How do I get to Mt Kilimanjaro?
Tanzania has three major international airports:
1. Dar es Salaam (DAR)
2. Zanzibar (ZNZ)
3. Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
The latter is the most convenient for Kilimanjaro, sitting only 42 km away from the mountain town of Moshi and 50 km from Arusha. In addition to flights to Tanzania, you may consider flights to Nairobi in Kenya, which is only a five-hour shuttle bus ride to Arusha or a one-hour plane ride to JRO. Note, however, that by choosing to fly to Kenya you may need a multiple-entry Kenya visa (if you're flying out of Kenya, too, for example, and spend longer than a fortnight in Tanzania), which can cost as much as $122. This would reduce or even eliminate any saving you may have made in airfares. In deciding which flights to book, you should take the full trip into consideration. For example, if after the climb, it might be best to book one-way tickets from your home to Kilimanjaro Airport for the climb, from there to Zanzibar after the climb, and then from Zanzibar back home.
How many days early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving one day early (what we refer to as “arrival day”).
This will give you time to relax, meet your fellow trekkers, and get a proper briefing before the climb starts. More importantly, if there's any delay to your flight or your luggage goes AWOL, there's enough wiggle room so that this delay doesn't derail your climb. Seriously – this extra day really is a good idea, especially with post-pandemic airlines being in a little bit of a pickle right now.
All that said, we understand that travelling to Kilimanjaro can be a challenge. So we'll accommodate your arrival time as best we can (for example, if you only arrive late at night the day before the climb starts, we'll still be there to collect you!).
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, most foreigners need a Tanzanian visa to visit the country. US, Canadian, British and most European citizens can simply obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport. The cost is US$100 for US passport holders and $50 for others. US citizens do get a longer visa, however.
If you're a citizen of a different country, please check with your embassy if you can obtain a visa upon arrival – of if you even need one. Certain African nationals, for instance, can enter Tanzania without a visa. Please also note that you need a passport that's valid for at least six months after your departure date.
What vaccinations do I need?
There are no specific vaccine requirements for entry into Tanzania. However, be aware that the Government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever.
While it's not mandatory by any means, we suggest you talk to your doctor about getting the following vaccinations (which are standard in developed countries): Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and meningococcal meningitis (Africa and Asia).
Please check the Fit For Travel website for more up-to-date information
Which is the best route?
There are seven different Kilimanjaro routes up the mountain. We recommend the eight-day Lemosho, seven-day Machame and nine-day Northern Circuit routes. These routes offer the best balance of a high success rate and beautiful scenery.
Is Kilimanjaro a technical mountain?
Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing experience nor climbing equipment. This makes it the most accessible of the Seven Summits in many ways.
Any decently fit person can summit the mountain. That said, for most people, it will be one of the most difficult things they ever do in their lives! As we discuss in Kilimanjaro vs Everest Base Camp, it's even harder in our opinion than trekking to Everest Base Camp!
When is the best time to climb?
Kilimanjaro is climbable all year round. Yippee!
The best months to climb, however, are July to October and December to February, as these are the warmest and driest months respectively.
July, August and September tend to be the busiest months on the mountain.
Another factor to take into consideration is the full moon. Summiting Kilimanjaro on a cloudless evening with the moon as your guide instead of headlamp is without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Also imagine seeing the glaciers glitter in the moonlight – absolutely stunning! Learn more in our post Kilimanjaro full moon climbs.
You can also summit the mountain to celebrate New Year's Eve. Why not join us on a New Year's Eve climb, a unique once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Or if you'd like to summit a snowy peak, then we recommend sometime between New Year's Even and late February, as discussed in detail in When is there snow on the summit of Kilimanjaro?
What kind of food is prepared?
You'll be provided with locally sourced, healthy and nutritious meals cooked fresh every day by your cook and his assistant.
Our menus have been carefully designed to ensure the food is delicious, easy to digest, and provides plenty of energy. Expect fresh veg, fruits, meat, nuts and snacks along the way, as well as clean water throughout.
The primary carbohydrates of the meals are rice, potatoes and pasta, as well as some meat. Fresh fruit and vegetables accompany every meal. Most meals will also have a selection of hot drinks like instant coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
You may want to bring some supplementary comfort foods, such as candy, gum, chocolate, health bars and powdered energy drinks.
Can you cater for special diets?
Any special requests regarding your menu? No worries, we regularly cater for vegetarians and can also accommodate gluten-free diets. For other dietary requests, please contact us to discuss what we can or cannot do.
Where does Water Come from?
From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.
How do I shower and use the loo?
This is an outdoor adventure trip in the African wild. There are no showers on the mountain. Warm water will be supplied in a bowl and you will be able to wash your face and hands. For the rest you can bring wet wipes.
At each campsite, we set up a private toilet tent which contains a plastic, chemical toilet. There are also simple, hole-in-the-ground public toilets (usually very dirty and not recommended).
If you need to use the bathroom on the trail, you'll find a spot behind a tree or rock. But you'll need to have a little baggie for putting used toilet paper in that you then carry to camp and dispose of in a bin.
What is the climate like?
Due to the great elevation gain on a Kilimanjaro climb, you will experience all kinds of weather, from 30° C (86° F) on the plains surrounding Kilimanjaro to below freezing at the summit. So ensure you are prepared and bring the right clothing!
What is accommodation like?
On the day before the trek (arrival day) and the day after the trek (departure day), we stay in a comfortable lodge in Moshi which has lovely views as well as lovely rooms and facilities to match.
During the climb, you sleep in three-person, four-season dome-style mountain tents, two people per tent. If you'd like a tent of your own, you'll need to pay a single-person supplement.
Our tents are modern and have an outer flysheet and large vestibules where you can store your equipment during the night.
How many people are in a typical group?
On our Kilimanjaro climbs, we aim to build groups of six to 10 fellow travellers, with 12 people usually being the limit. Follow Alice groups are typically made up of sociable people from around the world looking to share an unforgettable adventure with you.
Can I join a group as a single climber?
Yes, we love it when solo travellers to sign up for a trip with us! We'll put you in a group and your fellow travellers will soon become your new friends. There's little that's more bonding than being 'stuck' with each other for a week on a mountain in Africa!
Please do note that you'll need to pay a single supplement of US$250 to have your own tent.
How do I prepare physically for Kilimanjaro?
Don't underestimate how tough Kilimanjaro is. Too many people do, and don't make it to the top!
Depending on your current fitness, we suggest that you start your physical training at least two or three months prior to the climb.
Remember, the fitter you are, the more enjoyable the whole experience will be for you.
What equipment and clothing do I need?
In our detailed Kilimanjaro packing list we identify a variety of mountaineering clothing and gear you need for your climb , you can hire mountain gears on arrival at Nevis Tours Mountain Gears shop.
The two most critical pieces of equipment that you might need to buy are:
- hiking boots
- a winter jacket
You might like to learn about bringing the right sort of boots in The best hiking boots for Kilimanjaro.
Most of the other clothing that you need is part of many people’s winter or skiing wardrobe already (like long underwear and a fleece jacket).
Do we Tip the Hiking Crew
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. How Much? Depends on how you plan to support the locals , most of them come from very poor families , if you tip them well means you make them step ahead.it is better you Bring US dollar bills.
How old should I be to do Kilimanjaro
No person younger than 10 years is allowed according to Kilimanjaro National Park authorities’ rules. If 10 or older, they may only proceed as high as Horombo Huts (3700m) or Shira Camp (3900m) if they are accompanied by one of their parents.
For those younger than 10 Need special permit.
The oldest person on the mountain was Richard Byerley (84) of Washington State. He trained by climbing mountains, running and cycling.
The Youngest Person on Kilimanjaro The youngest person to successfully summit Mount Kilimanjaro is Ognjen Živković , who was 5 years old when he reached the summit on August 6, 2023. Ognjen, originally from Serbia, achieved this record by completing the trek using the Machame Route. The climb took seven days.