Kilimanjaro Trek Guide

1. Best Time to Climb: The best months to climb are June to October and January to February, which are the dry seasons in Tanzania.
2. Best Route to Taken & Trekking Days: Remember that altitude sickness is the main problem on the mountain so always choose the longest route that offers more time for acclimatization. Our favorite routes are the 9-day Northern Circuit and 8-day Lemosho routes. The 7-day Machame Route is also a good option. These routes are scenic and offer a high chance of a successful summit. You may need to consider an additional day for any route to acclimate better if trekking for less than 7 days.
3. Choose the Right Operator/Agency: We are here to help you and will provide all the necessary information for a successful climb! With reliable, high-quality mountain equipment, a professional and experienced team of mountain guides, a great chef, and a caring mountain crew, your experience with us will be nothing short of extraordinary.

   Upon confirmation, you will receive an orientation through a Zoom meeting with your mountain guide before you arrive in Tanzania. We will meet you upon arrival for a briefing, including checking your climbing gear, before you embark on your once-in-a-lifetime journey.

• Travel Documents: Make sure you have all required travel documents for Tanzania, including a visa, the right vaccinations, and travel insurance. The insurance should cover any emergencies during the trek, trip cancellations, flight cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, or any other incidents that may affect your trek, as well as coverage for damaged property. 

• Proper Personal Gear: Ensure you have all the necessary gear for the trek. The list of required items is provided below.
• Prepare Yourself: Get fit and remember that climbing Kilimanjaro doesn’t require mountaineering expertise or specialized equipment.

How Far Ahead to Plan Mt. Kilimanjaro Trekking

Start planning your trek as early as possible, at least 3 months before your arrival date. Having ample time to prepare will allow you to choose the most suitable trekking itinerary for your climb with the help of our experts.

The Best Time For Trekking

The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is generally between June and October. This period offers the most favourable weather conditions. November to December is typically the short rainy season, while February to May constitutes the long rainy season. The latter makes climbing more hazardous and limits visibility. Climbing from late December to early February can also be a good option, depending on the weather.

Travel Documents

Passport: Please ensure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before the expiry date and at least two blank pages. 

Visa: You can obtain a Tanzania visa before travel or upon arrival at any of Tanzania’s ports of entry. To minimize time spent queuing at the port of entry or airport, you can also choose to obtain a visa in advance from any Tanzania diplomatic mission or online. The fee for a single entry tourist visa is US $50 (or its equivalent) except for Americans, for whom it costs US $100.

Immunization & Health On Kilimanjaro

For the most up-to-date guidance on health precautions and recommended vaccinations for your trip, please consult a travel or tropical medical institute or your personal doctor at least 6 weeks before your planned departure. 

Recommended routine vaccinations for travel to Africa include protection against chickenpox, measles, polio, influenza, diphtheria, mumps, rubella, pertussis, and tetanus. Additionally, it is advisable to have a “booster-shot” for meningitis or rabies. It’s important to note that none of these vaccinations are mandatory, but they are recommended for your safety. 

If you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, the government of Tanzania may require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon your arrival.

Malaria

Malaria is prevalent throughout Tanzania, except in high-altitude areas where there is no risk of malaria. However, we do not recommend taking malaria pills during the trek, as the side effects of the medication may impede your success in reaching the summit. If you plan to go on a safari after trekking, consider taking malaria pills right after the descent and continue taking them for a few more days after you return home.

Kilimanjaro Insurance

When climbing a mountain as high as Kilimanjaro, there are certain risks to consider. It’s important to have good insurance that covers these risks. It’s a requirement to have medical and accident insurance when booking a Kilimanjaro climb. 

Your insurance should cover helicopter evacuation if needed and the costs of returning home if you miss your scheduled flight due to accident, injury, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, your insurance must specifically cover climbing up to 6000 meters.

It’s also important for your insurance to protect against standard travel risks such as baggage delay and loss of personal items. Make sure to carefully read the details of any insurance policy before purchasing, as coverage can vary between companies.

Details to consider include:

• What is the deductible amount in case you need to file a claim with your Kilimanjaro insurance?

• Can the insurers cover your hospital bills immediately while you are still in Tanzania, or do you have to wait until you return home? 
• How long do you have to file a claim, and what evidence is required (e.g., hospital bills, police report)?
• Does your policy include mountain rescue services, helicopter call-out, etc.? If it doesn’t, it’s not worth purchasing.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Weather

On Mount Kilimanjaro, temperatures can vary significantly from hot to cold. As you climb the mountain, you will pass through five distinct ecological zones, each approximately 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) apart. The higher you climb, the lower the temperature, variety of flora and fauna, and rainfall levels. 

At the base of the mountain, temperatures range from a pleasant 70°F to 80°F (27°C to 32°C), while at the summit, they can drop as low as -15°F (-18°C to -26°C) during the night. It’s important to be prepared for wet days and cold nights on the mountain.

Health Risks on Mount Kilimanjaro 

The most common issue people experience at high altitudes is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) due to low oxygen levels. However, you can easily prevent this by taking basic precautions: 

• Take a longer route to allow your body more time to acclimatize
• Trek at higher altitudes during the day but sleep at lower altitudes at night 
• Maintain a suitable diet 
• Stay hydrated – Avoid alcohol, tobacco, or other narcotics

Food and Nutrition 

While you won’t have access to a full kitchen pantry, rest assured that nutritious and delicious meals will be prepared for you. If you have any dietary requirements, please communicate them in advance. 

A typical breakfast includes eggs (boiled or fried), porridge, fruit, bread (served with honey, jam, or peanut butter), bacon, sausages, milk, tea, hot chocolate, or coffee. 

Hot lunches are provided throughout the Kilimanjaro climb. They usually start with a steaming bowl of soup, followed by the main course (chicken, fish, or other meat, vegetable sauce, and potatoes, rice, or pasta). 

After the day’s hike, you can enjoy ‘afternoon tea’ served with biscuits, peanuts, and salted or sweet popcorn. We recommend bringing extra energy bars to snack on during the climb. These will provide extra energy to help you on your way to Uhuru Peak. 

If you have any meal suggestions, please don’t hesitate to let us know, and we will accommodate your preferences.

Private Toilet Tent

When you are on the mountain, your bathroom situation is very important. Most public facilities are not very clean, so it’s a good idea to have Zohar’s private toilet tents for your own hygiene and health during your trek. These private facilities are more comfortable to use and lower the risk of getting sick, which helps your body acclimatize better. 

Benefits of the private toilet tent:

• More privacy 
• Exclusively for Zohar clients 
• Eco-friendly and sanitary portable pump-flush toilets
• Free hand sanitizer provided 
• Spacious and comfortable tents

Basic Preparation for a Kilimanjaro Climb

1. Walking: Walk as much as possible in the boots and daypack you will be using during your climb. You can also add a 5kg weight to your daypack. 
2. Easy Hikes: If you’re new to hiking, start a few months before your trip. Begin with easy walks and gradually increase the intensity by tackling steep trails and small mountains on a daily basis. 
3. Altitude Exposure: If time and budget allow, spend some time in mountainous areas to acclimatize to the altitude. This can increase your chances of a successful summit.
4. Full Day Hikes: It’s crucial to practice hiking for 6-8 hours a day for two consecutive days. If possible, do this at higher altitudes. Remember, speed isn’t important—walking slowly conserves energy for the challenging summit day.

Tips for a Successful Summit: easier and saves energy

1. Maintain a steady pace – It’s important to walk slowly during the trek. Your pace should allow you to talk, drink, and laugh. This will make the adventure easier and save energy for the difficult summit day.
2. Stay hydrated – Drink at least 3 liters of water per day. Carry a camel bag to ensure you have enough water during the trek. Staying hydrated will help prevent altitude sickness. Consider bringing painkillers and altitude sickness pills just in case. 
3. Eat well – Our mountain chefs are excellent, but if you have any dietary preferences or issues, please inform your guide and chef in advance. We are flexible and can accommodate your food preferences. Eating enough is essential to endure the cold weather and long days, even if you may not feel like eating. 
4. Keep warm – Wearing the right gear is crucial not only to stay comfortable but also to reduce the risk of altitude sickness, hypothermia, and shivering.
5. Keep your daypack light – only take what you really need. Every extra kilo requires extra oxygen to carry.
6. Smile all the time – we have a great crew that will be singing all the way just to motivate you. Smiling is the best way to encourage yourself that you can make it, no matter how difficult it may seem!

Guides 

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires excellent guides and porters, who are crucial in ensuring a successful trek. Our highly experienced and skilled guides guarantee you the best possible experience. They are elite safari guides with exceptional communication skills and a friendly and approachable demeanor, and they uphold high professional standards. In addition to their years of experience, our guides undergo continuous training in both theoretical and practical aspects, as well as First Aid. They are always available to address any questions or concerns, constantly communicating with our office to ensure your needs are met. 

Throughout your journey, the guides will assist, point out potential hazards and interesting features of the mountain, and regale you with captivating stories and local wisdom. They’re responsible for managing the crew, organizing logistics, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, all so you can have the best experience possible.

Porters

The porters are the literal backbone of your climb. They will ensure you have everything you need when you need it. Although they may not speak English, they will be as delighted as you to reach the ‘top of Africa.’ Your porters are a significant reason you will stand tall on the top of Africa. Apart from helping with meal preparations and ensuring your safety, they, more than anyone, want to see you make it to Uhuru Peak. 

Our mountain guides always assemble a team of porters, most of whom we know very well as they have been accompanying our guests for years. All of our crew are highly trained and reliable ‘veterans of the mountain,’ enabling you to achieve something unique.

Kilimanjaro Tipping  

Tipping is a common custom in Tanzania, and it applies to the porters, chefs and guides who accompany you during your climb. Their tips are a substantial portion of their income, which supports them and their families. While there are no set guidelines, here are some recommended tipping amounts: – 

Chief Guide: $18/day 

Deputy Guide: $12/day

Chef: $12/day 

Porter: $6/day 

These amounts are suggested by the “Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project,” an independent organization that advocates for the rights and working conditions of those who work on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s important to note that some porters (such as summit porters, waiters, or toilet porters) have additional duties and responsibilities beyond carrying your belongings and equipment.

Mountain Crew
For each climbing group, there will be one guide and usually one assistant guide for every three climbers. In addition, there will be one cook, one waiter, and one toilet porter for every 10 climbers. The number of porters in the crew will be determined by the number of days you plan to climb and the route you choose. Generally, there are 2 or 3 porters per person on the Marangu and Meru routes, and 3 or 4 on all the other routes. However, smaller climbing groups will have a larger number of porters. 

It’s important to recognize that the porters play a valuable and indispensable role during your climb. Taking the time to get to know them, understanding their responsibilities, and acknowledging their contributions is greatly appreciated by the porters.

To ensure a successful summit, it’s important to be properly equipped. Please use the checklist below to ensure you have everything you need. We recommend packing as light as possible and leaving space for souvenirs and gifts. 

The weight limit for your climbing luggage, including your sleeping bag, is 15kg (32lbs). Any additional luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel before or after the trek. 

We also offer a quality rental service for any equipment you might need during the trek. Please let us know in advance what items you require to avoid any inconveniences. See the checklist below:

Travel Documents:

• Valid Passport and Visa
• Flight tickets 
• Your Trekking Program
• Medical and Travel insurance
• Address book
• US$ cash / Credit Card

Baggage Restrictions

• Please make sure your valuables such as electronic equipment and money / documents / medication (if applicable) are packed in your hand luggage.
• It is highly recommended that you lock your luggage and the government takes a strict stance on the transport of ivory / precious stones / tropical woods and food or drinks. When you purchase these items, please make sure you purchase them from certified vendors, able to produce a receipt upon request.
• Since June 1, 2019, disposable plastic carrier bags of any kind are no longer allowed. Plastic zip lock bags are still permitted. 
• Finally, narcotics and prescription drugs are highly forbidden in Tanzania unless you can produce a medical clearance or dispensation.

Luggage on the Mountain:

• Waterproof Soft-sided bag of up to 15kg
• Waterproof Backpack for your carry
• Large duffel bag or backpack with rain cover, for porters to carry
• Waterproof plastic zip lock bags for storing clothing and other personal gears

Notes:

• The personal luggage that the porters carry on trekking is limited to 15 kg per person. Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at $15 / day.
• Wrap clothing in waterproof plastic zip lock bags.
• In the daypack, take along water, sunglasses, small camera, binoculars (not necessary), rain pants and jacket at a minimum. Add other items you might need for the day.

• Bring double extra sets of batteries as cold weather shortens their life.
• Carry critical climbing gear on the airplane in case baggage is delayed.

Special Note About Drinking Water On The Mountain

You must bring 3+ liters Camelback to carry your water during the trekking (no disposable water bottles on the mountain). Your cook will treat your drinking water but you can also bring your own purification pills. To prevent water from freezing on summit day, keep your water and tube inside your jacket. For Camelbacks, blow air back into the bladder after each sip and drink often.

Footwear: Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike!

• Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferably warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support — not too light and not too heavy.
• Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
• Hiking socks for warmer conditions
• Wool socks for colder conditions
• Sock liners to absorb moisture
• Gaiters (for mud and scree)
• Trekking or ski poles

Clothing:

You want your inner layer to be moisture absorbant — no cotton. Next layer should be insulating and warm, and the top layer should be waterproof but breathable. You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and for sleeping. Layers are important as temperatures vary greatly. Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick drying.

• Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
• Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
• Short-sleeved shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Undergarments, socks
• Sport bras for women (roads can be bumpy)
• Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
• Rain racket and pants or rain poncho
• Sun hat with brim and chin strap
• Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
• Money belt for passport and valuables

Cold Weather Clothing:

• Long underwear
• Thick shirts (Polartec Fabric)
• Fleece jacket or wool sweater
• Fibre pile jacket
• Fleece pants
• Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)
• Wool or pile hat
• Balaclava or neck gaiter
• Hand and foot warmers (chemical activated)

• Down jacket, rain and wind parka (for temperatures below freezing plus wind)

Sleeping:

Sleeping bag (Rated -10˚F / -25˚C or colder is recommended)

Toiletries:

• Small towel
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap (bar or gel soap), conditioner and shampoo with little or no fragrance
• Body Lotion
• Facial tissue and normal wet tissues
• Hairbrush/comb and mirror
• Hand- wipes, sanitizer and Kleenex
• Shaving supplies
• Nail clippers, nail brush
• Toilet paper
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm 
• Q-tips (Cotton swab)
• Sewing kit

First Aid Kit:

• Prescription Medications
• Pain killers e.g. Ibuprofen, Acetaminophe aspirin or Panadol (prescribed by your physician)
• Insect repellent and mosquito repellents.
• Crème for itches and rashes (i.e. Benadryl itch relief stick)
• Cold and allergy medicine
• Bandage, gauze, plaster and tapes
• Malaria pills (to be taken before or after the climb)
• Stomachache medicines
• Diarrhea medicine
• Prescription antibiotics effective against a wide range of bacteria
• Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
• Multivitamins
• Throat lozenge
• Melatonin or other sleep aid
• Diamox or any other medications for altitude sickness

Electronics:

• Camera (preferably smaller for on the mountain), extra batteries and charger, memory cards, mini-tripod
• Flashlight and headlight
• UK plug adapter and transformer / voltage converter, if applicable
• Personal music device
• GPS

Other:

• Maps, guidebooks
• Notebook, pencil and pen
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses with straps
• Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
• Playing cards, games and reading material
• Energy bars, hard candies, snacks, and comfort foods (very important during the trekking)
• Travel pillow
• Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals.