These are the questions we are asked most often in Moshi, by email and at the pre-climb briefing. If your question is not here, send it to us and we will answer it properly rather than guessing.
Start Here
If you are new to this, read the climb overview, the route guide and the cost breakdown in that order. They answer most of the planning questions. Everything else is on this page, grouped so you can jump to the part you need.
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro - what the climb involves.
- Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes - the seven routes compared.
- Price & Cost - what a climb really costs.
- Packing List - what to bring and what we provide.
- Altitude Sickness - symptoms, prevention, treatment.
- Safety Guide - how the climb is managed.
Still deciding?
Tell us your dates, your experience level and how much time you have. We will recommend a route and send a full itinerary free, with no obligation to book.
Ask Us Anything Else
Send the question as it is. If the answer belongs on this page, we will add it.
Frequently asked questions
The climb itself
How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
TODO: give the range by route, from the shortest trek to the longest circuit, and note that the day count includes the descent.
Is Kilimanjaro a technical climb?
TODO: explain that it is a trek with one technical section, the crater rim, and who should not attempt it.
What is the summit of Kilimanjaro called?
TODO: name Uhuru Peak, give its height, and explain the three cones.
Can you summit Kilimanjaro in one day?
TODO: explain the Marangu one-day summit option and why most climbers take longer.
How many people attempt Kilimanjaro each year?
TODO: give the current published figure with its source noted.
Routes and season
Which route is best for a first climb?
TODO: recommend Lemosho for time and Marangu for a short trip, with the trade-off stated.
What is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?
TODO: summarise the dry seasons and link to the best-time page.
Can I climb in the rainy season?
TODO: cover conditions, cost and the effect on summit odds.
Is it colder at the summit than I expect?
TODO: describe summit-night temperatures and wind chill.
Cost and booking
How much does a Kilimanjaro climb cost?
TODO: give the honest range and the four variables that move it.
Are park fees and rescue cover included?
TODO: list the official fees and confirm they appear in our quote.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
TODO: state the deposit, when the balance is due and the cancellation terms.
How far in advance should I book?
TODO: give lead times by season.
Can I join a departure alone?
TODO: answer directly and mention how solo climbers are placed.
Fitness and health
Do I need climbing experience?
TODO: separate trekking fitness from technical ability.
How fit do I need to be?
TODO: describe the daily walking load and give a realistic preparation period.
What is the success rate?
TODO: give the range, define how we count, and link to the success-rate page.
What is altitude sickness and can I avoid it?
TODO: summarise symptoms, prevention and the descent rule, then link to the altitude page.
Do I need a travel insurance policy that covers climbing?
TODO: specify the altitude ceiling and evacuation wording to look for.
What vaccinations or health steps should I take?
TODO: advise a travel clinic visit and note that this page is not medical advice.
Gear and packing
What should I pack?
TODO: summarise the four-bag system and link to the full packing list.
Do I need my own tent and sleeping bag?
TODO: answer for a standard guided climb and note exceptions.
Can I hire summit gear in Moshi?
TODO: list the items we keep locally, hire cost and deposit.
How much can the porters carry?
TODO: give the permitted weight and our target per client.
Do I need new hiking boots?
TODO: advise a break-in period of several weeks.
Safety and the crew
Is Kilimanjaro safe?
TODO: answer honestly and name the specific risks and how they are managed.
What happens if someone is ill on the mountain?
TODO: walk through the response chain and the evacuation plan.
How many guides and porters are on a climb?
TODO: state the guide-to-client ratio and the crew structure.
How much should porters and guides be tipped?
TODO: give our published daily guidance and how it is distributed.
Can you guarantee a summit?
TODO: state that nobody can, and explain the question to ask instead.
Ready to talk it through with a local guide?
Tell us your dates, experience level and budget. We will recommend a route, build the day-by-day plan and send it back free, with no obligation.
