KILIMANJARO: ESSENTIALS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU GO!

Climbing Kilimanjaro does not require any technical skills or special equipment, just some physical fitness and mental determination. People from all walks of life, from a 7 year old child to an 85 year old man, have successfully reached the summit. But the challenge should not be taken lightly. You need to understand what lies ahead. Rest assured, you will find the answers to all your questions here! This list has come from answering countless e-mails, and my experience with Kilimanjaro since 2003.

1. KILIMANJARO WEATHER

2. WHICH KILIMANJARO ROUTE?

3. PERSONAL MOUNTAIN GEAR 

I recommend the following individual equipment list for Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions:

Personal Mountain Equipment Required.pdf
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4. GEAR / EQUIPMENT RENTAL PRICES IN THE KILIMANJARO REGION (MOSHI / ARUSHA / MARANGU)

Kilimanjaro gear hiring price list: 

Gear Rental Price 2023.pdf
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​Please Note: 

• Prices may vary from vendor to vendor. 
• The prices are per climb and not per day. ​
• Climbing gear is only available for rent in Moshi, it is rare to find climbing gear for sale in Moshi.

5. HOW TO PACK YOUR KILIMANJARO CLIMB DAY PACK

What to pack in your ​Kilimanjaro Climb Day Pack (This is normally about 5 or 6 kilogram’s.):
* Waterproof Jacket & Pants
* Extra layer – you should carry one more layer (e.g. a fleece sweater) than you would be expecting to need, given that days particular conditions
* Small personal first aid kit (blisters, pain killers, antihistamines, any personal medication e.g. asthma pumps)
* Hand sanitizer
* Toilet paper & zip lock bags to bring toilet paper to camp for disposal (if you must go in-between camps – don’t bury paper, burn paper or litter the mountain!)
* Sun screen & lip salve with SPF
* Sun glasses
* Hiking Pole(s)
* Hat (Sunhat & wool hat as appropriate)
* Scarf or bandana (dust)
* Camera/iPod etc. (with power bank)
* Hydration – e.g. camel bag &/or water bottles min 2-3 liters most days for most people, more on summit night
* Passport & credit card in waterproof container e.g. zip lock plastic bag (in case of emergency evacuation)
* Personal favorite snacks, candies, sweets etc.
* Keep 1pair of socks clean and unused for the summit attempt.

6. MEDICAL CHECK-UP BEFORE CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

All climbers should have a medical check prior to attempting the mountain. Ask your doctor if high altitude trekking is permissible for your age, fitness level and health condition. Ask if you have any preexisting medical conditions that can cause problems on the climb. Ask if any of your medications can affect altitude acclimatization. Ask whether Diamox can be taken with your existing prescription medicines.​ If you have any medical issues that can make climbing Kilimanjaro more dangerous for you than the average person, you should inform your operator of this before you book.

7. PRE-KILIMANJARO CLIMB FITNESS TRAINING

​Cardio training and strong muscles will help you with the daily hiking on Kilimanjaro mountain of 5 to 7 hours. Anyone who has successfully reached the summit of Kilimanjaro will tell you that mental strength is more important than physical strength fitness. Stay positive at all times, don’t panic or get despondent, follow the instructions of your guides at all times.

8. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR ENTERING TANZANIA

Make sure you have a valid passport and Visa:
http://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/en/services/visa-information 
​Citizens of most countries require a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival. The visa fee for most nationalities will be US $50 for a single entry. For US citizens the fee is usually US $100 for a multiple entry.

​WHAT YOU NEED PRIOR TO ARRIVAL FOR ENTRY INTO TANZANIA:

1. Negative PCR Certficate (NOT Antigen rapid test)
2. Coming from the US, Yellow fever is not required.
3. https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz/#/home

Visa can be obtained on arrival or on this link: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/  (Citizens of most countries require a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival. The visa fee for most nationalities will be US $50 for a single entry. For US citizens the fee is usually US $100 for a multiple entry.).
 
HOWEVER:
Tanzania Lifts Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Tourists;
The Tanzania Ministry of Health announced that as of March 17, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers are exempt from COVID-19 test requirements for entry into Tanzania. Fully vaccinated travelers will be required to present a valid vaccination certificate for verification upon arrival.
Travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated are still required to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival. The test must be a Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) collected at a nationally accredited/approved laboratory, with the sample collected within 72 hours of departure to Tanzania. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated may also be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival.
Travelers must also have valid passport and visa.

9. INTERNATIONAL HEALTH CARD WITH IMMUNIZATION

Make sure you have a Yellow fever vaccination certificate.
http://moh.go.tz/en/yellow-fever-entry

10. ARRIVAL AIRPORTS AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS

​Kilimanjaro climbs originate from Moshi, Moshi is a short 25 mile (42km) drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code: JRO). The closest international airport to Moshi is Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfers are available at any time, including early morning or late evening, and take about 40 minutes. (A taxi can cost US$50 (one-way) or some opertors include transfers in price).

11. HOTEL BEFORE AND AFTER THE CLIMB

Make sure your hotel booking is secure, whether you have booked yourself (it is advisable to book within Moshi city limits) or the operator has booked for you. Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris includes 2 nights accommodation in the price.

Accommodation Provided.pdf
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12. TRAVEL INSURANCE AND MEDICAL INSURANCE

​Trip deposits are non-refundable and balance payments are only partially refundable. Therefore, it is prudent for you to protect your investment against trip cancellation, interruption, delays, airport lugguage loss, and unforeseeable expenses. Your travel insurance must cover high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters to be eligible for helicopter rescue by Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue (SAR) - a private company which provides medical support and helicopter evacuation. PLEASE NOTE: Helicopter Rescue is currently unavailable.

13. CASH / ATM / CREDIT CARD

​US$ cash / Credit Card (recommended), TSHS, EURO, British Pound accepted. The main currency is (Tshs.). US$ is widely accepted in tourist areas however older notes US dollars printed prior to 2006 are not accepted anywhere in Tanzania or many other African countries. Usage of major credit cards is acceptable in some places and can incurr surcharges between 3-5%.  ATMs (cash points) are located in almost all banks with 24-hour access and give you local currency with the same exchange rate as the bank. Inquire if there is any additional fee for withdrawing using a Visa debit card.

14. KILIMANJARO: PRICING EXPLAINED 

Kilimanjaro Pricing Explained.pdf
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15. KILIMANJARO CLIMB HIDDEN COSTS

​- Gear Rental​
- Kilimanjaro Crew Tipping: Those who have climbed Mt Kilimanjaro before know that without the hard work and strength of the mountain crew, one would not be able to fully experience the magnificence of the mountain. Some operators pay crew more than the salary suggested by the Kilimanjaro National Park and Tanzania Tour Operator Association. However, many of crew also heavily depend on tips to support their families. Thus, Kilimanjaro has a deeply entrenched tipping culture that involves all mountain operators and their crews. Hence, tipping is seen as a customary practice. Ask Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris for a guideline, (remember tipping is shared among the climb group).
​- Portable Toilet: There is not much to say about our toilets. They are essential because the public long-drop toilets on Kilimanjaro are horrendous and over-crowded. Our porters empty the holding tanks at the nearest public toilets at every camp. Please note - at Crater Camp there are no public toilets so we use the Clean-Waste toilet kits to bag the waste and carry it down.
- Portable Shower: There is plenty of misunderstanding about our showers on Kilimanjaro. First of all, it is an optional service we provide so you are not forced to shower! We generally set up our showers at the halfway camp on the way to the summit and at Mweka camp after you reached the summit.
All outfitters provide bowls of warm water to their clients so they can wash after a long day of trekking. The same amount of water can be put in a sunshower instead of the bowl! This allows you to rinse your whole body with minimum water but the short splash MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. You will feel refreshed and ready for your next challenge. A short shower is a really good solution to help prevent painful chafe caused by perspiration between the legs and buttocks areas.
- Gamow-bags: Available when sleeping in the Crater. If you overnight in the Crater on Kilimanjaro, simple evacuations are not always possible because you have to ascend higher in order to scale the rim before descending down to a lower elevation. If you are suffering from serious altitude-related symptoms it may be safer to stabilize you by placing you in our pressured altitude chamber for an hour or so. This will fool your body into thinking you are 2000ft or so lower in elevation and the improvement in your condition will buy precious time as we evacuate you over Stella Point and down to safety. A Gamow bag is not needed for treks that do not overnight in the Crater as immediate and fast descending is always possible and preferred.
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED):  AEDs are offered as an upgrade option. You must know that these devices are unproven at high altitude in cold/wet weather. They may malfunction, and medical studies have shown AEDs to be very ineffective in most heart-related emergencies when used in hospital emergency rooms. Immediate CPR remains the most important life-saving technique and our guides will do CPR FIRST as it is very important to keep oxygen flowing into the brain while the lungs and heart are pumped. An AED shock will be a last-ditch attempt if CPR fails to revive the patient. Using an AED instead of CPR will waste precious early minutes that may result in serious brain-damage.

16. USEFUL TIPS FOR CLIMBING KILIMANJARO (a compilation suggested by our previous clients)

Tips whilst on Kilimanjaro:

• Go slowly: “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.The biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too fast! The slower you hike to more time you give your body to acclimatize.
• Drink enough water: Make sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 liters of liquid a day – preferably water. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink we treaty it. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets. REMEMBER! A functioning “body water balance” is one of the keys to a successful climb!
• Walk high – sleep low: If possible and especially on your acclimatization day “walk high – sleep low” Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude.
• Take a ski – pole: A ski – pole is essential. Use of ski poles reduces external and internal loads on the knee joint by up to 20%. Using 1 ski pole is a must, but 2 poles are recommended. Buy one or hire one but take one – view our Gear Rental options.
• Climb light: Climb as lightly as possible; this becomes even more important on your summit night. Extra weight will slow you down and will also make breathing more difficult.
• Packing: Remember that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to frequent rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable to pack items individually in your bag. These individually packed items should be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in case of rain or of being accidentally dropped in a stream.
• New batteries: Replace your head lamp and camera batteries with new ones on your summit night.

• Wet wipes: There is no washing water at Barafu, Kibo and Arrow Glacier camps. Wet Wipes are very useful
• Snacks: Take enough snacks like energy bars etc. Avoid the toffee like energy bars (as they get very hard and difficult to eat in low temperatures) but rather but the cereal type energy bars.
• Adequate sun protection: Wear a good quality pair of sunglasses (with UV protection) and use adequate sun protection cream with a protection factor of at least 20+.
• Camera: Cameras exposed to cold do not cease functioning, but remember that if you keep your camera inside your jacket and the lens becomes warm, chances are that it will form condensation when suddenly exposed to extreme cold. This condensation will freeze under conditions at the summit. Therefore, keep your camera dry at all times. Moisture will freeze at the summit which WILL cause your camera to stop functioning.

• Mountain water: The stream water high on the mountain Kilimanjaro has been tested and has been found to be fit for drinking.

 
Other useful KILIMANJARO TIPS:

• Make sure all your clothes and sleeping bag are packed in plastic bag inside the duffel bag, to ensure they stay dry in the event of rain, even if your duffel bag is waterproof. Once something gets wet on the mountain it is difficult, even impossible to dry!
• Something good Vaseline or Vicks Vaporub are good on the summit attempt.
  Moist air coming from your noise or on your lips will freeze and become very uncomfortable
• Sound travel at night and many people snore on Kilimanjaro – bring some ear plugs to sleep with.
• The trail is very dusty and sinus congestion is a problem with many hikers. Bring a good decongestant spray or tablet.
• Female hikers suffer more from the cold than male hikers. Hand and feet warmers are a good idea
• Travel with your most important gear as hand luggage – e.g. wear your hiking boots in the plane – missing luggage is a common problem.
• Bring some blister plasters, Vaseline and liner socks. If you start to get blisters it will help a lot.
• There is mobile reception on most of the mountain (except the first days on the Rongai route). If you bring your mobile, make sure you activate international roaming. Because you cannot recharge the battery, only have the phone on an hour or two daily.

17. ADD-ON TOURS

​Add-on tours; Hikes, wildlife safaris, cycling and other packages are designed to offer visitors, with a free day on hand, a choice between multiple options and some tours even combined. Do you have a free day, maybe before a Kilimanjaro trekking adventure, or are you waiting for a flight to your next destination? Ask Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris about Wildlife Safaris and Day Tours. See the videos below: