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Kilimanjaro is climbable all year round. The best months to climb are December-March, and September-October, which are the warmest and driest months. The next best are June to August, but they are colder. July and August are the busiest months.
Summiting on or soon after a full moon is very beautiful and helps illuminate the landscape without using headlamps. However, it is also very bright for sleeping and stars are not as visible.
Temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain and -15 to -20 degrees Celsius on top plus wind chill. Lower down, it can be wet and humid, but higher up, there can be snow. Rain and snow may be encountered any time of the year!
It requires no technical climbing experience, and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain. Most of the hike is casual if you have done some training with long hikes. However, summit day is very strenuous for just about everyone. Altitude is the biggest factor in summitting.
Your decision will depend on where you want to sleep and the hiking distance each day and number of days of each route. On the Marangu Route, you sleep in huts with simple beds, while on all the other routes, you sleep in tents. The two most popular routes on the mountain are the Marangu and Machame. You may also want to consider the Rongai Route as it is far less traveled. The Lemosho Route is a good choice if you want a longer route (8+ days). None of these routes are technical.
Always remember to maintain a slow, steady pace from beginning to end. Going slowly allows the body to acclimatize while hiking. Those who start out too quickly will have troubles higher up the mountain as the body will be overexerted. This still holds true if you are spending and extra day on the mountain. Your guide with remind you to hike “pole pole”, which means very slowly.
Some people take Diamox to help with the effects of altitude. This is a prescription you have to get from your doctor.
The minimum age set by the National park Authorities for summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro is 12 years old. However, younger children can attempt the summit with special permission. Younger children can also trek on the mountain without attempting the summit — it is still a great experience!
Groups are limited to 10 people. We will combine groups up to this limit if they are starting the same route on the same day. However, we can also arrange for private groups at no extra cost. We will try to add single travelers to a group if at all possible, but we cannot guarantee it. We can also accommodate large groups of any size.
Generally speaking, expect 1 guide per 2 hikers, 1 assistant guide per 3 hikers, and 1 cook per 8 hikers. Porters as follows:
Kilimanjaro guides are trained in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and basic mountain first aid. However, they are not doctors or paramedics. Climbers are responsible for bringing their own first aid kit and medical supplies.
Kilimanjaro guides are trained and certified by the Kilimanjaro National Park. They start out as porters and work their way up to assistant guide. When they are ready (after about 2-4 years), they go through the national park certification process.
Yes, but reception on the mountain can be spotty.
Our tents are 3-person 4-season dome-style mountain tents for two people each.
Oximeters are included on all treks at no charge (1 per group). Oxygen is available for $150/group
We can provide hyperbaric bag for $250/group.
All climbers pay a rescue fee to the Kilimanjaro National Park (included in your tour cost). If a client cannot walk because they are injured or sick, the guides, assistant guides, and porters will assist this climber down. There is no extra charge for coming down and taken back to the hotel, but you will get no money back for the time on the mountain that you missed, and you will be responsible for medical assistance and extra hotel nights.
Extra expenses include:
On the Marangu Route, the first two huts sleep four people each, and the last hut is dorm-style with bunk beds. On the other routes, you sleep in 3-person 4-season dome-style mountain tents, two people each.
We accept Visa, Mastercard & American Express. You can also wire transfer the money to our company bank account.
A 20% deposit is required at time of booking to hold your reservation. Final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival in Tanzania. However, sometimes we do have space last minute as well.
A climb will not be canceled, but you may have to pay more if your group falls below a certain group size.
Most people start with the trek and end with the safari, so they get done with the hardest part of their trip and are able to relax on their safari. However, we can accommodate either order.
The one pack that the porters carry for you is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds). Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at $20/day plus tips
Extra luggage can be stored in a locked storage room at your Moshi hotel at no charge. Valuables should be left in a safe deposit box at your hotel in Moshi ($1/day)
Vegetarian and other special diets can be accommodated. Please let us know ahead of time and remind your guide during your trek briefing. Protein options may be minimal on a vegetarian diet, so you may want to bring protein supplements.
We can book your flights to Zanzibar from Kilimanjaro and your Zanzibar hotels. See our Zanzibar 5 days package if it suits your plans then feel free to go ahead with booking.
Gypsy Tanzania Tours
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