Kilimanjaro Climbing FAQ

Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS) occurs when your body doesn't adjust to reduced oxygen at high altitude. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of appetite. Mild symptoms are normal; severe symptoms require immediate descent. Our guides are trained to monitor for AMS and carry emergency oxygen and evacuation equipment.

Prevention strategies include: choosing a longer route for gradual acclimatization, walking slowly ('pole pole' in Swahili), staying well hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoiding alcohol, and ascending gradually. Some climbers take Diamox (acetazolamide) as a preventive measure - consult your doctor before the trip.

Kilimanjaro is generally safe when climbed with reputable operators. Our safety measures include: experienced guides trained in wilderness first aid, emergency oxygen on every climb, satellite communication devices, established evacuation procedures, and daily health monitoring. About 10 climbers die annually (out of 50,000+), usually from altitude-related illness or pre-existing conditions.

Consult your doctor before climbing if you have: heart or lung conditions, high blood pressure, epilepsy, sickle cell disease, or are pregnant. People with well-controlled diabetes, asthma, or other conditions often climb successfully with medical clearance. A pre-climb medical checkup is highly recommended.

Required: Yellow Fever (if traveling from endemic areas). Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for Tanzania. Consult a travel medicine specialist 6-8 weeks before your trip.

The best months are January-March and June-October (dry seasons). January-February offers clearer skies, while June-October is the most popular period. April-May has the heaviest rainfall and is not recommended. December and November are 'short rains' with moderate weather.

We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak season (July-September). This ensures permit availability and allows adequate time for training and preparation. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible but not guaranteed.

Our packages include: park fees and permits, professional guides and porters, all meals on the mountain, quality camping equipment, airport transfers, pre/post climb hotel accommodation, and rescue fees. Not included: flights, travel insurance, tips, personal gear, and visa fees.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover: trekking to 6,000m altitude, emergency evacuation/helicopter rescue, trip cancellation, and medical expenses. We can recommend suitable insurance providers. Verify coverage limits before purchasing.

Quality climbs range from $2,000-$5,000+ depending on route, duration, group size, and operator. Prices under $1,500 often mean compromised safety, poor equipment, or underpaid staff. Our packages range from $2,200-$4,500, including all essentials for a safe, comfortable climb.

Tipping is customary and expected. Guidelines per climber: Lead Guide: $20-25/day, Assistant Guides: $15-20/day, Cook: $15/day, Porters: $8-10/day. For a 7-day climb with standard crew, budget $250-350 total in tips. Tips are typically given in a ceremony at the end of the climb.

US Dollars are preferred for tips and widely accepted. Bring clean, post-2006 bills. Tanzanian Shillings are useful for small purchases. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and some shops in towns, but not on the mountain. ATMs are available in Moshi and Arusha.

Most routes use tent camping. You'll have a 2-person tent (or single supplement available). The Marangu route has dormitory-style huts with bunk beds. We provide quality 4-season tents, sleeping mats, and camp chairs. You'll need your own sleeping bag rated to -15°C.

Our cooks prepare fresh, nutritious meals: hearty breakfasts, packed lunches for the trail, and hot three-course dinners. Menus include soups, pasta, rice dishes, vegetables, fruit, and local specialties. Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated with advance notice.

Phone signal is available at some camps but increasingly weak at higher elevations. There's no WiFi on the mountain. We carry satellite communication for emergencies. Consider this a digital detox opportunity! Let family know you may be unreachable for several days.

Public camps have basic pit latrines. We bring a private portable toilet for our groups, ensuring better hygiene and comfort. Toilet tents are set up at each camp. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Aim for 3-4 liters per day. Dehydration worsens altitude sickness. Water is treated/purified by our staff - don't drink untreated water. Bring rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets. Hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) are available at meals and camps.

By law, all climbers must be accompanied by a licensed guide. Solo travelers can book private climbs or join scheduled group departures to share costs. Solo female climbers are welcome - Kilimanjaro is very safe, and many solo travelers climb successfully.

Minimum is 1 person (private climb). Maximum recommended is 12 for quality experience. Larger groups can be split. Each climber has 2-3 porters, so a group of 8 may have 30+ crew members. Smaller groups often have better flexibility and guide attention.

The minimum age set by park authorities is 10 years. However, we recommend 12-14+ for summit attempts. Children must be experienced hikers and exceptionally fit. A shorter acclimatization route and medical clearance are essential. Many families opt for partial climbs to Horombo Hut.

There's no upper age limit. We've had climbers in their 70s summit successfully. Age is less important than fitness level. Older climbers should get thorough medical checkups and consider longer routes for better acclimatization. Previous trekking experience at altitude is beneficial.