When planning your Kilimanjaro trek, sometimes it can be a challenge to decide the route to take, the details of arrival/departure, where to stay before/after the trek, and how much time you should dedicate to the tour.
We do our best to simplify the work of our customers by having the best customer support in the industry (replying to all your questions in just a few hours or even minutes) and providing clear price structures and recommendations for itineraries based on your preferences.
However, over the years and after thousands of tours organized, we have gathered a list of the questions that our customers ask us the most, and answer them on this page. With all these questions here, it will be easier for you to make a decision and even clarify your questions with us with fewer steps. Of course, it is normal to still have doubts as there are always new questions or specific situations we cannot address here. As such, please feel free to contact us through our contact page and we’ll help you design the itinerary of a lifetime and assist you with any questions you might have.
Which route should I choose?
This is a difficult question and a personal one. We usually recommend the Rongai or Lemosho routes which are the ones that offer fewer crowds and more beautiful scenery. It is very manageable even for those with little experience, provided an honest effort is put forth in training. Another extremely rewarding option, with some of the best scenery (though sometimes a bit crowded) is the Machame route. As for the Marangu route, it is the quickest route and the one where you sleep in huts instead of campsites. It is very commonly called the ‘coca-cola route’ because it is the easiest one but acclimatization needs to be done carefully and, if possible you should climb it in 6 days (instead of 5) and sleep one night or two in Arusha/Moshi before the trek. Finally, the Umbwe route is spectacular and fantastic as well but only recommended for more experienced climbers.
Where do the Treks start and finish?
They start and finish in Arusha or Moshi, depending on your preferences.
Is accommodation included before/after the trek? What about transfers to/from the airport?
Yes, transfers to/from the airport are included and we do offer accommodation in Arusha before/after the trek in a guesthouse called Raha Leo. Shall you prefer a higher level of accommodation, when you contact us we will recommend some options.
What should I bring for the Kilimanjaro trek?
We have a specific web page for these recommendations which you can access by clicking here
What time does the trek finish? Can I take a flight on the same day?
Our treks usually finish around 3 pm in Arusha / Moshi. If the flight is in the evening, it is perfectly ok.
What is your success rate?
We do not keep close statistics of these records and it is extremely rare to have a group not reach the summit. The rate would vary between 97% and 99% depending on the routes, with the highest success level being Lemosho and Rongai routes, and the lowest being Marangu and Umbwe.
What is a typical meal during the trek?
Food can be customized to your requests. A typical breakfast would have eggs (boiled or fried), porridge, fruit, bread, jam, honey, peanut butter, tea, coffee, and chocolate powder. As for lunch, it is usually prepared at breakfast and carried with the trekker. The lunch would normally have a boiled egg, sandwiches, fruits, and tea.
We also provide an afternoon tea with biscuits, peanuts, and popcorn after the trek. And, finally, dinner: Typically a dinner would include a soup starter, light pasta dish, and fruit or fruit pudding. Another example of meals would be fish or beef stew, or chicken with vegetable sauce, cabbage, and rice or pasta.
What safety equipment and mechanisms do you have?
Safety is the most important consideration in a trek like this and we do everything to make sure that safety is the priority the trekkers are always looked after by the guides to find any sign of danger. We always take Oxygen Cylinders throughout your hike, as well as a Hyperbaric Chamber (gamow bag) that we always use as our last decision in terms of emergency cases.
The emergency training that guides take is WFR (Wildness First Responder) and all our main Guides are highly trained to deal with altitude-related complications or symptoms. The price of the Kilimanjaro does include insurance for emergency evacuation in case of any serious complication.
What is included in the trek?
* Kilimanjaro park fees
* Climbing permits and fees, gate, camp/hut fees.
* Guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters’ salaries.
* Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
* Porters to carry luggage from one camp to the next camp.
* 3 meals per day and Bottled water/drinks (1.5 liters per person per day)
* Emergency Insurance in case of altitude sickness
* Rescue fees (required by the national park)
* Transport to/from the hotel to Gate
* All camping equipment, foam sleeping pads, pillows, and sleeping bags with cotton liners for Kilimanjaro temperatures, as well as cooking equipment, tables, chairs, and eating utensils.
What is not included?
* Tips for guides and porters
* Meals outside the regular tour itinerary
* International visa for Tanzania
* International Airfares and Airport taxes
What vaccines and medication should I take?
We cannot legally provide medical advice as we are not a health institution, but most travelers take vaccines for Yellow Fever and take prophylaxis pills for Malaria. Some travelers do not take the prophylaxis pills and instead protect themselves by covering their bodies at night, using mosquito repellant and/or mosquito nets. If you plan to go to Zanzibar, or if you come from an Endemic yellow fever country (or do a stop-over there) we recommend taking the yellow fever vaccine as it may be requested upon arrival at the airport.
What is the method of payment available?
Once we have designed your itinerary (only the Kilimanjaro trek or also including transfers, flights, hotels in town, etc.) we will send you a contract with everything. We require a down payment which can be paid via bank transfer or by Paypal (which also accepts credit cards). The remaining payment can be paid using the same method or, if you prefer, can be made once you arrive in Tanzania, in cash or credit card.
Do I need to take the VISA for Tanzania in advance or can I get it upon arrival at the airport or land border?
We recommend getting the visa upon arrival as it is a very straightforward process and just takes a few minutes. We recommend bringing a pen and the money for the visas in cash to make the process faster. The price is USD 50 for all nationalities except citizens from the USA who have to pay USD 100 per person.
All nationalities can get a visa upon arrival except citizens of the following countries: Abkhazia (Republic inside Georgia), Eritrea Republic, Mauritania Republic, Sri Lanka Republic, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan Republic, Ethiopia, Morocco, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh Republic, Kazakhstan Republic, Niger Republic, Somali Land, Wakimbizi (REFUGEES), Chad Republic, Kyrgyzstan Republic, Palestine State, Stateless People, Djibout Republic, Lebanon Republic, Senegal Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Mali Republic, Sierra Leone Republic, and Tajikstan.
Are you able to accommodate food restrictions, preferences, or specific diets?
Yes, it does not matter if you do a budget camping safari or upgrade to a higher level of accommodation, we can accommodate any specific request (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, paleo, gluten-free, specific allergies, etc.). These are very common requests and not an issue at all.