Planning for Kili
To plan your epic ascent of Kilimanjaro, you will need information. In this section, the experts at Easy Travel will provide you with all the necessary knowledge on our company, our social responsibility initiatives, as well as answering your queries about how experienced and fit you have to be and the age limits for climbers.
Do you need information on routes, accommodation, safety, weather, or maybe you have questions on visas and flights? This is where you’ll find it all.
1. About Easy Travel
1.1) Who are Easy Travel?
Easy Travel are a well-established, family-owned and managed, Tanzania- based, Kilimanjaro and safari operator with 35 years’ experience and a first-class reputation.
1.2) Why should I book with you?
1.3) What do Easy Travel do to look after the community and the environment?
Many companies will tell you they are responsible operators. At Easy Travel, we know that Mother Nature gives us our livelihood and that we must respect our people, the environment and the wildlife. Ethics and social responsibility drive everything we do, the way we act.
We take our responsibilities very seriously, taking a full part for example in excellent projects such as World Environment Day, when over 100 of our staff willingly cleaned up the streets of Arusha.
We also support a local home for the elderly, providing funds for their utility and food bills. Shortly, we will be building a henhouse for them, allowing them to sell eggs and chickens.
1.3) What do Easy Travel do to look after the community and the environment?
Many companies will tell you they are responsible operators. At Easy Travel, we know that Mother Nature gives us our livelihood and that we must respect our people, the environment and the wildlife. Ethics and social responsibility drive everything we do, the way we act.
We take our responsibilities very seriously, taking a full part for example in excellent projects such as World Environment Day, when over 100 of our staff willingly cleaned up the streets of Arusha.
We also support a local home for the elderly, providing funds for their utility and food bills. Shortly, we will be building a henhouse for them, allowing them to sell eggs and chickens.
2. Some good things to know, before you book
2.1) Do I need previous hiking experience to climb Kilimanjaro?
Previous experience is not essential, but it certainly helps. The important thing is to prepare yourself physically, as the fitter you are the more enjoyable the experience will be. And the better chance you will have of reaching the summit. Train gradually, starting a few months before your climb: strap on your hiking boots, put on your daypack with around 6kg (13lbs) of weight inside, and do some longish hikes. If you can build some ascent and descent into your training and hike on consecutive days, all the better.
2.2) I have children. How old do they have to be to climb Kilimanjaro?
Anyone under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If you have children under 14 years old, then please think carefully about the suitability of a Kilimanjaro climb and discuss this fully with Easy Travel before you book. We may decline a booking if we believe that a child under 14 and/or his/her parents are insufficiently experienced to attempt the climb. As always, our priority in making such a decision is the safety of our climbers.
2.3) Which countries do your visitors come from?
From everywhere! Easy Travel welcomes climbers from all over the world. Although many of our visitors come from the USA and Europe, we also have many who come from many, many countries in every continent. All our mountain guides speak English.
2.4) Which routes do you offer for group and private climbs?
Easy Travel offers Kilimanjaro climbers the Marangu, Machame, Rongai and Lemosho routes. We also offer climbs up Mount Meru. You can find detailed descriptions of all these routes and their durations by reading our Kilimanjaro Trekking page.
If you want to take part in a group climb, we offer the popular Machame Route.
And if you prefer a private climb, then you can choose between the Lemosho Route, the Machame Route (with the option of an extra day), the Rongai Route or the Marangu Route.
2.5) Is there any limit on the number of climbers on a group climb?
On our 7 days Machame Route Small Group Tour climb, involves a group of climbers who have booked the same trip separately, our group is limited to a maximum of 10 climbers, while we can arrangea private climb for any size of group, even for a single climber. We provide sufficient porters and guides according to the size of each group, as detailed below.
Total Number of crew in camping route (Lemosho, Machame and Rongai)
No of climbers | No of Guides | No of Cook | No of Porters |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
2 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
3 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
4 | 2 | 1 | 13 |
5 | 3 | 1 | 16 |
6 | 3 | 1 | 19 |
7 | 3 | 1 | 21 |
8 | 4 | 1 | 24 |
9 | 4 | 1 | 27 |
10 | 4 | 1 | 30 |
Total Number of crew in Hut route (Marangu Route)
No of climbers | No of Guides | No of Cook | No of Porters |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
3 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
4 | 2 | 1 | 9 |
5 | 3 | 1 | 11 |
6 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
7 | 3 | 1 | 14 |
8 | 4 | 1 | 16 |
9 | 4 | 1 | 18 |
10 | 4 | 1 | 20 |
2.6) What is the difference between a group climb and private climb?
If you book on one of our Small Group Tour Kilimanjaro Trekking climbs, then you will travel with people you haven’t met before, on a set route on a set date. With a private climb, you climb with the people you choose, whether friends, family or a mixture of both. You choose your route and departure date. Whichever choice you make, Easy Travel provides the same high standards of service throughout your trip.
2.7) How many days are needed to climb Kilimanjaro?
Remember that the more days you spend on the mountain, the greater your chances of summit success. The longer the route, the better your chances, simply because you have more time to acclimatize to the altitude. Our Easy Travel trips last between 8 and 10 days in total (between 6 and 8 days actually on the mountain.) For a full review of all our trips, please see our Kilimanjaro Trekking Tours.
2.8) How many hours do we hike each day?How far do we have to walk each day?
How far you walk, how long it takes each day depends on which route you choose, which stage of the route you are on, how much you are ascending or descending and your own individual pace. A day’s trek might be only a few kilometres, involving only a few hours of walking. On summit day, however, you could be hiking for up to 12 hours. For more information, please see details of all our Kilimanjaro Trekking Tours, with their days’ stages and expected length of hiking times.
And remember, most importantly of all, that this is not a race: we are looking for pole, pole (slowly, slowly) all the way to the summit.
2.9) Should I join a group?
If you are travelling solo, as a couple, or as a small group of friends or family, then joining a group climb is a great, cost-effective option. We limit the number of climbers on each group climb to 10 and we ensure that there are enough guides to maintain an excellent guide-to-climber ratio. We never compromise on safety and pride ourselves on great, personal service, whatever the number of climbers in the group. Parties of any size are welcome to book a private climb, which suits those who want to share the experience with just their family or friends.
2.10) I am a single climber, intending to book on a group climb. Do I have to share my hotel room and tent accommodation with someone else?
Easy Travel welcomes single climbers on its Small group tours. The cost of your trip includes accommodation on a shared basis, whether that is in your Arusha hotel or in the tents on the mountains. (Note that on the Marangu route, the huts are dormitory-style, so accommodation is communal.) If you do not want to share, then you must let us know at the time of booking. A single supplement will be payable, please ask your Easy Travel booking advisor for more details.
2.11) Do I have to be extremely fit to take part in this trek?
There’s no need to be a superhuman to get to the top, and there is certainly no need to be a mountaineer, but a reasonable level of fitness is required and will make the whole climb much more comfortable. In preparation for your climb, start your training a few months before you arrive. Build your stamina, your core strength, build your cardio. Best of all, put on your daypack and do some hiking!
2.12) Will I make it to the top of Uhuru peak?
That depends. Choose a good operator with first-class guides to support you, a good route with plenty of time to acclimatize. Train for your climb, wear the correct clothing and carry the right equipment. Take it slowly once you’re on the mountain. Most of all: believe that you can reach the summit and your chances will be instantly improved. Of course, many climbers are stopped by the effects of altitude, but if you take all the above actions, then you will have given yourself the best chance possible.
3. About Kilimanjaro and the routes
3.1) Where is Kilimanjaro?
Africa’s highest mountain is located in Northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border. It’s about 350km (220 miles) south of the equator. The closest major towns are Moshi and Arusha.
3.2) How high is Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is 5895 metres, or 19,341 feet, at its summit.
3.3) How long is the hike?
Of the six different routes to the top, Easy Travel offers four, one with two options: the 10 days Lemosho Route, 9 days Machame Route, 8 days Machame Route, 6 days Rongai Route, 6 days Marangu Route.You can read more about them on our Kilimanjaro Trekking tab. The total distance of the routes varies between 53 and 73 km (33 and 46 miles). Remember that the more days you are on the mountain, the better the chances of success.
3.4) What are the differences between the Marangu, Machame, Rongai and Lemosho routes?
On a practical level, the Marangu route is the only one which offers accommodation in mountain huts. On the other three routes, climbers stay in tents in designated campsites.Marangu is perhaps less scenic than the other ones. A more detailed description of each can be found on our Kilimanjaro Trekking page. The other main difference is the time spent on the mountain (see ‘How long is the hike?’ above.)
3.5) What are the relative summit success rates for the different routes?
Remember that the more time spent on the mountain, the better the chances of you reaching the summit. So, a 9-day Machame climb has a better success rate than an 8-day Machame climb; and a10-day Lemosho climb will be even better.
Based on statistics for 2018/19, the success rates for the routes are:
- LemoshoRoute (8 Days + 2 days in Arusha): 95%
- Marangu Route (6 Days + 2 days in Arusha):90%
- Rongai Route (6 Days + 2 days in Arusha): 96%
- MachameRoute (6 Days + 2 days in Arusha): 92%
- MachameRoute(7 Days + 2 days in Arusha):95%
3.6) What’s the accommodation like on the trails?
On the Marangu route, you’ll stay in huts, on the other routes you’ll camp in tents provided by Easy Travel. The Marangu huts each have dormitories, a dining-room and a separate bathroom (flush toilets or ‘long-drop’ toilets). At the campsites, the toilets are ‘long-drop’ style and Easy Travel provide a kitchen/dining-tent. If required, climbers can hire a mobile toilet on the Machame, Rongai and Lemosho routes, at extra cost.
3.7) What dangers will I face on the mountain?
The good news is that your Easy Travel team will look after you. Safety is our priority, always. You will spend most of your climb above the altitude where mosquitoes are a nuisance, and above the altitude where wildlife roam. (You might see some animals on the lower slopes.) On a hike, there is always the chance of having a fall, but remember that there is no rock-climbing involved!
The biggest danger is that you suffer from the effects of altitude, which can strike anyone, however fit they are. This can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms. But we test your health daily, and our guides are experts in spotting symptoms and taking action.
3.8) When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Kili is possible at any time of the year, but is best undertaken in the drier months. The best times to climb are between the start of December and the start of March, or between the end of June and the end of October. Of course. these are the busiest times, but only experienced hikers are advised to tackle the mountain in the wetter months. It can rain unexpectedly in the dry season, of course!
3.9) What weather can I expect on Kilimanjaro?
The weather on Kilimanjaro varies throughout the year, and also with the altitude as you ascend and descend the mountain. You will be warm when you start, but it is cold at the summit.
So, essentially, you can expect all sorts of weather, but it is best if you can avoid the rain. Tanzania’s two dry seasons last from December to the start of March, and then from late June until the end of October. Rain brings with it the possibilities of snow and ice on the higher slopes and it can also be muddy. For safety and the best chances of reaching the summit, you should certainly choose a dry season climb.
You will find the warmest months are between January and mid-March, with clear skies in the morning and night and maybe some cloudy conditions in between.
The period between March and mid-June is called the ‘Long Rains’ and this is not a good time to be tackling Kilimanjaro, in our opinion. It will not be busy, but as well as having to put up with the cold and wet, you will also miss out on some spectacular views, due to poor visibility caused by cloud cover. The so-called ‘Short Rains’ run from around the start of November until the beginning of December. This period is characterized by afternoon rains, but morning and evening skies are generally clear. November is not a month we would recommend for a Kilimanjaro climb.
Between the Long and Short Rains (from the middle of June to the end of October), the temperature cools but conditions are dry.
Tanzania avoids the temperature and climate extremes of other countries, but rain can fall in the dry seasons as well. Even Easy Travel cannot control the weather!
3.10) How cold does it get on the mountain?
Temperatures on Kilimanjaro vary from very warm on the lower slopes to bitterly cold at the summit. Prepare and pack for both extremes! Layers of clothing are the best, allowing you to adapt to all the various climactic zones you will cross on the climb. You can see how temperatures vary.
3.11) Do I need travel insurance?
You must have valid and adequate travel insurance to take part in one of our climbs and you must be able to show us proof of such insurance on arrival. In addition, your insurance must specifically cover you for high-altitude trekkingup to 6,000 metres. We advise you to have a policy which covers you for ‘cancelation for any reason.
4. Booking and prices
4.1) Why are some companies’ prices lower or higher than Easy Travel’s?
Our objective at Easy Travel is to offer high standards and great value, not to be the lowest-price operator. You will find lower prices, we have no doubt, but you should not compromise on safety or comfort when climbing Kilimanjaro. If a budget company offers a cheap climb, ask yourself ‘why?’ Are their guides properly trained? Do they pay their guides and porters the proper rate, and on time? Do they feed and clothe their mountain crews properly? Is their equipment of good quality and well-maintained? Easy Travel is an ethical, responsible company focussed on safety – and great value.
4.2) How much will my climb cost?
A trip to Tanzania to climb up Kilimanjaro is not a cheap adventure. The cost will depend on which tour operator you choose, the route you select, the time you choose to spend on the mountain itself, and any extras you add on to your trip cost. Remember that this is probably a once in a lifetime experience, so you want to be safe and comfortable and climb with a responsible operator – not the cheapest operator. Easy Travel trip costs are quoted in US Dollars and will include airport pick-up, your transport from Arusha to Kili and back, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. For Prices, please fill the Enquiry form and our Easy Travel Kilimanjaro specialists will get back to you will all necessary information on prices.
4.3) What is included in my trip cost?
The price you pay includes your airport pick-up, your hotel accommodation before and after the climb, transportation from the hotel to the trailhead and back, all park fees, hut/camp accommodation and all meals on the mountain, breakfast at the Arusha hotel before and after the climb, and the services and expertise of the mountain crew. Prices do not include any flights (whether international or internal), lunch, dinner or beverages at the hotel, personal gear and equipment, or tips for the mountain crew or – if appropriate – other Easy Travel staff. Our prices are always listed in US Dollars.
4.4) Are my transfers to and from the airport included in the trip price?
Assuming that you are arriving and departing from Kilimanjaro International Airport, then transfers to and from there to Arusha are included. On arrival, an Easy Travel representative will be waiting to welcome you.
4.5) Are your departures guaranteed?
Yes, once you have made your booking, your trip will go ahead.
4.6) What forms of payment do you accept?
You can pay either by credit card or by wire transfer. Here you can find out more about these methods of payment, which are credit card or wire transfer.
4.7) What if I have to cancel or postpone my trip?
Our cancelation and amendments policies are outlined in our Terms and Conditions. We strongly encourage you to read these in full, before you make your booking and pay the necessary deposit of 30% of the quoted trip price. Cancelation fees depend on when you cancel; postponements are classified as ‘amendments’ in our terms and conditions.
4.8) Ok, I am ready to book with Easy Travel, what happens next?
Easy Travel will be with you every step of the way, even before you set foot on the mountain. Once you have booked, your contact at Easy Travel will be in touch to go over the fine details of your trip. We will provide you with all the information you need, regarding preparation, physical conditioning, what clothing and equipment you will need, recommended medical tips and formalities for your visit to Tanzania. Much information can be found on our website of course, but rest assured that your contact at Easy Travel will assist you with any questions you may have.
Many of our climbers reward themselves after the climb with an unforgettable wildlife safari or a beach holiday on beautiful Zanzibar. Easy travel can arrange that for you, too!
5. Flights, Visas and Entry Requirements
5.1) Can Easy Travel help me to book international flights to Tanzania?
Easy Travel does not book flights for its clients, for a number of reasons. Taking into account your country of departure, our booking staff may be able to give guidance as to where you should look for flights. Airlines we recommend are KLM, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways. Before you actually book your flight, speak to our reservations team as flights arrive at different times of day and in certain cases an extra night’s hotel accommodation is recommended before the climb. We are of course happy to book internal flights, for example between Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha to Zanzibar, or from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
5.2) Can I obtain my visa on arrival in Tanzania?
Easy Travel advises all visitors to obtain their visas online, well in advance of their intended trip. Trying to obtain your visa on arrival can result in lengthy delays at the port of entry. You can make your application via the Tanzania Immigration website, which gives full information on visa and passport requirements.You will also find more information about making a Tanzania Visa Application on our website.
5.3) What other documents do I need to enter Tanzania?
You will need a passport with at least 6 months validity until its expiration date. You may also be asked to show your return flight ticket and prove that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself during your stay. Stay up-to-date with all requirements via the Tanzania Immigration website.
6. Arrival information
6.1) Where do I fly into?
Your arrival airport in Tanzania should be Kilimanjaro International Airport, as this is where your trip with Easy Travel begins.
6.2) How many days ahead of the climb should I arrive?
All of our Kilimanjaro trips include one night in an Arusha hotel at the beginning and end of the trip. This allows you some time to recover from your international flight before you begin the climb, and to relax and recover from the climb at the end. Although it costs a bit extra, we recommend that you actually spend two nights in Arusha prior to the start of the climb, if possible. Doing so gives you more time to relax before your climb and allows a bit of time to cope with any delayed or cancelled flights or lost or delayed luggage.
6.3) Who do I contact once I am en route?
Once you have left home, you should contact Easy Travel on the following number, if you experience any problems. 24 hours Mobile and Whats app Number: + 255 683 374363
6.4) Who will pick me up at Kilimanjaro International Airport?
You will be picked up by an Easy Travel representative, who will be waiting for you once you have cleared immigration and collected your luggage. He will be holding a signboard to identify himself.
6.5) What will my hotel be like in Arusha, before and after my climb?
Unless otherwise advised, you will stay in the comfortable and welcoming Arusha Planet Lodge in Arusha, the perfect place to unwind before and after your climb.
6.6) What should I do if the airline loses my luggage en route to Tanzania?
Occasionally, your luggage may not arrive in Tanzania at the same time as you. Don’t worry. You should go to the desk of Swissport, the ground handling company, which you will find in the baggage collection area. They will provide you with a form, which you should complete with Easy Travel’s contact details. When your luggage does arrive, Swissport will contact us at Easy Travel and arrange for it to be delivered to our office. Please note that it is not possible to delay the start of the climb until the luggage arrives, so your Easy Travel guide will take you to a hire shop where you can hire any necessary equipment. You must keep a copy of the Swissport form and the receipt from the hire shop for any equipment you hire (you will have to pay for this at time of hire), so that you can support any insurance claim you may wish to make later. We would also advise all visitors to pack their hand luggage carefully, to ensure that all essential items (including a change of clothing) are in your hand luggage. This will minimise any disruption if your hold luggage is delayed.