Does climbing the Kilimanjaro involve technicalities?

• Not at all. Any person in good physical condition can climb and reach the summit. You should be able to run for half an hour or more without feeling short of breath. No one with a sore throat, cold or breathing problems should go above 3000 meters. People with heart or lung problems should not attempt the mountain at all without consulting their doctors. Being in the right mental state is important. Do not push yourself to go if your body is exhausted, or if you have extreme mountain sickness or more serious symptoms.

Can children climb Kilimanjaro?

• The minimum age limit set by the National Park Authorities for trekking to Uhuru Peak is 12 years old.

What is the weather like on Mt. Kilimanjaro?

• Equatorial to arctic conditions are present on the Kilimanjaro. The range begins with the warm, dry plains with average temperatures of 30c, ascends through a wide belt of wet tropical forest, through zones with generally decreasing temperatures and rainfall, to the summit where there is permanent ice and below freezing temperatures. The temperature at the top of the mountain get as Low as minus 25 degrees Celsius

How long does it take to reach the summit?

• Climbing through the Marangu route, one can reach the summit in 5 or 6 days, including a day and a half of descending. On the Machame, Lemosho, and other routes it is normal for one to reach the summit in 6 or 7 days including a day and a half of descending

What kind of climbing gear do I need?

• You need to have the following stuff for your climbing:
  Boots, thermal underwear, warm clothes- top and pants, water/windproof pants and shell, socks (at least 6 pairs- to be changed at least once on the way up), winter hat/balaclava (cover head and ears), water bottle, gators (for wind and mud), gloves (water/wind proof), neck warmer or scarf, sunglasses, flash lights, and batteries, walking stick, sleeping tent (for all other routes other than Marangu), sleeping bag and rain wear. Please be advised that we do provide sleeping tent and mattresses on our climbs.

Can we leave excess luggage behind whilst on trekking?

• Yes, you can leave the stuff, which you do not need to carry with you up the mountain at the hotel, or in our office. Valuable items including cash should be specified.

How do I cope with change of altitude?

• As you ascend the oxygen in the air decreases. Low oxygen in the blood causes shortness of breath during exertion, increased ventilation and heart-beats. You can acclimatize/adapt to the altitude by ascending slowly and pacing yourself, avoiding exertion and breathing regularly and deeply.

Are rescue facilities available?

• Yes. Only Marangu route has reliable, equipped rescue team. Rescue services on other routes, is done by contacting the Park Headquarters who will then quickly send the rescue team. The mountain rescue fees covers rescue service from the top to the base of the mountain. We recommend flying doctor service membership (a $50 value) to cover from the base of the mountain to your hospital.

What kind of accommodation is provided for the 2 nights, before and after the climb that are included in your climbing prices?

• The accommodation is at a mid class hotel that has rooms with en-suite bathrooms, mosquitoes nets, a bar and a restaurant. It is located in a quite neighborhood. For those who prefer something fancier, we can upgrade this to a five star hotel with an extra few dollars

What kind of accommodation is available during climbing?

• Only Marangu route offers accommodation in a dormitory style huts- having beds and mattresses. All other routes offer accommodation in tents. There is a very limited number of climbers on Marangu route allowed, making a necessity for a well in advance booking.

What's the food like during the climb?

• Our typical food on the mountain includes:
  Breakfast: coffee, tea, porridge, fruits, fruit juice, scrambled eggs/omelet, sausage, toast, margarine, honey and jam.
  Lunch: hot tea, coffee, chips, sandwiches, biscuits, pancakes with honey or jam, and fruits
  Dinner: soup, cooked meat or vegetarian meal (these include chicken/beef with rice, sliced fresh carrots and green beans, mashed potatoes, and salads), fruits, and fruit juice, and variety of hot drinks.

Do you accommodate people with dietary restrictions?

• Absolutely! Our skilled cooks are happy to accommodate your dietary restrictions and/or allergies.

Who prepare the food on the mountain?

• Skilled cooks serving as porters will prepare food for you. Also, they will boil, filter and refill your empty water bottles for you.

How is cooking done on the mountain?

• All our meals are prepared on portable kerosene and gas stoves by our skilled cooks. Our low-impact policy prohibits us to use firewood on the mountain.

What about drinking water?

• We recommend you drink about 4 -5 liters of fluid each day. Water is best, but fruit juices are a good supplement. Carry your own water bottle at all times, as dehydration is a real problem on the mountain. The air is very dry above 4000 meters so avoid panting and dry to breath through your nose. Control sweating by wearing removable clothing and pacing yourself. Sip fluids frequently. Monitor your urine; output should be at least 1.5 liters per day and the urine should be clear.

Can we buy drinking water/soda on the Kilimanjaro?

• Yes, drinking water and soda can be bought on the mountain in Marangu route. It is much more expensive however than in Moshi town. However, there will be enough water for you up the mountain, and our Stuff will boil, filter and refill your bottles.

How many guides, and porters and cooks do we get?

• All depends on the number of people in your group. You will have one leading guide, with assistant guides serving as porters, and porters (including skilled cooks). We guarantee enough number of porters for your luggage, food, and water.

What if one of us gets sick and has to return?

• In case one person gets sick and has to stay behind or even return, he or she will be accompanied by one of the assistant guides while other climbers goes on with the leading guide and other assistant guide(s).

How much is a good tip?

• The recommended ones per day (from the whole group) are:
  Leading Guide: $20 per day / per group
  Assistant Guide: $15 per day / per group
  Each Porter: $8 per day / per group
  Off course you can pay more if you are particularly impressed and less if you are not.

Can I use credit card to pay for my climb?

• We accept Visa and Master Card with a surcharge.

What is the deposit amount to hold my space?

• We do require a deposit of at least $300/person for Kilimanjaro trekking bookings.

When do I need to pay the balance of my trip?

• The balance is due 90 days prior to the day your tour commences.