Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & payments

What is the payment schedule?

Places are limited, so a AUD$250 deposit secures your spot. The balance is due 60 days before departure, and we're happy to arrange flexible payment terms on request.

What's included, and what's not?

Included: your on-mountain camping accommodation and all meals on the mountain, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) transfers, your guide and crew, national park fees, and bed-and-breakfast hotel nights before and after the climb. Excluded: international and domestic flights, travel insurance, tips for your crew, and personal equipment such as sleeping bags and warm jackets. See rates & fees.

What if I need to cancel or change my booking?

Deposits are non-refundable, and amounts you've paid above the deposit are refundable on a sliding scale depending on how close to departure you cancel. Please get in touch as early as you can — date changes can often be arranged. Read our terms.

Can I join if I'm not from Australia?

Absolutely. We're based in Melbourne, Australia, but we welcome climbers from all over the world.

Can I join as a solo traveller?

Yes — many of our climbers join on their own and quickly become part of the group. There's no solo surcharge to take part.

Can I meet you in Tanzania instead of travelling with the group?

Of course — just get in touch and we'll organise it. Contact us.

Can I add a safari or other tours to my trip?

Yes — there are many add-ons and tours available in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Just ask and we'll help arrange them.

Fitness, training & who can climb

How fit do I need to be, and who can climb Kilimanjaro?

Most reasonably fit people can reach the summit. Kilimanjaro is a non-technical walk, but it is a real challenge — you'll be walking for several hours a day over rugged ground for up to a week, with a long, cold summit night. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it. If you have a health condition, please check with your doctor first.

Do I need previous trekking experience?

No technical or mountaineering experience is required. Previous hiking or multi-day walking helps you know what to expect, but plenty of first-time trekkers summit successfully.

Is there an age limit?

The national park's minimum age is 10. We've had climbers of all ages, from children to people in their seventies. Younger climbers, or anyone with particular needs, should have a chat with us first.

What training should I do?

We recommend starting a fitness program 2-3 months out, built mostly around walking — long walks, hills and stairs — plus some strength and core work. Training & Health.

On the mountain

Do I need a guide?

Yes — Tanzanian law requires every climb to be led by a licensed guide. Your climb includes an experienced local guide team, cooks and porters.

How many hours do we walk each day?

Most days involve around 4 to 7 hours of walking at a gentle 'pole pole' (slowly, slowly) pace. Summit day is the big one — often 12 to 16 hours in total, starting around midnight to reach the summit near sunrise, then descending.

Do I have to carry my own bags?

No — porters carry your main luggage (up to around 15 kg) to camp each day. You only carry a small daypack with what you need during the day. An extra porter for your daypack can be arranged for a small fee.

Where will we stay?

One or two hotel nights in the Arusha/Moshi area before the climb and a hotel night afterwards, on a bed-and-breakfast basis. On the mountain you'll camp in quality tents with sleeping mats provided (the Marangu route uses permanent mountain huts instead).

Are there toilets and showers?

There are basic toilet facilities at the camps, and a private portable toilet can be arranged on request. There are no showers — your crew brings warm washing water each morning and evening, and wet wipes are your friend.

What about food and drinking water?

Our cooks prepare three hot, freshly-made meals a day and can cater for dietary needs. All drinking water is sourced on the mountain and boiled and filtered before you drink it. Food & Drink.

Is there phone reception, and how do I charge my phone?

Reception is patchy and shouldn't be relied on. Bring a power bank — the cold drains batteries quickly — and keep your devices warm. Our mobile phones page covers roaming and eSIM data options. Mobile Phones.

Health, altitude & safety

How do you manage altitude sickness?

Altitude is the single biggest factor in reaching the summit, so we climb slowly to acclimatise and run daily health checks. Tell your guide straight away about any headache, nausea or other symptoms — the proven treatment is to descend, and our guides carry emergency oxygen and a pulse oximeter. Safety on the mountain.

What about sun protection?

The sun is intense at altitude and reflects strongly off the snow near the summit. Bring a high-SPF sunscreen, an SPF lip balm, a wide-brimmed hat and good UV-protective sunglasses.

What happens in a medical emergency?

Our guides are first-aid trained and carry a medical kit, emergency oxygen and a satellite phone, and are contactable 24/7. If needed, a climber is escorted down to a lower altitude, and park rescue and evacuation can be arranged.

Is it safe, including for solo female climbers?

Yes. We keep group sizes small, our crews are experienced and professional, and your safety on and off the mountain is our priority. Solo female climbers are very welcome.

Gear & equipment

What gear do I need?

We provide a full gear list and talk it through with every climber. Layering for everything from rainforest heat to summit-night cold is the key. Gear List.

Can I hire equipment?

Yes — most major items (sleeping bag, jacket, poles and more) can be rented. Quality and availability vary, so let us know what you need in advance and we'll sort it out.

Travel, visas & insurance

When is the best time to climb?

Kilimanjaro can be climbed almost year-round. The driest, most popular months are roughly June to October and December to February; March to May is the main wet season. Our weather page covers the seasons in detail. Weather.

Do I need a visa and vaccinations?

Most visitors need a Tanzanian tourist visa, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Check the requirements well ahead of time, including for any countries you transit through. Visas, Vaccines & Insurance.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. It must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation, as well as cancellation, medical care and baggage.

How does tipping work?

Tipping your guides, cooks and porters at the end of the climb is an important local custom and a meaningful part of their income. We provide clear guidance on suggested amounts. Tipping.