Mt. Kilimanjaro FAQ

What is the best time of the year to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?^

You can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro throughout the year however January, February and September are regarded to be the best months. June, July and August are a little colder but still great for climbing. November and December could be wet sometimes but one can still easily climb the mountain.

How fit do I need to be before climbing Mt Kilimanjaro?^

Mt Kilimanjaro is the most underestimated  mountain in the world. The trails themselves do not demand mountaineering experience but yet the altitude  seems to be an issue. We recommend  you try to run for at least half an hour and consult your physician before you book with us. As always AllAfrika Safaris will take every measure to ensure that you have the best possible chance of safely reaching the summit.

Are park fees covered in your prices?^

All the prices in our Kilimanjaro itineraries cover the park fees and all other related taxes.

Do you offer any transfer services to Tanzania if I will arrive in Nairobi, Kenya?^

Yes. You will be shuttled by bus from/to Nairobi, Kenya to/from  Arusha, Tanzania. Usually there are 2 daily bus shuttle transfers, leaving at 8:00 am and 2:00 pm , and arrive at the other end around 12:30 pm and 6:30 pm respectively. With the increased traffic issue in both Nairobi and Arusha, plan to be ready at least an hour before the scheduled times. Unless you have some other interests to land in Nairobi, we usually encourage our clients to use the Kilimanjaro International Airport ( JRO).

What is the lowest age limit to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?^

The Tanzanian  National Park laws do not allow anyone under the age of 12 years old to attempt climbing this mountain.

What is the typical climate on the Mount Kilimanjaro?^

You will need to be prepared for anything! Its warm and  dry plains below the treeline. As you go further up, you will be approaching the permanent ice cap and a decrease in temperatures. Also it gets more rainy.

What kind of climbing gear do I need?^

We have the experience so we can mention all most everything that you will really need. AllAfrika offers our own top of the line Eureka and The North Face brandies.

Here are a few things that are needed, We will supply you a check list in your package:

Boots, , trail snacks, gloves, camera, thermal underwear, socks ( enough pair to be able to change daily), shell, head torch, batteries, walking stick, water bottle, gators , scarf, sunglasses,  sleeping bag, rain wear, winter wear and sleeping tent ( for all other routes except Marangu route). Also bring your medications if any. AllAfrika offers top-notch mountain clothing and other accessories for rental as well

Is it OK to leave my excess luggage at the hotel if not needed during climbing?^

You can leave them at your hotel or in our office however you must declare all valuable items including any amount of cash and cash equivalents.

What if I can not make to the summit with the rest of my group?^

There are many wonders on Kilimanjaro and the experience is worthy even for those who never reach the summit. If one or more members of a group decide they can not make or if your guide deems it unsafe for an individual or a group to continue, they are laterally or downward escorted  to the most convenient campsite or hut. Our guides are well trained to  act promptly when situations like these arises.

How fast do you respond in an emergency situation?^

There are rescue services for those taking the Marangu route. All other routes can receive the rescue services from the park headquarters who will send the team to help out. The rescue services is offered down to the base of the mountain . AllAfrika recommends to climbers to always buy the flying doctor insurance ($50.00 USD) that  can cover them from the base of the mountain to the hospital.

What type of properties do you accommodate your clients before and after the climbing?^

Usually its equivalent to any mid class hotel/lodge that has en-suite bathrooms, bar, restaurant, enough privacy and reliable security. You have the option for an upgrade to a five star hotel if you need something more fanciest.

What type of accommodation do you offer during the climbing?^

If you are climbing using the Marangu route, you will enjoy the dormitory style that are equipped with beds and mattresses. Due the limited number of beds, its deemed necessary to book in advance if you are planning to take Marangu route. You can sleep in a tent if you select to go using the other routes.

What type of food do you serve during the climbing?^

We serve meals that are nutritious and calorific, prepared with the best quality foods and highest standard of hygiene. In general you can have the following for breakfast ( coffee, tea, fruit juice, porridge, sausage, toast with margarine or jam or honey, omelet or scrambled eggs), lunch ( fries/chips, sandwiches, coffee, tea, pancakes with honey or jam/syrup , fruit ) and dinner ( soup, delicious cooked meal to include cooked chicken/beef with rice, mashed potatoes, sliced fresh carrots & green beans, fruits, fruit juice and of course the option to choose other types of hot drinks .) Special vegetarian meals can be arranged as well.  If you need a special dietary meal, please give us advance notice.

What if I have dietary needs?^

We can definitely prepare a special meal if you are under dietary restrictions. Just give us an advance notice and we will take care of you!

Who will be cooking?^

Our skilled cooks will prepare the food for you. They will also boil and filter the water for you to refill your empty water bottles.

Where can I get drinking water?^

You will need to carry your water with you as you climb. We encourage you drink as much as over 4 liters in a day. Usually as we get higher on the mountain, the dehydration rate will increase thus drinking more water is a good idea. You can also drink fruit juice.

You can opt to buy bottled drinking water on the mountain but they are relatively more expensive the higher you attempt to reach the summit. The other option is our porter should be able to boil, filter and refill your water containers.

How many people can be in a group?^

You can be as many as 14 people and as little as 1 person in a group. However in reality we usually have groups ranging from 4 to 11 people. Expect a ratio of one guide for every 3 climbers. Also two porters for climber.

How many guides, porters and cooks do you send per group?^

It all depends on the number of climbers in a group however rest assured that we will have enough support. Usually there is a leading guide, assistant guides serving as porters and porters( including skilled cook). As always we guarantee there will always be enough of guides, assistant guides and porters to carry your luggage, food and water.

What is the luggage weight limit per person during the climbing?^

AllAfrika offer free storage for the stuff you do not want to bring them with you while climbing. You can leave them at your hotel or in our office however you must declare all valuable items including any amount of cash and cash equivalents, We have never placed a weight limit to our climber before.

What if one of the climbers can not make to the summit?^

One of the assistant guide will have to accompany the climber to the hospital or back to your hotel in the event that you are sick and can not proceed. There will be no additional charge for you to be transferred back to your hotel or to the hospital.

What is AllAfrika Safaris rate of success to reach the summit?^

You will be stunned to learn that our success rate to bring clients to the summit ( Uhuru Peak) is over 91% overall. We recommend our clients to follow our well designed program that will prepare them for climbing mount Kilimanjaro. Our program is designed to bring safety and success to climbers  and is backed up with our dedication, expertise and commitment in offering excellent services.

Do I need to see my physician before I climb?^

Its highly recommended that you do physical check up before you climb the mountain. In addition, please verify with Tanzanian embassy in your country for the latest updates on the shots you might need.

Will I see any wildlife animals during my climbing?^

Most of the animals have left southern slopes of the mountain Kilimanjaro although few elephants and buffalo can be found on the northern slopes. Typically you will see some black and white colobus monkeys and sykes monkeys rustle in the upper canopy of the forest, hear some jackals barking and spot signs of small antelopes. There are also some rodents and birds. As you approach the arctic conditions of the summit, the high radiations and less oxygen makes the area very inhospitable to wildlife.

Does the price in your itinerary cover the airfare as well?^

We do run some promotions sometimes that will cover even the airfares to/from Tanzania. However our typical roundtrip airfare that includes all taxes can cost as little as $1,400.00 ( Jan 12th – May 31st and Sept 1st – Dec 4th. Other times it can cost about $1,800.00 ( June 1st – Aug 31st and Dec 5th – Jan 11th ). The airfare quoted ar based on the international round trip from New York Or Boston airports.  Please call us to verify because we might have much  better deal than the above ones and also if you will fly from other cities.

Are there any other financial surprises?^

Our quotes will cover what is shown on the itinerary so as far as the land cost prices, this means practically nothing. The only thing that might involve you reaching your pockets are the climbing gears that you might need to rent and the tips.

How much tip do I have to offer?^

Leading guide $10.00, each assistant guide $8.00 and each porter $5.00. You are welcome to tip more if you were really impressed with their services.

Do you accept credit card payments?^

Yes! We accept MasterCard and visa for your deposit ONLY. Please remit the difference by check, wire transfer or money order at least within 60 days prior to departure. Under special arrangements, we can allow for the balance to be paid in Tanzania with either travelers checks or cash ( in US dollars)

How much do I need to pay to hold my space?^

We require a minimum of at least $100.00 per person for any climbing of Mt Kilimanjaro. You can pay the deposit by check (In the USA), cash and /or travellers checks.

Can I be refunded if I cancel my trip?^

All cancellations notifications must be done in writing to AllAfrika Safaris.  By the time we receive your cancellations request, all  moneys will be refunded less the following cancellation fees, deducted from the total itinerary price.

$200.00 per person if you cancel more than 60 days before departure date.

If you cancel 59-30 days, a 20% fee of tour price will be deducted.

If its within 29-15 days then 30% fee is deducted.

There will be no refund if your cancelletion request is received in less than 14 days

What if AllAfrika Safaris cancels the process?^

Should there be a reason that will force AllAfrika Safaris to cancel your safari, please expect a full refund from us. As a matter of fact, there has never been a reason for us to take that venue so far.

Any other disclosure?^

There is no partial refunds that will be refunded for unused meals, hotel rooms. Airport transfers, etc. AllAfrika Safaris is not responsible for expenses incurred by our clients in preparing for the trip ( eg Visa Fees, Insurance, Immunization, phone bills, equipments, etc) or any necessary additional travel plans should you embark from home prior the departure date. We will send more disclosure in our booking confirmation emails. Should you have any questions, please give us a call or email us right away!