Mount Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked Questions

If you are coming from North America or Europe, we recommend flying KLM to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) Air France, British Airways, Kenya Airways via Nairobi, Turkish airlines via Turkey or Qatar airlines via the Middle East. If you are coming from China, we recommend flying Ethiopian Air to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you are planning a visit to Zanzibar after your safari, we recommend that you either arrange your flight so that you arrive at JRO and depart through Dar Es Salaam International Airport (DAR) or consider entering into Tanzania through DAR and then take a connecting flight to JRO to start your safari. Zanzibar flights are available from Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha airport and also from various locations in the Serengeti. The flight between JRO and DAR is approximately about one hour. Please confirm all international flights and seating before departure.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entering Tanzania. The only case that can sometimes be an exception is vaccination against yellow fever. A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever may be required to enter Tanzania if you are coming after a stay in one of the countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda). You can find a full list of these countries on the website of the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers. If you just plan to have a short (less than 12 hours) layover between flights in one of them without leaving the airport, the certificate will not be necessary.
Those arriving from the USA or countries of the European Union, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, have no vaccine requirements.

Since the trail to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro passes through five different climatic zones - from the rainforest at the beginning to the glaciers at the summit - you should bring gear for a variety of weather conditions. A complete list of required gear can be found below.
If you do not have the needed clothes, shoes, trekking poles, a sleeping bag or any other items from the list, you can always rent the missing equipment from us upon arrival. We only use quality gear from The North Face, Black Diamond, Red Fox and Mountain Hardwear.

There is no definite answer to this question, but most climbers prefer to fly to Kilimanjaro during dry seasons - from June to late October and December to March. Normally on November there is slightly rain. However, there are some perks to climbing during the rainy season which is April and May.

We are charging this amount for your hike this is because - about half of this amount will only cover the fees paid to Kilimanjaro National Park, and the rest should be spent on food, taxes, wages for mountain crew, transfers to and from the park, oxygen systems maintenance, security measures and other important expeditionary expenses.
We are not ready to charge cheaper than our directed price for your Kilimanjaro climbs the QUESTION WILL BE WHY? With nearly 600 Kilimanjaro operators to choose from, it’s important for climbers to become educated about the darker side of the tourism industry of Mount Kilimanjaro. Sadly, the hardworking mountain crew are often extremely exploited and mistreated. Few receive proper salaries, tips, food, equipment and sleeping conditions this is because those operators who charge cheaper price, they look on themselves and treat badly their crew.

As a part of Responsible Travel, and a member of Kilimanjaro Porters Association a registered NG’O.

We are proud to raises public awareness to ensure proper treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro and assists implementing procedures that ensure fair and ethical treatment of the porters through fair salaries, mountain equipment, food, clothing and sleeping conditions for crew members.

We recommend to our client in order to ensure fair and transparent tipping for each crew member, there will be a tipping ceremony at the alpine chat adventure office following your descent from the mountain, envelopes will be provided to divide your tips for each member of the crew.

Every climb is audited to ensure crewmembers are provided proper salaries, tips, food, equipment and sleeping conditions. We think it’s pretty great and our clients do as well, check out our Trip advisor profile and safari booking profile to see what people are saying about us.

With due preparation, the right choice of a tour operator and a climbing route suited to your level. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the safest climbs in the world! Almost all accidents on Kilimanjaro - about 10-15 a year per 50,000 climbers - are the fault of the host company. Accidents occur because of inadequate qualifications and guides missing from the climber’s side when mountain sickness progresses to a dangerous stage. Addressing these risks is quite simple - choose a reliable expedition outfitter and Alpine chat adventure we are here for you with our licensed professional Mountain guide with years of experience.

The expeditions of Alpine chat adventure are led by experienced guides. All have Wilderness First Responder certifications. Every year we invite mountain professionals from the USA and Europe to come to Tanzania and run safety workshops for our climbing teams. Here at Alpine chat adventure, we are confident in our guides’ ability to act right in the most unexpected scenarios on Kilimanjaro.

There are routes that require more stamina and routes that are suitable for beginners. In general, it’s best to be in good physical shape and be able to walk over rough terrain. To prepare yourself for the expedition, do regular hiking, jogging.

Prepare for the altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro by training on a regular basis at least 4 weeks before beginning your climb. Physical exercise is important, and a routine should be at least 3-4 times a week, and include aerobic exercises, strength training and hiking.

Aerobic Training for Kilimanjaro

This can be exercises such as running, jogging, cycling, and even aerobic dance classes. This is an effective method of training for climbing Kilimanjaro because it increases heart rate and breathing.
Although it's not the only exercise to focus on, but it is an important one to get your body in good physical condition. Try to regularly participate in aerobic exercises that simultaneously develop leg muscles to get your legs toned for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Be diverse in your exercises and include back, chest, and arms as well. Training by cycling or trail running are great options.

Practice Hiking Training

If you are fortunate to live at or near a higher elevation, take advantage of the hikes in your area. Book a weekend to climb a mountain in your vicinity, or drive up to the highest elevation possible and spend the afternoon walking (or jogging!) around in the reduced oxygen.
You will be developing your leg muscles, participating in aerobic exercise and exposing your lungs to a higher altitude.

Even though the majority of participants on our climbs successfully reach the summit without resorting to oxygen systems, every expedition is supplied with oxygen in case clients need help adapting to the altitude. Besides cylinders, masks and regulators included in the tour price, we allow for the possible necessity of oxygen resupply - if needed, emergency porters can deliver new tanks up the mountain to your camp.

Delicious balanced meals, our mountain chefs always get countless compliments for their ability to create delicious restaurant-like meals in mountain conditions. Maximum comfort in the wild is what we want our Kilimanjaro adventures to be. On your trek you will be cooked first-class meals all designed to give you the energy you will need to make it to the top. Keep in mind, however, that our meals are flexible and your cook has the ability to cater to any special dietary restrictions you may have lots of teas and delicious soups will supplement your daily water intake so drink and eat as much as you can – we provide plenty of both. If your climb is over a special occasion for a birthday, anniversary or romantic marriage proposal we can also arrange cakes, champagne or something extra special, just let us know.