Kilimanjaro Climbing Faq’s
FAQs For Kilimanjaro Climbing
We offer Kilimanjaro climbs all year round. However, it is wet season in April and May in Tanzania which makes a successful climb extremely difficult and dangerous especially if taking the routes starting from the eastern, southern and even western side of the mountain. We highly recommend climbing via Rongai which is a bit drier during this time. Marangu route can also be taken as climbers stay in huts as opposed to tents on the other routes. Generally, planning to climb between July to October and also from January to mid-March would be absolutely fine!
Our treks and the itineraries have been designed to accommodate anyone as long as you train beforehand. Remember, most of our treks take a minimum of 6 consecutive days and in varied temperatures – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the trek. Kilimanjaro training tips can be found on our website to point you in the right direction!
Yes and No… as this is very tricky question! There are those arriving with a very early morning flight such as TK Airline which arrives JRO Airport at around 1:05 am (midnight) – they can absolutely meet our office representative and mountain guide for pre trek briefing and equipment check in the morning of the same day before heading to the park gate! Arriving late in the morning or in the afternoon for example, will make it impossible to proceed with a climb or join a group climb on the same day.
Yes, absolutely! We are very flexible and you can change your departure date even if you’ve already booked and secured your trek with us given that we are notified of the change 35 days prior to starting your trek.
You can obviously cut down the number of porters but it is unlikely that you can eliminate them 100% because for example, you will definitely need to be accompanied by the guide and assistant guides who are not allowed to carry any additional stuff other than their own, So, your guides will need at least 2 porters to carry their camping equipment and food.
No, all park fees are paid at the park gate in order to obtain permit to enter the park and other logistics of the trek are planned and all purchases are done accordingly prior to starting your climb and honestly speaking, descend a day early won’t save anything on the ground handler’s side in terms of cost. So, refund is not given. Kindly note that by descending early will mean extra hotel accommodation in Moshi/ Arusha for which the client will be responsible to pay for it.
Yes, this is possible for private treks and the additional cost must be paid at our main office after the climb. It is extra $225 per person per any added day on the mountain.
There are basic ‘long drop’ toilets at every campsite and they are being looked after by the park. These toilets are used by all people staying at the Camp including porters. For that reason it is a bit uncomfortable to fall in a cue waiting to go into a toilet for some crowded campsites. Alternatively, you can hire private mobile toilet for extra $150 per trip. We provide toilet paper throughout the trek but bringing one of your favorite one is also welcomed.
No; we do have emergency evacuation plan on place at all the time our group(s) are on the mountain and as such, the patient (accompanied by an experienced full-route assistant guide) will be evacuated smoothly, letting the other members of the group to proceed with the climb as planned. The group will be informed of the condition of the evacuee via radio/ phone communication.
That is not a problem at all! We can accommodate all our clients’ dietary requirements. Clients are advised to inform us in advance about their special dietary requirement/ restrictions so as to prepare beforehand.
Yes, this is mandatory requirement for employing our mountain guides and assistant guides. The porters are hand-picked and most of them do not speak fluent English. If requested, we can arrange for a multilingual mountain guide (for some extra charge) who can also speak other languages such as French, Germany, Spanish, etc.
For Machame route, Lemosho route, Shira and Umbwe route the trek will normally end at Mweka gate by 12 noon and you’d be back to your Lodge in Moshi by 2 pm. For those taking Rongai route or Marangu route, the last day is much longer, and they normally arrive at Marangu gate at 3 pm and back to Moshi at around 4 pm.
The providers such as Vodacom, Airtel and Tigo are major phone networks and they offer almost complete mobile phone network coverage but in most areas the reception signal is very weak to pick 3G or 4G connectivity. Your guide may advice you on the route positions with better signal reception. However, our guides and the support team do carry VHF ICOM radios with them for communication purpose and may reach the main office at any point while on the mountain.
The straight answer is NO. It is highly advised to bring spare and fully charged battery and/ or bring a reliable portable solar charger for that purpose.
Our open group climb registers no more than 10 climbers.
YES, We are member of KPAP partner program as part of our responsible travel practices. We are in favor of and committed to fair treatment of porters. You will know more about us through our clients review, KPAP monitoring reports, porters association and by seeing the living and working conditions of our porters. Climb with us to see this – “Karibu uone” (In Swahili).
We will supply you with a suggested kit list for Kilimanjaro with information about what to take once you decide to take part in our trek.
No; our clients will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as rain gears, sunscreen, water, sun hat, camera, etc.) and your main kit bag will be carried from camp to camp by our porters.
Yes, you can leave any of your extra bag(s) that you won’t need on the mountain at our office, with no any storage charge!
Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (meal plan as indicated on your itinerary please), airport transfers – 1 way, tents, sleeping bags (except for corporate and charity groups – participants must bring their own sleeping bags) and other camping equipment, thin camping mats, all meals on trek and celebratory dinner, porters, cooks, food, water and other supplies, permits and Kilimanjaro National Park fees, Local English speaking guides and a basic First Aid Kit.
Personal travel insurance – it is strongly advised to take this out in your country before leaving for your trip. Sleeping bags (for Corporate/ Charity groups), air mats, trekking poles, visa (if applicable), tips and gratuities, alcoholic drinks, your main-kit including your clothing, personal hygiene kit and personal medication are not included.
There will be regular rest stops for you to catch your breath and keep your energy level up by taking a drink and snacks – there is no problem if you need to take more rest stops. The guide and assistant guides will ensure no-one is left alone – remember though, this is not a race!
There will be a strong support team with our professional local head guide, assistant guides and porters. Basic First aid medical kit will be taken and mobile telephones and ICOM radios as well as light weight stretches and pulse oximeter (carried by the head guide)will always accompany our climbers on the mountain to ensure your safety and security at all times.
Altitude sickness can occur at heights over 2,500m above sea level, however, more severe symptoms of altitude sickness only tend to occur at altitudes of 3,600m and above. Your physical fitness will not affect your ability to cope with the altitude but the fitter you are the better you will cope whilst on the mountains. Altitude sickness is caused by decreased oxygen concentration in the blood due to the lower atmospheric pressure at altitude. All individuals are affected differently, but symptoms can include breathlessness, nausea and headaches. Please be assured that our trek has been designed to maximize your chances for sufficient acclimatization i.e. the speed at which we trek, the route taken and the number of highly trained experts in the support team.
Yes, we do arrange Safaris and Zanzibar extension trips. Since safari and Zanzibar accommodation is subject to availability and are offered on a first come, first served basis we recommend that those planning to stay after their trek to contact as in advance so as to make all the necessary ground preparations for their tours to avoid any last minute surprises.
There are many points that differentiate us from others but to point out the few;
- We are private owned Tour Company, motivated by the best Adventure Tanzania can offer and committed to operate unique tours with well designed and developed itineraries.
- We have experienced team of professionals and our tours are run by the guides and support team who pays attention to details.
- We are very flexible with our tours
- Best tour itineraries for ‘good and realistic’ price – no hidden extra charges
- A dedicated friendly team of staff with a unique level of honesty and transparency
- We support local projects in the areas in which we operate
You can book your spot with us by sending us an email at info@trekandhideadventures.com or trekandhideadventures@gmail.com with details regarding the route/ tour of your choice and our team will quickly assist you. Alternatively, you can as well fill out our online booking form and we will send you further information on how to secure your spot with us and provide you further information about your upcoming adventure!