THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO 2024

Getting to Tanzania and hiking up Kili is not cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. Luxuries such as portable toilets and glassware will cost more. Land costs should include transport to and from Kili, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.

No person younger than 10 years is allowed according to Kilimanjaro National Park authorities’ rules. If 10 or older, they may only proceed as high as Horombo Huts (3700m) or Shira Camp (3900m) if they are accompanied by one of their parents. Tanzania Royal Tours & Safaris prefers its climbers to be 14 years and older when they attempt the summit. The oldest person on the mountain was Richard Byerley (84) of Washington State. He trained by climbing mountains, running and cycling. His tip? ‘Just go.’ Tanzania Royal Tour oldest guest was 80 years and and was from the German.

. We recommend arriving at least one day early. This will give your body time to adjust to the time change and also recuperate from the long flight. It also gives you a cushion in case your flight is canceled or delayed, or if your bags are lost or delayed.

There are no specific vaccine requirements needed to enter Tanzania from the United States. However, be aware that the government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you fly directly from the United States to Tanzania (including layovers in which you do not exit the airport) you will not need the yellow fever vaccine. However, if you are arriving from a country listed here, you will need the yellow fever vaccine.

When climbing Kilimanjaro, you will need to bring at least 2 bags. One should be a daypack which you will carry during your hike. The second bag can be a duffle bag or a backpack. This bag should be slightly larger, from 75L to 90L. Think of your first bag, your daypack as your carry on luggage. You will have access to this bag during the entire day as you hike. This daypack will weigh about 15lbs. It will contain your water, your lunch, snacks, raingear, camera and maybe an extra layer of clothing. Your second bag is like a check-in bag. You will give this bag to a porter and he will carry it from campsite to campsite. You will not have access to this bag during the day. It will be waiting for you inside your tent when you arrive at your campsite. This bag will contain all your other clothing and toiletries. The second bag should not weigh more than 30lbs. If it is a duffle bag, it does not need to be waterproof as the porters will put it inside another larger waterproof bag. If it is a backpack, it should have a rain cover because the porter will most likely wear it as a backpack as he carries it. .

To begin your booking you can fill out a booking form request for a group climb or private climb, email us or simply call us at 480-463-4058. We will send you a booking form within 1 business day. Please note that requesting and receiving a booking form for a specific trip does not reserve or confirm the climb for you. Climbs are not confirmed until we receive the completed form along with the deposit. A 20% deposit, paid by credit card or wire transfer is due at the time of booking. The trip balance payment is due 60 days prior to trip departure. Once we receive the completed forms and deposit, we begin to arrange your climb, safari and lodging. This usually takes between 2-3 business days. When your climb, safari and lodging are all set up, we have officially confirmed your trip. This means that your booking is all set to go. The deposit is not refundable once the trip is confirmed.

Credit Cards – Mastercard and Visa only (there is no additional fee for paying with a credit card) You can also pay by cach on day of arrive as most of our clients use to pay 10% as deposit and the 90% at the time of arrival

Climbers must be 16 years of age or over to climb alone. Climbers under 16 must have an adult accompany them on the climb. We recommend you book a private climb with Children under 16 years old. We will guide children under the age of 14 on a case by case basis, depending on the experience level of the child and parents.

We have chosen small, quiet, clean and comfortable lodges to serve as a relaxing complement to your climb. The websites of the accommodations are linked in our itineraries, and you are encouraged to visit them. The locations shown on the itineraries are fixed and part of the trip, and unfortunately we cannot honor requests for alternatives.

You can contact us by: Email: tanzaniaroyaltours@gmail.com Phone: +255 767 587464 .

No, all water is provided by us. Water is taken from nearby streams, boiled and filtered at lower elevations. At higher elevations, water is purified by chlorine tablets. We recommend taking flavored powders such as Gatorade or Nuun tablets to cover the chlorine tablet taste.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the months of January, February, June, July, August, September, October and December. All of the above months tend to be the busiest times on Kilimanjaro. It is the high season for tourism. Because TANZANIA lies near the equator, the area does not have four seasons like most other countries. Instead there are two seasons – wet and dry. The temperature does vary but does not have the large swings that most people are accustomed to. The only times that should be avoided are during TANZANIA’S TWO DRY SEASONS The long rainy season is from the end of March to the beginning of June and the short rainy season is from November to the beginning of December. Even during the “dry” seasons, climbers may still experience heavy rains. The mountain’s weather is unpredictable. Always be prepared for cold and rain.

The appropriate gear and equipment are required to climb Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro treks have a wide range of temperatures so the best clothing is a lot of layers. Such clothing is easier to adjust as the temperature fluctuates and is more effective than a few thick items of clothing. Special attention should be made to the fabric of base and middle layers; these garments should be constructed of moisture wicking material that effectively pulls sweat away from the body to keep you dry. Cotton is a very poor fabric for trekking and should not be worn. Synthetic jackets, sleeping bags, ALTOX and trekking poles are available for rent. For more information, please visit the RANTAL GEAR PAGE

Achieving a reasonable degree of physical fitness should be a goal in your preparation. Being in good shape will increase your chances of having a safe climb, successful summit, and enjoyable experience.

The main reason that climbers fail to reach the summit is due to the inability to acclimatize to the high altitude quickly enough. Short of going to high altitude, there is little that one can do to pre-acclimatize before the climb. Being physically fit does not guarantee that climbers can overcome altitude issues, but it does reduce the strenuousness of the climb on the body, which in turn, makes acclimatization more likely. Ideally, your training should simulate actual conditions encountered on Kilimanjaro. Performing day hikes on local trails are the recommended form of training. The trails should include uphill and downhill sections, and you should wear the clothing, boots and daypack (weighted) that you intend to climb in. Try to hike a few times a week, with a mixture of short hikes and hikes that last for several hours. Your hikes on the mountain will on average be between four to six hours but can be as little as two (easy days) and as high as 14 hours (summit day).

If it is impractical for you to train outdoors, you may exercise at the local gym. The goals of the training program are to boost your aerobic fitness and to increase your endurance. The staple of your training should be walking on a stair climber machine, supplemented with weight training for your legs.

A minimum of three days a week, perhaps shorter sessions during the weekdays and longer sessions on the weekends, for three months, is suggested. Sometimes, try hiking on consecutive days. With proper training, you will develop the leg strength, endurance and confidence necessary for Kilimanjaro

For those who cannot train at high altitude or want an added advantage, there are in home systems that may help you acclimatize to the high altitude prior to arriving in Tanzania. Usage of a high altitude system can reduce your symptoms of altitude sickness and increase your chances of reaching the top. These HIGH ALTITUDE TRAINING SYSTEM BY HYPOXICOcan be rented for home use just prior to your trip to Kilimanjaro.

To gain entry into Tanzania, US citizens and most other nationalities will need a passport and visa. The passport must be valid for 6 months after the intended length of stay. Visas can be obtained prior to departure from the USA (recommended due to long wait times at JRO) or at your point of entry into Tanzania. The visa cost for US citizens is $100. More information can be found here: http://tanzaniaembassy-us.org/?page_id=76#visaForms To obtain the visa upon arrival at the airport, you will need your passport, the flight card (given to you on the plane), and US dollars. The visa cost for US citizens is $100 and $50 for most other nationalities.

There are various recommended vaccinations for travel into Tanzania. However, there are no required vaccinations.

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) recommends the following vaccinations and medications: Malaria, Yellow Fever (required if entering Tanzania from an ‘infected area’), Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Rabies. Additionally, the CDCP recommends routine vaccinations for measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) and polio, if you are not up-to-date.

You may also want to bring Diamox, an FDA approved prescription medication used to prevent and treat altitude sickness. Consult with your health care professional.

It is prudent for every client to have a medical check-up to see if you have any medical conditions that put you at increased risk when trekking at high altitude. The minimum age of participants of our climbs is 16 years old. All clients 65 years of age or older are required to bring a doctor’s certificate stating they are fit to climb Kilimanjaro.

Travel insurance is reccomended. It is a better to have travel insurance to participate on our climbs. Travel insurance should cover high altitude trekking, medical and repatriation costs, and trip cancellation.

US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere in Tanzania. There is no need to exchange your US Dollars into Tanzanian Shillings while in Tanzania. However, by paying with US dollars you will experience slightly less buying power. Most merchants will round up to the nearest dollar when doing a currency conversion. For example, if a bottle of water is 1700 shillings and the current conversion is 1900 shillings to one US dollar. They will charge you one full dollar for the bottle of water.

Please note that your US dollars must be dated at least 2009 or newer. Many merchants will not accept US cash that is older than 2009. You can find out the date of your dollars by looking for the Series date on each bill.

ATMs are not very plentiful in Tanzania so we suggest that you bring all the cash that you think you may need. Do not rely on being able to find an ATM while you are in Tanzania.

Large hotels and restaurants will take credit cards. However, many will impose a fee of up to 5% for using a credit card. Smaller merchants and street vendors do not accept credit cards.

Once you pick up your bags at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll exit the building toward the parking lot. Just outside the doors one of our drivers will be standing there with a sign for Tanzania Royal Tour. Go with him. If your bags did not arrive, let him know immediately so we can begin gathering temporary equipment and gear. Once your bags arrive, a porter will run them up the mountain to you. Please tip him

Contacts Since we are 10 hours behind, if you have any issues while you are on your way, please contact Tanzania directly at +255 767 587 464 This is our 24-hour duty phone number

Any items such as laptops, travel clothes and checked bag can be safely stored in a secure room in the hotel lobby or at our offices.

Yes , but we recommend to book before your climb dates. Sometimes It is difficult to find lodging if you do not book in advance. We recommend at least 2 weeeks.

The Tanzanian government has banned single-use plastic bags like shopping bags. You can still use Ziploc bags for your loose items and to keep items dry.

Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. Uhuru Trails by Tanzania Royal Tours & Safaris will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace and the number of days you will take

Private charity climbs on Africa’s highest mountain are the prefect option for family and other parties and especially for celebrated charitable groups climbing Kilimanjaro mountain to raise funds for causes which command their heartfelt support. Uhuru Trails by Tanzania Royal Tours & Safaris with DODSON CHARITY TANZANIA donates 50% of your climb profits towards a charity of your choice.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level

You don’t need mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment you need in Tanzania, but bringing your own clothes, well worn-in boots and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid, 3 litres of water and snacks.

Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarised sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact Kilimanjaro-Experience for advic

There are no bathrooms on Kilimanjaro. Warm water will be supplied in a bowl and you will be able to wash your face and hands. For the rest you will use wipes. Toilets are simple, hole-in-the-ground types. Portable showers and toilets can be rented at some cost

There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose.

The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (can be done in five), but Kilimanjaro-Experience use six days for this route

You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken and meat. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available as well.

From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.

No. There are no hotels on the mountain and no cable cars to the top. You will most probably sleep in tents, or in basic huts if you take the Marangu route. Tents and sleeping mats are carried and set up by the porters. You do need to bring a very warm sleeping bag or rent it from Kilimanjaro-Experience.

You might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and dizziness. Apart from obvious injuries that can occur when walking in uneven terrain and in very cold conditions, you will not be in danger of mugging, attack by animals or malarial mosquitoes.

Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, but can range from $60 and $100 per porter, $90 and $120 per cook, $120 and $200 per Guide. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew.

A good level of fitness and a positive, determined attitude will ensure success. Also, you will need good support and the right gear. You have a 85% chance ( Hiking with MACHAME ROUTE 7 DAYS, LEMOSHO ROUTE 8 DAYS - ) – to make it or not. Of the 40 000 visitors Kilimanjaro attracts each year, between 10 and 20% turn back before reaching the summit according a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reason for this is cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatizing to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatize and pace yourself.

What is included in my Kilimanjaro Climb?

• All Park Fees

• Hotel Lodging the night before and the night after the climb (breakfast included)(double occupancy)

• Airport Pickup and drop off

• Transport from the hotel to the trailhead

• Transport from the trailhead back to the hotel

• Tents ( double occupancy )

• Private toilet tent

• All meals and water on the mountain

• Support personel (guides, cooks and porters)

• Flying Doctors insurance

What is NOT Included

• Airfare to Tanzania

• Tips to guides, cook and porters

• Sleeping bag and Other personal gear

• Visa

• ravel Insurance

• Drinks and/or snacks

Yes, a single climber can join any group climb or even book their own private climb. We do not have a minimum number of climbers in order for a climb to be guaranteed to depart. All of our climbs will 100% depart as soon as one climber has joined.

No, all of our climbs are guaranteed to depart as soon as one climber has joined.

No, all water is provided by us. Water is taken from nearby streams, boiled and filtered at lower elevations. At higher elevations, water is purified by chlorine tablets. We recommend taking flavored powders such as Gatorade or Nuun tablets to cover the chlorine tablet taste.

The Weather on Kilimanjaro is divided into two seasons. The wet season (rainy) and the dry season (not rainy). The dry season, for obvious reasons, is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro.

Porter loads are limited by our standards of porter treatment as well as by Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. Each client should bring a maximum of 33 lbs/15 kg of luggage for porters to carry onto Kilimanjaro, so please choose your gear sparingly. The luggage, which should be contained in a duffel bag, will be weighed prior to departure.

As noted previously, clients will only carry a medium-sized daypack, containing items that you will need during your daily walks. Accordingly, your duffel bag should contain the items that you will not need between campsites. The porters will carry your duffle bag inside another heavyweight client bag to give it further protection from dust, water and abrasions. Any items that are not needed for the climb at all can be safely stored in the hotel.

. Use Layers of Clothing

The best way of regulating your core temperature is by using layers of clothing. At the most basic level, the layering system consists of three different layers. Each layer serves its own purpose. These layers include a base layer, mid layer, and outer layer.

a) Base Layer – the base layer works by keeping your skin warm and dry. It also helps by wicking away moisture from the skin as it develops. This layer usually consists of a semi-snug fitting shirt such as an Under Armour type shirt or a Nike Dry Fit shirt.

b) Mid Layer

– the mid layer is used to keep the warmth that your body naturally generates. This can be a fleece jacket or a soft shell jacket. Depending on the weather outside, this layer can be thicker or thinner.

c) Outer Layer

– the outer layer protects you from wind, cold, or sometimes rain. On Kilimanjaro, you will need to bring a full compliment of rain gear – including a rain jacket and rain pants. Also, a warm down jacket is essential. Lastly, clients should opt for a pair of gaiters and also get a rain cover for their day pack.

2. Protect Your Head and Face

Protect your head from wind, sun and cold by wearing something on your head at all times while trekking. This can be a cap or wide-brimmed hat when it is warm, or a knit hat when it is cold. You may also want to get a balaclava or a scarf for your face to shield you from wind and dust.

3. Keep Your Extremities Warm

Your hands and feet happen to be one of the hardest parts of your body to keep warm, as the human body decreases the blood supply to your extremities when the body as a whole is cold. Climbers should bring warm, waterproof gloves and boots.

• Buff or Neck Gaiter (for dust)

• Long Sleeve Shirt

• Convertible Pants

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• DSLR Camera

• Extra Batteries

• Several SD Cards

• Minimum of 300mm Lens

• Sunscreen

• Binoculars

• Neck Pillow (optional)

• Snacks (optional)

• Water (purchased en route)

Tanzania Royal Tour has a 2 to 1 client to guide ratio. If someone cannot continue, one of the guides will go down with that person while the rest of the party continues.

All water on the mountain is carried from the water source to the camp and treated. Because of this, there are no showers on the mountain. You can bring wet wipes if you like to clean up. We also provide warm water for you to wash your hands and face.

We can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan and kosher diets. For more specific requirements, we will try. please contact us to discuss..

There are no charging stations on Mount Kilimanjaro. Find out how to charge your devices while on the mountain like a POWER BANK

Medication

• Diamox

• Dexamethasone

• Furosemide or Bumetanide

• Mannitol

• Phenergan

• Compazine

• Imodium

• Tetracycline

• Amoxicillin

• Ciprofloxacin

• Antibiotic Ointment

• Antiseptic Cream

• Paracetamol with Codeine

• Rehydration Salt

• Glucose Tabs

Equipment

• Pulse Oximeter

• Sphygmomanometer (blood pressure monitor)

• Digital Thermometer

• Stethoscope

• Paramedic Sheers

• Medical Gloves

• Oxygen Bottle and mask

• Portable Altitude Chamber (Northern Circuit Treks)

Other

• Rolled Gauze

• Gauze bandages

• First-aid cleansing pads

• Butterfly strips

• Iodine

We recommend bringing about $800 US dollars, 2009 and newer, undamaged bills. It is accepted everywhere. They should be an assortment of $100s, $20s, $5s, and at least 40 in $1s. Use the $100s for the tip because the exchange rate for large denominations is better than $1s. You can use your credit cards at a few souvenir shops, but you’ll get hit with International transaction fees.

YES, but you must pay 100 usd to operate it in the national park