Kilimanjaro Trek

Due to limited free time, there are no optional activities on this itinerary.

Night temperatures can often drop sharply when you're above 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), so proper clothing and a sleeping bag for this kind of climate are essential.

Below, we’ve outlined what to expect from the weather throughout the year, typically. Always remember, you're on a mountain and the weather changes very quickly.

January to March (dry and quiet)

The weather in the first few months after the short rainy season is generally warm and dry. This period falls outside the high season and is relatively quiet. It is one of our favorite times to climb Kilimanjaro.

April and May (long rainy season)

The long rainy season in Tanzania typically occurs from April to May, although it has become unpredictable in recent years. If you don't mind the rain, you can have the mountain pretty much to yourself. You can often get a good discount during this period.

June to early November (dry but busy)

These are the driest months for your Kilimanjaro climb, and, particularly during August to October, the mountain is very busy. The shoulder months of June, July, and early November are reasonable compromises with less traffic if a bit of rain doesn't deter you.

November to mid-December (short rainy season)

The short rainy season typically starts towards the end of November and lasts for 3-4 weeks. Generally, rain is less persistent than during the rainy months of April and May, so this is a good time to be on the mountain without the crowds.

On the mountain
Temperatures on Kilimanjaro vary dramatically depending on altitude and time of day. At the base, daytime temperatures reach 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21–27 degrees Celsius), but as you climb higher, expect much colder conditions. Above 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing. At the summit, they can range from 20 degree Fahrenheit (–7 degree Celsius) to –10 degree Fahrenheit (–23 degree Celsius), and wind chill makes the temperature feel even colder.

Planning to climb Kilimanjaro is exciting, but you may have many questions. To make things easier, we've created this guide to Kilimanjaro FAQs. You don’t have to wonder about visa requirements or the best time to visit; our detailed answers will help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure. We've put together everything you need to know right in these Frequently Asked Questions so you can enjoy your smooth and stress-free climb up Kilimanjaro.

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The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route”, is the only Kilimanjaro route with mountain hut accommodations instead of tents. Here, trekkers sleep on bunk beds and mattresses for a more comfortable night’s rest. It’s also the most established trail, with a gradual ascent and well-maintained paths, making it popular for trekkers seeking a scenic yet non-technical climb.

On this trail, you’ll pass through five distinct climate zones, from lush rainforest to alpine desert and finally the glacier-capped summit. Along the way, hot meals will be served in communal dining huts, which is very convenient. While it’s considered one of the more approachable routes, the challenge remains real, and success still requires proper preparation and acclimatization.

Tanzania, including Zanzibar, has laws against same-sex relationships, and its society tends to be conservative on LGBTQI+ issues. Public displays of affection, such as holding hands or kissing, between same-sex partners can lead to legal consequences. While many LGBTQI+ travelers do visit Tanzania, we recommend discretion and respect for local customs and laws to keep your trip safe and enjoyable.

Tipping is a kind gesture and a highly appreciated part of your Mt. Kilimanjaro trek. It shows your expression of satisfaction with those who have assisted you throughout the expedition and directly supports the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to your guides, assistants, cooks, and porters, as an essential source of and supplement to their income.

If paying each crew member individually, you can use the following Tipping Guide Chart as a guideline. This usually ends up being around 200-275 USD per climber.

• Chief Guide: 25 USD per day
• Assistant Guide: 15 USD per day
• Cook: 15 USD per day
• Porter: 10 USD per day

Your support team helps you reach the summit safely and comfortably, from carrying gear to preparing meals and guiding you along the route. Many climbers find that expressing appreciation through tipping is a meaningful way to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

Gifts in addition to monetary tips are also welcome, such as quality warm clothing or footwear in good condition. These guidelines are flexible. Feel free to adjust based on the level of service, your group size, or the particular effort of individual team members.

Absolutely! And you’ll need to take it seriously. Approximately 55% of the Earth's protective atmosphere sits below an altitude of 16,000 feet (5,000 meters), which means far less ultraviolet light gets filtered out. The sun's rays at altitude are much stronger and can cause severe sunburn. It is strongly recommended to use an SPF 30+ sun protection cream at lower altitudes, and SPF 50+ above an altitude of 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). It is also important to wear dark sunglasses, preferably with side panels above 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) in daytime and essential when walking through snow or ice. Snow blindness can be very painful and will require your eyes to be bandaged for at least 24 hours.

At high altitude, above 11,500 feet (3,500 meters), oxygen levels and air pressure drop, which can cause the body to react in unpleasant ways. The most common complaint at altitude is acute mountain sickness (AMS). Less common are the complaints of high-altitude pulmonary edema and high-altitude cerebral edema (HAPE and HACE). AMS is the most common complaint on Mount Kilimanjaro. It occurs when the body cannot acclimate and suffers from a lack of oxygen. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and insomnia. Most climbers suffer from a few of these symptoms, the most common being a headache and insomnia.

It’s unlikely you’ll get hypothermia. Wearing adequate clothing, especially on summit day, is essential and will help prevent symptoms of hypothermia, including drowsiness, cold skin on covered parts of the body such as the stomach or armpits, slurred or confused speech, and sometimes even not feeling chilly despite a bitterly cold environment. If you notice another member of your group experiencing any of these symptoms, alert your guides immediately.

Temperatures on Kilimanjaro vary widely depending on altitude and time of day. At the base, daytime temperatures can be a comfortable 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius), but as you climb higher, expect much colder conditions. Above 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing. At the summit, temperatures can range from 20 degree Fahrenheit (-7 degree Celsius) to -10 degree Fahrenheit (- 23 degree Celsius), with wind chill making the temperature feel even colder.

It’s possible to experience all four seasons in a single climb — warm and sunny in the rainforest, brisk and dry in the alpine desert, and freezing at the summit. Pack in layers so you can adjust quickly to changing conditions.

Yes, especially if you have a severe allergy. Tanzania is a leader in East Africa for peanut production. Peanuts are common snacks on the Kilimanjaro hiking routes and peanut oils are used in the cooking preparations.

With that being said, accommodations can be made but as a traveler you must be diligent and prepare accordingly. Bring your own nut-free snacks, always ask questions to the cooks on how the food was prepared, inform your leaders frequently of your allergy, and never assume dishes are safe.

Additionally, carry an allergen card. Have a card written in the local language that clearly states your allergy and the severity. Showing this card can help avoid confusion.

During the trek, it is likely that all climbers will experience at least some form of mild altitude sickness. It happens when the body can’t adapt quickly enough to the thinner air and reduced level of oxygen. There are many different symptoms, but the most common include headaches, light-headedness, nausea, loss of appetite, tingling in the toes and fingers, and mild swelling of the ankles and fingers. These mild forms are not severe and will typically disappear within 48 hours. Please consult your physician if you are considering preventative medications.

Here are some standard methods to prevent altitude sickness:

• Listen and communicate with your guides. They are professionals who know the ins and outs of life on the mountain and can help you manage altitude sickness.
• Stay hydrated! Drink at least three liters of water per day. High altitudes, arid environments, wind, and continuous movement may result in dehydration. Your body requires much more water on the mountain than usual, so be sure to take sips frequently. Some people will need five to six liters per day! So, sip often.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other depressant drugs, including barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills.
• “Don’t go up until symptoms go down.” Everyone acclimates differently, so give your body the time it needs before climbing higher. If you start to feel ill, let your guides know right away. They are used to these situations and will coach you along the way.
• Before your trip, do your best to get as much rest as possible and come into the trip fresh. Coming in burned out or overstressed makes the hike far harder. You want to be mentally and physically prepared for the hike.
• Take your time. Pace is a critical factor on all routes. "Pole pole" (go slowly) is the best way to reach the summit safely. Your guides will set the pace from the start. 
• Climb high, sleep low: If you have enough energy when you reach camp, talk to your guides about taking an afternoon stroll further up the mountain before descending to sleep (though not if you have any symptoms of altitude sickness).

The highest altitude is 19,340 feet (5,895 meters).

If you are in any physical danger or suffer from altitude sickness, the porters will escort you down the mountain safely.

You will have the chance to repack the night before the trek, and leave behind anything you won’t need.

Your extra belongings will be safe at the group hotel for the duration of the hike. We trust everyone we work with, but feel free to bring a luggage lock if that makes you feel safer.

You will hear the phrase “Pole Pole” from your guides quite regularly. In Swahili, this translates to “walk slowly, walk slowly”. The trekking pace is relaxed with breaks as needed. The slow pace allows the body to acclimate gradually.

Size between 75L and 100L is ideal. The North Face or Patagonia duffels are common choices.

You will not be responsible for carrying your luggage up Kilimanjaro. The porters can carry up to 25 pounds (11.3 kilograms) of your gear. Anything extra can be stored safely at the hotel. You’ll only carry your day pack with essentials and personal items you need to have with you at all times.

That’s true. Factors such as weather conditions, fatigue, altitude sickness, and inadequate preparation can limit hikers from reaching the summit. Our team will do its best to support you every step of the way, but your preparation matters most.

To prepare better for your trip, focus on:

Cardiovascular endurance: Engage in regular aerobic exercises, such as hiking, running, cycling, or swimming, to improve your stamina for long days of trekking. 

Hiking practice: Go on regular hikes with a weighted backpack to simulate the conditions on Kilimanjaro and get your body accustomed to the uneven terrain. 

While on the trek, keep in mind the importance of the following:

Positive attitude: Keeping a strong sense of purpose and a positive mindset can help you persevere through challenging moments.

Focus on the present moment: Take things one step at a time and concentrate on the immediate task at hand, rather than the entire climb.

Breathing techniques: Practice deep breathing and mindfulness exercises to stay calm and manage the possible stress during the climb. 

Respect the "Pole Pole" rule: Slow and steady progress is crucial for acclimatization. The guides go slow for a reason. This is the safest way to acclimate your body to the environment properly. Don’t just try to get to the next camp as quickly as possible.

While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not an easy task, it’s a very achievable hike for healthy travelers with moderate physical fitness. That said, some training before the trip makes a big difference. The best way to prepare is to hike and hill-walk wherever you can in the weeks before your departure to build up your stamina and climbing muscles. If you don’t have any mountains nearby, a stair-climber at the gym is a good alternative. Ideally, start training six months before. With proper preparation, you should get to the top without much difficulty.

 Keep in mind that the food you’re planning to eat will be carried up the mountain, mainly by the porters. There are no stores on the trail that sell snacks or basic items.

Here is a generic list of what you can expect for your meals:

• Breakfast: toast, muffins, eggs, and fruit
• Lunch: chicken, hard-boiled eggs, muffins, chapati, fruit, carrot sticks, basic sandwiches, sweets
• Dinners: Pasta and rice-based dishes served with meat or veggie sauce; potatoes, soups, and bread
• Snacks: popcorn, peanuts, coffee, and tea

On the Marangu Route, you’ll stay in wooden A-frame huts with single beds and simple mattresses. Space on the mountain is limited so you may share your hut with other trekkers, possibly including those outside the Under30Experience group or of the opposite sex. All huts are equipped with shared toilets and washing facilities.

The air at the summit contains about half of the breathable oxygen we’re used to at sea level. Everyone will handle the high altitude and thinner air differently and to varying degrees, which is why we try to keep the ascent slow and steady. The more time you give yourself to acclimatize, the easier your attempt at the summit will feel.

Very. This climb is for those who enjoy physical challenges and want the sense of achievement that comes with them. You can expect intense physical activities since you’ll be active 6-8 hours most days. Hence, you should already lead an active lifestyle. If you don’t already have an active lifestyle and want to participate, consider starting a training regimen.

Although you don’t need mountaineering experience, this is undoubtedly a strenuous climb, so the better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy it. Each day allows plenty of time to travel between the huts on the mountain, so you do not need to rush. You are far better off going slowly and enjoying the changing scenery and views. That way, you acclimate better, which gives your body more time to adjsut for the final trek to the summit.

We recommend that in the months before your climb, you increase your physical fitness with aerobic exercise. Walking, running, and stair-climbing will all strengthen your legs and boost your stamina.

Yes. All tourists are required to have a visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply for an online visa here.