A Kilimanjaro climb represents a truly unique and extraordinary adventure, distinct from conventional vacations. Unlike typical beach getaways or leisurely hiking trips, ascending Mount Kilimanjaro demands meticulous preparation. This expedition leads hikers to the pinnacle of Africa, reaching heights of 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). For many, this altitude marks their highest ascent ever, rendering the journey a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, Kilimanjaro expeditions also entail inherent risks, particularly related to high altitude. Without the guidance of professional guides and the proper equipment, climbers may face significant hazards along the way.
Kilimanjaro Gear
There are five distinct ecological zones on Mount Kilimanjaro, each characterized by its own climate and weather patterns. Climbers must be equipped with suitable gear to ensure warmth, dryness, and comfort amidst the varied conditions.
The journey begins in the warm and humid rainforest, gradually transitioning to colder and drier environments as elevation increases through the moorland and alpine desert zones. At the summit, temperatures can plummet, accompanied by strong winds typical of arctic regions.
Ascending Kilimanjaro is akin to traversing from summer to winter within a few days, necessitating appropriate attire. Technical clothing like waterproof jackets, fleece layers, and multiple base layers are indispensable. Essential cold weather gear includes hats, gloves, down jackets, and warm sleeping bags.
While climbers are responsible for personal gear, communal equipment such as tents and cooking essentials is provided. Experienced hikers likely possess most, if not all, of the necessary gear. For beginners, assembling the required items may require time and investment. Renting or borrowing gear from acquaintances can be cost-effective alternatives.
Physical Training
For most people, having an adequate fitness level for the climb is their biggest concern.
We completely understand. You are venturing into the unknown and aren’t sure how much effort is required to climb Kilimanjaro.
Our best advice is to train seriously and come to Tanzania in the best hiking shape possible. If you do this, you will know that you gave yourself the greatest chance of a safe and successful climb.
We recommend training for at least two months prior to your departure. For those who are new to hiking, it would be smart to train longer. For those who are regular hikers, you will likely perform fine just keeping your regular routine. Doing day hikes is a great way to prepare though it’s entirely possible to train exclusively on a stair master machine if you don’t have access to trails.
Altitude Training
Acclimatizing to the high altitude is the key to climbing Kilimanjaro.
In fact, a person who is in phenomenal shape but can’t acclimatize will perform worse than a person who is in poor shape but acclimatizes well.
There are things you can do to pre-acclimatize, or prepare for high altitude, before your climb. For instance, you can spend some time at high altitude immediately before your trip. If that is impractical due to timing, you can take a trip or two to high elevation destinations and hike – just to test your body’s response. You can also use an altitude training system and pre-acclimatize in your own home.
Most of our clients do not pre-acclimatize and still do very well on the mountain. So don’t worry if you can’t get high altitude training or exposure during your preparation.
However, we strongly recommend longer routes like the 8 day Lemosho or 9 day Northern Circuit for nearly everyone. Adding days to your climb will almost always improve your probability of summiting because it allows for more time to acclimatize.
Tanzania Entry Requirements
A valid passport and visa are required for most nationalities to enter Tanzania, including United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holders.
Medical Check
We do NOT require a medical check to participate on our climbs.
But, it is a good idea to be medically cleared for climbing by your doctor. Your age, fitness level, health, and pre-existing medical conditions may preclude you from high altitude trekking.
Our minimum fitness requirements are that each climber must have a resting heart rate of under 100 beats per minute.
Vaccinations & Medications
There are NO mandatory vaccinations, immunizations or medications to enter Tanzania.
However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends many vaccines for travel to East Africa. We encourage you to discuss your travel plans with a medical professional to determine which vaccinations and medications you should get.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to participate on our trips.
Standard travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, and delay; lost, stolen and damaged baggage; medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation; and luggage delay.
Your travel insurance must also cover high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters. This insurance will make you eligible for rescue by helicopter from Kilimanjaro MedAir, a private company.
Clients must be able to provide proof of insurance to staff upon request or they will not be allowed to participate.
Travel to Tanzania
Our climbs begin and end in Moshi which is readily accessible via Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Moshi is a coffee-producing town in northern Tanzania that is known as a gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park. What makes Moshi an ideal home base for Kilimanjaro climbs is its convenient location near the base of the mountain and close distance (25 miles) to the airport.
There are regular flights into Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code: JRO), serviced by KLM/Delta, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and more.
All our tours includes pick up and drop off at the Kilimanjaro Airport
