Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro are Tanzania's main international airports (JRO). The latter is best for Kilimanjaro, 42 km from Moshi and 50 km from Arusha. You can also fly to Nairobi, Kenya, which is a 5-hour shuttle bus ride to Arusha or a 1-hour plane ride to JRO. If you fly out of Kenya and spend more than a fortnight in Tanzania, you may need a multiple-entry Kenya visa, which can cost up to $122 and negate any airfare savings.

Consider the entire trip when booking flights. If you want to spend a few days in Zanzibar after the climb, book one-way tickets from your home to Kilimanjaro Airport, from Arusha to Zanzibar, and from Zanzibar to your home.

We suggest arriving one day early (called “arrival day”). Before the climb, you can relax, meet your fellow climbers, and get a briefing. We understand that getting to Kilimanjaro can be difficult, so we will try to accommodate your arrival time (for example, if you arrive only late at night the day before the climb starts).

A six-month passport and flight card, which you'll get on the plane, are required. Tanzanian visas are required. Visitors from the US, Canada, Britain, and most of Europe can get visas at the airport. US passport holders pay $100, others $50. Foreigners should check with their embassy about visas upon arrival.

Tanzania has no vaccination requirements. For visitors from yellow fever-endemic countries, Tanzania requires proof of vaccination upon arrival. Consult your doctor about getting the following vaccinations, which are standard in developed countries: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, polio, MMR, and meningococcal meningitis (Africa and Asia). Check the Fit For Travel website for updates.

Kilimanjaro has 7 climb routes. Recommended routes: Lemosho and Machame. High success, beautiful scenery, and few people are best on these two routes.

Discover Kilimanjaro routes.

Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing experience and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain. However, for most people, it will be one of the most difficult things they ever do in their lives.

Kilimanjaro is climbable all year round. The best months to climb, however, are July to October and December to February, as these are the warmest and driest months. 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 is without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Now imagine seeing the glaciers glitter in the moonlight – absolutely stunning. You can also summit the mountain. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro with Ndoto Explorers with your friends above the clouds!

Learn more about the best time to climb Kilimanjaro

We’ve answered everything you need to know about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Your cook and his assistant will cook fresh, locally sourced, healthy meals every day. Our menus are designed to be tasty, digestible, and energy-packed. Throughout the trip, expect fresh produce, meat, nuts, snacks, and clean water.

Rice, pasta, potatoes, and meat are the main carbohydrates. Fruit and vegetables accompany every meal. Most meals offer instant coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Candy, gum, chocolate, health bars, and powdered energy drinks may be useful.

Special menu requests? No worries. Vegans and vegetarians are welcome. Do you have a special diet? Contact us.

This is an African wilderness adventure. Mountain showers are absent. Wash your face and hands with warm water from a bowl. You can bring wet wipes for others.

Each campsite has a private toilet tent with a plastic toilet. Simple, underground public toilets exist (usually very dirty and not recommended). Behind a tree or rock is where you can use the trail bathroom.

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 all the way down to -7 to -29° C (20° to -20° F) at the summit. So ensure you are prepared and bring the right clothing!

Learn more about the Kilimanjaro climate

During the climb, we sleep in three-person, four-season dome-style mountain tents with two people each tent. These contemporary tents have an exterior flysheet and big vestibules for storing your items at night. We stay in a pleasant lodge on the day before the hike (arrival day) and the day after the trek (departure day) near Arusha or Moshi. Both offer spectacular vistas and wonderful accommodations and amenities to match. We realize that after a week on the mountain, you want to celebrate with a hot shower, nice meal, and maybe a decent bottle of wine!

On our Kilimanjaro hikes, we attempt to form groups of 6 to 10 other travelers, with a maximum of 12 persons. Ndoto Explorers groups are often made up of social individuals aged 20 to 35 from all over the globe who want to enjoy a memorable trip with you.

Yes, we do urge you to join up! We make every effort to place you in a larger group of like-minded travelers who will quickly become your new friends. Nothing beats being "trapped" with each other for a week on a mountain in Africa!

When traveling with Ndoto Explorers, whether alone, with a partner, or in a group of friends, you will immediately meet a circle of (new) friends from all over the globe. We work hard to make each trip unique and suited to your exact requirements. We consider you a friend rather than a customer! And while you're looking for the right experience, keep in mind that the internet is a vast resource! Don't make the mistake of joining a random tour operator or travel group; believe us, it's easy to do. We don't bother with flashy marketing campaigns to attract random customers. Instead, via friends, friends of friends, and our network of trusted travel ambassadors, we guarantee that when you travel with Alice, you are traveling with friends.

It might be difficult to choose the ideal tour operator for your Mount Kilimanjaro trip. Prices per person typically run from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the Kilimanjaro operator and route you choose. You may be wondering why there are so many different options. Discover why rates vary so much different Kilimanjaro operators, and why we suggest Ndoto Explorers as a good bargain. Our pricing strategy is based on providing a low price while not sacrificing vital features such as safety, equipment quality, cleanliness, and our team.

Learn more about the different Kilimanjaro operators

Kilimanjaro preparation improves your experience! Kilimanjaro needs no technical climbing skills, and anybody who is fairly athletic may summit it. However, you shouldn't underestimate the mountain. If you have the time, we recommend beginning physical preparation two to four weeks before the climb, such as aerobic cross training or hiking, to familiarize your body with the demands of the climb. The ascent will be simpler for you if you are in shape. Despite all of the preparation, the most difficult aspect of climbing Kilimanjaro is dealing with the effects of altitude, which seem to be unrelated to fitness, age, or gender.

When dressing for Kilimanjaro, remember to layer. Staying warm and dry is essential for a good climb, and it's simple if you know how to layer properly:

One base layer consists of thermal underwear, a long-sleeved shirt, sock liners, and thin gloves. The base layer is made up of moisture-wicking fabrics that are worn against the skin. The base layer should keep you dry and warm by drawing perspiration away from your body. This layer is made of synthetics, not cotton!

Two middle layers: fleece trousers, a sweater, a down jacket, and thick socks. The main function of these layers is to provide warmth. As a result, while looking for midlayers, aim for ones that are well-insulated. Use fleece, down, or heavier synthetic fabrics!

1 outer layer includes a waterproof jacket and leggings, a knit cap, and waterproof skiing gloves. The outer layer protects against wind, rain, and snow.

Don't allow Kilimanjaro's shifting temperatures deter you; be prepared for every weather scenario.

We have compiled a list of mountaineering apparel and gear that you will need for your climb. A full Kilimanjaro packing list may be found here. Warm, waterproof hiking boots and an insulated, synthetic or down jacket for the chilly summit day are two must-have items of kit. Most additional equipment is often part of many people's winter or skiing wardrobes already (like long underwear and a fleece jacket). We provide complimentary sleeping bags and hiking poles.

We suggest bringing or purchasing your own personal equipment, such as hiking boots, thermal underwear, waterproof trousers, down jacket, and gloves. We will equip you with uncommon products such as a winter sleeping bag and hiking poles for free. Please let us know in advance the things from the equipment list you want to use so that we can prepare for your arrival.

When hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, you'll need at least two bags. One should be a daypack that you will carry. The second item might be a bigger duffel or backpack. The daypack, which may be thought of as carry-on baggage, will hold your water, lunch, snacks, rain gear, camera, and perhaps an additional layer of clothes. Your porter will carry the second, bigger bag, which will contain all of your additional clothes and amenities. It may be a good idea to pack a third compact bag so that you may leave any unneeded goods, such as city clothes, at the lodge or our local office before beginning the climb. This manner, you can maintain them clean and dust-free awaiting your return.

You should restrict your bigger duffel bag or backpack to 15 kg (33 lb) to reduce the strain on the drivers, vehicles, and, most crucially, porters. Baggage should be circular, squashy, rather than hard bags, which are sometimes difficult to load into jeeps and transport up the mountain. Take note that baggage limitations on domestic flights are often 15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 lb) per person, so prepare your bags carefully. Keep your daypack around 9 kilograms (20 lb) for your personal comfort while ascending the mountain.

Learn more about Kilimanjaro packing list

Your Kilimanjaro guides and porters are your most valuable resource on the mountain. Quality guides and porters provide for an enjoyable mountain experience, whilst substandard personnel might endanger your life. Each of our knowledgeable guides is licensed by the Kilimanjaro National Park, educated in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and basic mountain first aid, and speaks good English. Typically, our groups include one guide for every two climbers, and each climber has three porters. Porters carry all gear, tents, cooking materials, and water. By the conclusion of Day 1 of your journey, you'll have a newfound respect for these guys; each porter carries around 20 kg (44 lb) of equipment up the mountain on their back! Learn more about Kilimanjaro tipping and why it's so crucial to consider before climbing.

Learn more about Kilimanjaro tipping

Your Kilimanjaro guides and porters are your most significant asset on the mountain. Quality guides and porters provide for a pleasant mountain trip, whilst subpar staff may threaten your life. Each of our professional guides is licensed by the Kilimanjaro National Park, has received training in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and basic mountain first aid, and speaks fluent English. Our groups typically have one guide for every two climbs, and each climber has three porters. Porters transport all equipment, including tents, cooking items, and water. By the end of Day 1 of your trek, you'll have a newfound respect for these guys; each porter is carrying roughly 20 kilograms (44 lb) of equipment up the mountain on their back! Learn more about Kilimanjaro tipping and why it is so important to consider before climbing.

Some climbers may fall short of reaching the summit, but not at the expense of the overall experience. Even for those who never reach the top, the trip to the wonders of Kilimanjaro will still be highly rewarding. If one or more people of the group decide they cannot continue, or if a guide deems it unsafe for a person (or a group) to continue the climb, they are escorted to the most convenient campsite and wait for the others to return.

When you use one of the routes we propose, you can climb Kilimanjaro safely. However, there are always fatalities on these vast mountains. Mount Kilimanjaro is no exception. The most prevalent cause of mortality is most likely altitude-related, which is caused by traveling too quickly and failing to acclimate. Our local guides and staff are qualified to keep you safe, and they can assist climbers who get unwell or wounded. Again, your health and well-being are our top priorities.

Learn more about Kilimanjaro safety

Altitude sickness, often known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a health hazard associated with high elevation. At sea level, the oxygen content of the atmosphere is around 21%. As you ascend the mountain, the percentage stays constant, but the amount of oxygen molecules each breath decreases. At 3,600 meters (12,000 feet), there are around 40 percent less oxygen molecules each breath. With less oxygen, the body struggles to adjust and operate normally. Altitude sickness occurs when the body fails to adjust rapidly enough to decreasing amounts of oxygen. Climbers often make the error of getting too high (altitude) too fast (rate of ascent).

Don't worry, altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro is quite typical. In fact, while climbing over 3,000 metres, more than 75 percent of climbers will develop moderate AMS. As a result, climbing Kilimanjaro is almost certain to cause altitude sickness. Age, gender, or physical fitness have little bearing on your chances of developing altitude sickness. Just because you haven't had it previously does not indicate you won't have it on your next trip.

The goal is to avoid altitude sickness. This should be done by walking gently. Drink plenty of fluids and eat well. Take all optional acclimatization hikes. Think about taking Diamox. Prevent additional infections by cleaning your hands after each use of the restroom and before eating. Furthermore, Tanzania has a moderate malaria risk. Malaria exists in all regions below 1,800 m (5,900 ft), and we urge that you take malaria prevention measures prior to beginning your journey. If you want to take Diamox during your Kilimanjaro climb, please check your doctor beforehand, since certain malaria prophylactics cannot be used in combination with it.

Learn more about Kilimanjaro altitude sickness

All climbers pay a rescue fee to Kilimanjaro National Park (included in our package price). If you are unable to continue the climb due to injury or illness, the guides and porters would happily help you on your trip down. There is no additional penalty for coming down and being returned to the lodge early, but we will not be able to repay you for the days you missed on the mountain. Furthermore, we recommend that all of our travelers obtain specific adventure travel insurance that covers any potential medical expenditures and evacuation charges - just to be safe!

Don't worry, altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro is quite typical. In fact, while climbing over 3,000 metres, more than 75 percent of climbers will develop moderate AMS. As a result, climbing Kilimanjaro is almost certain to cause altitude sickness. Age, gender, or physical fitness have little bearing on your chances of developing altitude sickness. Just because you haven't had it previously does not indicate you won't have it on your next trip.

If everything goes as planned, you will be able to leave the mountain knowing that you are one of the very few who have successfully climbed Kilimanjaro - congratulations! Now it's time to unwind and enjoy some of East Africa's incredible sights and activities.

It's difficult to decide between a safari in the Tanzanian plains and a relaxed holiday on Zanzibar's beautiful white sandy beaches. The week on the mountain will be taxing, so choose Zanzibar if you want to recharge your batteries before returning to your hectic daily routine. However, if you believe this will be your only visit to Eastern Africa, we strongly recommend that you join us on a once-in-a-lifetime safari.

The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro varies according to the season. Summer is typically dry and cool, whereas spring, fall, and early winter are wet, and middle and late winter are bright, hot, and dry.

As a result, the most popular climbing seasons on Kilimanjaro are August-September, the New Year vacations, and January to early March.

A typical Kilimanjaro trek lasts six to eight days, depending on the route. Longer journeys are usually preferable because of the acclimatization change. Seven days on Kilimanjaro are generally enough for the vast majority of trekkers in ordinary physical condition. You may always add more days to your plan to improve your acclimatization.

Trekking poles are highly recommended for any climbing activities. Mount Kilimanjaro puts a lot of pressure on your knees, joints, and feet, thus trekking poles are employed to help relieve the load. They also give stability and rhythm, which aids in walking across difficult terrain.

are usually preferable because of the acclimatization change. Seven days on Kilimanjaro are generally enough for the vast majority of trekkers in ordinary physical condition. You may always add more days to your plan to improve your acclimatization.

Sleeping issues at high elevations are caused by a lack of oxygen in the air. In most circumstances, if the acclimatization transition goes smoothly, you won't have any trouble sleeping at night. In other words, following the golden guidelines of high-altitude acclimation will improve the quality of your sleep.

This is a summary of them:

Hike gradually! Ideally, your pace should be twice as slow as your typical walking speed.

Consider longer routes. Most hikers can handle seven-day hikes via Lemosho, Machame, and Rongai.

Hikes for acclimatization should not be ignored. The "go high, sleep low" strategy will aid in your acclimatization.

If you get a headache at night or are having difficulty falling asleep, notify your guide, and he will provide you with the required medications.

Kilimanjaro has almost no malaria-carrying mosquitos owing to its high heights. Anti-malaria medications have also been observed to have a deleterious influence on hikers' health conditions on Kilimanjaro, aggravating the symptoms of high-altitude acclimatization.

However, the danger of illness is always present on the lower altitudes before to or after Kilimanjaro, as well as in National Parks when on safari. As a result, we urge that you check with your doctor before to the trip.

Overall, it is always up to you whether or not to take malaria medicines.

Tanzania uses types D and G (British) with a standard voltage of 230 V.

Tanzania uses Types D and G (British) with a standard voltage of 230 volts.

Overall, it is always up to you whether or not to take malaria medicines.