Kilimanjaro — your questions answered.

In 2027 we offer two routes. The Rongai route is the quieter, northern approach — more remote and less crowded than the busier southern routes, approaching from the drier side of the mountain, with a gradual profile and a dedicated acclimatisation day for a strong, steady build to the summit; you finish by descending the Marangu route, so you see two sides of the mountain. The Lemosho route is a scenic western approach that runs a little longer for even better acclimatisation. We’ll confirm the day-by-day for your chosen departure in your joining instructions.

It depends on your route. The Rongai route is a 7-day trek — a 9-day trip once you add a travel day either side. The Lemosho Glades route is an 8-day trek — a 10-day trip with travel days — spending one extra day on the mountain for even better acclimatisation. Both summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). You can see the two compared side by side, day by day, in the two routes section.

Rongai route (7-day trek): Day 1 fly in; Day 2 Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (2,830 m); Day 3 to Kikilewa Cave Camp (3,600 m); Day 4 to Mawenzi Tarn (4,315 m); Day 5 acclimatisation day — climb Mawenzi Ridge (~4,700 m) and back for a second night at Mawenzi Tarn; Day 6 to Kibo Camp (4,703 m); Day 7 summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) then descend to Horombo; Day 8 to Marangu Gate, celebration dinner; Day 9 fly home.

Lemosho Glades route (8-day trek): Day 1 fly in; Day 2 Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp (2,780 m); Day 3 to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m); Day 4 to Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m); Day 5 to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) via the Lava Tower; Day 6 to Karanga Camp (3,963 m); Day 7 to Barafu Camp (4,640 m); Day 8 summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) then descend to Millennium Camp; Day 9 to Mweka Gate, celebration dinner; Day 10 fly home.

See both routes with maps, side by side, in the two routes section.

The summit, Uhuru Peak, is 5,895 m (19,341 ft) — the highest point in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. Our highest camp is Kibo at 4,703 m, and we summit from there on summit night.

No. Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek, not a technical climb — there’s no rope work, ice-axe or crampon skills required. What it demands is good hill-fitness, determination, and the ability to keep going at altitude over consecutive days. That’s exactly what we prepare you for.

You set off from Kibo in the very early hours, head-torch on, moving slowly and steadily in the cold and dark to reach the crater rim (Gilman’s Point) around sunrise, then on to Uhuru Peak. It’s the hardest and most rewarding part of the trip — long, cold and high — which is why pacing, layering and mindset matter so much, and why we brief you thoroughly beforehand.

Nobody can guarantee a summit — the mountain and your body on the day both have a say. But the choices we’ve made are all designed to maximise your chances: the 9-day Rongai profile with a dedicated acclimatisation day, a deliberately slow “pole pole” pace, an experienced leader managing the group, and altitude-safety systems carried throughout.

You should be comfortably able to walk 5–7 hours a day on consecutive days, over hilly ground, carrying a daypack. Build your training over several months: regular hill walks (increasing in length and back-to-back days), cardio (running, cycling, swimming), and some leg/core strength work. Time on your feet on real hills — ideally with the boots and daypack you’ll use — is the best preparation.

You can’t easily replicate altitude at home, but you can arrive strong, well-rested and mentally ready. Your guide fee includes mental-toughness preparation with Ricky and a pre-trip briefing, so you’ll go in knowing what to expect and how to handle the hard moments on summit night.

Yes — try the free Virtual Kilimanjaro Challenge: cover 79 km (the Rongai route to the summit and back) at your own pace, tracked live on a map. It’s a great way to build the miles and see how you feel before committing to the real thing.

At the Weru Weru River Lodge in Moshi — a comfortable lodge on a twin-share, bed-and-breakfast basis, for the nights before and after the trek, with a celebration dinner on the final night. Your airport transfers and hotel are arranged by our local partner.

You sleep in tents — two people to a three-person tent, so there’s room for you and your kit. Sleeping mats, the dining tent and a private toilet tent are all provided by the local team; you bring your own sleeping bag.

Yes — if you’d prefer your own space, you can pay a supplement for a single room at the hotel before and after the trek, and for your own tent on the mountain. Just let us know when you book and we’ll add it to your in-country estimate.

All meals and drinking water on the mountain are provided — freshly cooked by the expedition cook team and eaten together in the dining tent. Water is boiled/treated and safe to drink. Let us know any dietary requirements or allergies in advance and we’ll pass them to the team.

There’s a private toilet tent for the group. There are no showers on the mountain — bring wet wipes. Phone signal is patchy and there’s no mains power, so bring a power bank (and keep it and your devices warm — batteries drain fast in the cold). You can charge up at the lodge before and after.

Yes — most visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. It’s your responsibility to arrange it in advance; the simplest route is usually the official Tanzania immigration e-visa service. Requirements and fees change, so check the current rules on the official Tanzania immigration portal and the UK government’s foreign travel advice for Tanzania before you apply.

Comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking to at least 6,000 m, including emergency evacuation, mountain rescue and repatriation. Standard travel policies often exclude altitude — check the small print or use a specialist provider, and carry your policy details with you. Proof of adequate insurance is a condition of joining the trip.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Your airport transfers to and from the lodge are arranged by our local partner. Please don’t book your flights until we’ve confirmed the trip is running (see booking, below).

See your GP or a travel health clinic 6–8 weeks before you travel for tailored advice. They’ll review your routine vaccinations and any recommended for Tanzania, and discuss malaria precautions for the lower-altitude areas around Moshi. A yellow-fever certificate is generally only required if you’re arriving via a country where yellow fever is a risk — your travel clinic will confirm based on your route. We’ll also ask you to complete a medical form so we can prepare and keep you safe.

Yes — you’ll receive a detailed kit list with your joining instructions, covering exactly what to bring and the recommended specifications. The notes below answer the questions we’re asked most; the kit list is the definitive reference.

The local team provides the group camping equipment — tents, sleeping mats, the dining tent and the toilet tent — plus all meals and water on the mountain. You bring your personal clothing and equipment: sleeping bag, boots, layered clothing, daypack, water bottles/bladder, head torch, trekking poles, sun protection and personal toiletries/medication. The full list is in your joining instructions.

A four-season down sleeping bag rated to at least −10 °C (−15 °C is better) — nights near the summit are bitterly cold. Sleeping mats are provided; a silk liner adds warmth and keeps your bag clean. If you don’t own a suitable bag, you can usually hire one locally in Moshi — ask us in advance.

Layers you can add and remove as conditions change: base layers (thermal top and bottoms), insulating mid-layers (fleece), a warm insulated (down) jacket for the cold camps and summit night, and waterproof, breathable outer shell jacket and trousers. Add a warm hat, a sun hat, a buff/neck gaiter, and two pairs of gloves (thin liners plus warm insulated gloves/mitts). You’ll go from hot rainforest to freezing summit, so the range matters.

Sturdy, waterproof walking boots with good ankle support — well broken in before you travel (never climb in new boots). Bring plenty of proper walking socks, and a pair of trainers or camp shoes to change into at camp.

Your personal kit goes in a soft 60/70-litre duffel (with a lock) carried by a porter, up to a limit of 15 kg. You carry a daypack (around 20–30 litres) yourself each day. Tanzania bans plastic bags, so use waterproof compression/dry sacks to keep everything inside dry — the porters’ tarpaulin sacks aren’t fully waterproof.

The things you need during the day’s walk: water, warm and waterproof layers, snacks, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), your head torch, camera and any personal medication. Everything else travels in your porter bag.

Yes to all three. Trekking poles save your knees, especially on the long descent. A head torch (plus spare batteries) is essential for summit night and around camp. Carry two 1-litre wide-mouth (Nalgene) bottles — a bladder is fine on trekking days, but a bottle is mandatory on summit night because hoses freeze; an insulated bottle cover helps.

The sun is strong at altitude and near the equator. Bring high-factor sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, a wide-brimmed sun hat, and good sunglasses (category 3–4). Snow glare on the summit can be intense.

Yes — a lot of gear (sleeping bags, down jackets, poles and more) can be hired or bought in Moshi, which is handy if you’d rather not buy items you’ll only use once. Let us know what you’re planning to hire and we’ll help you arrange it with the local team.