Kilimanjaro FAQs – How to Plan Your Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in Africa. It rises to 5,895 meters, and people often call it the "Roof of Africa".

We all try not to make mistakes when we plan a trip, but it's easy to forget something important. On a Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing trip, a mistake can cost you more than usual. The best way to avoid one is to know the answers to the common Kilimanjaro FAQs before you go.

Below we've collected the questions people ask us most often, with our answers and a few tips to help you plan your trek.

Where is Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is in the north-east of Tanzania, close to the border with Kenya. The nearest town is Moshi, where we're based. The mountain is part of East Africa's Rift mountains.

Which Route Should I Climb?

Leaving out the Shira and the Umbwe Route, there are five routes that suit most hikers. Longer routes give your body more time to get used to the altitude. That's why we think the Machame, the Northern Circuit and the Lemosho Route are the best choices. They follow the "climb high, sleep low" pattern. Our favorite is the Lemosho: it has fewer people, great views and a high summit success rate, so it's the route we recommend.

How Long is a Kilimanjaro Climb?

It depends on the route you choose. On the easier routes, a climb takes 6 to 9 days. As a rule, the longer the route, the better your chances of reaching the summit.

When is the best time to climb?

The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, which runs from January to mid-March and from June to October. If you'd like to meet fewer other climbers, you can take the Rongai route.

What Is The Cost For Climbing?

The price of Climbing Kilimanjaro depends on a few things: the route you choose, whether you climb in high or low season, the level of comfort you want, and so on. On the Machame route, it costs around US$3,208 per person. That includes camping, trekking, porters, accommodation and transfers.

What Will We Eat During The Climb?

• Breakfast: eggs (boiled or fried), porridge, fruit, bread with jam, honey or peanut butter, and tea, hot chocolate or coffee.
• Lunch: a boiled egg, sandwiches, fruit, and hot chocolate or coffee. Lunch is often made at breakfast time and you carry it in your daypack. Sometimes it's cooked for you partway along the trail.
• At the end of each hiking day there's usually "afternoon tea" with biscuits, peanuts and salted popcorn. Dinner starts with a hot bowl of soup. The main course is chicken or another meat with a vegetable sauce and rice or pasta.

What are the guidelines on tipping porters and guides?

Your porters are a big part of why you'll hopefully be standing on the top of Africa. They carry your luggage and the gear you need to stay safe and comfortable at high altitude.

They also put up your tent, cook your meals and look out for your safety all the way to Uhuru Peak. Whether you tip, and how much, shouldn't depend on whether you reach the summit. Your tips should reflect whether your crew was professional and kept your safety and best interests in mind from start to finish. You can tip each crew member at the end of every hiking day, or on the last day. Many climbers hold a small summit celebration and hand over the money in an envelope with a thank-you note, as a well-earned reward.

Should I be concerned about altitude sickness?

Yes. Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness happens when your body can't adjust to the low air pressure and lower oxygen at high altitude. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, loss of appetite, exhaustion, aching muscles, dizziness, shortness of breath and a fast pulse. You'll often hear altitude sickness called Acute Mountain Sickness, or AMS.

Tips to avoid altitude sickness:

• Choose a longer route
• Climb high and sleep low
• Walk slowly
• Drink plenty of water
• Take any medication you need for altitude sickness

Should I train for my Kilimanjaro climb?

Yes. Training improves your fitness, and you'll want to be in the best shape you can, both physically and mentally. We suggest a training plan with aerobic exercise, breathing exercises, hiking up the nearest hill or walking "up and down", and strength work for your legs and core.

What Safety Equipment Do You Carry On The Trek?

Here are some important items from our Kilimanjaro Climbing Checklist to carry on the trek:

• Sun protection: sunscreen and sunglasses or hiking goggles.
• Painkillers and headache tablets. Make sure they're not too strong, because strong ones can hide other symptoms.
• Basic antiseptic and plasters for cuts and blisters.
• Anti-nausea tablets. Good to have with you in case you get altitude sickness.
• Water purification tablets, so you can drink water from mountain streams.
• Eye drops, to protect your eyes from dust and the glare of snow and ice.
• Rehydration salts, for when you get dehydrated.
• Malaria prophylaxis or Malarone, to prevent malaria.
• Anti-inflammatory tablets, for aching muscles and joints.

Do I Need Insurance?

Yes, and it's very important. Get a travel insurance policy that covers trekking at altitudes up to 6,000 meters above sea level. Choose one that covers both the trek and any medical care you need during it. It should also cover emergency evacuation by helicopter, for example if you get Acute Mountain Sickness.

Ready to Start Planning?

We hope these answers help you plan a successful Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour. Reach the "Roof of Africa" and enjoy the views of Mount Kilimanjaro along the way.

As an experienced trekking and tour operator, Kilisa Tours and Safaris offers good guides and careful service to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

To start planning your trek with us, visit kilisatours.com.