides trained to recognize the symptoms will monitor you closely and can descend with you immediately if needed. Emergency oxygen and a hyperbaric bag are carried on every climb, and a full evacuation protocol is in place for serious cases.

We intentionally limit scheduled groups to 6 climbers so guides can monitor every client's health and pace individually — it's a deliberate trade-off, not a cost-cutting one, and it's part of why our summit success rate sits at 98.8%. Traveling as a private group, family, or company team? We can arrange a private departure at any size.

Depending on your route, you'll trek an average of 4–8 hours a day, with summit day being the longest and most demanding. Pace is set by your guides, not a schedule — moving slowly ("pole pole") is part of how we protect your acclimatization.

We offer two routes: the 8-day Lemosho and the 7-day Machame. Both converge on the same corridor before exiting via Mweka. Not sure which one fits you? We're happy to help you choose.

Lemosho starts at Londorossi Gate and is 8 trekking days, with an extra day for acclimatization, which is why we generally recommend it for first-time climbers. Machame is 7 trekking days, steeper early on, and widely considered the most scenic.

We don't offer a 6-day option. Machame is a 7-day climb, including for private groups, because that time on the mountain matters for acclimatization. If you're short on time, the 7-day Machame is our shortest climb, and if you'd like even more time to adjust, the 8-day Lemosho gives you an extra day.

Over 8 trekking days, you'll go from Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa, then Shira Camp, Moir Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp and Kosovo Camp. From Kosovo you make your summit push and descend to Mweka Camp, then walk out to Mweka Gate on the final day.

Kilimanjaro rises to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). It's a big climb, and we'll be with you every step of the way.

Our summit success rate is 98.8%. Small groups, Wilderness First Responder-certified guides, daily health checks, and itineraries with enough time to acclimatize all contribute to it. We always remind our climbers that reaching the summit is optional, but returning safely is mandatory.

"Pole pole" means "slowly, slowly" in Swahili, and you'll hear it a lot from your guides! Your pace is set by your guides, not a schedule, and moving slowly is part of how we protect your acclimatization.

Occasionally the national park temporarily closes a route, for example because of a wildfire. If that happens, we move affected groups to a safe alternative (such as from Lemosho to Machame), keep you updated the whole way, and return to the original route once the park reopens it.

The easiest way to get more acclimatization time is to choose the 8-day Lemosho route. On the 7-day route, there's also an option at the halfway point to add an extra night for acclimatization if someone isn't feeling well.

Preparing to Climb

We include a detailed equipment list in your Welcome Portal covering everything you'll need, from boots to base layers, so nothing gets left off your packing list.

Yes — our on-site rental shop at the hotel carries everything from sleeping bags and warm jackets to trekking poles and gaiters

Just the essentials for that day's trekking — water, layers, snacks, camera. We recommend a 25+ liter backpack as your day pack; your main gear travels separately in a soft duffel carried by your porter (no hard-sided luggage, since it's carried on foot). Our Information Guide covers exactly what to pack each day.

We provide a Fitness Recommendation tailored to Climb Kili climbs. Fitness affects how comfortable you are on the trail, but altitude affects everyone, even seasoned athletes, if they move too fast. That's why route choice and pacing matter as much as your training plan.

Many of our climbers haven't been at high altitude before and aren't sure how their body will respond. Diamox (acetazolamide) is commonly used to help the body acclimatize faster. Whether to use it is a personal decision, and one best made together with your physician before you travel.

Your Welcome Portal includes the full gear list, clearly marked mandatory and recommended. The mandatory items are reviewed at your gear check before the climb, so we'll make sure you have everything you need.

You'll need a sleeping bag rated to 0°F (about -18°C). If you don't have one, no problem, you can rent one from us.

Your main gear goes in a soft duffel bag. A 90L duffel is our recommendation. If you don't have one, duffel rentals are available too.

Your porters do! They carry duffels on their heads, not as a backpack, which is why your duffel needs to be a soft bag with no hard edges.

Unfortunately not on the mountain, since your main bag needs to be a soft duffel with no hard edges. The good news is your suitcase can stay safely in the secure storage room at the hotel while you climb, and if you don't have a duffel, you can rent one from us.

Yes. Your duffel can weigh up to 15kg (33lbs).

Yes! Duffel bags are available to rent, so there's no need to buy one just for the climb.

Rentals include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, fleece liners, headlamps, trekking boots, microspikes and duffel bags. Our shop also carries warm jackets, trekking poles and gaiters.

It's easy! Just add them on your Trip Info Form. It goes directly to our Tanzania team, so there's no separate rental form to fill out.

Rental gear is paid in USD cash at the hotel. If you need more cash once you arrive, there are ATMs in Arusha.

Yes, absolutely. You can check your rentals at your gear check so everything fits perfectly before you set off.

Your gear is reviewed against the mandatory gear list before the climb, so anything missing can be sorted out in time. It's also your chance to check your rentals and make sure everything fits perfectly.

Hiking boots are on the mandatory gear list. If you'd rather not bring your own, trekking boots are available to rent.

Yes, trekking poles are on the mandatory gear list. If you don't have a pair, our shop carries them.

A layering system is part of the mandatory gear list, and your Welcome Portal includes the full list of what to bring. If anything is unclear, just ask us and we'll walk you through it.

Gaiters are on the mandatory gear list. Microspikes are available to rent if you need them.

Yes, a headlamp is on the mandatory gear list. If you don't have one, headlamps are available to rent, and they run on AAA batteries.

Yes, a pack cover is on the gear list. You'll find the full list in your Welcome Portal.

Yes, a hydration bladder is on the gear list. You're welcome to bring water bottles alongside it too.

No need! You can refill your water many times along the route, so just bring your hydration bladder and you're all set.

Safety & Health

Every Climb Kili departure includes emergency oxygen, a hyperbaric bag, and Wilderness First Responder-certified guides — this is part of why we maintain a 98.8% summit success rate rather than pushing climbers past what's safe. Guides check every climber's oxygen levels daily with a pulse oximeter and watch closely for early signs of altitude sickness so we can act before it becomes serious. Camp hygiene basics — hand-washing water at every meal, private chemical toilets, trained kitchen staff — are standard on all our climbs.

People Also Ask

Is Kilimanjaro dangerous?

Altitude sickness is the main real risk, not technical climbing danger. With proper acclimatization, daily health monitoring, and emergency equipment on hand, serious incidents are uncommon.

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Guides trained to recognize early symptoms will monitor you closely, and can descend with you or arrange evacuation if needed — reaching the summit is optional, but returning safely is mandatory.

No other operator on the mountain carries more safety equipment than Climb Kili — emergency oxygen, altitude (hyperbaric) bags, portable stretchers, and pulse oximeters are standard on every climb. Every lead guide is certified in their use.

There are no current vaccination requirements for non-Africans entering Tanzania, but check with your local travel clinic for the latest recommendations. Most travelers are advised to be up to date on Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. For current health guidance, visit the CDC's Tanzania travel page.

We strongly recommend travel insurance for every climb and safari. Whatever policy you choose, make sure it specifically includes high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation/rescue coverage — many standard policies exclude both, and those are exactly what you'd need on Kilimanjaro.

Common symptoms include headache, nausea and loss of coordination. Your guides watch every climber closely so mild cases can be caught before they become serious. Please always tell your guide how you're feeling, even if it seems small.

Your safety always comes first. Guides trained to recognize altitude sickness will monitor you closely and can descend with you immediately if needed. Emergency oxygen, a hyperbaric bag and portable stretchers are carried on every climb, and a full evacuation protocol is in place for serious cases. Please make sure your travel insurance includes helicopter evacuation coverage.

A hyperbaric bag, also known as a Gamow bag, is emergency equipment used for altitude sickness. Climb Kili carries one on every climb, and every lead guide is certified in its use.

Your guides check every climber's blood oxygen levels daily with a pulse oximeter, so they can spot early signs of altitude sickness and act before anything becomes serious.

Yes. Since October 1, 2026, the Tanzanian government requires all foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania to buy Inbound Travel Insurance through the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). You can purchase it on the official NIC Inbound Travel Insurance portal. It costs $44 USD per person, is valid for up to 92 days, and applies even if you already have travel insurance. We recommend buying it before you travel and keeping the certificate with your documents.

Unfortunately not. The government's NIC policy does not cover helicopter evacuation from Kilimanjaro, so please keep your own travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, helicopter evacuation, emergency medical evacuation, and search and rescue.

Since Climb Kili isn't involved with this policy, we're not able to answer questions about its terms, coverage, exclusions or claims, and NIC is the best place to ask. For anything else about your trip, we're always happy to help.

Please make sure your policy covers high-altitude trekking, helicopter evacuation, emergency medical evacuation, and search and rescue.

Yes, please! Email us a copy of your policy and bring a printed copy for our team in Tanzania.

It's not a requirement, but we recommend talking to your doctor before your trip.

We recommend talking to your doctor or travel clinic about antimalarial medication before your trip, and packing insect repellent for evenings in town and on safari.

Yes! We provide filtered water, and you can refill many times along the route, so there's no need to bring your own filter.

Please don't worry, you'll be well looked after. Guides trained to recognize altitude sickness will monitor you closely and can descend with you immediately if needed. Reaching the summit is optional, but returning safely is mandatory.

Tanzania Travel Logistics

Most climbers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Some find it more economical to fly into Nairobi, Kenya (NBO) and take the 6–8 hour shuttle to Arusha or Moshi. Whichever you choose, our staff will meet you at the airport or bus station. Other airports of interest: Zanzibar (ZNZ), Arusha (ARK), Dar es Salaam (DAR), and the Serengeti Airstrip (SEU).

The Tanzanian Shilling is the national currency, though US Dollars are widely accepted throughout Moshi, Arusha, and park entrances. Credit cards are only accepted at airlines and major hotels — plan on traveling with sufficient USD cash.

The local supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC, using Type G and Type D outlets. Bring your own international adapter to charge your electronics.

Tanzania's official languages are English and Swahili. All Climb Kili guides speak English, with several also conversant in Spanish or Chinese.

Our hotels have a secure storage room that holds any baggage or equipment you don't need for the climb or safari.

Please plan to be in Arusha the day before your climb starts. For example, if your climb starts on August 22, arrive on August 21. Our Tanzania team will be there to welcome you.

Yes! Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) as late as about 8 PM the night before still works, and you can start the climb the next morning.

Our Tanzania team will welcome you when you arrive and let you know the exact meeting time.

Your climb finishes in the afternoon on the last day, so a morning flight that day would be too early. We recommend booking a later flight that night instead, or you can add an extra night at Summit Lodge and fly out the next day.

U.S. passport holders need a Multiple Entry Visa, not an Ordinary (Single Entry) Visa, and the fee is $100 USD. If "Tourism/Holiday" isn't shown as an option on the application, just select "Regular family visits."

Most non-U.S. passport holders need an Ordinary (Single Entry) Visa, which costs $50 USD.

We recommend a credit card rather than a debit card when applying online, since credit cards give you chargeback protection. Please only apply through the official site, visa.immigration.go.tz.

If the application asks for host details, enter Climb Kili as the host company, with the relationship "Tour Operator" and the address Summit Lodge, Nairobi Road at Sakina Raskazone, Arusha, Tanzania. You'll find the full host details in your visa guide.

Don't worry, a visa on arrival is available as a backup. The same fees apply, so just bring backup cash or a credit card.

You'll stay at Summit Lodge in Arusha. Your package includes 2 nights with breakfast, and the hotel has a secure storage room for anything you don't need on the climb.

Summit Lodge is on Nairobi Road at Sakina Raskazone, Arusha, Tanzania.

Yes! Your 2 included hotel nights come with breakfast, and so do any extra nights you add.

Yes, two transfers are included: one pickup from the airport to your accommodation before your climb, and one drop-off from your accommodation to the airport after. That drop-off can also take you to Arusha Airport (ARK) for an onward flight, for example to Zanzibar.

Transfers between two different hotels aren't part of the two included transfers, but we're happy to arrange one for you at an extra cost, or you're welcome to book your own.

Of course! Extra nights at Summit Lodge, with breakfast included, can be added before or after your climb. Just let us know your dates.

Yes, you're welcome to stay at Summit Lodge until your departure time on the last day, so there's no need to rush.

Yes, Summit Lodge offers laundry with a 24-hour turnaround. If you're heading from your climb to a safari, it usually won't be back in time, so we suggest bringing a small personal detergent to wash a few items in the sink and hang dry.

Yes, Summit Lodge has WiFi. There likely isn't a guest computer, so we recommend bringing your own phone, tablet or laptop.

Yes, there are ATMs in Arusha, which is handy if you need more cash once you arrive.

Please bring bills dated 2006 or newer. $10 and $20 bills are preferred.

Plan on USD cash for crew tips and for any rental gear, which is paid in cash at the hotel. Credit cards are only accepted at airlines and major hotels, so cash makes things much easier, and there are ATMs in Arusha if you need more.

Yes, we recommend it! A luggage lock adds extra security for your bags while you travel, and your tip money can stay in the hotel safe while you're on the mountain.

Life on the Mountain

You'll trek an average of 4 to 8 hours a day, at a pace set by your guides. At camp, the crew sets up your sleeping tent and a separate eating tent, and your guides check every climber's oxygen levels daily.

No need! Your tent is included in your package, along with a separate eating tent for meals.

Yes! If you'd like a tent to yourself, a single tent supplement is available. Just let us know.

Yes, a stand-up tent with a cot is available. We honestly don't recommend it, though, because it's colder. If you'd like more space to yourself, a single tent supplement is a cozier option.

Your group has its own private portable chemical toilet and toilet tent, set up at every campsite and lunch spot.

There isn't always signal on the mountain, so it's best not to count on it. The good news is your family can still follow along through your group's private update link, where we post updates as often as possible.

Camp stays the same in the rain: the crew sets up your sleeping tent and a separate eating tent, so you'll have a dry place to rest and eat. Your Welcome Portal includes our gear recommendations for rainy conditions.

Yes, and we recommend buying them before your flight, since availability in Tanzania is uncertain. You'll want plenty of space for photos!

Summit Day

Summit day is the longest and most demanding day of the climb, and also the most rewarding. On the Lemosho route, you go from Kosovo Camp to the summit and then down to Mweka Camp.

Yes! Every climber receives a personal summit certificate signed by the National Park.

Both of our routes exit via Mweka. On Lemosho, you sleep at Mweka Camp after summit day and walk out to Mweka Gate the next day.

Time to celebrate! You'll join your crew for a celebration lunch, which is also when the tipping ceremony takes place. The tip money is then distributed to your crew at the hotel.

Food, Inclusions & Special Circumstances

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 the day of trekking ahead, balancing carbohydrates and proteins to keep our clients in top health.

We have vegetarian & vegan menus available and accommodate gluten free diets and do our best with other special dietary situations. For gluten-free or other specialty diets, we recommend bringing your own packaged items — our chefs are glad to prepare anything you bring alongside the menu below.

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

Welcome Portal: including detailed itinerary, information guide, and equipment list.
  • Personal trekking coordinator to assist throughout your preparation
  • Transport to and from Kilimanjaro Airport
  • Private toilet included
  • 2 nights hotel with breakfast
  • A private update link for you to forward to friends and family, with updates and photos from the trail
  • Transportation to and from your selected route
  • All personal and group tents
  • All Tanzanian National Park fees, government climbing taxes, and climbing permits
  • All meals while on Kilimanjaro and safari, plus hot drinks at every meal
  • Sleeping pads and private chemical toilets
  • Staff salaries, purified water
  • Climb Kili exclusive guides, assistant guides, chefs, and porters
  • Safety equipment: emergency oxygen, hyperbaric bag, pulse oximeter
  • One tree planted on your behalf, free wireless internet at the hotel
  • Personal summit certificate signed by the National Park
  • Climb Kili's exclusive Guarantee
See the complete breakdown.

Yes. All Tanzanian National Park fees, government climbing taxes, and climbing permits are included in your Climb Kili package, so there are no surprise park costs on the mountain.

No — no prior climbing experience is needed. That said, it's not a simple hike either. We provide a Fitness Recommendation to help prepare your body and mind for the daily trekking and physical demands of the mountain.

Yes. Tell us about any allergies or intolerances when you book so our chefs can plan around them. Since specialty products are limited in Tanzania, we recommend bringing your own snacks and packaged items for gluten-free or other specialty diets, and our chef will happily prepare anything you bring.

Not at all. Any specialty ingredients you bring for the chef to prepare go into the trip's food allotment, so you don't have to carry them yourself during the trek.

Yes! Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are served at every meal.

Things not included are your Tanzania visa, travel insurance (including the government's mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance), crew tips, gear rentals, extra hotel nights, and additional transfers. Safari is extra unless you've booked one with us. See everything that is included.

Yes! Every climber gets a custom 1.5-inch foam sleeping pad. The porters carry it with the tents, so it doesn't count toward your duffel weight.

Yes, a personal porter can be added to your trip. Just let us know and we'll take care of it.

Safari & Zanzibar

Yes, we do! Climb Kili runs its own safaris that start after your climb. Explore our safaris →

We offer 2-day, 3-day, 4-day and 5-day safaris, so you can choose the length that fits your trip best. See all safari options →

Yes! Your safari starts the day after your climb ends. For example, a Machame climb that starts on a Sunday ends the following Saturday, and your safari starts on Sunday. Hotel laundry takes 24 hours, so it usually won't be back in time, but a small personal detergent lets you wash a few items in the sink and hang dry.

You'll travel in an air-conditioned 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.

Your safari accommodation has beds, showers and electricity, a welcome treat after your nights on the mountain.

No need! Beds are provided on safari, so you can leave your sleeping bag behind.

Yes. Safari luggage is limited to 16kg, in soft bags. Anything you don't need can stay in the secure storage room at the hotel.

Safaris end around 5 PM on the last day, leaving you time to pack and get to your departure.

Yes! Our hotel has a secure storage room that holds any baggage or equipment you don't need on safari, so you only bring what fits within the 16kg safari luggage limit.

We don't offer Zanzibar trips ourselves, so you'll need to book that part on your own, but here's our Zanzibar page for your information. Your included drop-off transfer can take you to Arusha Airport (ARK) for your flight to the island.

Porters, Guides & Sustainability

Yes! Climb Kili has been locally owned in Tanzania since 1984 and is run by Nick Moshi. Our guides work directly for us and are never subcontracted.

Porters are an important part of your Climb Kili mountain crew. They carry the tents, sleeping pads and your duffel bag, which they carry on their heads.

KPAP is the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, an independently monitored ethical porter treatment program. Climb Kili is proud to be a KPAP partner.

Crew size scales with your group. A solo climber has 1 guide, 1 cook and 6 porters. Two climbers have 1 guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook and 8 porters. Three climbers have 10 porters, and four climbers have 14 porters, each with 1 guide, 1 assistant guide and 1 cook. Five climbers have 17 porters and 2 assistant guides, and six climbers have 20 porters and 3 assistant guides, each with 1 guide and 1 cook.

Groups of 2 or more climbers have at least one assistant guide alongside the lead guide. Groups of 5 have 2 assistant guides, and groups of 6 have 3.

Our guides are experienced local Tanzanians who have climbed Kilimanjaro many times, and every one is Wilderness First Responder-certified and trained in our safety equipment.

We follow a strict pack-in, pack-out policy on the mountain, and no trash is left behind. We're committed to keeping Kilimanjaro beautiful.

Yes! Climb Kili plants one tree on behalf of every climber.

Tipping & Booking

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

As a general rule, $250–$300 per person will adequately cover crew tips on the mountain, and $15 per person per day is recommended for safari. Several factors can shift the amount — a longer expedition increases the overall total, and smaller groups typically tip more since they employ a larger crew-to-client ratio than larger groups. Bring USD bills dated 2006 or newer, in $10s and $20s. The national park doesn't allow cash to be brought onto the mountain, so tipping happens after your climb: you'll take part in a tipping ceremony at the celebration lunch once you're back down, and the money is then distributed to your crew at the hotel. See Dates & Prices for full trip cost details.

Confirm your booking through our secure online reservation form. As soon as you book, you'll receive your Welcome Portal, and you'll be on your way. Book now →

Tips go to the mountain crew who assist you on your climb. The money is distributed to your crew at the hotel after the tipping ceremony.

The national park doesn't allow cash on the mountain, so please leave your tip money in the hotel safe while you climb. You'll collect it when you're back for the celebration lunch and tipping ceremony. We also recommend bringing a luggage lock for extra security.

Yes. We recommend about $15 per person per day for your safari guide. This is separate from the $250 to $300 per person recommended for your mountain crew.

You'll receive an invoice with full payment instructions, sent 60 days in advance. After paying, just send us a quick confirmation email so we can update your booking.

Final payment is due 60 days in advance, and you will receive a final invoice to review. The invoice will have instructions for payment.

As soon as you book, you'll receive your Welcome Portal, plus a personal trekking coordinator to help with your preparation. Your final itinerary arrives about 15 days before departure, and about a week before your climb we'll send you a private update link to forward to your family and friends.

Still have questions?

Our staff is available 24/7 to talk through your Kilimanjaro climb or safari, no matter how small the question.

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