2025 ~ Tanzania: Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari the Serengeti

 August 14 - 26 2024 

 - 4 Nights Mount Meru Hotel (or similar)
 - 7 Nights Kilimanjaro Camping Tents
 - Meet and greet on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
 - One arrival & one departure private transfer per group between Kilimanjaro Airport and your hotel in a private vehicle with driver
 - Breakfast is included at the hotel
 - Arusha Hotel accommodation
 - Hotel accommodation includes storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes
 - Return transfers between the hotel to the start / finish point of a climb
 - All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping / hut fees and climbing permits
 - Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
 - Chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter, used to take blood-oxygen level readings of clients twice a day
 - Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)
 - Complete First Aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
 - Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cooka
 - Salaries paid to the mountain support crew as per KINAPA (Kilimanjaro National Park Authority) guidelines.
 - Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
 - Food of premium quality and of a bigger variety on the mountain
 - Hot lunch is prepared at the lunch stop and served with table, chairs (and inside mess tent in case of bad weather), except on day 1 of the hike where climbers are provided with a packed  - lunch.
 - Superior quality camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals)
 - Sleeping mattress
 - Water for washing up daily
 - Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next camp
 - Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
 - Complimentary mineral water (per hiker) for the first day on your climb and 4 to 5 liters of purified water per person per day from night 1 onwards
 - Complimentary Flying doctors membership
 - (Emergency Helicopter evacuation in case of emergency – T & C’s apply)

OPTIONAL TO INCLUDE IN PACKAGE - (RECOMMENDED)
 - Tips for Climb - guides, porters and cook (US $400 per hiker)
            (trip for personal porter who climbs with you not included)

NOT INCLUDED
 - Items of a personal nature
 - U.S. Passport Required
 - Entry visa for Tanzania (US$50 per passport holder for most nationalities / US $ 100 per visa for USA passport holders)
 - Vaccination requirements (Yellow Fever – only compulsory if you travel to Tanzania via a Yellow Fever infected country, Meningitis & Hepatitis A remains optional, but comes recommended)
 - Required travel and medical insurance.
 - Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania
 - Live tracking service – depending availability and booking in advance
 - Snacks, personal medicine and sports drink
 - Meals and drinks not specified
 - Incidentals
 - Laundry
 - Additional Gratuities (hotel bellman. personal porter, waiters)

** Itinerary subject to change
All tours and entrance fees are included / All taxes are included
Maximum 2 travelers per room

August 14 - 29, 2025
5 Nights Mount Meru Hotel (or similar)
7 Nights Kilimanjaro Camping Tent
1 night Ngorongoro Farm House or similar
3 nights Tukaone Serengeti Tented Camp or similar
All Items listed under The Climb
All Items listed under The Safari

OPTIONAL TO INCLUDE IN PACKAGE - (RECOMMENDED)
Tips for Climb - guides, porters and cook (US $400 per hiker)
Tips for Safari - safari guide, safari driver, tent staff (US $300 per traveler)

NOT INCLUDED
All Items listed under The Climb
All Items listed under The Safari

** Itinerary subject to change
All tours and entrance fees are included / All taxes are included
Maximum 2 travelers per room

5% REBATE - PAY IN FULL AT THE TIME OF BOOKING
The offer is applicable to the Land Package (after any discounts are applied)
The 5% rebate is not applicable to the Booking Fee, Flights, Add-On Purchases, or Donations.
The rebate will be refunded to the original form of payment used for the Travel Experience purchase.
Please allow 14 business days for processing.

Located in Arusha, an oasis of tranquility on Tanzania's gateway to major tour tourist destinations regardless of the season, the hotel comprises 178 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, 24-hour In-Room Dining service, an outdoor swimming pool, and a well-equipped gymnasium. Mount Meru Hotel provides the perfect venue for meetings and events with more than 1500 sqm of meeting and banquet space, perfect for seminars, large conferences, cocktail events, and corporate dinners, an ideal mix of categories to meet the needs of corporate and MICE visitors to the country.

The property offers uninterrupted views of Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro, and pristine landscaped private gardens overlooking the Golf Club. The Mount Meru Hotel is located only a 45-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 20 minutes from Arusha Airport (ARK), and a 10-minute walk from the Arusha International Conference Center (AICC), the historical Arusha Clock Tower, the German Boma, and the Maasai Market Curios and Crafts.

Hand plaited thatched roof tops, ample verandas and colonial interiors at Ngorongoro Farm House, a small and exclusive hotel built on a 500 acre coffee plantation, all of which has been designed to take you to the comfort and style of past times. Take a walk around the farm to contemplate the daily activities, relax in the fragrant gardens or enjoy the spectacular sunsets with the Oldeani volcano as a backcloth.

A wonderful stop-off during a safari on the north circuit of Tanzania and a privileged place from where one can visit the crater or enjoy activities such a walking safaris to the volcano or excursions to Lake Eyasi on the Rift Valley still inhabited by the Hadzabe tribe.

There are Seven main Mount Kilimanjaro routes which lead to the summit, Uhuru Peak, one of which starts on the Northern side of the mountain and the rest on the Southern side. The routes are Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Umbwe.          Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro takes between five to nine days in order to reach the Kilimanjaro Summit and then descend to the finishing point. The more days spent on the mountain the more likely you will summit successfully because you will become more acclimated to the altitude.

Highest success rate and overall best route to climb Kilimanjaro

If you want the highest chance of summiting the best route to climb Kilimanjaro is the Lemosho route and Machame route over 7 or 8 days – excellent acclimatization and an easier summit night make these winners by a long way. And as reaching the top is the most important thing for most of our climbers we make this our overall winners as best route to climb Kilimanjaro.       

Most scenic route to climb Kilimanjaro           

The Lemosho route approaching from the West wins hands down for the best views with spectacular vistas in all directions.           

Quietest route to climb Kilimanjaro            

If keeping away from the crowds is your top priority the Rongai route has to be your choice as the best route for your Kilimanjaro climb. But be warned the success rate is lower.           

Most challenging route to climb Kilimanjaro        

If you are looking for an adventure and a really unique wilderness experience the crater camp option is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro for you- less than 1 % of climbers get to do this and all our climbers who do it rave about it.

The Lemosho Route is often considered the most beautiful of all the trekking trails up Mount Kilimanjaro. It crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower.

It is one of the newer routes on the mountain and shares a portion of the same path as Machame route, although it holds a few advantages over that route that definitely make worth considering, particularly for travelers who have some extra time.

Starting the western flanks of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate, the Lemosho Route wanders its way up one of the more remote sections of the mountain.

The trail takes hikers through a beautiful rain forest where they might have the chance to spot wildlife along the way. Black and white colobus monkeys are routinely seen in the forests, as are blue monkeys, small lizard and a wide assortment of birds. From there, the path wanders out onto the Shira Plateau, crossing it from west to east on relatively flat and easy to walk terrain.

The early days on the Lemosho Route provides plenty of solitude, as this trail sees far less traffic than Machame route and Marangu route. This makes an already-great trekking adventure even more spectacular as at times it will feel like you have the entire mountain to yourself.

Eventually however, Lemosho route merges with Machame route, and the amount of traffic begins to increase. But if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet in the early going of the climb, this is a great option.

Because it follows the Machame Route for a portion of the climb, much of the same scenery is found on Lemosho route as well, including the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall. But, in those first few days this trail offers some unique views of the surrounding landscapes that aren’t visible from any other place on the mountain.

Travelers will get the chance to wander through pristine rain forests and hike up to the Shira Plateau, where once above the tree line stunning vistas await.

Because of its remote nature and lengthier route, Lemosho takes a few extra days to trek. Most people spend seven or eight days on this trail, which causes the success rate to increase fairly dramatically.

If you’re looking to maximize your chances of reaching the top of the mountain, this is certainly one of the best options to choose, particularly over Machame route and Marangu route. Despite the higher success rate however, it should be noted that Lemosho route is a more strenuous hike than the “Whiskey” and “Coca-Cola” routes.

There are certain sections of the trail that are steeper and more demanding, and of course trekkers spend an extra night or two sleeping in tents as well. Still, the advantages of this route truly make it stand out from the others, making it an increasingly popular choice for adventurous travelers.

Climbing Kilimanjaro offers Lemosho as 7 day or 8 day climb. The seven day variation combines days five and six, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga.

Lemosho Route Frequently asked questions

The questions and answers below are specific to the Lemosho route.

How difficult is the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho route is considered one of the easiest routes on Kilimanjaro as it’s longer itinerary allows for better acclimatization. However, hikers will still need to ascend the Barranco Wall and climb steeply on summit night. No technical climbing is required but a good level of fitness is highly recommended.

What is the distance of the Lemosho Route and how many days does it take?

The exact trekking distance for the Lemosho Route is 71km or 43 miles. 

The shortest number of days required for Lemosho Route is 7 days, but by the time you have added on arrival and departure days it is 10. However, as it is a much longer approach route it is actually best done over 8 or 9 days to increase your changes of success.

What is the Lemosho Route Summit Success Rate?

Due to its longer length profile, summit success rates on the Lemosho route are one of the highest on the mountain. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 90% for the 8 day trek and a 85% success rate for the 7 day trek. However, We have a success rate of over 95% for the 8 day Lemosho route and a 92% success rate for the 7 day option.

What is the Scenery like on the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route is considered to be the most scenically beautiful of all the routes. The route takes trekkers from the west side of the mountain through lush rainforest before joining up with the Lemosho Route to cross the spectacular Shira Plateau. The route takes in the west and south of the mountain and the views are incredible, particularly from on the southern circuit.

Travelers planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro frequently ask how long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

It takes five to nine days in order to reach the Mount Kilimanjaro Summit and then descend to the finishing point. The more days spent on Mount Kilimanjaro the more likely you will successfully summit, as you will become more acclimatized to the altitude and will be less fatigued.

Trekkers who spend only 5 days have the lowest Summit success rate.

Trekkers who spend 8 or 9 days have a much better chance of summiting. Read more about the best routes to climb Kilimanjaro and the days they take.

Factors affecting how long it takes to climb Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is a “walk-up” mountain, meaning there is no technical climbing involved. How long it takes to reach the summit is largely dictated by how well you are able to acclimatize to the lack of oxygen at altitude.

Acclimatization
The main reason why climbers fail to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro is simply that they have not acclimatized to the altitude.

How badly do you want to get to the summit? If you’re serious about completing the climb, the main factor standing in your way is acclimatization.

The good news is that going slow and taking your time, allows your body to gradually adapt to the lack of oxygen.

The more days you spend on the mountain acclimatizing, the better your chances of reaching the top. Trekkers who spend only 5 days on Kilimanjaro have the lowest success rate, while those who spend 8 or 9 days have a much better chance of standing on the Roof of Africa.

The Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention of Acute Altitude Illness says that controlling the rate of ascent, in terms of the number of meters gained each day is a “highly effective means of preventing altitude illness”.

A slow and steady ascent gives your body time to adjust to the altitude, and while physical fitness does not seem to have an effect on how well you acclimatize, you’ll build-in enough time for rest and recovery after the day’s hiking.

It’s difficult to get up to date data from the Kilimanjaro National Park, but in 2006 estimates of the success rate based on the number of days spent on the mountain were clear. At that time:

• 27% of those who opted for the 5-day trek made it to the summit
• 85% of trekkers who spent 8 days on their climb were successful.

How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on each route?

There are a total of six different routes you can use to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

The shortest possible way to the summit is by the Marangu or the Umbwe Route. These routes can be completed in 5 days (but we don’t recommend it for most hikers).

The longer treks, Lemosho, Machame, Rongai or Northern Circuit route take 6-10 days.

The main reason you’d want to take a longer route is to give your body time to acclimatize to the altitude, but there are other considerations as well.

Unless you are very fit, covering the same amount of ground in a shorter time-frame can increase your chances of fatigue and injury – and compromise your enjoyment of the environment.

Climbing Kilimanjaro recommends Trekkers who have a flexible schedule to consider a longer route or build-in one or two acclimatization days and have an easier time reaching the summit.

Each route is varied in the duration on the mountain, the types of accommodation, the level of difficulty, the type of scenery, and other factors.

The table below lists each route, sorted by the number of days usually taken on each route.

You can climb Kilimanjaro in 5 or 6 days but is it worth the risk?

You can definitely climb Kilimanjaro in five or six days. Most clients we’ve spoken to are attracted to the shorter routes for these reasons:

• Cost savings
• Lack of vacation time
• Don’t want to hike for so many days

In all Climbing Kilimanjaro combined years of experience as mountain guides and trek organizers, we encourage a longer, steadier climb as it’s safer, and increases our clients’ summit success rate dramatically.

Additionally, giving yourself time to enjoy the unique mountain environment, with adequate rest and recovery, will make for a much more enjoyable experience.

These are the questions we ask and encourage you to ask yourself:

• How would you feel if you scheduled a route with the minimum days, only to have to turn back on day 3 because the rate of ascent was too quick and you did not have time to acclimatize?
• Wouldn’t you rather add a couple of days to your trip to give yourself a better chance of summiting and to take it easier on your body?
  Were the ‘savings’ you got for not taking additional days worth the cost of cutting your climb short, not making it to the summit, or worse still, putting your health at risk?

When is it a good idea to opt for a shorter Kilimanjaro climb?

• If you’ve recently been to high altitude. If you’ve climbed Mt. Meru or Mt. Kenya successfully, for example, you will have an element of pre-acclimatization and can get away with a shorter route.
• If you’re a very experienced climber and have been to extreme altitudes before (>18,000ft) and are confident of your ability to acclimatize.

It’s an undeniable fact that longer routes increase summit success rates.

How long Does it take to descend Kilimanjaro?

It takes around two days to descend Kilimanjaro from the Uhuru Peak Summit to the Finish point. The descent can take up to 5hrs to reach to Camp for overnight and the following day 4hrs to 6 hrs depending on the route and trekkers experience.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is not a technical mountain climb, its a hike. A tough, multi-day trek at altitude. It can feel like a long, hard slog in the thin air, especially on summit night. Being physically prepared can mean the difference between a safe and comfortable climb, and a miserable, exhausting experience. So, how do I train for Kilimanjaro?

Being in peak physical fitness does not guarantee summit success. Even the fittest athletes can succumb to the effects of altitude. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to tackle Kilimanjaro, as the altitude will be the ultimate deciding factor.

However, it’s possible that the fitter you are, the less of your aerobic capacity you need to utilize to trek, allowing you to handle the additional stress of acclimatizing to the altitude more easily.

Things to bear in mind:

• You’ll be hiking slowly, but ‘slowly’ at altitude can feel more like a run at sea-level
• You need to be able to hike 6-8 hours a day, then do it all over again the next day, and the day after
• Summit night/day can be 10+ hours on your feet
• The trails can be steep, rocky and uneven.
• Mental stamina and mindset is very important

While fitness alone will not help you acclimatize to the altitude, being in the best shape possible will have the following benefits:

• Ability to recover quickly from the day’s exertion and be energized for the next day’s hiking
• Improved oxygen delivery to the muscles
• Strong legs for the steep (both uphill and downhill) sections
• Improved balance and flexibility to reduce injury
• Enjoyment of your surroundings.

Don’t forget:

• Wear your hiking boots during practice hikes, at the gym or around the house. Especially new boots, you want them well broken-in. Experiment with different sock combinations.
• Practice wearing your day pack (put some weight in it) to get your shoulders and back used to hiking with it. 
• Practice layering your clothes: how do the layers fit, and getting them on and off quickly 
• Hiking poles: if you’re planning to use them on the mountain.

There is no best fitness program for Kilimanjaro, and how much training you’ll need is unique to your situation. If you’re very fit or going to the gym regularly, then you might need to add some hiking trails (preferably uphill). If you’re unfit, then you may need to start at the beginning

Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor or healthcare professional before embarking on any training program or change to your current routine. Have a medical check-up before you commit to any high-altitude trek. The information in this article is for information purposes only. 

FITNESS AND TRAINING TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO

Any Kilimanjaro fitness program will depend on your current exercise routine, injury status, and fitness levels. You don’t need superhuman levels of physical performance, with enough time (and if your doctor agrees) most healthy people are able to get in shape for Kilimanjaro.  It’s a case of getting your body used to the specific demands of the trek.  The main aspects you’ll need to work on are:

• Endurance & cardiovascular fitness
• Leg, core & back strength Flexibility and balance (stretching)
• Get out and hike, preferably incorporating rough trails and hills
• Mental stamina

TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FITNESS PROGRAM

Keep it simple & sustainable”
Pick an exercise you enjoy. If you love biking, then get out on your bike, if running’s your thing, then do that. The important thing is whatever exercise you do, make it progressive, so you build up your stamina and keep pushing yourself. If you’re short of time, consider high-intensity interval training. Anything that improves the work capacity of muscles and your cardiovascular system.

Use daily life events as training opportunities:
In addition to your more formal training program, find other opportunities as you go about your day. Do you have a dog? Put on a daypack with 20lbs when you take Fido for his daily walk. Take the stairs, mow the lawn, anything that gets you moving.

In the Hills or in the Gym: 
Wherever possible, put on your boots and daypack, and get outside. Hiking up and down hills, over rough terrain will give you an idea of what it’s like on the mountain. Increasing the duration of your walks will help to prepare you for being on your feet for many hours at a time. No access to hills? Crank the treadmill onto a steep incline, or use the stair master. Wear your daypack and hiking boots, and practice.

Make it Progressive & Listen to your body: 
You want your training to be challenging, to prepare your body and your mind. But you don’t want to burn yourself out. Prepare your training program to be progressive, so you keep making gradual gains in your fitness process. If you’re not sure how to prepare your own training program, consider a consult with a personal trainer or an online training program to help you out.

The Importance of Rest & Recovery: 
There’s a delicate balance between pushing yourself hard and pushing yourself too hard. Muscle soreness, injury, poor sleep, and fatigue can be indicators that you are going too hard, too soon. Start training for your Kilimanjaro climb early enough (3-6 months). Good training is not an overnight success, it’s the sustained process over time.

Prevent Plateaus :
Switch up your training every 3-4 weeks and incorporate something different. If you do the same thing all the time, your body will adapt to it, and you’ll need to go harder for the same benefit. Switching to a different workout routine presents new challenges for your body to adapt to. Note: this is the main reason it’s important not to “just walk” for your Kilimanjaro preparation. Your body will adapt to walking at sea-level quite quickly unless you’re doing multiple hours of hiking per day.

Taper your Training: 
About two weeks out from the start of your climb, keep up the training but lower the intensity. You’ll want to be fresh and well-rested at the start of your climb, and you don’t want to risk injury.

ENDURANCE AND CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS

Endurance or stamina refers to the body’s basic ability to maintain a high rate of work for long periods of time. Training for endurance is basically an organized method to enhance your metabolism, or, in other words, to increase oxygen efficiency and energy production in your muscles. 

• Biking, swimming, jogging, stair master, elliptical – build up to 60-90 minutes of sustained work at around 70% of your maximum heart rate    
• High-Intensity Interval Training – use if you’re short on time, and to provide a different training stimulus.    
• Wear your weighted day pack and hiking boots whenever possible, and try to get out for some strenuous hikes, preferably with some elevation gain.    
• You can also incorporate some specific altitude training protocols to help you get accustomed to the lack of oxygen on the mountain.

STRENGTH TRAINING

What is strength? It’s the body’s ability to perform the most work with the least amount of effort. Remember, you’ll have the altitude to contend with, so you want your body to be as efficient as possible at performing the “work” (trekking) it’s required to do. Resistance training predominantly trains the anaerobic (without oxygen) energy production systems.

• Work on your lower body (leg) strength – squats, lunges, anything that targets the large muscles in your legs.
• Build your core strength for good balance on uneven terrain
• Back and upper body strength for carrying your daypack

You’ll need strong legs to power you up the mountain, and the downhill sections can be hard on your hips, knees, and thighs. A good strength training program will help the larger muscle groups build strength, and also strengthen the smaller, stabilizing muscles around the joints to reduce injury.  You don’t need to go full-on bodybuilder strength training, but incorporating resistance training 2-4 times a week will pay dividends later on. If you’re not experienced with weight training, we highly recommend consulting a personal trainer.

STRETCHING, FLEXIBILITY & YOGA

When you’re doing a lot of cardio or strength training, it’s easy to ignore flexibility. Stretching your muscles before and after exercise reduces injury. It makes you more balanced and helps your muscles recover.  Incorporating some yoga into your program helps with your breathing techniques, promotes good posture and helps you to stay calm and focused on the challenge ahead.

BREATHING TECHNIQUES

Learning to control your breathing is very important when you hike in the thin air. Shallow breathing and hyperventilation don’t allow you to take in enough oxygen and can increase your body’s response to stress. Be mindful of your breathing and learn to take long, slow, deep breaths. Using yoga, meditation or specific breathing techniques can help with your ability to listen to your body. Tuning into your body’s needs such as hunger, thirst, heart rate, aches, and pains means you’ll know quickly if something’s wrong.

INJURY PREVENTION & EXISTING INJURIES
Most of us have an odd sore knee, tight hip or weak shoulder. Knowing your current limitations (check with your doctor for any injuries you suspect you have) allows you to prepare better. 

• If you’ve got poor knees, ask your doctor or physiotherapist about a knee-brace, particularly for downhill sections
• Hire a good personal trainer to devise a program to strengthen your weak points
• Soft tissue work or sports massage can help free up tight muscles in certain areas 
• Prevent injury by warming up and cooling down before and after intense exercise

ON THE MOUNTAIN

• Choose the longest route possible, for the best acclimatization protocol 
• Take it slow and steady: conserve your energy, there’s no rush  
• Stay hydrated, and eat regularly  Use hiking poles to help you balance on uneven terrain 
• Treat ‘hotpots’ on your feet to prevent them from turning into blisters

LEARN THE "REST-STEP"

The “rest step” is a hiking technique that has you drop your heel with every step, completely straightening your leg. This puts the weight on your skeleton and gives your muscles a chance to relax for a moment.  And most importantly: tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell, have a headache, nausea or are suffering any kind of pain.

MENTAL STAMINA

Trekking Kili is a mental challenge and requires perseverance and determination. The long hours of hiking, effects of altitude, and sleeping in a cold tent can all take their toll.  How can you ‘train’ mental stamina?   Remembering your “why”. Why did you choose Kilimanjaro? Are you raising money for charity? Perhaps it’s to push your physical capacity or a lifelong dream. Either way, keep your “why” in mind

• Mindfulness and meditation. There are plenty of resources explaining the benefits to mind and body of meditation, one of which is improving your mental resolve
• Hard training: pushing yourself through a previous ‘limit’ can show you just what you’re capable of. Perhaps you’ve achieved a personal best of some sort.
• Confidence, but not over-confidence. Achieving milestones that you set for yourself can increase your confidence in your ability to handle tough situations. Over-confidence can cause laziness and complacency 
• Draw on your own experiences. Remember some difficult situations you’ve overcome, and remind yourself that you can do this. 
• Be informed: read up as much as you can about the challenge you are undertaking, build up knowledge about the mountain as well as about yourself 
• One step, one breath, one activity, one achievement at a time.

NUTRITION
On the mountain, we provide you with well-balanced nutritionally dense meals and cater for most dietary requirements. During your training, it’s important to follow a healthy nutritional plan for optimal results that aligns with your goals.

SUMMING UP

Anyone in good health (if your doctor agrees) can get fit enough to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. There’s no “magic bullet” or secret to training for Kilimanjaro, it’s a matter of putting the work in, and gradually building up your capacity.

Try not to compare yourself to others. Many people in sub-optimal physical condition have achieved the summit, and many athletes have failed. The effects of altitude are a great equalizer. Be your best self, train to be in your best physical shape. If in doubt, seek professional help from a qualified personal trainer or your physician.

Safety on Kilimanjaro – Our Number one priority

One of the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and at 19,341 ft, the summit falls into the “extreme altitude” mountaineering category. It’s one of the few mountains of this size that requires no technical skill to reach the summit.

It should not be underestimated. Trekking at altitude in a remote location can be dangerous, and every year it’s estimated over 1,000 people are evacuated from the mountain and sadly, some never return to their families.

Key factors affecting your safety on Kilimanjaro:

• Altitude sickness and altitude-related complications 
• Remote location Experience and training of your guides
• The right equipment for dealing with an emergency 
• Robust monitoring and evacuation processes and protocols

How Our Trekking Team Works to Keep You Safe on Kilimanjaro

Staying safe on Kilimanjaro starts with understanding the risks and knowing how to mitigate them. We ask all our climbers to fill in a comprehensive medical questionnaire, and in the case of some pre-existing conditions, we may ask for confirmation from your doctor that you are fit to climb. Your guide will need to know any existing medications you are taking (including over the counter) and whether you are taking Diamox to help acclimatization.

Read our guide to Kilimanjaro altitude Sickness: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Guide Training
You need to know that your guide has the proper training to know how to detect the early signs of altitude sickness, and what to do about it. Our guides undergo Wilderness First Responder training, which teaches essential skills for managing medical conditions in remote locations.
Our trekking guides work with the Sentinel Outdoor Institute, a high-altitude medical training organization who run in-depth training courses in Tanzania to ensure all guides are kept up to date with emerging medical protocols.
Carrying emergency equipment is useless if your guide doesn’t know how to use it.

A note on guide-to-climber ratio
It’s our mission to ensure a safe and successful summit for everyone. We have a guide to climber ratio of 1 to 2, so for every two climbers, we have one trained mountain guide. This allows for more careful observation and evaluation of the group’s condition.

Daily Health Checks & Monitoring    
Communication with your guide is important. If you’re feeling under the weather, have a headache, nausea or any other symptom, you must tell your guide. While hiking, your guide will be keeping a lookout for any early signs of trouble: 

• Are you having difficulty on the trail, stumbling or very tired   
• Are you eating well, or is your appetite diminishing   
• Do you keep stopping to catch your breath, and having difficulty breathing   
• Are you drinking enough water   
• Any signs of erratic behavior or confusion

Daily Health Check 

• Every day, you’ll have a one-to-one meeting with your guide for a comprehensive health check-up: 
• Using a pulse oximeter to measure your blood oxygen saturation and resting pulse rate, using this data in combination with: 
• Symptom picture, using the Lake Louise Scoring System to determine whether you are showing signs of altitude sickness 
• Self-assessment questions to determine how you are feeling

Constant monitoring prevents a mild case of altitude sickness from escalating into an emergency.

Read more: Pulse Oximeter & Daily Monitoring to Detect Altitude Sickness

Emergency Oxygen & Medical Supplies 
Our team carries a comprehensive medical kit, including bottled oxygen, and portable stretcher.

• We carry supplemental oxygen for emergency use only.
• The only cure for acute mountain sickness is immediate descent to a lower elevation.
• In the case of an injury that prevents a climber from descending on foot, we use a portable stretcher that is provided by the National Park at each campsite.
• Oxygen can be administered to alleviate AMS in combination with immediate descent.
• We carry a first aid medical kit to treat minor injuries

Helicopter Evacuation on Kilimanjaro
In the event of an emergency, we use a search and rescue service that operates out of Moshi. After a distress call, a helicopter will be dispatched to the nearest landing point and the patient can be airlifted off the mountain and taken to the local hospital. Of note, in the event of adverse mountain weather, a helicopter may not be able to land, and if this is the case, a manual evacuation will need to take place via a stretcher provided by the National Park.

Read more: Kilimanjaro Helicopter Rescue

Other Important Safety Aspects on Kilimanjaro

It’s important that you take responsibility for your safety, including:

• Don’t ignore symptoms. If you have a headache, loss of appetite, nausea or any unusual symptom, tell your guide immediately
• Don’t try to “push through”. Mild signs of altitude sickness can often be successfully treated without evacuation, but ignoring them can be dangerous
• Keep an eye on your team-mates. If you see someone struggling or behaving erratically, tell your guide
• Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.

Equipment & Gear

Trekking on Kilimanjaro takes you through five major climate zones, from the warmth of the low slopes to the bitterly cold, sub-zero temperatures at the summit.

In addition to the medical and emergency equipment, the quality of kit used in camp is also an important consideration. Weather on any mountain can be unpredictable, and keeping safe, warm, and dry at night is imperative to the health of any climber.    

• Rugged tents suitable for changing mountain conditions, that stay dry even in torrential rain   
• Comfortable waterproof dining tent with table and chairs   
• Sanitary toilet facilities   

Arriving for a Kilimanjaro climb without proper cold-weather clothing, adequate hiking boots or a sleeping bag appropriate for expedition conditions is asking for trouble. We’ve put together a comprehensive packing list for Kilimanjaro explaining what you need and why.    

• If you haven’t got the right boots, you can easily turn an ankle or injure yourself on the rocky trails    
• Without effective rain gear, you’ll get soaking wet and quickly turn hypothermic    
• If you don’t protect yourself from the sun, you can end up with a nasty case of sunburn or sunstroke    
• Never stay in wet clothes    
• Our Kilimanjaro packing list details everything you need to bring to be properly prepared

Hygiene, food & water safety   
There are no showers on Kilimanjaro, and we recommend you bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently, especially before you eat. A combination of being tired from hiking, altitude, and dietary changes can make you more susceptible to traveler’s diarrhea or other ‘stomach bugs’.   

During the day:    

• Eat regularly, even if you think you’re not hungry, this keeps your energy levels up    
• Drink plenty of water, dehydration will quickly lead to fatigue and can compromise the acclimatization process   

We go to great lengths to ensure your food is prepared safely, to avoid gastrointestinal problems. We boil, filter and purify all drinking water, including the water used to wash food products.    By providing private toilet tents for our climbers, we avoid the unsanitary conditions found in some of the public facilities at the campsites.

Physical Preparation

Safety begins at home, before you arrive in Tanzania.    

• Medical check-up from your doctor, discussing any existing medical conditions or medications you’re taking    
• Kilimanjaro Recommended vaccinations and for the areas you are traveling to    
• Consider taking Diamox to help acclimatization, discuss this with your doctor for any interactions with existing medications    
• Arrange your travel insurance for Kilimanjaro Climb – it’s mandatory to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover emergencies        

You should have a good standard of fitness in order to hike over rugged terrain for multiple days. While it’s not technical, the hiking is tough and exhausting. Start your fitness program well ahead of your climb, follow our complete guide to training for Kilimanjaro.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

We take your safety very seriously and don’t believe in leaving anything to chance. Emergencies can and do occur, due to the nature of the remote, high-altitude environment. Climbing Kilimanjaro with an operator who has well-trained guides, robust safety procedures, and good quality equipment reduces the incidence and severity of any issues that arise.

You can prepare yourself by being fit, bringing the right gear, and taking adequate precautions on the trail.

What is the Weather on Kilimanjaro? 
The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can vary from very hot to extremely cold within the same day although it does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more by the altitude and time of day.        

At the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 21 to 27 °C and at the summit, Uhuru Peak, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Like all great mountains, Kilimanjaro creates its own weather which can be extremely variable and difficult to predict.  Hikers need to be prepared for warm, sunny conditions, and rain, wind, cold, and even snow.        

Even though the best time to climb Kilimanjaro coincides with the “dry” seasons, rain, and snow are possible at any time of the year. As you get higher up, the temperatures can vary dramatically, one moment you can be trekking in baking sunshine, the next you’ll be layering up against a bitter wind.             

Standing at 19,341 ft above sea level, Kilimanjaro is big enough to create it’s own weather systems. Being on the equator means the trade winds (sometimes called ‘monsoons’) that move across the ocean, drawing moisture upwards are interrupted by the mountain. This causes the wind to push up towards the summit, cooling as it goes, bringing rain and snow.             

Is there snow on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro?             
The long rainy season between March and May is a result of the trade winds from the south-east. These southerly winds from the Indian Ocean are laden with moisture, bringing rain to the lower slopes and snow on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro summit. During this season, the southern slopes get the most rainfall.           

The ‘short rains’ in November are from a dryer wind coming from the northeast. As it hasn’t traveled across an ocean, the rains are shorter and less intense than during the long rains. Most of the rainfall during this season falls on the more northerly slopes.

Kilimanjaro Temperatures

Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t  experience wide temperature changes from season to season due to it’s proximity to the equator, Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more so by the altitude and what time of day it is. At the base of Mount Kilimanjaro where the the climb starts, the average temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). From the base when you ascent, the temperatures will decrease as you go through  mountain’s 5 ecological zones.

At the Summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, which lies in the arctic zone the night temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Therefore, we recommend that you should always be prepared for wet and cold nights so please bring the necessary gear at all times. Read more about what you need to carry on your day pack on Kilimanjaro  

Kilimanjaro Weather through the Climate Zones

As you make your way higher up, you’ll notice the weather changing through the climate zones.   

Cultivation Zone:   
Altitude: 2,600 to 6,000 ft (800 to 1,800 m)    
Precipitation: 20 to 70 in (500 to 1,800 mm)   
Surrounding the base of Kilimanjaro is the cultivation zone. Comprising mostly farmland thanks to the fertile volcanic soil, this area gets plenty of annual rainfall. Mostly temperate conditions, you’ll mostly be passing through this region on your way to the trailhead.    Forest Zone:    Altitude: 6,000 to 9,200 ft (1,800 to 2,800 m)     Precipitation: 79 to 40 in (2,000 to 1,000 mm)    We start our climb in the montane forest, a tropical rainforest that serves to absorb most of the moisture coming off the mountain, forming underground streams and springs. Conditions are usually warm and humid, with mists forming under the dense canopy. Thick cloud cover is not uncommon, and it can be muddy underfoot.   

Heath/Moorland Zone   
Altitude: 9,200 to 13,200 ft (2,800 to 4,000 m)
Precipitation: 51 to 21 in (1,300 to 530 mm)   
After hiking through the forest, you’ll emerge from the trees into the Heath and Moorland Zone. The dense tropical forest gives way to tall grasses and giant heathers, and you’ll be more exposed to the wind and rain.    Temperatures can remain warm throughout the day but drop significantly at night. The humidity lessens, the trails are dryer, and generally, it’s a more comfortable hiking experience. Rain tends to be minimal, although it can occur pretty much anywhere on the mountain.    The sun’s rays can be harsh, so you’ll need your sunscreen, and temperatures at night can be bitterly cold.   

Alpine/High Desert Zone:   
Altitude: 13,200 to 16,500 ft (4,000 to 5,000 m)    
Precipitation: 10 in (250 mm)   
Climbing higher still, we’ll enter the High Desert Zone, arid, with only small, hardy plants surviving at an altitude where wind speeds continue to increase and there is little rainfall.    Day time temperatures can still be quite warm, but in the evening the mercury drops quickly, with conditions getting much colder. Here, it is not uncommon to be camped well above the clouds, which makes for an enchanting sight on a clear, starlit night.    The views are far-reaching and dramatic, the trails dustier, and the air much thinner.   

Arctic Zone:   
Altitude: 16,500+ ft (5,000+ m)    
Precipitation: 4 in (100 mm)   
Above 16,000 ft is the Arctic or Summit Zone. With very little rainfall (most precipitation falls as snow) this barren desert is characterized by huge rocky outcrops, volcanic scree, and glaciers. 

 Known as “extreme altitude”, this region has approximately 49% of the oxygen at sea level. It’s a bleak, inhospitable place.   

It’s very cold here, with blustery winds and nighttime temperatures well below freezing. As you set off for your summit attempt, there may be ice and snow underfoot, it’s bitterly cold, even at midday and the sun’s radiation is harsh.   

Sunscreen is essential on any exposed parts of your body, the dry air will dehydrate you quickly, and you’ll need warm layers to keep your core temperature up.   

Read more about Kilimanjaro altitude here.   

Kilimanjaro Weather Variations   

The weather varies based on the time of year you visit Kilimanjaro. During the months of April and May, it’s much rainier on the mountain than it is during the dryer season of June to October. January through March tends to be a bit colder.    

Kilimanjaro Weather Chart

Kilimanjaro Weather Forecast

Fri 82°F63°F Chance of rain at various times. [details]

Sat 79°F64°F Chance of light rain in the morning. [details]

Sun 84°F63°F Chance of light rain in the morning. [details]

Mon 88°F64°F Mostly cloudy skies. [details]

Tue 90°F66°F Mostly cloudy skies. [details]

Wed 88°F66°F Chance of light rain in the morning. [details]

Thu 88°F64°F Chance of light rain in the morning. [details]

 

Kilimanjaro Weather Month by Month

The Long Dry Season: June to September    
The long dry season is a great time of year to climb the mountain. Temperatures are a little colder than the short dry season (January and February) but overall conditions are excellent with very little chance of precipitation.   

The Short Wet Season: October,November and December   
The short rains come between October and December. The timing of this season is a bit less predictable than during the long rains. We don’t recommend climbing once the rains have set in. Average temperature of 76°F (24.4°C) with rain slowly increasing in frequency with partly cloudy skies.   

The Short Dry   January to February   
This is a popular time to trek Kilimanjaro. Especially during late January and into February, temperatures are generally a bit warmer than between June and October. Though this can vary from year to year.   

The Long Wet Season: March to May   
Towards the end of March, when the trade winds blowing across the Indian ocean come in contact with the mountain, the long rains begin. We don’t offer climbs during this season as the rain can be heavy, making the trails wet and dangerous.   

Kilimanjaro Weather on the summit   
Most trekkers start their climb to the summit at around midnight. It’s bitterly cold, often with snow or ice on the trail. We aim to get to Uhuru Peak at sunrise, as mostly the skies clear and you’ll be treated to vast panoramic views of Mawenzi and out over the African plains. At the summit, Uhuru Point, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Due to Mount Kilimanjaro’s great height, the mountain creates it’s own weather.   

Read more about the trail conditions, sleeping on the mountain or the best time to climb Kilimanjaro.   

Read more about the trail conditions, sleeping on the mountain or the best time to climb Kilimanjaro.

The altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro, African continent’s highest peak is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Kilimanjaro presents a unique set of challenges, the most dangerous of which being altitude sickness. A significant proportion of people who climb over 9,000ft develop some symptoms relating to altitude. At Climbing Kilimanjaro, Safety is our Number one priority.     

Effects of Altitude on Kilimanjaro   

Kilimanjaro has become a very popular trek as it’s a way for ordinary hikers to experience a high mountain summit with no technical skill. Being what’s known as a “walk-up”, without the need for ropes and climbing gear, some people underestimate the potential for serious, life-threatening situations as a result of the altitude.         

Kilimanjaro’s summit falls into the “extreme altitude” category, along with Aconcagua and Denali (Mt McKinley). Everest and K2 are “ultra” altitude, where acclimatization is impossible.   

A Brief Introduction to Altitude   

At the summit of Kilimanjaro there is approximately 49% less oxygen than at sea level. However, it’s not the percentage of oxygen in the air that changes, it’s the barometric pressure (air pressure) of the atmosphere that’s reduced.              

The percentage of oxygen in the air is the same 20.9%, but it’s availability is reduced by the reduction in air pressure. What this means, in simple terms is that for any volume of air you breathe in, there are less molecules of oxygen available.           

The reduced air pressure has other problems associated with it as well, allowing fluid to collect outside of the cells, around the brain (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and the lungs (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), both very serious conditions.   

Altitude Sickness: What is it?   

Mountain sickness has three main forms: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Additionally, AMS can be mild (very common and manageable with the right treatment), moderate, and severe (immediate descent necessary).   Let’s take a closer look at these conditions.   

Acute Mountain Sickness   

According to Dr. Peter Hackett of the Institute for Altitude Medicine, AMS can affect anyone above 6,000ft. The initial sign is usually a headache, which confusingly can also be a sign of dehydration or over-exertion. If other symptoms develop, then a diagnosis of AMS is probable.   

Mild AMS    In it’s mildest form, the symptoms can resemble that of a hangover, with nausea, headache, fatigue, and a loss of appetite. If you experience any of these symptoms it’s important to tell your guide and not simply try to push through. Mild symptoms can often be resolved with rest and adequate hydration.    Moderate AMS    If the symptoms of mild AMS start to get worse, a headache that you can’t shift, dizziness, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting this is an indication that you are not adapting to the altitude (acclimatizing) and at this point you should descend to the last elevation that you felt “well”.    Treatments such as ibuprofen for the headache or anti-emetics for the nausea can mask worsening symptoms and should not be relied upon for continued ascent.   

Severe AMS   If a person suffering with moderate AMS ignores the symptoms pushing through to a higher elevation, there’s a risk that the condition can become severe. Severe AMS can lead to life-threatening complications (HAPE and HACE) and immediate descent is mandatory.    Symptoms can include severe headache, ataxia (lack of co-ordination, inability to walk properly, staggering), increased coughing and shortness of breath. Someone with severe AMS will likely need evacuation from the mountain either by stretcher or helicopter.   Complications resulting from severe mountain sickness are HAPE and HACE.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

Basecamp MD explains that HAPE can develop as a result of the lung arteries developing excessive pressure as a result of the low oxygen environment. This pressure causes build up of fluid around the lungs.      

Confusingly, it’s possible for a climber to develop HAPE even if they don’t seem to have symptoms of severe AMS.   

Look out for:    

• Coughing up blood or mucus    
• Abnormal lung sounds    
• Extreme listlessness    
• Difficulty breathing    
• Lips going blue  
• Confusion, lack of coordination   

Anyone at altitude who feels as though they have a respiratory infection should assume it’s HAPE until a medical professional proves it to be otherwise. If HAPE is suspected, oxygen is often administered in conjunction with immediate evacuation to a medical facility.    As oxygen levels in the blood drop, the brain can suffer from lack of oxygen, leading to HACE.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema

HACE is a very dangerous condition that requires immediate medical treatment. As fluid builds up around the brain, the climber comes increasingly confused, lethargic and drowsy, incapable of walking and behaving strangely.    Look out for:     Disorientation, confusion, hallucinations, talking nonsense     Lack of coordination, staggering, inability to walk     Irrational behavior     Severe headache, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting    HACE cannot be treated without immediate evacuation to a medical facility.

How is Altitude Sickness Diagnosed?

In our daily health checks, Climbing Kilimanjaro guides will use a pulse oximeter to measure your oxygen saturation and pulse rate and use this data along with any symptoms you are presenting to build up a picture of your situation.        

Lake Louise Scoring System        

Developed in 1991 and reviewed as recently as 2018, the Lake Louise Scoring System remains the basis for most diagnosis in the field of a climber’s condition. Climbing Kilimanjaro guides use this as a framework when they assess your condition. The ‘score’ attaches a number depending on the severity of your condition.        

Headache   
0—None at all    
1—A mild headache    
2—Moderate headache    
3—Severe headache, incapacitating   

Gastrointestinal symptoms   
0—Good appetite    
1—Poor appetite or nausea    
2—Moderate nausea or vomiting    
3—Severe nausea and vomiting, incapacitating   

Fatigue and/or weakness   
0—Not tired or weak
1—Mild fatigue/weakness    
2—Moderate fatigue/weakness    
3—Severe fatigue/weakness, incapacitating   

Dizziness/light-headedness  
0—No dizziness/light-headedness    
1—Mild dizziness/light-headedness    
2—Moderate dizziness/light-headedness    
3—Severe dizziness/light-headedness, incapacitating   

AMS Clinical Functional Score   
Overall, if you had AMS symptoms, how did they affect your activities?   
0—Not at all    
1—Symptoms present, but did not force any change in activity or itinerary    
2—My symptoms forced me to stop the ascent or to go down on my own power   
3—Had to be evacuated to a lower altitude   

[Source: High Altitude Medicine and Biology]

Acclimatization: Preventing Altitude Sickness

The term acclimatization or “acclimation” refers to the body’s compensatory processes to adapt to the low-oxygen, low-atmospheric pressure environment. From day one, your body will start to make adaptive changes to compensate.   

Things you’ll notice:    

• Breathing deeper, sometimes faster    
• Elevated resting heart rate    
• Potentially higher blood pressure.   

As you ascend slowly, your body has certain mechanisms it uses to adapt:    

• Producing more of the oxygen carrying hemoglobin    
• Higher erythropoietin production, this is a hormone from the kidneys that increases the manufacture of red blood cells    
• Lower volume of plasma, which can increase risk of dehydration.    
• Higher kidney function as excess bicarbonate ions are excreted as a result of changing acid/alkali balance of blood.   

All of these changes are a gradual process, which is why the best and safest summit success rates are had on routes with a good acclimatization protocol. The longer it takes to reach high altitude, the longer your body has to adapt.   

By building in acclimatization days “hike high, sleep low” and rest days increases your chances of adequate adaptation, resulting in lower incidence of mountain sickness.   

Acclimatization is a complicated process, some people seem to have no problem at all. There are no tricks or hacks, it’s a matter of time, although the medication Diamox has been shown to up regulate the body’s natural acclimatization processes and can help speed it up.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro

• Take a longer route. Instead of choosing the quickest way up Kilimanjaro, opt for a route that builds-in some acclimatization time. Also Kilimanjaro climb training and preparation is very important.   
• Hike slowly. You’ll hear your guides reminding you of this “pole pole” (slowly, slowly in Swahili). You don’t want to tire yourself out, always try to be the last person into camp.   
• Even if you’re very fit, you need to conserve your energy, avoid over-exertion. Fatigue is believed to be a major contributor to AMS.   
• Stay hydrated. Keeping your fluids up prevents dehydration in the dry air which can compromise your ability to acclimatize   
• Ask your doctor if Diamox is right for you.    Don’t climb higher if you are suffering any symptoms of altitude sickness.   
• Avoid narcotic pain killers, sleeping pills, alcohol or stimulants   
• Always tell your guide if you have a headache, nausea or any other symptom   
• Keep eating, particularly carbohydrates. The US Army studies show that carbohydrates increase ventilation, and are the most efficient fuel for high altitude exertion.   
• Stay warm. Hypothermia is dangerous, never stay in wet clothes.

Does Altitude Training help Acclimatization?

Altitude Training is becoming increasingly popular among st would-be mountaineers. Some athletes use these training protocols to enhance performance, and studies have shown a “per-acclimatization” process as a result.     

The protocols vary from training in a simulated altitude chamber, sleeping in a hypnotic tent, and even intermittent exposure to hypoxic air at rest. You can read our in depth guide to altitude training for more information.        

The best pre-acclimatization method would be to climb Mt Meru, or some peaks in your home country prior to traveling to Kilimanjaro. This isn’t possible for everyone, nor is it necessary but if you do have access to some high altitude you’ll get a good idea of how well you acclimatize.        

Effects of Altitude on existing Conditions        

Your doctor will advise you of whether your medical history prevents you from traveling to altitude. Many people with well-controlled pre-existing conditions are able to climb Kilimanjaro successfully.        

Anyone with heart, lung or neurological conditions will need to have a medical sign-off from their doctor before joining one of our climbs. It’s particularly important for your doctor to assess how the altitude may affect your current medications and condition. Be aware that certain medical conditions may make getting adequate travel insurance more difficult.

Effects of Altitude on Sleep: Cheyne-Stokes Breathing

One of the main reasons for sleep disturbance at altitude is periodic breathing. This is not necessarily associated with altitude sickness, but can be uncomfortable and disruptive. The Institute for Altitude Medicine explains that it’s a “battle in the body over control of breathing during sleep”. The oxygen sensors tell the parasympathetic nervous system to breathe more deeply, whilst the carbon dioxide sensors tell it to stop   

The result is usually deep breathing followed by the breathing stopping, and then a deep-breath as it restarts. Diamox often helps with this condition.

Other Health Considerations on Kilimanjaro

While altitude sickness is the main concern, you need to take a pro-active view of your health whilst climbing.

Hypothermia

Never stay in wet clothes. Whether from rainfall or perspiration, once you stop moving, a slight chill can turn to hypothermia in a short time, especially higher up the mountain. Make sure you carry adequate layers in your day pack, as rapid changes in temperature are quite common as you ascend.

The Sun’s Rays

Always wear sunscreen, preferably factor 40+, cover exposed parts of your body, including your head and neck. As you ascend, there is less atmosphere to filter out the harmful UV rays, and the sun’s rays are harsh   

Most importantly, wear sunglasses that block 100% of the UV rays. Wraparound glasses are best, to prevent reflected UV off glaciers and snow from damaging your eyes. Snow blindness is not common, but it’s a definite risk if you don’t protect your eyes.

Gastro-intestinal issues

Any travel to remote places comes with a risk of gastro-intestinal trouble. Different foods, sub-standard hygiene, and exposure to bacteria and viruses can cause stomach problems. Always use anti-bacterial gel or wipes on your hands, especially before eating.   

Your main risk for stomach trouble is before your climb. Avoid eating at street stalls, stay away from tap water, salads, and fruit you can’t peel. On the mountain we adhere to strict food hygiene protocols and provide safe purified water at all times.

Climbing Kilimanjaro Safety Procedures

At climbing Kilimanjaro we take your safety very seriously. Climbing Kilimanjaro trained  guides will monitor you closely, but to do that, they also need your help. If you feel in any way unwell, you should inform your guide immediately. Keep an eye on other members of your group, if you see someone behaving strangely or they appear to be suffering, tell your guide.   

Every day your guide will check your oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter, question you about how you are feeling, and listen to your chest for unusual lung sounds. Catching it early is the best way to prevent mild altitude sickness escalating.   

Climbing Kilimanjaro Team carries emergency oxygen and there are portable stretcher provided by the National Park on every climb. If a climber is suffering and cannot proceed, we have partnered with Kilimanjaro helicopter rescue for emergency evacuation.

When hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, you can opt for either a mountain hut or a tent as your accommodation. The Marangu Route is the only path which offers huts, while all other seven routes require camping in a tent.        

Camping on the mountain is part of the adventure, and after a long day on the trail, your tent will become your own private sanctuary to rest and recover.        

Tents & Mattresses on Kilimanjaro                      
On all our climbs, we use Mountain Hardwear’s rugged, 4-season tents, designed specifically for mountain conditions. Built to accommodate three people, we only ever have two people in a tent, leavingenough room for your duffel bag containing all your gear. A vestibule at the front provides a sheltered spot for you to stow muddy boots and gaiters.               

These tents are manufactured to withstand high winds, heavy rain and snow cover, making them ideal for the environment on Kilimanjaro.              

When you arrive at camp, your tent will be already set up for you by our team, and your gear safely inside. The campsites are flat, not subject to any water accumulation, and our team will make sure there are no stray rocks underneath.                     

You’ll be provided with a rugged foam mattress, though if you have a particular sleeping mat you prefer, you are welcome to bring it with you.        

Sleeping Bags On Kilimanjaro                      
You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag or rent one through us. If you are bringing your own, make sure it’s rated down to -18 Celsius (0 F). You need an ‘expedition’ sleeping bag, not one you’d use for kid’s sleepovers or car camping in the summer.                

Rent or Buy?                    
A good quality winter sleeping bag is quite a substantial investment, and if you’re not traveling regularly to high-altitude or very cold climates it can seem like a lot of money to spend for one trip. Check out our Kilimanjaro rental gear pricing         

We can arrange for you to rent a sleeping bag suitable for the mountain conditions. Unlike some operators, we have our sleeping bags professionally cleaned after each climb, and replace them frequently.                  

Regardless of whether you rent or buy, we recommend bringing a good quality sleeping bag liner, preferably fleece. This keeps the sleeping bag clean as oils from your body and dust can damage the lining, and compromise insulation. It also adds much-needed warmth as you climb higher. The Sea to Summit Reactor Fleece is a good option.                 

Features of a Sleeping Bag suitable for Kilimanjaro                    
Make sure your Kilimanjaro sleeping bag is rated to -18C, 0F as a minimum. A 3-season sleeping bag won’t be warm enough, make sure you’ve got a 4-season bag, which can be either down or synthetic filled, as you prefer.                       

Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are recommended, as the closer fit provides better insulation and prevents cold spots from developing around your body. Make sure it’s got an insulated hood and neck baffle, and the zipper doesn’t allow cold air to get in.         

Down or Synthetic?                     
For the best warmth-to-weight ratio, down wins every time. More expensive than synthetically insulated sleeping bags, down bags are superior in terms of warmth, but they don’t perform well if they get wet.             
   
Synthetic sleeping bags are often a bit heavier than down-fill, but they repel water better, and dry out much quicker. Either work well on Kilimanjaro, but if you choose a down bag, make sure you’ve got a rugged waterproof compression sack to stow it in between camps.       
               
If you rent a sleeping bag, you’ll have a choice between down and synthetic, as some people are allergic to duck and goose down.                    

Fatigue, Cold & Altitude Considerations on Kilimanjaro                      
As explained in our Kilimanjaro guide to altitude sickness, as you get to higher elevations, the altitude can affect your respiration, resulting in periodic breathing at night. Known as Cheyne-Stokes breathing, if you have no other symptoms, it’s not dangerous, but can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, making sleep more difficult at higher elevations.          

Fatigue can make you feel the cold more acutely. You’ll be tired after a day on the trail, and even if you are in the best physical shape possible, staying warm at night is a priority. 

Aches and pains do not make for a happy camper. A good level of fitness will mean you’ll recover well from the day’s hiking, which will in turn help you sleep better.                    

Top Tips for a Warm & Comfortable Night in Your Tent            

Between us, we’ve spent hundreds of hours asleep on Kilimanjaro and here are our top tips to keep comfortable:                   

Sleep System 
As soon as you arrive at camp, get your sleeping bag out of it’s compression sack and lay it out on your sleeping mat. This allows the insulation or “loft” to fluff up, as it’s the air between the synthetic fibers or down feathers that traps warmth.                     

Keep your sleeping bag away from the sides of the tent, as condensation may build up, and cause dampness, compromising the insulation.                          

Use a fleece sleeping bag liner for added warmth.                

Sleeping Clothes                 
Have a set of clothes that you use for sleeping. A warm base layer (top and bottom) and a clean pair of socks can make all the difference to your comfort. At the higher camps you’ll most likely be wearing more than one layer. Sleep in a warm hat, as much of your body heat is lost through your head.               

Other ways to stay warm and comfortable on Kilimanjaro                  

• Do not wear wet clothes in your sleeping bag. Anything that causes damp and moisture will compromise the insulation properties of your sleeping bag                      
• Before retiring to your tent, fill your water bottle with hot water, (make sure the lid is well-secured) and use it in your sleeping bag as a foot warmer or body warmer                 
• Make sure you’ve eaten enough. Appetites can decrease at altitude, but your body needs the calories to generate heat as well as recover from the day’s exertions.               
• Put the clothes you’re wearing the next day in your sleeping bag, this’ll keep them warm for when you dress in the frosty morning air.                      
• If you’re a light sleeper, bring ear plugs. The wind can be noisy, especially at Barafu camp, and noise from other climbers (or your tent mate’s snoring) can keep you awake.                           
• Visit the toilet before bedtime. There’s nothing worse than waking up all warm and cosy in your sleeping bag needing a call of nature in the middle of the night!                       
• If you know you have problems sleeping, work on fixing these at home, don’t wait until you’re on the side of the mountain! Avoid sleeping pills as they can have a bad effect on your ability to acclimatize.  

                       
Camping is all part of the mountain experience, and there’s no reason for it to be uncomfortable. If you absolutely hate the idea of sleeping in a tent, the Marangu route provides dorm-style accommodation in huts.                

For the camp staff, the day begins well before sun-up. The team prepares hot water for your washbasin, tea, and other hot beverages and breakfast. Your day will start bright and early, with a friendly wake-up call as the sun peeks over the horizon. 

A team member will bring you a basin of warm water to wash your face and brush your teeth, and a hot beverage, to warm you up before breakfast.

You’ll need to re-pack your duffel bag and daypack, taking only what you’ll need for the day’s hiking. Roll up your sleeping bag, (make sure you’ve packed any loose bits and pieces) before you leave your tent, dressed and ready for the day’s trek.

Breakfast is served in the mess tent, and we’ll all gather here for the day’s briefing, followed by a hearty breakfast, and daily medical checks. Take this opportunity to refill your water bottles or hydration reservoirs. 

Once everyone’s pronounced fit and healthy, we’ll hit the trail, usually at around 8 am. Trekking poles in hand, we’ll be hiking at a slow-to-moderate pace, with plenty of rest stops for you to catch your breath, eat a snack, and appreciate the dramatic scenery of this unique mountain.

The team will stay behind to break camp, and will most likely overtake you during the course of the morning, moving quickly to establish our next camp.

Your guides will hike with you, making sure the group stays together, giving frequent reminders of “pole pole” (slowly, slowly). Keeping the pace slow helps with acclimatization and prevents anyone from getting unnecessarily fatigued.

Be sure to let your guide know if you have a headache, nausea, disorientation, or any other unusual symptoms.

We’ll stop for lunch along the way, some days this will be a hot lunch served in a mess tent; on other days we’ll have a picnic lunch, depending on the weather conditions, route or schedule. We aim to do most of the hiking in the morning so that after lunch it’s a shorter trek to our campsite.

On arrival at camp, you’ll find your tent ready for you, and your duffel bag inside. It’s important to change out of any damp clothing (whether from rain or perspiration), roll out your sleeping bag so it has a chance to “fluff up” (a compressed sleeping bag doesn’t insulate well), before heading over to the mess tent for a tea time snack and hot beverage. 

Some afternoons we’ll do an acclimatization hike, up to a higher elevation, as part of the “hike high, sleep low” protocol, others we’ll rest and relax in preparation for the following day. 

An early dinner will be served, after another medical check and briefing. Most trekkers crawl into their sleeping bag for an early night, others prefer to stay up talking. The mess tent is comfortable and well-lit, a good place to catch up on your diary or a bit of reading.

When you arrive at Barafu Camp, you’ll need to get as much rest as possible. Prepare your daypack as soon as you arrive, as you’ll be woken at around 11 pm to start your summit trek.

After an early dinner, we retire to our tents, though sleep can be hard to come by at this altitude and the excitement of what’s ahead.

At 11 pm, your team will bring a hot drink, there will be some snacks in the mess tent before we start our climb at around midnight. You’ll need your head torch, water, snacks and any other essentials in your daypack.

There are several things that you can do to prepare yourself for your summit ascent.

Get your temperature right. 
Conserving energy by ensuring that you always have the right body temperature will mean that your body is not working overtime to either cool down or heat up.

When you set off walking you need to be slightly cool, so just before you start remove your down jacket or over jacket. When you stop moving for your “maintenance stop” then you immediately need to put on your down jacket or over jacket to keep warm. This will help you conserve energy.

Eat and drink plenty

To ensure you have enough energy to summit and descend you need to “feed your climb “. You will be trekking for 13-15 hours on summit day and could easily consume approx. 4000 calories during this time. We suggest that you bring with you a selection of things you like, and find easy, to eat such as candy bars, crisp, cookies, trail mix, fruits, nuts, energy bars, and hard sweets for summit day.

Use stops effectively
During your summit ascent we will have “maintenance stops” not rest stops- you need to use this time effectively to make sure that you are ready for the next stage. Plan in advance what you need to do: adjust your clothing, have a loo visit, eat and drink and most importantly before you stop put on something warm to prevent heat loss.

Go slowly but not too slowly
Our guides will set a pace that they think is best for you and you should try and maintain this pace. Going too fast puts you at risk of altitude sickness, going too slow will mean your walking day becomes impossibly long. Just keep plodding and you will get there.

One foot in front of the other.
By daybreak, we reach the crater rim. You’ll see the sun rising over Mawenzi and spectacular, 360-degree views. Looking down into the crater you’ll see the glacial icefields, the famous “snows of Kilimanjaro”.

From the crater rim, it’s another 1-2 hour hike to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, the highest free-standing mountain in the world: 19,341ft above sea level.

How cold is the summit of Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak?
The temperatures decreases as you move through Mount Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones. At the Mount Kilimanjaro summit, Uhuru Peak, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Due to Mount Kilimanjaro’s great height, the mountain creates it’s own weather patterns.

It’s Not Over Yet: the Descent From The Summit Uhuru Peak

After we’ve taken our photos and congratulated each other on our achievement, it’s time to head back down to Barafu Camp. Descending can be tough. If you’ve got knee problems, this is a good time to put on your knee brace. Use your poles for balance, and take it slowly. The extra oxygen in the atmosphere as you get to lower elevations will be a welcome relief from the thin air at the summit.

We’ll have lunch at Barafu Camp before descending to our final camp on the mountain. Tired and exhilarated, you should get a good night’s sleep.

The following morning, you’ll have a 3-4 hour trek, mostly downhill through the forest and back to the trailhead where you’ll be transported to your post-climb hotel accommodation. 

The Serengeti National Park is one of world’s greatest game parks. Meaning “endless plains” in the Maasai language, the Serengeti continues to be an ongoing source of inspiration to writers, filmmakers and photographers alike.

It is Tanzania’s oldest game reserve and is world-famous for the role it plays in the annual Great Migration, when an estimated two million herbivores – mostly wildebeest – migrate from the Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. Hundreds of thousands of animals die along the way and the drama of this epic seasonal journey is a gripping, deeply moving experience and a wonderful photographic subject.

Its far-reaching plains of endless grass, tinged with the twisted shadows of acacia trees, have made it the quintessential image of a wild and untarnished Africa. Its large stone kopjes are home to rich ecosystems, and the sheer magnitude and scale of life that the plains support is staggering. Large prides of lions laze easily in the long grasses, plentiful families of elephants feed on acacia bark and trump to each other across the plains, and giraffes, gazelles, monkeys, eland, and the whole range of African wildlife is in awe-inspiring numbers.

The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara attract visitors from around the world, who flock to the open plains to witness the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet. More than a million animals make the seasonal journey to fresh pasture to the north, then the south, after the biannual rains. The sound of their thundering hooves, raising massive clouds of thick red dust, has become one of the legends of the Serengeti plains. The entire ecosystem thrives from the annual migration, from the lions and birds of prey that gorge themselves on the weak and the faltering to the gamut of hungry crocodiles that lie in patient wait at each river crossing for their annual feed.

But it’s not just the wildebeest that use the Serengeti to migrate. The adjacent reserves of Maswa and Ikorongo, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya all allow the animals and birds of the area a free range of movement to follow their seasonal migrations. Indeed, in the wake of the wildebeest migration, many of the less attention-grabbing features of the Serengeti are often overlooked. The park has varied zones in which each ecosystem is subtly different. Serener in the centre of the park is the most popular and most easily visited area. The Grumeti River in the Western Corridor is the location for the dramatic river crossing during the wildebeest migration. Maswa Game Reserve to the south offers a remote part of the park rewarding in its game-viewing and privacy, and Lobo near the Kenyan border offers a change to see plentiful game during the dry season.

Aside from traditional vehicle bound safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti plains has become a safari rite-of-passage for travel enthusiasts. The flights depart at dawn over the plains and take passengers close over the awakening herds of wildebeest and zebra, gazelle and giraffe. The extra altitude allows guests to witness the striking stretches of plains punctuated only by kopjes. Up in the sky, you have Africa all to yourself.

The spectacular landscape of the world renowned Ngorongoro Crater has to be seen to be believed. It forms part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) within the Serengeti ecosystem and the Crater itself is home to more than 25 000 large mammals. Once a large volcano that later collapsed, it is now the largest intact caldera in the world. 

The Ngorongoro Crater is often called ‘Africa’s Eden’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World,’ a visit to the crater is a main draw for tourists coming to Tanzania and a definite world-class attraction. Within the crater rim, large herds of zebra and wildebeest graze nearby while sleeping lions laze in the sun. At dawn, the endangered black rhino returns to the thick cover of the crater forests after grazing on dew-laden grass in the morning mist. Just outside the crater’s ridge, tall Masaai herd their cattle and goats over green pastures through the highland slopes, living alongside the wildlife as they have for centuries. 

Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes its eponymous famous crater, Olduvai Gorge, and huge expanses of highland plains, scrub bush, and forests that cover approximately 8300 square kilometres. A protected area, only indigenous tribes such as the Masaai are allowed to live within its borders. Lake Ndutu and Masek, both alkaline soda lakes are home to rich game populations, as well as a series of peaks and volcanoes and make the Conservation Area a unique and beautiful landscape. Of course, the crater itself, actually a type of collapsed volcano called a caldera, is the main attraction. Accommodation is located on its ridges and after a beautiful descent down the crater rim, passing lush rain forest and thick vegetation, the flora opens to grassy plains throughout the crater floor. The game viewing is truly incredible and views of the surrounding Crater Highlands out of this world.

This truly magical place is home to Olduvai Gorge, where the Leakeys discovered the hominoid remains of a 1.8 million year old skeleton of Australopithecus boisei, one of the distinct links of the human evolutionary chain. In a small canyon just north of the crater, the Leakeys and their team of international archaeologists unearthed the ruins of at least three distinct hominoid species, and also came upon a complete series of hominoid footprints estimated to be over 3.7 million years old. Evacuated fossils show that the area is one of the oldest sites of hominoid habitation in the world.

The Ngorongoro Crater and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are without a doubt some of the most beautiful parts of Tanzania, steeped in history and teeming with wildlife. Besides vehicle safaris to Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, and surrounding attractions, hiking treks through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are becoming increasingly popular options. Either way you choose to visit, the Crater Highlands are an unforgettable part of the Tanzanian experience.

Cancellations must be received by email.  If a cancellation is made 60 days before the departure date, a travel credit will be issued to the individual traveler. Cancellation fees will apply, including deposit, booking fees, donations, late fees, reinstatement, and any additional fees as stated on the specific registration. Other nonrefundable fees may be incurred from, and not limited to, the Hotel, Airline, Ground Transportation, and other service providers that override TBOG Travel's cancellation policy and can be up to 100% of the booking cost, regardless of whether travel has commenced. Cancellations made within 61 days of the departure date are non-refundable and not eligible to obtain a travel credit.

If TBOG Travel cancels a reservation before the commencement of the trip, TBOG Travel shall have no responsibility beyond the issuance of credit for the monies paid related to the trip that TBOG Travel canceled without offsetting cancellation fees imposed by TBOG Travel or third-party vendors. 

Reservations in arrears for 91 days will be canceled automatically for non-payment.  Any monies paid will be forfeited and not refunded.  Where TBOG Travel incurs any liability for a cancellation fee or charge for any booking you cancel, you agree to indemnify TBOG Travel for that fee or charge.

Travel credits can be used to purchase other specific TBOG Tour the World Travel Experiences.
Travel credits issued from travel booked:
     For 2024, travel will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2025.
     For 2025, travel will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2026.
     For 2026, travel will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2027

If you select a TBOG Tour the World Travel Experience that costs more than your travel credit, you are responsible for any additional cost. If you select a TBOG Tour the World Travel Experience that costs less than the travel credit, a future travel credit will be issued for the difference.

TBOG Travel reserves the right to restrict any changes to a reservation. All changes are subject to availability. Changes to the overall group or travel party size, date, or location may change the rate. For your peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. We have partnered with Travel Guard Insurance to offer this protection. AIG underwrites Travel Guard insurance policies.

These cancellation policies are subject to change at any time.  

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Be prepared with travel insurance coverage through Travel Guard. Plans can include coverage for medical expenses, trip interruption and more and include emergency travel services so you can be sure that Travel Guard has an insurance plan that meets your traveling needs. Travel Guard is available to assist 24 hours a day.  

Travel Guard's Trip Insurance Plans provide valuable coverage at an affordable price and includes an early purchase benefit of a waiver of Pre-existing Medical Condition Exclusion and Cancel for Any Reason option,  if purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment.

Your travel insurance will need to cover medical expenses that could arise while traveling abroad. In the case of a Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll need to make sure that it covers you for medical evacuation too.

Unexpected injuries and doctor visits need to be covered, and emergency evacuation expenses should you need to be airlifted off the mountain. Those situations are rare, but they do occur and you need the proper insurance.

When purchasing travel insurance it is important you understand exactly what it does, and doesn’t cover. Most basic plans will offer basic protection for trip cancellation, lost bags, and delayed flights.

However, if you need coverage beyond that (medical expenses, evacuation, etc.) then you’ll likely have to purchase a higher-tier policy.

It’s important that whatever policy you choose also covers high altitude activities. That isn’t the case with every insurance plan, so be sure to ask for it specifically.

For climbing Kilimanjaro, please note, you are not taking part in technical mountaineering, but that you are high altitude trekking up to 6,000m.

We highly recommend you add the Adventure Sports Bundle to your insurance package.  

A Valid Passport      
All visitors to Tanzania planning to climb Kilimanjaro are required to carry and show a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the country. Your passport should have at least one empty page for official stamps.   

Check your passport well in advance of travel, in case you need to renew it.

Tanzania Visitor Visa

Most foreign visitors are required to obtain a visa for entry into Tanzania, there are some exceptions. The visa doesn’t always need to be obtained prior to arrival as they can be issued at the port of entry.

Generally, all visitors from non-Commonwealth countries need a visa for entry, unless your country has an agreement with Tanzania under which this requirement has been waived.

Visitors from some Commonwealth countries don’t need a visa for entry, but citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, United States, Canada, and most EU countries are not exempt.

Some travelers prefer to arrange their visas in advance, and this can be done by contacting the Tanzanian embassy in your home country. They normally require you to send in your passport, an application form and passport photos for processing.

Can you Get a Tanzania visa on Arrival?

In order to avoid lost passports or delays in obtaining the visa, it’s often a good idea to simply purchase a visa on arrival. Depending on the time of year, the queues can be quite long for visa issuance, but often it’s quick and trouble-free.

So how do you get a Tanzania visa?

Visas can be obtained at the following entry points to the United Republic of Tanzania: 

• Dar Es Salaam International Airport    
• Zanzibar International Airport    
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)    
• amanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya boarder point)    
• Tunduma    
• Sirari    
• Horohoro     
• Kigoma port

At the time of writing, the current Tanzania visa fees (purchased upon arrival) are:    

• US Citizens: $100 (Multiple entry) for one year    
• Non-US Citizens: $50 (Single entry) for six months    
• Non-US Citizens: $100 (Double entry) for six months

These fees will need to be paid in cash, and you’ll need a clean page in your passport for the stamp.

Can you apply for Tanzania visa online?

You can now apply for an Online Visa to visit the United Republic of Tanzania (both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar). You are required to fill in the online form, make payment, and submit your application online. Your form will be internally reviewed and processed.

Applicants will be notified through their e-mails whether their applications have been accepted or rejected. They may also TRACK their application statuses through the online system. Applicants may as well be required to visit the nearest Tanzanian Embassies or Consular Offices for interviews. Follow this link for online visa application : https://visa.immigration.go.tz/   

Keynote before you start your online visa Process.    

Please consider the following information beforehand.    

• Types of Visa    
• Required documents    
• Countries whose citizens do not require visa on entry    
• Countries whose citizens require approval by the Tanzania Commissioner General of Immigration.    

What are the  Tanzania Entry Requirements ?

• Yellow Fever Vaccination Card - If you are arriving from a country at risk of yellow fever (even if you’ve had a layover), you’ll need to show your Yellow Fever Vaccination card. 
• Proof of Return or Onward Journey  - As a visitor you will likely be asked to show proof of your onward or return ticket out of Tanzania, so be sure to have that information handy (a printout is best) once you land.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

You will have to have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Tanzania, and carry proof should you be asked. It’s not often that an immigration official asks for this, but it can happen. 

• We strongly recommend that you check your visa requirements well in advance of your trip to avoid unnecessary delays. 
• Don’t forget any visa requirements for other countries you are visiting or transiting through.

Additional Resources:   

You can obtain a tourist visa to Tanzania upon arrival, however, the US government encourages you to apply one in advance by post. For information, see www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org.   

Validity   
Single-entry (business and tourist) visa is valid for three months from the date of issue. A multiple-entry visa is valid for either six or 12 months from the date of issue.   

Transit   
Transit visas costing US$30 are available for those traveling through Tanzania to other destinations within a 14-day period. An onward ticket or tour itinerary/confirmation and sufficient funds for transit are required.    Please note that you can only obtain a transit visa to Tanzania at the point of entry.   

Temporary residence    Residence permits are granted to foreign nationals if they are employed by a Tanzanian company, or working long-term as missionaries or volunteers. You must apply for these through the Immigration Services Department (www.immigration.go.tz).   

Working days    Allow three working days (applications in person) or 10 days (postal applications) for visa processing if applying in advance. You can pay an additional fee for a 24-hour or same-day service.

Who Doesn’t Require a Visa? A list of Countries

As of August 2018, citizens from 66 countries can enter Tanzania without a visa. These countries are: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Ashmore & Certie Island, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Botswana, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Island, Brunei, Cayman Island, Channel Island, Christmas Island, Cocoas Island, Cook Island, Cyprus, Dominica, Falkland Island, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guernsey, Guyana, Heard Island, Hong Kong, Isle of man, Jamaica, Jersey, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Macao, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Naue Island, Nauru, Papua new Guinea, Romania, Ross Dependency, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, South African Republic, Solomon Island, Swaziland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

This visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing,

We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.

A month or two before you travel to Tanzania, you’ll need to make an appointment at your local travel clinic, or with your GP to discuss vaccinations. It’s a good idea to do this early so that any side-effects you might suffer are finished before you travel.

There are no mandatory vaccinations needed for climbing Kilimanjaro, with the exception of Yellow Fever which is compulsory for any traveler entering Tanzania from any country that is considered a risk zone for Yellow Fever.

You’ll need to consider what areas you’ll be traveling to before and after your climb.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enroll HERE → https://step.state.gov/

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling. In tourist areas, US Dollars are also accepted and sometimes preferred. It’s best to carry both currencies. If bringing US Dollars, ensure they are in good condition and dated after 2006. You can exchange currency only at banks, so bring your passport and avoid street exchanges.

Tanzanian banknotes come in these amounts: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 Shillings. The coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Shillings. Currently, the exchange rate is about 1 US Dollar for 2,250 Tanzanian Shillings. For the most accurate rates, use a currency calculator.

ATM and credit cards in Tanzania

Make sure to bring enough cash for your safari. You’ll find ATMs at airports and big cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Moshi. In smaller places, there might not be any ATMs. If you go to northern Tanzania, look for ATMs in Karatu and Mto wa Mbu on your way to the parks. You can take out money up to 400,000 TSH, but it might be less in smaller areas. It’s also a good idea to bring a credit card so you don’t have to carry too much cash.

XE-perience currencies on the go. The XE Currency app - Everything you need for international currencies. Download Xe Currency Converter: for Android HERE  and for iOS HERE

Tanzania has 126 languages, with Swahili and English as the official ones. Swahili, or Kiswahili, is spoken by about 90% of the population and is the main language for social, political, and educational contexts. English, while the second official language, is often learned as a second or third language, with many people able to read it but struggling with spoken comprehension.

At TBOG Travel, we are committed to offering unique travel experiences that foster connections and networks within the Diaspora. Our travel experiences effectively bridge the past and present, offering a responsible alternative to traditional tourism. We believe that responsible tourism is crucial in preserving cultural heritage and avoiding cross-cultural misunderstandings that might be perpetuated by traditional tourism.

Exploring your ancestral history through travel is not just a journey; it's a deeply personal one. It can help your family establish or re-establish a sense of belonging. Meeting and connecting with people in the communities personally not only enriches your understanding but also lays a strong foundation for beginning your travel journey, making you feel included and accepted. Walking in the footsteps of your ancestors and learning their stories can significantly enrich your understanding of your identity.

African diaspora populations include but are not limited to African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Black Canadians – descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America during the Atlantic slave trade.

The impact of the  African Diaspora on global culture and society is undeniably profound and enduring. This impact extends to various industries such as music, food, art, sports, architecture, science, business, and agriculture. As the world becomes more interconnected through the internet, the African Diaspora is becoming more vital and influential, which will further expand their impact on commerce and culture. This is a legacy we can all be proud of and feel connected to.

The Black Onyx Group Travel stands firmly committed to social responsibility and sustainability. The places we visit are more than just tourist attractions. They are homes to vibrant communities with rich traditions and cultures. We take it as our duty to respect and support these communities, ensuring that our travel choices positively impact them.

Our unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and social responsibility reflects our deep care for the world we share. We passionately engage with residents and communities in the places we visit, valuing their input in shaping the course of tourism in their region. Deliberately selected local suppliers in our destinations have received comprehensive training in sustainable tourism practices. By fostering strong partnerships with local businesses, we enable them to thrive through tourism while safeguarding against exploitation. This approach effectively preserves their culture, traditions, and way of life, thereby honoring and uplifting their community.

At The Black Onyx Group Travel, we understand the crucial role of education, especially in rural areas where resources can be limited. As part of our mission, we work with our clients, business associates, partners, and donors to provide financial and essential resources such as books and clothes for children in remote areas, investing in their education and the future of their communities. Your support is vital in this effort.

At The Black Onyx Group Travel, we recognize that achieving cultural and social sustainability requires cooperation with local communities, travel companies worldwide, and the visitors we welcome. We are committed to preserving local cultures and communities and ensuring visitors have meaningful and authentic experiences. This commitment is a vital part of our mission and something we are deeply passionate about, and we will continue to uphold it in all our endeavors.

US Embassy
686 Old Bagamoyo Road,
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 
+255 22 229 4000

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