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Log In- CLIMB KILIMANJARO
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1h
40kmUpon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your overnight accommodation in Moshi. Please make sure to advise us or your local Tour Operator directly your flight details as soon as you've booked your flight.
Even though we include the airport transfer on the first day of your itinerary, it can be arranged flexibly. We recommend that you arrive at least two nights before the start of your climb.
Please make sure to book any required accommodation not included in your Tour directly, or advice us your requirements before you book your Tour so we can include it in your personal offer and itinerary.
1hYour guide or local Tour Operator staff will meet you at your accommodation for your pre-climb briefing and gear check, usually in the late afternoon or evening prior to the start of your climb. Your Tour Operator will advice the exact time of the briefing once they know your arrival time (as well as the arrival times of any other climbers in your group). If you do not know the time ahead of your trip, please check with your local hotel upon arrival.
Please make sure to arrive latest by mid-afternoon on the day before the start of your climb to leave enough time for your briefing. If you only arrive in the evening or overnight, your Tour Operator will make every effort to arrange the briefing early the next morning for you.
2h
1,419m 82kmThe start of your exciting Mount Kilimanjaro journey begins from your hotel pick-up in Moshi (or Arusha). You will depart early to arrive by Londorosi Gate on the western side of the Kilimanjaro National Park by mid-day.
During the drive, enjoy the green scenery of coffee and banana plantations. Nearer to Londorosi Gate, you’ll find yourself surrounded by pine plantations – sad evidence of the past destruction of the indigenous rainforest which used to engulf the gate until few decades ago.
At the gate, you will be registering with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. Expect to linger around for approximately an hour to two while all equipment and supplies get distributed amongst your porters and weighed to ensure fair porter treatment practices.
Once formalities are taken care of, it’s time to head back into the car to drive to the start of your exciting journey at Lemosho Gate.
0.5h
-150m 5kmOnce formalities are taken care of, it’s a short drive to Lemosho Gate where your hike begins. During the wet season, the road may be too muddy for the vehicles, so there’s a chance you may walk the last remainder.
In the past, spotting wildlife in this area used to be a possibility with animals such as elephants and buffalo. However, it is no longer the case, and armed rangers are no longer needed.
As you approach Lemosho Gate, you’ll be entering into the montane rainforest zone, and the rich air along with the greenery will be a pleasant greeting!
3-4h 550m 7kmAfter a long day of driving and waiting, you’ve finally arrived and the adventure begins. Today will be a short, but steep, hike to the first camp. It will take you through the lush and green rainforest that sits towards the bottom of Kilimanjaro.
The air is misty and dense, and your surroundings are nothing short of breathtaking. Be on the lookout black-and-white Colobus Monkey troops that frequent the area; you’ll want to snap some photos of the lively bunch.
The trail may begin as muddy, and despite the rainforest technically called a montane forest, it doesn’t diminish the fact that you could be rained on quite suddenly. So be sure to have your rain gear at an arm’s length!
As you arrive at your first camp on the mountain after a short hike, you may be surprised to find your camp fully set up by your porters who work hard, seemingly like invisible ferries to us, to make sure that all we need to do is enjoy our climb.
Mti Mkubwa is also known as the “Big Tree Camp” and you’ll know why immediately. Situated under a big tree, the camp is alive with the sounds of monkeys and birds; many of whom you will hear through the night, and in the early morning.
8-10h 1,200m 17kmToday will be a long and fairly challenging day, climbing up the Shira ridge and crossing the vast Shira Plateau.
As you start your day, the hike begins to take you through the tail-end of the rainforest zone. Looking around, trees become tall grass as you approach the low-alpine moorland zone. It’s a thrilling sensation to cross these two separate climate zones, and you feel like you’re teleporting into a separate part of the world.
The trail begins to gradually steepen as you ascend the Shira ridge to the top of the Shira Plateau – one of the highest plateaus in the world. This part of your journey will be steep and challenging, so breaks are encouraged. Take your time to appreciate the enticing views afar that come with the Lemosho Route.
Once you reach the edge of the Shira Plateau, you will be treated for your hard work with panoramic views of Kibo and the Shira Cathedral. From here, it’s only a short hike down to Shira 1 Camp where you will stop for lunch to rest and refuel.
The second half of the trek will take you across the Shira Plateau which will be more gradual than the morning with a fair amount of flat-ground walking. Watch out for a few specimen of the curious trees, also known as Giant Groundsels, towards the end of your hiking day.
Shira 2 Camp is host to stunning views of the valley, with the Western Breach of Glaciers hanging grandly above. Be aware that the site sits exposed on the plateau and temperatures can reach below freezing at night, so make sure you have your hats, gloves and flashlights ready when the sun sets.
4h 750m 7kmThe morning climb brings you to the majestic Lava Tower, an ancient plug that was left by the active-volcanic days. Although the walk is not too steep, it is nonetheless a long and strenuous one due to the high altitude. Your body will begin to notice the decrease in oxygen.
On this part of the journey, the landscape becomes more barren and even the heather disappears, only to be replaced by rocks and lava ridges. At the peak of your journey, you will have climbed 4,600 metres to the Lava Tower, also known as the Shark’s tooth. This covers an altitude distance of approximately 750 metres from Shira 2 Camp.
Your new surroundings at Lava Tower will consist of a high altitude desert, with no vegetation and pools of rocks, scree and dust as far as the eye can see. You’ll need a few warm layers on this part of the journey as it can be prone to cold winds, ice and mist.
Symptoms of altitude sickness are common here, but don’t worry because this is one of the reasons why you have come here: to allow for proper altitude acclimatization.
2-3h -400m 7kmAfter spending time at the stunning Lava Tower, you will descend today into the Moir Hut Camp. Hiking high and sleeping low is an important tactic in acclimating your body to the higher altitudes. While it seems backwards to descend after working so hard to climb up, you are preparing your body to succeed when you finally summit.
You’ll surely feel your legs today by the time you reach Moira Hut. The camp is situated at the base of Lent Hills – a scenic and quiet camp that is only used for the Shira and Northern routes.
If you’ve skipped Lava Tower and made your way to Moir Hut Camp directly, and still have some energy left, you may want to take a short walk around the camp in the afternoon. This acclimatization opportunity is a quaint getaway from the other busier camps, and should be taken full advantage of!
5-6h -174m 9kmToday you will head north onto the Northern Circuit, away from all other routes that approach the summit on the southern slopes.
The day will begin with a fairly steep climb, as you hike to the summit of Lent Hills. You will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery of the vast moon-like terrain and the snow-covered mountains. After you’ve accomplished the most challenging part of the day, and admired the views, it’s time to head east across the rock fields and back onto a trodden trail.
For the remainder of your hiking day, the path gently undulates and you cross a series of inclines and declines through the slopes of Kibo. As you approach Buffalo Camp, and weather permitting, you are met with a scenery of plains that stretch out all the way to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
The day will leave you with some time to rest, and an opportunity to explore the surrounding area. The infinite amount of plains and the snow-capped Kibo will be a welcoming place to relax.
Buffalo Camp has no cabins or built structures, not even toilet latrines, completely immersing yourself into the Kilimanjaro wilderness. There is good chance that you get to enjoy the campsite to yourself, a real treat on the busy mountain!
4-5h -226m 7kmToday will be a fairly short and easy day as you head up the Buffalo Ridge onto your next camp. Crossing numerous ribs and gullies, you’ll find that this part of the mountain is quieter, since the route isn’t traveled as much. The mountain wilderness surrounds you as you continue to trek east through the remote valleys on the slopes of Kibo.
Enjoy the meditative silence and be prepared that your initial excitement of being on the mountain may be fading away and you may find the scenery a little repetitive. This was precisely the reason why you have chosen this longer hiking route – to get away from civilization and allow enough time to acclimatize to the thin air. Surely, your body will be feeling these benefits by now.
The Third Cave campsite is named after a cave that sits nearby the camp, as was once used as accommodation for hikers back in the day. Once you arrive after a short hiking day, you may be met with an out of body experience as the clouds tend to hang around the camp. Weather permitting, Kibo’s majestic backdrop sits in your view as you take in the wonders of the mountain in this pristine area.
Other than your Northern Circuit route, Third Cave is only used by some variations of the Rongai Route. Therefore, you might have the campsite again to yourself. Enjoy!
5h 1,000m 10kmToday you will be climbing from Third Cave to School Hut, your base camp for the final summit push. You may start to be feeling butterflies in anticipation of your big summit night. Within less than 24 hours, you’ll be standing on the top of Africa!
The hike will be shorter today, but significant altitude height will be gained to acclimate you for the summit. Soon after leaving Third Cave, the landscape will become barren, and you may feel like you’re on another planet with the clouds sitting below you.
You’ll notice that the altitude can be difficult. While the trek doesn’t seem very steep, the lack of oxygen will make it feel otherwise. Do not be discouraged, and take as much time as you need! The views of the towering will motivate you as you take each step. Weather and cloud cover permitting, you have Kibo in your view the entire time.
It’s still fairly early as you approach the campsite, so that you can get as much rest as possible before the exciting night ahead. Even though you may not be feeling hungry due to the altitude, try to eat as much as possible to gain strength for your summit push. After an early dinner, it’s time to get your gear ready for your early wake up, and to catch as much sleep as you can.
6-7h 956m 3kmToday is an early start for the moment you’ve been waiting for – your final push to the top of Kibo. One of the benefits of staying overnight at Crater Camp is that you can conquer the top of Kilimanjaro in daylight rather than overnight. However, it will still be an early start just after sunrise, to leave enough time to explore the crater in the afternoon.
Even though summiting in daylight will feel a lot less frigid than overnight, be sure to pack thick gloves and extra warm gear as the wind will still feel icy even during the day. And make sure to apply extra thick sunscreen and bring your sunglasses as the sun is getting ever more intense the higher you climb. Snacks are encouraged as well to maintain energy throughout the long day.
After a relatively moderate start, the trail becomes steep and challenging as it joins with the Marangu Route. The air will become so thin that you may need to pause for a second or more after each step, and altitude sickness may begin to hit you. Your final push to the top may seem endless and will test all your patience as climbers on the Marangu Route who summited overnight are making their way down while you're slowly making your way up. Knowing that you'll be able to enjoy the roof of Africa without the crowds will be your reward for all the hard work.
After approximately an hour and a half slowly making your way up via a series of switchbacks that make the steep scree slopes easier to tackle, you will hit rockier terrain. As you scramble over up to hip-high boulders, be mindful of your steps as these so-called Jamaican Rocks can be slippery at times. After a while, the rocks become more moderate and easier to manage – a sign that the end is near.
What satisfaction as you reach Gilman's Point at the top of Kibo and a vast open crater expands in front of your eyes! From here, the path becomes very manageable as you continue along the crater rim to Stella Point – your highest point today before you'll descend to Crater Camp.
Congratulations! You’ve already conquered an impressive feat and will receive your climbing certificate for making to the top of Kibo. Even though Gilman's and Stella Point are not yet the summit, and the excitement of Uhuru Peak is still waiting for you the next morning, you can already be proud that you’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro!
1h -17m 2kmAfter the euphoric moments at Stella Point, the fun continues as you get to walk to Crater Camp. The morning was hard on your body, and luckily Crater Camp isn't far, situated only 150 meters (510 feet) of descent away. Set in soft sands, the camp is located near the impressive ice walls of the Furtwangler Glacier. The campsite is the highest on Kilimanjaro, located at 5,740 meters (18,800 ft). After replenishing your energy levels over a well-deserved break in the mess tent, the lunar landscape is yours to explore with the Reusch Crater and ash pit located only an hour away. After your accomplished day, what a treat to be able to experience the majestic offerings on the top of Kilimanjaro that so few climbers ever get to see!
1-2h 156m 1kmIf climbing all the way to Stella Point wasn’t enough, it's time to scale the very top of Mount Kilimanjaro – Uhuru Peak. You will rise early to reach the summit by sunrise. However, while your body may be aching from the day before, it will be nowhere as challenging because the peak is only 150 meters (510 feet) of ascent away, and won't take more than one or two hours at most.
Dawn is approaching as you push yourself to the highest point of Mt. Kilimanjaro and of Africa – Uhuru Peak. The opportunity to see the new day’s climbers and the sunrise from the summit is a privilege that you won’t soon forget. Take some pictures, pat yourself on the back, hug your companions and enjoy the glistening pink and orange sunrise hues overlooking the ice fields and glaciers. The rolling clouds splash against the noble beauty of Kibo – it’s a sight you won’t soon forget.
4-6h -2,088m 8kmMake sure to take lots of photos and soak in the views as you won’t be staying up long at Uhuru Peak. Your guide will make sure to bring you back down to thicker air soon after you’ve reached the peak of your journey. While climbing thus far may have seemed to be the hardest part, you’re day has only just begun.
After making it all the way up to the summit of Uhuru Peak, you will still feel that lingering sense of euphoria that comes with such a magnificent achievement. Now the challenge is to make your way down to Millennium Camp, which sits at 3,800 metres – an an altitude drop of more than 2,000 metres. As you make your way down, you will find that the descent is tough on your knees, which will by now be feeling the impact of your climb up this formidable mountain. To ease the strain on your knees, make good use of your walking poles.
For the initial part of your journey down from Stella Point, you will encounter fields of sand and scree, which can be particularly challenging to navigate your way through. Gaiters are once again essential here, to prevent some of the glacial scree making its way into your boots! There are different ways you can tackle the scree. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can simply slide or ski down the scree slopes, which is a fun and quick way of conquering it! If you’re not comfortable with that, simply walk slowly down the scree, although this will add additional time onto your journey.
Your slope then turns into rocks before you reach Barafu Camp. Rest and eat to regain some energy. However, don’t rest too long. You still have over 2 hours to go. As you descend, you’ll notice that some of the plants starts to reappear and the surroundings are not as barren as it has been in recent days. Once the greenery reappears, Millennium Camp isn't far, located just above the tree line.
You will be feeling tired and worn from the journey by the time you reach your camp for the night, but this is normal. Conquering Kilimanjaro is far from easy and you can take solace from the fact that you have completed a challenge that you’ll remember for a lifetime. Finally, you’ll be able to get some well earned rest and relaxation, and celebrate the completion of this important milestone of your journey.
4-5h -2,167m 15kmThe euphoria from yesterday’s achievement will linger today and give you a high that will last for some time to come. Conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is not easy and the challenge associated with climbing it is legendary. Today’s walk is a pleasant one and it will take you through the beautiful greenery of the rainforest as you steadily continue your downward descent. The atmosphere will resemble prehistoric times as you make your way through the 20 foot fern trees in the rainforest. You will venture through the moorlands and the montane rainforest, which bears similarities to the first stop on Kilimanjaro and you will once again greet the different bird species and monkeys that you encountered on your way up. At this point tiredness and bruised knees may drain your enthusiasm little, but you will still feel the pride in your accomplishments. The temperature will be a little warmer and more humid by this point, in contrast to the ice caps and the glaciers experienced over the last few days.
Soon even the jungle will gradually start to fade in favour of dirt tracks and the return of civilisation, which signals your arrival at Mweka Gate – the exit of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Once you have reached this point, your journey across Kilimanjaro will have concluded and you will be satisfied in the knowledge that you have reached the summit and finally conquered this tough but beautiful mountain.
Once you arrive at Mweka Gate and you have completed your walk, it will be time to bid farewell to your crew. It is customary to tip your guides, cook and porters for their assistance during your trip before you are transported back to your hotel. Please check the tipping procedure and tipping ranges recommended by your tour company before the start of your climb.
1h -809m 17kmAfter your exciting conclusion at Mweka Gate, you surely can’t wait to get back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower. The scenic drive back to Moshi (or Arusha) takes you through coffee and banana plantations, and is serene as you reflect on your adventure.
Arriving at your hotel, you’ve finished the magical journey, and it’s time to sift through photos, brag to your friends, and reminisce fondly on those life-long memories that you’ve just made.
1h 40kmTo conclude your Tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to your next destination. Please make sure to advise your guide or Tour Operator locally the time of your departure flight.
If you have also booked a safari or other Tour with us, no worries—we won't let you go yet! Your next Tour starts and replaces this final step in your Kilimanjaro itinerary . . .
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
KPAP Partner For Responsible TravelACTIVITIES
ClimbingACCOMMODA
Hotel2 night(s)Double or Triple OccupancyDRINKS & MEALS
Full-board meals on the mountainHot (when possible)
Mountain cook
Drinking water on the mountainBoiled water; excluded on the first day of the trek
Hot drinks (coffee, tea) on the mountain
Vegetarian diet (optional, upon request)GUIDING
English-speaking guide
Assistant guide(s) (for 2 or more climbers)Max. 2 travellers per guideSAFETY
First aid kit
Wilderness First Responder certified guideLead guide
Emergency oxygen
Pulse oximeterPre-climb briefing with your guideEQUIPMENT
Sleeping tentHigh-quality imported 3-person tent for 2 climbers sharing
Sleeping mattressTwo-inch foam sleeping mat
Pillow
Mess dining tent, tables & chairs
Solar lights in dining tent
Private toilet tent
Toilet paper in toilet tent
Wash basinsProvided each morning & evening outside your tentTRANSFERS & PORTERAGE
Airport transfersKilimanjaro International Airport
Transfers to/from park gatesFrom/to Moshi
PortersFor sleeping tent, equipment and supplies
Personal bag porterage15kgFEES & OTHER
Park feesAll Kilimanjaro National Park fees (conservation, camping/hut, and rescue fees)
CertificateMt Kilimanjaro climbing certificate (if you reach Gilman’s Point, Stella Point or Uhuru Peak)The following items are normally excluded from your Tour as per industry standards, unless specifically stated otherwise:
When joining an open group to climb Kilimanjaro, please note that you will have to adjust your walking speed to that of others, which typically means the pace of the slowest person in your group. It is not uncommon for this to create some frustrations amongst group members. Faster climbers would prefer to go ahead and take less frequent breaks, while the slowest person may feel pressured to walk faster.
When booking a group trek, please expect that you will need to adjust to the pace and needs of the entire group. Furthermore, you will not be able to adjust your itinerary spontaneously (unless needed), such as shorten your climb by a day if you feel that you can go faster. While there will always be a sufficiently high guide to client ratio to assist with early descent if needed, groups will not split up to accommodate the preference of some climbers to walk faster than others.
If you prefer more flexibility during your climb to set your own pace and adjust your itinerary while climbing, please contact us for private climbing packages.
In your host country, tipping is commonly expected in the tourism industry by everyone who delivers a service to you. This includes guides, drivers, porters, personal cooks and waiters, hotel staff and other staff. While tipping is not mandatory, we strongly advocate paying recommended tips to ensure a fair total compensation for your service personnel who rely on tips as a substantial component of their income.
In guided Tours, especially if it involves several crew members, tipping can become a substantial additional cost for you. It is never included in Tour prices – no matter whether on Fair Voyage or elsewhere (except for few niche Operators, in which case it is explicitly stated). Please review the tipping recommendations for your Tour so that you understand your recommended total budget.
Of course, if you are not satisfied with the services of your crew, you may choose not to tip. However, please consider that individual crew members may not be in control of your overall service delivery or your initial expectations about their service standards. Lastly, we expect that in most cases your crew will meet or exceed your expectations. Therefore, please make sure to leave a sufficient buffer for recommended tips within your overall budget.
It is customary to tip your crew for their assistance and hard work during your climb. While tipping is not mandatory, we strongly advocate paying recommended tips to ensure a fair total compensation for your crew, especially your porters, who rely on gratuities as a substantial component of their income. Learn more about fair porter treatment.
The total recommended tip depends on the length of your climb, group size, amount of camping and safety equipment included in your climb, and the base wages paid by your Tour Operator. For specific tipping guidelines for your Tour by your local Operator, please see the Tour Operator Information section on the Tour page. If missing or in doubt, please check with us.
In the absence of more specific guidelines by your Operator, we recommend that you budget an additional minimum cost for tipping of between $250-500 per climber. Click here to calculate tips depending on climb length and group size. Please also make sure you bring lots of smaller US dollar notes to make it easier to tip crew members individually.
The recommended tipping per crew member per day (USD) is:
For Kilimanjaro climbs, you can expect to have 1 Lead Guide and 1 Assistant Guide for every 4 climbers, 1 chef for the group, and an average of 4 porters per climber.
On that basis, the recommended tipping per climber depending on the duration of your climb and your group size can be calculated as follows:
For example, on a 7-day trek with 3 climbers, the minimum tipping recommendation is ca. US$ 340 per climber.
Please note that this is calculated for standard climbs based on an average of 4 porters per climber. Climbs with more equipment (e.g. toilet tent) require more porters, and therefore will have a higher tipping recommendation.
To ensure fair and transparent tipping for each crew member, we'll have a tipping ceremony at our office in Moshi following your descent from the mountain. We provide envelopes and the names of all of the crew. Please divide your tips up into the envelopes and hand them directly to each crew member (porters, cook, assistant guide(s) and lead guide(s). On group tours, we encourage our climbers to speak to each other during the trek and agree how to divide the tipping amongst each of you.
Please note that prices are indicative and may be subject to change. We are happy to confirm prices upon request.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Thermal top | $10 |
| Thermal underwear | $10 |
| Thermal T-shirt | $5 |
| Fleece jacket | $7 |
| Heavy fleece jacket | $10 |
| Fleece trousers | $10 |
| Down jacket | $15 |
| Wind/waterproof trousers | $10 |
| Summit pants (ski pants) | $20 |
| Waterproof jacket | $10 |
| Poncho | $15 |
| Gaiters | $10 |
| Gloves | $10 |
| Glove liners | $5 |
| Scarf | $5 |
| Warm hat | $5 |
| Balaclava | $10 |
| Walking poles (pair) (various brands) | $10 |
| Sleeping bag (Mountain Hardware Lamina™ Z Bonfire -30°F / -34°C) | $50 |
| Head torch | $10 |
| Water bottle | $5 |
| Hiking boots | $25 |
| Socks (pair) | $3 |
| Sunglasses | $10 |
| Day pack | $20 |
| Rucksack | $35 |
| Pillow | $3 |
| Camping bed | $30 |
Sleeping bags can be rented and paid for locally. The price is currently US$50 per sleeping bag per climb. Prices might be subject to change – please confirm with us if you'd like to be sure. Please take into consideration that the weight of rental equipment counts towards your bag weight limit, and kindly note the specifications below:
Brand: Mountain Hardwear
Model: Lamina™ Z Bonfire -30°F / -34°C Sleeping Bag
Weight: 5 lb 14.5 oz / 2680 g
Details:
Please note that the single traveller supplement is mandatory for single travellers joining a group tour. This is because your tent on the mountain is a very small and intimate space, and most travellers would not want to share a tent with a stranger.
The single traveller supplement covers your pre/post climb accommodation in a single room as well as a single tent on the mountain.
Here's a typical food menu. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan or other special dietary requirements. Please contact us for a menu according to your requirements.
Breakfast: Toast (with honey, jam and/or butter); French toast; pancakes; sausage; bacon; eggs (scrambled, fried, omelet); cooked vegetables; fruits (oranges, mangos, bananas), cereals; hot cereal; tea; coffee; cocoa; juice.
Lunch (if packed): Cold meat sandwiches; tuna or chicken salad sandwiches; grilled cheese sandwiches; fruits (oranges, mangos, bananas); eggs; French fries/chips; tea; coffee; cocoa; juice.
Lunch (if hot): resembles dinner menu.
Snack: Popcorn; biscuits; nuts; tea.
Dinner: Soups (carrot, cucumber, pumpkin); pasta; rice; vegetables (stewed, boiled, steamed, curried); beef, chicken (roasted, stewed, curried); potatoes (mashed, boiled, fried); corned beef + cabbage; rice; ugali (corn meal porridge); fruits (oranges, watermelons, apples, pineapples, mangos, bananas); tea; coffee; cocoa, juice.
We have selected this tour operator/itinerary for you on the basis of:
KPAP Partner For Responsible TravelThere are more than 20,000 porters who work on Mount Kilimanjaro and most of them are not treated fairly. They risk their lives to carry heavy loads for tourists yet often do not even get their due minimum salary of less than US $10 per day. They sometimes only get one meal per day and have inappropriate gear. In extreme cases, porters have been found dead, left behind by their guides when they had accidents or fallen sick. Although KPAP and its Partner companies have been able to achieve significant improvements for their porters and the industry overall, the situation is still far from satisfactory for the majority of porters on Kilimanjaro.
You might have seen cheaper offers elsewhere. Please beware: When adding up all the costs, it is not possible for a tour operator to operate profitably and legally when offering much cheaper prices than you'll find on Fair Voyage. Such operators are not duly licensed and operate illegally, and – most likely – they exploit the porters who carry your gear and supplies. We only promote duly licensed companies that are partners of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and adhere to minimum fair porter treatment standards. This is the very reason for our existence – to promote responsible tourism and ethical climbs.
We believe that responsible companies who treat your porters fairly are also more likely to offer you as a client higher quality standards, and that porters who are treated fairly by their companies are also more likely to have your best interests in mind. That means first and foremost not your summit success, but your health and safety.
Amongst others, you rely on your porters for your water and food to be treated properly. In the worst case, you might have to rely on them for a safe descent. Will your porters be able to do a good job if they are hungry, cold and get paid significantly less than their colleagues camping right next to your group?
While there is no guarantee, we believe that booking your climb with a responsible tour operator who treats your porters fairly will be the safer choice for you.
Once you've booked your Kilimanjaro climb, if not sooner, it is important that you take these steps:
Travel insurance is mandatory to participate in climbs booked via Fair Voyage (read more here). To protect your financial investment in case of cancellation due to illness or other unforeseen changes, it is best to take out your insurance (that should cover cancellations) as soon as you've booked your Tour. We recommend the travel insurance by World Nomads which has good coverage at affordable prices. You can easily apply for it online within few minutes (get it now).
To maximize your chances of finding a convenient & affordable flight, it's best to book your flight as soon as you've booked your climb. Kilimanjaro International Airport is conveniently located within 20-60 minutes drive of most hotels in Moshi and Arusha, which are both commonly used as a base to climb Kilimanjaro. It is best to arrive at least 2 nights before the start of your climb and to depart a day after you finish your climb. If constrained by time, it is also possible – but not recommendable – to arrive on the evening prior to the start of your climb, and to depart on the evening of your last climbing day.
Visas can be obtained upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and must be paid for in cash (US$100 for US citizens and US$50 for most other nationals). Tanzania has also just launched an electronic visa service – apply for your visa here. To obtain a visa, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry to Tanzania.
It is important that you are in good physical health. If you are at increased risk due to age, level of fitness, or health condition, you must get a medical check and confirm with your doctor that strenuous exercise in high altitude is permissible for your condition. Please also check all required & recommended vaccinations and medications for travelling to Tanzania. As some vaccinations may need to be administered over longer periods of time to become effective, it is best to consult your medical expert well in advance of travelling to Tanzania.
Please fill in the Traveller Details Form for each person in your booking and send it back to us and your local Tour Operator as soon as possible prior to the start of your Tour. This allows your local Operator to prepare your Tour (including your arrival and departure arrangements; as well as any dietary, medical or other requirements they should be a aware of), and to ensure that we have all your details for emergencies.
It is never too soon to start your training.
The best training you can do to prepare for your Kilimanjaro climb is hiking. Running, swimming and cycling are all very good exercises but what you will be doing on Kilimanjaro is hiking.
You will need to condition your body to walk in ascension, over uneven terrain for long periods.
If you live in an area with hiking trails and mountains, this is a great opportunity to practice. If you live in a city or somewhere flat, taking stairs instead of elevators and targeted muscle exercises are excellent practice.
Organizing your gear can be a very time-consuming process. It is best to review our recommended packing list and start thinking about how to organize any missing items as soon as you've booked your climb. Most gear can be rented locally, which is a cost-effective and environmentally friendlier alternative to buying new gear. Please check with us for a full list of items available locally.
It is important that you familiarize yourself with all risks involved with your tour and travels to Tanzania. The biggest risk for Kilimanjaro climbers is altitude sickness. Another risk when travelling to Tanzania is malaria. Please familiarize yourself thoroughly with all the risks involved so that you can take adequate precautions.
Please carefully read our pre-climb briefing. Your local Tour Operator may also provide you with their own pre-climb briefing. Please carefully also read their documents. If in doubt about any information, please don't hesitate to contact us.
You'll need a lot of gear to stay warm, dry and safe during your Kilimanjaro climb. Here's a complete checklist of everything you'll need, including required gear, additional items that we recommend as well as optional items that you may wish to bring. Click here to download our gear & packing list.
| Item | Comments |
|---|---|
| Kilimanjaro tour booking confirmation | Print or save electronically. |
| Flight ticket(s) | Print or save electronically. |
| Additional hotel reservations (if any) | Print or save electronically. |
| Airport transfer arrangements (if any) | Carry emergency contact number in case of no-show. |
| Other tavel arrangements (if any, e.g. safari tour) | Print or save electronically. |
| Passport | Must be valid for 6 months. |
| Passport photocopy | Store separately from passport and/or electronically. |
| Medical & travel insurance details | Print or save electronically. |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable) | Required for immigration to Tanzania if travelling from/via a country with risk of yellow fever. |
| Item | Comments |
|---|---|
| Anti-malarial medication | Please consult your medical expert. Malaria is a potentially lethal risk that requires preventative measures. |
| Anti-diarrhea drugs | Please consult your medical expert. Travel diarrhea is a common ailment. |
| Anti-nausea drugs (recommended) | Please consult your medical expert. Nausea is a common AMS symptom. |
| Pain killers (recommended) | Please consult your medical expert. Headache is a common AMS symptom. |
| Cold remedies (recommended) | It's easy to catch a cold on the mountain. |
| Sore throat lozenges (recommended) | It's easy to develop a sore throat on the mountain. |
| Remineralization tablets (recommended) | To prevent muscle cramps; flavored options may also enhance the taste of your drinking water. |
| Plasters for random cuts | To keep any wounds clean and prevent infections. |
| Plasters or Moleskin for blisters | Blisters are a common pain for many Kilimanjaro climbers, especially if you are not used to your hiking boots. |
| DEET-containing insect repellent (optional) | Not required on Kilimanjaro (no mosquitoes), but recommended before and after your climb in Tanzania. |
| Permethrin-containing insect spray (optional) | For clothes & other materials because DEET may damage them. Not required on Kilimanjaro, but recommended before and after your climb. |
| Antihistamines (optional) | If you are allergic to insect bites. |
| Prescription medication (if any) | You may want to take photos of all medication leaflets and save electronically for ease of reference. |
| Anti-bacterial ointment (optional) | Sometimes listed on other packing lists, but not required; can be sourced locally after your climb if required. |
| Water purification tablets (optional) | Not required if you book your climb through Fair Voyage or with a good operator who provide adequately treated drinking water. |
| Gauze (optional) | Sometimes listed on other packing lists, but not required. Good operators would have this in their first aid kid for emergencies. |
| Adhesive tape (optional) | Sometimes listed on other packing lists, but not required. Good operators would have this in their first aid kid for emergencies. |
| Item | Comments |
|---|---|
| Ear plugs | Highly recommended to improve your sleeping quality as campsites will be noisy (snoring, talking). |
| Toilet paper | 1 roll is enough if your tour includes a private toilet tent and your operator provides paper. |
| Wet wipes | Useful also as "storable" toilet paper (leave no trace). |
| Hand sanitizer | |
| Toothbrush and small toothpaste | |
| Deodorant | |
| Sunblock | High risk of sunburn at increased altitudes. |
| Lip balm with sun protection | |
| Thick cream (e.g. Vaseline) | To protect your skin against dry air and wind. |
| One-time expanding towels (optional) | Highly recommendable, especially in combination with an insulated bottle (keeping hot water overnight) for a warm wet towel in the morning. |
| Anti-odor/Refreshing spray (optional) | Less for your body, more for your hair that may start to smell after few days. |
| Dry shampoo/baby powder (optional) | Baby powder works wonders to remove grease and oder; commercial dry shampoo rarely is as effective for an entire week. |
| Other toiletries (optional) | E.g. hairbrush, tweezers, nail file, nailbrush, small mirror, etc. |
| Paper tissues (optional) | |
| Cloth tissue (recommended) | Tie one to your glove for summit night so you can quickly wipe your nose without exposing your fingers to the cold. |
| Prescription glasses / contact lenses (if any) | You may also need eye drops if you tend to have dry eyes. |
| Pee bottle for overnight (optional) | |
| WOMEN ONLY: Panty liners (recommended) | |
| WOMEN ONLY: Sanitary pads or tampons | The strenuous physical activity and high altitude may interfere with your natural cycle. |
| WOMEN ONLY: FUD (optional) | FUDs have been made known by some female bloggers. We do NOT see the need for them. Listed for completeness only. |
| Item | Comments |
|---|---|
| Waterproof jacket – 1x | |
| Insulated jacket – 1x | |
| Mid-layer jackets – 2x | Fleece or merino. |
| Long-sleeved thermal shirts – 2-3x | If merino, 2 is enough (body-odor resistant). |
| Short-sleeved shirts – 2x | |
| Waterproof pants – 1x | |
| Hiking pants – 2-3x | |
| Mid-layer fleece pants – 1x | |
| Long thermal underwear pants – 2x | |
| Underwear – 3x or more | If merino, 3 is enough (body-odor resistant). |
| WOMEN ONLY: Sports bra – 2x or more |
| Item | Comments |
|---|---|
| Hiking boots | |
| Thick hiking socks – 2x | You could also use ski socks. |
| Thin hiking socks – 2x or more | We recommend at least one pair for every 2 days. |
| Gaiters, waterproof | Recommended for any season: Against dust when it's dry, against mud when it's wet. |
| Thermal insoles (recommended) | Recommended for summit night. |
| Heating badges for toes (optional) | Heating badges tend to be unreliable. We'd rather recommend that you invest in high-quality thermal socks and insoles. |
| Spare laces (optional) | |
| Flip flops for camp (optional) | |
| Sneakers/comfortable shoes for camp (optional) | Sometimes recommended, though many climbers will find it's too cold and dusty. Handy for shower before/after. |
| Item | Comments |
|---|---|
| Brimmed hat (sun protection) | |
| Knit hat (warmth) | |
| Balaclava / Windproof ski mask | Highly recommended for summit night; make sure it is windproof which makes a big difference. |
| Bandana (optional) | Very versatile. If you have, you may want to bring 2. |
| Cap (optional) | You'll likely want to hide your hair after a few days. Note even your hats/caps will get dirty (dust!) so you may want to bring a spare head cover. |
| Item | Comments |
|---|---|
| Warm gloves or mittens | For summit night. We recommend mittens which are more effective than finger-gloves to keep warm. |
| Mid-layer fleece gloves (recommended) | Recommendable as third layer for summit night, as well as for other cold days and nights. |
| Glove liners | Recommendable as third layer for summit night, as well as for other cool days and nights. |
| Heating badges for fingers (optional) | Heating badges tend to be unreliable. We'd rather recommend to invest in high-quality gloves and mittens. |
| Item | Comments |
|---|---|
| Sunglasses | Make sure they are 100% UV blocking and wrap-around for side protection. |
| Water bladder (camelbak, 2-3l) | |
| Nalgene bottle 1l | |
| Insulated bottle (Thermos) (recommended) | Great for summit night, hot drink in tent & washing with expandable towels. |
| Zippable plastic bags / stuff sacks (recommended) | Great for extra rain protection, and to keep your gear tidy in your duffel bag. |
| Small waste bag | To carry your waste during the day (incl. sanitary wet wipes). |
| Towel, light-weight (optional) | |
| Bag lock | Tour operators cannot assume liability for any items lost or stolen. To prevent theft, it's best to keep your unattended bags securely locked. |
| Poncho (optional) | You may not need it, but it's easy to carry as it does not weigh a lot. |
| Safety pins (optional) | You may not need it, but it's easy to carry as it does not weigh a lot. |
| Item | Comments |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag | It's best to rent from a reliable operator, if you don't already have one rated for freezing temperatures. |
| Sleeping bag liner | |
| Sleeping mattress | Often provided by Operators as part of your package, but not always; please double-check. |
| Trekking poles | Can also be rented locally. |
| Head lamp | |
| Spare batteries for your head lamp | Batteries drain quickly in the cold. Make sure to keep your batteries in your sleeping bag overnight. |
| Daypack | |
| Duffel bag (or big backpack) | Most operators state duffel bag, but will accept backpacks. Please check with your tour operator. |
| Item | Comments |
|---|---|
| US dollars | For tipping, visa, rentals, souvenirs and other purchases |
| Snacks / comfort food (optional) | Nuts are great for high-caloric energy. |
| Phone (optional) | You may want to add a travel package to save roaming costs, or obtain a local SIM card upon arrival. |
| Camera (optional) | |
| Camera spare battery (optional) | Note that batteries may break or drain quickly in cold temperatures. |
| Book(s)/E-reader (optional) | |
| Small notebook/Pen and paper (optional) | |
| Solar power charger (optional) | |
| External battery pack (optional) | Solar panels may be more reliable as batteries tend to drain quickly in cold temperatures. |
| Phone and camera charging cables (optional) | |
| Power adapter (UK style) (optional) | For your travels in Tanzania before/after your climb. |
When planning a trip to Tanzania, the following vaccinations are always recommended:
The World Health Organization additionally recommends the following vaccinations for all travellers worldwide:
In addition, you may need the following:
Medical requirements other than vaccinations:
Please note that some vaccinations are administered over prolonged time periods to become effective. Therefore, it is important that you consult your medical expert well ahead of your trip.
Professional, Kind, and Seamless Coordination Fair Voyage coordinated our Kilimanjaro trek and safari, and we had an outstanding experience with them from start to finish. At the proposal stage, they quickly provided us with a proposed itinerary for a safari and Kilimanjaro trek that not only included a list of dates and activities, but also included the names of the safari lodges, little pictures of what we would see, and descriptions of what we would be doing each day, so that we could really imagine how the trip would be. We were considering a few different options for dates, and the order of our... read more
I know the founder personally and she brings so much dedication, commitment and professionalism that it is clear to me that I would book a trip to Kilimanjaro only with Fair Voyage. Keep it up!
A great company to help find responsible tour operators Choosing a Kilimanjaro tour company is no easy task. Fair Voyage was my partner during the entire process. They helped me find a responsible company that fit within my budget. They also helped by providing lots of supplemental info like a packing list, visa info, etc. As a budget solo traveler, I was given 5 star service.
Great Kili Climb with Responsible Operator Alexandra helped me plan a successful tour and summit of Kilimanjaro. She was patient in walking me through all my options and always responsive despite our time zone difference and the last minute nature of my trip. If you want to make sure you are going with a KPAP operator, Fair Voyage makes it easy. I highly recommend their services.
Great experience with Fair Voyage! I came across Fair Voyage in my search for an ethical Kilimanjaro climb and they were able to connect me to a fantastic local tour company. They also provided all material necessary for a smooth climb and the experience was incredibly positive. Alex was extremely helpful as well! Definitely recommend you book through Fair Voyage!
Highly recommended for finding and booking sustainable trips with local tour operators, expert on Kilimanjaro climbs! Professional, reliable and devoted to responsible travelling.
Highly recommended for finding and booking sustainable trips with local tour operators, expert on Kilimanjaro climbs! Professional, reliable and devoted to responsible travelling.
Amazing Staff & Service! My friend and I had been planning to climb Kili for a few years and we finally did it in October 2018 with Fair Voyage. When we first started our research for a tour operator, it quickly became a daunting experience - there were a lot of options out there! One thing we learned was that we should only go with operators that follow fair porter practices. This search for an ethical climb is what led us to Fair Voyage. We reached out to Fair Voyage staff and they immediately responded to us (thank you Alex!) and walked us through... read more
Tourism is a great way to learn, stay open minded and support local economies. It needs to be done responsibly and that's what Fair Voyage does.
I love Africa and I know that if I were to go there again for a trip, I would only consult Fair Voyage to ensure that my journey will be awesome, unforgettable and, above all, sustainable. I hope I’ll have another opportunity and that other destinations will be available as well. Keep up the great work!
The best travel agency for Africa I came across offering memorable and unique tours. Guides are local and you can also book a tailor made trips combining Kilimanjaro with safari. 5-Star service with short response times and and insider knowledge and competitive prices!
I would highly recommend Fair Voyage, this is because I was with Alex in my home country and loved the attention she gave to details of the treatment of Mt kenya climb Crew and her concern for environmental conservation. Her platform makes it easy to choose between options which companies to contract when planning for holiday to Africa.
I had a wonderful experience and I very much enjoyed the service provided . . . The guides, porters, cooks, and the rest of the team were great and were instrumental in helping me reach the summit:)
The team was very professional. The daily briefings were informative and detailed. We had all the support we needed for a successful summit. The cook was amazing and catered to our vegetarian needs.
Better than expected . . . experienced team . . . friendly and knowledgeable . . . felt safe the whole way . . . great equipment . . .
Having met Alex on a bicycle trip across Africa, I was really inspired by her passion and commitment to provide a platform that allows others to arrange ethical and conscious travel. Fair Voyage is a top notch organisation with an amazing mission, and I look forward to arranging my next trip with them!
Can highly recommend Fair Voyage!! It is one of the best sustainable travel companies out there, specialising in travel to Africa. The team, including, Founder, Alex, has amazing local knowledge and expert tips for the conscious traveller.
Very well organised, great local partnership [translated from German: “Sehr gut organisiert, sehr tolle lokale Partnerschaft”]
Everything was perfect. Great patient guide
The climb was fantastic, and I made it to the top! Everything you had organized worked out well, thanks so much again.
Very reassuring service. I did not get the first confirmation email, but Alex followed up with a personal email and was helpful during our communications. Very pleased.
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