FAQ

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How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

The hike can be attempted in anything from 5 to 8 days. We recommend a minimum of 6 days spent on the mountain to truly appreciate the experience and avoid the increased risks of AMS. We can customise itineraries or routes to offer more days in the park. Some people choose to climb Mount Meru first, as an acclimatisation exercise. If you have an extra few days to spare, you can choose any of the main routes on the mountain and still have time for some exciting game viewing in the nearby national parks before or after your trip.

Weather wise, when is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro? Kilimanjaro can be climbed during any month of the year. Generally April, May and November are quite wet, especially on the lower slopes. August and September tend to be the coldest and driest months. January, February, July, August and September are all popular climbing months. But remember too that Kili, like almost every other mountain, has it's own mini-weather patterns that can change dramatically from one day to the next. Make sure you are prepared for the worst, no matter when you choose to climb.

Who will be in the support team?
GUIDES 2 or more clients equals 2 or more qualified and experienced guides. This enables the group to split up if needs be. On a group of 6 people with similar abilities we do normally only use 2 guides. If the group requests it (for example they have a big difference in their hiking abilities) then we suggest they take 3 guides.
It is normally the guide that makes the experience, they are fabulous people. Most of them have spent the greater part of their lives hiking up and down Kilimanjaro, hundreds of time! They really do know what they are doing, and are passionate about their jobs.

COOKS There will be one official cook for the group. They are responsible for all meals prepared for you.

PORTERS A porters main duty is to carry 20kg up the mountain. Their loads do get lighter as quantities of food reduce. Some porters are nominated to assist on camp (putting up tents for example) while others assist the cook (chopping, peeling, washing etc).

Luggage, what do you recommend and will I have to carry anything? You should pack your kit into a big rucksack for a porter to carry. If possible get a waterproof cover for your pack, or make sure your kit is wrapped in plastic bags inside. All you will have to carry is a dayack, a small rucksack that will contain your lunch, at least 2 liters of drinking water, camera and other personal items such as a spare jumper or rain coat. For those who do not want to carry this, or if you are a photographer with extra kit (tripods, heavy lenses etc) then we can arrange an additional personal porter to accompany you.
If you have things you do not need on the climb, you may leave a bag behind at your hotel in Arusha/Moshi or at our offices in Moshi.

How far will we hike each day? It makes more sense to measure each day in hours walked rather than in distance. Most days, other than the summit day, you will get up for sunrise followed by breakfast. The departure will be at about 7amand you then walk 4-5 hours with a break for lunch followed by another hour or two of hiking in the early afternoon. Your guide will constantly remind you to walk slowly ('pole, pole?').

Why make the final ascent during the darkness of night? Most groups will start for the summit on ascent day at about midnight, depending on the assessed fitness of the group, the weather conditions and the route. The pre-dawn hours, while the coldest, are also normally the calmest and clearest.
The best views from the summit are at dawn. Often clouds and high winds develop not long after sunrise making the summit much less attractive and the descent more difficult. It can take 15 hours to reach the summit and descend to the campsite for that day.

Included, not included? and what do I have to bring? The details may vary from hike to hike as each hike is tailored to suit an individuals/groups needs. We normally provide all camping equipment with the exception of your sleeping bag (should be 4 season/minus 10 bag), a pillow if you need one (often a rolled up jumper will do) and your personal clothing/kit. We wil send you a detailed kit list and your booking agent will be on hand to answer every question you may have.

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