Kilimanjaro FAQs
Everything You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions About Climbing Kilimanjaro
From costs and routes to packing lists and altitude sickness — here are the answers to the questions our climbers ask most.
A Kilimanjaro trek costs between $1,800 and $4,500 per person depending on the route, number of days and level of accommodation. Our mid-range packages start at $2,190 per person for a 6-day Marangu route, and $2,490 for a 7-day Machame route. The price includes park fees, guide and porters, meals, accommodation in mountain huts or tents, and transfers.
Most Kilimanjaro routes take between 5 and 9 days. The shortest is Marangu at 5-6 days, and the longest is the Northern Circuit at 9 days. We recommend a minimum of 7 days for acclimatisation and a higher summit success rate. Shorter treks are cheaper but have significantly lower success rates.
The best route depends on your experience and priorities. The Machame Route (7 days) offers great scenery and a 90% success rate. The Lemosho Route (8 days) is more remote with 95% success. The Marangu Route (5-6 days) is the cheapest but crowded. Rongai (7 days) is quieter and starts from the north. Contact us for a personalised recommendation.
The best months to climb Kilimanjaro are January, February, and from late June to October. These are the dry seasons when the skies are clear and the trails are safest. Avoid the long rains in April-May and the short rains in November. July-September is peak season — book 4-6 months in advance.
No technical climbing experience is needed. Kilimanjaro is a trek, not a technical climb. However, you should be in good physical condition and prepared to walk 5-7 hours per day on steep terrain at high altitude. We recommend training for at least 3 months before your trek — hiking, running, and stair climbing.
Overall success rates average around 65%, but can be as high as 95% with the right route and enough days for acclimatisation. Choose a 7-8 day route, add an extra acclimatisation day, walk slowly (pole pole), drink 3-4 litres of water daily, and consider Diamox. Our guests enjoy a 92% success rate on 7+ day treks.
Altitude sickness (AMS) is caused by reduced oxygen at high altitude. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Prevent it by ascending slowly, taking rest days, staying hydrated, and using Diamox. If symptoms become severe, descend immediately. Our guides carry oxygen and pulse oximeters and are trained to monitor your health daily.
Bring: 4-season sleeping bag (rentable), waterproof hiking boots (broken in), thermal base layers, fleece jacket, down jacket, waterproof shell, hiking pants, gloves, hat, buff, sunglasses, sunscreen, headlamp, water bottles, and a 60L duffel bag for the porters. We provide a full packing list when you book.
Our packages include park fees, camping or hut fees, rescue fees, professional guide and porters, cook, all meals on the mountain, drinking water, accommodation, transfers to and from the trailhead, and government taxes. Not included: international flights, Tanzania visa, travel insurance, tips, personal gear, and hotel nights before/after the trek.
Tipping is expected and appreciated. Recommended amounts: lead guide $20-25/day, assistant guides $15-20/day, cook $12-15/day, and porters $8-10/day. The total tip typically ranges from $250-$350 per climber for a 7-day trek. Tips are collected and distributed by the lead guide.
The minimum age to climb Kilimanjaro is officially 10 years old, though we recommend 12+ for a comfortable experience. The oldest permitted climber is 80. We have successfully guided families with teenagers and senior travellers, adapting the pace and itinerary to their needs.
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located between Arusha and Moshi. From there it is a 45-60 minute drive to Moshi, where most treks begin. We offer airport transfers as part of every trekking package. Alternatively, fly into Nairobi (Kenya) and cross the border by shuttle.
No. Since 1991, it is a legal requirement to be accompanied by a licensed guide on Kilimanjaro. Independent trekking is not permitted. All treks must be organised through a registered Tanzanian operator, with a licensed guide, cook and minimum number of porters per climber.
We provide a 1:1 to 1:2 guide-to-climber ratio, plus a team of porters (typically 3-4 porters per climber) to carry equipment, food, water and tents. The typical ratio is 1 guide + 1 cook + 3 porters per climber. On summit night, an additional assistant guide accompanies the group.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. It must cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m, emergency helicopter evacuation, medical expenses, and trip cancellation. We require proof of insurance before the trek. Standard travel insurance usually does NOT cover high-altitude activities — check the fine print.
Need More Help?
Still Have Questions About Kilimanjaro?
Our team is here to help. Reach out and we'll answer any question about climbing Kilimanjaro or planning your Tanzania adventure.