We recommend arriving one day early (what we refer to as “arrival day”). This will give you time to relax and get a proper briefing before the climb starts. More importantly, if there’s any delay to your flight or your luggage goes AWOL, there’s enough wiggle room so that this delay doesn’t derail your climb.

You can climb any month of the year. At lower elevations, April, May, and November are quite wet while March and June are transitional months. August and September are the coldest and driest months. January, February, July, August, and September are all popular climbing months. If you have a particular event or day you would like to be standing on the summit, we will arrange that.

There are seven different Kilimanjaro routes up the mountain. We recommend the eight-day Lemosho & seven-day Machame . These routes offer the best balance of a high success rate and beautiful scenery.

Depending upon the selected route, you may trek an average of 4-8 hours per day with the summit day being the longest. Most days, other than the summit day, will begin with breakfast around 6:30 AM and departure at 7 AM. You will walk four to five hours with a break for lunch followed by another hour or two of hiking in the afternoon. These days are not long or difficult and you will be advised to walk slowly – Pole pole.

The final ascent requires patience and persistence to reach the summit (Uhuru Peak: 19341ft, 5895m). Normally, we start the ascent around midnight, depending on the perceived fitness of the group, the weather and the route. The pre-dawn hours are ideal to start the ascent to the summit as it is cold but also calm and clear. It is rare find cloudy weather at the summit at dawn any time of year and at dawn, you have the best view.

On the other hand, if you leave in early morning, it could be very windy and the ascent becomes more difficult. The ascent day is a long hiking day, so it is better start early and walk slowly. It can take up to 15 hours to reach the summit and descend to the camp for that night.

You will simply carry a day pack of about two to four kilograms, although some people carry more or less. Your gear (not to exceed twelve kilograms) will be placed inside a waterproof duffle at the trail head and a porter will carry this for you. If you have things that you do not need on the climb, you may leave them at our office.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the most convenient arrival airport, sitting only 42 km away from the mountain town of Moshi and 50 km from Arusha.

The usual ratio is three or four crew members for each climber, although small groups may have four or five of them. The mountain crew support usually consists of an English speaking guide or guides, a professional cooker, and gear-carrying porters. We encourage you to interact with your staff. They are all trustworthy, local people who have grown up in the shadow of the mountain. Many of them have climbed the peak a hundred or more times.

Your tents are mountain-style, double-walled, mosquito-netted, and durably-floored with waterproof material. While technically rated as three-person tents, they accommodate two people very comfortably. Tents are erected and packed up by our mountain support crew. There is enough space for tall people to stretch out and room for your gear within the tent. On the Marangu Route, the huts are just large enough for four bunks built against the walls of A-frame cubicles. Tall hikers will feel cramped. Gear is stored on the floor. Wash and toilet facilities are shared and are outside of the bungalows.

We understand that sufficient caloric intake and purified water are essential to keep the body functioning properly high up on the mountain. Our menu is specific to the activities of that day, and day of trekking ahead. By incorporating the right balance of carbohydrates and proteins, we keep our clients in top health.

We have vegetarian & vegan menus available and accommodate gluten free and do our best with other special dietary situations.

The following are a sample of our menu items:

Breakfast

• Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
• Toast, Biscuits with Margarine, Jam, Peanut Butter
• Eggs, meat, sausage
• Porridge
• Fresh fruits: Mango, Banana, Avocado, Watermelon, Oranges

Lunch

• Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
• Chicken or Vegetable Soup
• Bread, Biscuits or Pancakes with Jam, Peanut Butter
• Sandwich with Meat or Cheese, Boiled Egg
• Snack: Peanuts, Popcorn, Cake, Cookies
• Fresh fruits and Fruit Salad: Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, Carrots

Dinner

• Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
• Chicken or Vegetable Soup
• Bread, Biscuits or Pancakes with Jam, Peanut Butter
• Roasted Chicken, Beef or Fish
• Potatoes, Rice, Pasta
• Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, Peas, Tomato, Beans

No one is forced to go on. There is always enough staff to split the group accordingly to needs and regroup later at the camp. Most people have no trouble reaching the highest campsite. If some party members decide not to climb the final distance to the peak or cannot proceed at any point in time, they can wait for the other group climbers to come back or can go down with a guide following the same way or take a lateral path to the descent route.

We always have a first aid kit with us and guides are well trained on first aid. Serious injuries are very rare and Kilimanjaro National Park has a rescue team in case of emergency.

• Travel bag, backpack or kitbag, weighing no more than 12kg. Please do not bring a suitcase or trolley bag, as this type of luggage cannot be carried by the porters.
• Day backpack with rain protection.
• High quality sleeping bag for harsh conditions (at night temperatures can drop to -20°C).
• Different layers of clothing including thermal base layers, fleece clothing, trekking pants, warm jacket and water-resistant top layers as well as a warm headgear.
• Water-resistant and comfortable hiking boots and a variety of trekking socks.
• Please note that the above list is not complete and these are just a few things that you will have to bring with you. Once we have confirmed your booking, you will receive a more detailed list.

There are no specific vaccine requirements for entry into Tanzania. However, be aware that the Government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever. Also COVID vaccination certificate or PCR Test results less than 72 hours.

While it’s not mandatory by any means, we suggest you talk to your doctor about getting the following vaccinations (which are standard in developed countries): Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and meningococcal meningitis (Africa and Asia).

Yes, you can obtain it online. Please also note that you need a passport that’s valid for at least six months after your departure date.

The major sources of cost variations are the money spent on food, off-mountain accommodation, porter and guide wages, tents, and the cost of getting to the mountain.
Mucho Tours & Safaris is determined to provide the best food, best guides and porters, best tents and equipment, top quality before-and-after-climb accommodation, a full professional pre-climb orientation, insurance for all staff and inclusion of all park permits, meals, transfers and local hosting costs.

Cheap operators may sacrifice:

• Safety equipment
• Contract out your climb to unknown companies
• Non-certified guides with no medical training
• Neglect proper cooking preparations
• Exclude private sanitary facilities
• Poor group equipment
• Select quick and crowded routes
• the list can go on and on….

Our approach is not to provide the cheapest trip, but rather to do everything we can to increase the likelihood you will reach the summit and enjoy the overall experience with a staff of people who are well qualified and compensated for the extraordinary assistance they provide to you.

On Kilimanjaro and Safari tipping is an expected practice for the crew who assist you. As a general rule USD$250 to USD$300 per person will adequately cover crew tips on the mountain.

The majority of climbers have not been at high altitude before and do not know how their body will react. Diamox (generic name Acetazolamide) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which means it forces the kidneys to expel bicarbonate, thus re-acidifying the blood. The drug forces the kidneys to emit bicarbonate. By increasing the amount of bicarbonate removed to the urine, the blood becomes more acidic. Acidifying the blood stimulates ventilation, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and has shown to decrease the detrimental effects of altitude on the body.

This is a personal choice and has been known to assist clients with minimizing the effects of altitude. This should ultimately be a decision between you and your physician.

No, in the sense that no prior climbing experience is needed. However, this should not lead to the notion that this is a simple hike. A Kilimanjaro climb is a very special type of adventure, beyond a traditional vacation. Unlike popular beach vacations or simple hiking tours, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires certain preparations. After all, this adventure takes hikers to the highest point of Africa at 5,895 m/19,340 f. This is often the highest altitude many climbers to ever achieve, making this trip a true adventure of a lifetime. The Climb Kili personal Fitness Program will prepare your body and mind for the daily trekking and rigors of the mountain.

Yes! The challenge is real, but absolutely worth it. Over the course of several days, you and your team journey through a tropical rainforest and transition to an Alpine Desert, ending in an Arctic climate, while still in Africa. Camping along scenic routes overlooking Tanzania, while you trek the famous volcano Kilimanjaro is the experience of a lifetime. Finally, you can stand on Uhuru Peak and watch the sun rise up over the curve of the earth from the highest point in all of Africa.

Here are three (very valid!) questions we’re often asked by women preparing to climb Mt Kilimanjaro:

• Where do I go to the toilet during the climb?
• How can I keep clean during the climb?
• How do I manage my period on the climb?

Where do I go to the toilet during the climb?

Needing to wee and not being able to go … we’ve all been there, and it’s stressful! When climbing Kilimanjaro, you’ll need to wee fairly often. Altitude makes us urinate more frequently plus you’ll be drinking more water than usual. So here’s some basic info and advice when it comes to:

• peeing while hiking
• pooping while hiking
• the toilet tent at camp

Peeing while hiking

You’ll be drinking a lot of water during your Kilimanjaro climb. In fact, you should be drinking a minimum of three litres a day! That means you’ll be needing to go to the toilet a lot. Additionally, the higher you climb, the more often you need to go, as altitude makes you urinate more frequently.

Some women climbing Kilimanjaro like to use a Shewee or similar urinating device to make it easier to take a leak whilst hiking. These devices let you wee in a similar way to a man: you just need to turn your back on the crowd, unzip your trousers and push your knickers aside, then wee into the contraption. The funnel ensures your wee comes out in a stream away from your feet. We suggest you opt for a device that comes with a storage container.

Urinating devices

Female urinating devices are, of course, all about personal preference. But know that you won’t be the only one using it on the mountain. The higher up the mountain you climb, the less vegetation there is to hide behind for dropping your trousers and copping a squat. The ‘bush’ toilet will turn into a ‘rock’ toilet. You might also find during tiring stretches of the hike that you’re grateful for the heightened ease and efficiency offered by the Shewee.

Pooping while hiking

Hiking at altitude often makes bowel movements more frequent. So it’s quite likely that you’ll need to pooh while on the trail. It’s best to prepare yourself mentally and practically for this (deciding you won’t need to go before reaching camp, or that you’ll talk your bowel into submission, isn’t really a plan, and just provides unnecessary stress).

The toilet tent in camp

Unless you’re hiking the Marangu route, which provides permanent hut accommodation, you’ll usually be using a portable toilet inside a tent when in camp. Most tour operator provides its trekkers with a private toilet tent. Be sure to check your trip inclusions. If a private toilet is not listed here, you will be using the public toilets at camp.

How can I keep clean during the climb?

Keeping clean on a Kilimanjaro climb is an interesting exercise. At no point on the mountain is there showers available, unless you’re hiking the Marangu route, which does offer cold showers. For the rest of us hiking one of the other seven Kilimanjaro routes, there’ll be no showering during the trek. And that means we’ll all be getting a bit smellier than normal.

Hair

You’re going to be on the mountain for around seven days without a shower. So it’s a good idea to plan ahead of time what you want to do about your hair. And since everyone’s hair is different, we suggest making a game plan based on what you know about your own hair.

Obviously a good idea is to wash your hair just before you head to the mountain, that way you’re golden for the first couple of days. After that, consider tying longer hair in a plait to limit the dust that can settle on it. Giving it a brush at night should also help to remove a bit of dust and any freeloaders like the odd small leaf.

From then on, the plan might simply be a bandanna, beanie or cap that keeps it covered. And that’s a solid, Kili-stlye plan. We suggest you might like to use the head cover as well as utilise a little baby powder or dry shampoo at the roots, to keep the oiliness under control. Be sure also that your hair tie (if you have long hair) is sturdy, or that you have a backup band should yours break or get lost.

Nails

We recommend cutting your nails short just before starting the trek to avoid (too much) dirt getting under them. A small scrubbing brush and a toothpick for cleaning under your nails might also be good ideas. If the sight of dirty nails horrifies you, then we recommend wearing a dark nail polish to hide the dirt.

How do I manage my period on the climb?

According to the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation, a woman’s menstrual cycle can be affected by changes in altitude, particularly a great increase in altitude. This means climbing up Mt Kilimanjaro could well result in ‘surprises’, from causing your period to stop before usual to causing it to be early, irregular or longer than the norm. Basically, your period should be thought of as a wildcard on a high-altitude trek. And this means that every lady with a period should prepare to deal with it on the climb, even if you’re trekking at a time that you know you shouldn’t get it.

This is an outdoor adventure trip in the African wild. There are no showers on the mountain. Warm water will be supplied in a bowl and you will be able to wash your face and hands. For the rest you can bring wet wipes. At each campsite, we set up a private toilet tent which contains a plastic toilet. If you need to use the bathroom on the trail, you’ll find a spot behind a tree or rock. But you’ll need to have a little baggie for putting used toilet paper in that you then carry to camp and dispose of in a bin.