Ascend Tanzania
House of Ascend
From first-timer nerves to seasoned trekker queries - everything you need to know to reach the Roof of Africa, fully prepared.
Everything you need to know about Kilimanjaro, all in one place
The average Kilimanjaro Temperature at the foot of the mountain is 25°C to 30°C. On the summit, it can range from 10°C to -12°C but is usually below freezing. At 3000m (above the tree line), the day temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C and then cool off significantly at night. As you work your way up the mountain, you will traverse through many different climates that vary in temperature and precipitation. Light rain is fairly consistent in the lower rainforest section while the upper parts of the mountain often experience passing snowstorms. Kilimanjaro Weather can be quite unpredictable, so it’s essential to be prepared for varying conditions.
If you are over 10 years old, you can climb Kilimanjaro. Presently, children under 10 usually need special permission from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authorities to climb above 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). Though there is no maximum age for Climbing Kilimanjaro. But, if you look at the records, the youngest age to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro was 6 years old, and the oldest person who reached the summit was 89 years old! Climbing Kilimanjaro is accessible to a wide range of ages, as long as you are fit and prepared.
Swahili is widely spoken in Tanzania as well as in Kenya, Uganda, Eastern Zaire, and Rwanda. Your Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide will speak excellent English as well as Swahili, usually also a native language. Some Kilimanjaro Porters know English while others may have just picked up a few words here and there.
Absolutely. East Africa has some of the world’s most wonderful safaris to offer. You can easily do a multi-day safari before or after your climb. In fact, this is what most adventurers do. Combining a safari with your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience makes for a memorable trip.
The number of hours you hike each day varies from 3 hours (minimum) to 7 hours (maximum), depending on the intensity of the slope and difficulty of the climb. This can vary based on Kilimanjaro Trail Conditions.
Mt Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year. However, June to October is the most suitable time for a dry season. December to January is also considered a good time, whereas March to May and November is the rainy season. Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro is generally during the dry months for a more pleasant experience.
Kilimanjaro is accessible, but you should not underestimate this mountain. There are no technical mountaineering skills required, just general fitness. If necessary, you can do some physical exercises before the trek to improve your Kilimanjaro Physical Training.
This is a common concern but there is no need to worry about it. By walking slowly, your body will acclimatize to the high altitude. The guide will always remind you about this (“pole pole” – which means “slowly slowly”). Trekkers can trek at their own pace, and one of the crew members will accompany you to the next campsite. The rest of the group can continue the trek at their own pace along with the guide. This approach helps prevent Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness.
You will just be carrying your backpack with a few essential things, like snacks, water, rain gear, camera, valuables, etc. Usually, this Kilimanjaro Daypack weighs not more than 5kgs to 7kgs, depending on what you pack in it. Most of your luggage will be carried by the porters. You are required to pack your luggage in a duffel or a rucksack bag (not weighing more than 15kgs) for our Kilimanjaro Porter team, who will carry it from camp to camp. This bag usually has items that you don't need while on the trek, but only in the camp, like a sleeping bag, clothes, etc.
Marangu Route has the accommodation option of shared dormitory-style huts. On all other routes, trekkers will be sleeping in tents at the campsites. The tents are usually set up, broken down, and carried by our porters. Proper Facilities on Kilimanjaro help make the trek more comfortable.
The Mountain Trekking Price for Kilimanjaro includes all entry fees, camping and hut fees, camping gear, transport to/from the mountain gates, meals (3 times per day), boiled/purified drinking water, cook and kitchen utensils, 18% VAT, and mobile communications (for emergency only while on the mountain). We also provide high-quality 4-inch sleeping mattresses and pillows, duffel bags or sleeping bags (-10°C), oxygen cylinders, oximeter machines, experienced and friendly trek staff (cook and porters), an English-speaking guide (certified as a Wilderness First Responder & Emergency Medicine Adult and Child CPR), first aid and injury prevention kits, a 15% discount on Kilimanjaro Gear Rental (the discount applies for online shopping only), and personal summit certificates stamped and signed by the national park and your guide.
Here are the exclusions that you will have to organize/arrange on your own when Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: International and domestic flights, tips and gratuities, travel insurance, personal expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.), liquors, beers, and bottled beverages, surcharge for online payment of balance (5%), meals not listed in the itinerary. Services that can be arranged as add-ons to your Kilimanjaro Climb Costs are: Hotel accommodations for pre and post-trek nights, airport pickup and drop-off, and personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for rent).
You will need a Single-Entry Visa to enter Tanzania. It Tanzania Visa costs $100 for US citizens and $50 for other nationalities. There are 3 ways to apply for it: Apply online from the official visa link - https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ Get a visa on arrival if you are eligible. Check the eligibility guidelines. https://visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines Apply through the Tanzanian Embassy in your home country.
Yes, there are post offices where you can buy and send postcards. Internet cafes are common and affordable. Telecommunication is good, so you can send international faxes and use your standard GSM mobile phone on your Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours.
All travellers, whether foreign nationals, Tanzanian citizens, or residents, must enter Tanzania through designated entry points. Upon arrival, travellers are responsible for the following: Personal Appearance: Appear in person in front of an Immigration Officer with a completed and signed arrival declaration card. Documentation: Produce their passport or other acceptable document to the Immigration Officer. For foreign nationals, additional requirements may include: Visa Requirements: Show a visa or apply for a visa on arrival. Residence Permit/Pass: Show a Residence Permit/Pass if they are bona fide residents of Tanzania. Travel Proof: Provide a return ticket or evidence of onward travel arrangements. Financial Proof: Show evidence of funds for maintenance during their stay. For more detailed information, you can download the Visa Application Guidelines. Proper preparation of your documents ensures a smooth entry process, allowing you to focus on your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing adventure
The recommended Kilimanjaro Tipping Guidelines are USD 25 per day for the head guide, USD 15 per day per assistant guide, USD 15 per day for the cook, and USD 10 per day per porter. This is usually split among the entire crew who will be part of your trek.
Packing the right gear is essential for a successful climb. Make sure to include items like warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and essential toiletries. For a complete list of everything you'll need, download the comprehensive Mt. Kilimanjaro Packing List to ensure you have everything you need for the climb.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a physical challenge, so prepare with a Kilimanjaro training program. General fitness, especially strong legs and good aerobic fitness, is important. A fit body handles the stress of consecutive days of hiking and camping better. A positive mental attitude can also help when fatigue and doubts arise.
It is recommended that all climbers have a Kilimanjaro Medical Check-up before attempting the trek. Consult your doctor to ensure high-altitude trekking is safe for you, considering your age, fitness level, and health condition. Check if any preexisting medical conditions could cause problems or if any of your medications could affect altitude acclimatization. Also, ask about taking Diamox with your current medications.
Our Kilimanjaro Climbs start in Moshi, a short drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, provide us with your flight information, and we can arrange Kilimanjaro Airport Transports from the airport to the hotel.
Yes, it is strongly advised to obtain Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance immediately after booking your trip. Travel insurance covers expenses such as trip cancellation, interruption, delays, emergency accidents and sickness, lost, damaged, stolen, or delayed baggage, and 24-hour emergency medical assistance. This ensures you are protected against unforeseen expenses and can focus on your Kilimanjaro Climb.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is located in northern Tanzania, while some of the most iconic panoramic shots of Mt. Kilimanjaro have been captured from the Kenyan side, all trailheads lie in Tanzania. Therefore, tourists can only climb Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
We keep our group sizes low so you have the freedom to move around and get involved with your surroundings, as well as more personal attention from our local guides. This intimate size ensures that your group will not crowd your experience. You can expect up to 10 travelers on a trip but the average is 5.
Yellow Fever Vaccination will be mandatory only if you are traveling from a country that is affected by it or if you have a layover in one of those countries for more than 8 hours. If your flight has a layover for more than 8 hours then Yellow fever vaccination will be mandatory. The vaccination shot has to be taken at least 10 days prior to the travel date. You can consult your physician for more details.
Since we are a trek operator and not an travel agency we will get the flight tickets at the same price that you can avail directly from the airline ticketing site. Hence for the flight deals, we suggest you book directly or through an ticketing agency.
Your safety is our top priority on every journey. Our dedicated operations team continuously monitors all aspects of your adventure and the areas you’ll explore, while staying informed through real-time updates from local partners and government travel advisories. At Ascend Tanzania, we are fully committed to ensuring your well-being, adhering to rigorous safety protocols, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and adjusting our plans when necessary to provide you with a secure and unforgettable experience.