How to prepare for the climb
CONTENT
Passports, Visas, and Other Documents
A valid passport is essential for entry into Tanzania. Ensure it remains valid for at least six months after your return from Tanzania to avoid any issues with airline boarding.
Visas are required for visitors from most countries, including the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and South Africa. It is recommended to obtain a visa upon arrival in Tanzania. You can acquire visas at Kilimanjaro, Dar-es-Salaam, and Zanzibar airports or the Namanga border crossing. Note that at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the visa fee is currently US $50 for most nations, except Americans who pay double. Cash is necessary for visa payments.
If obtaining a visa in advance from a Tanzanian consulate, provide a contact address in Tanzania on the application form. For assistance with contact details, feel free to ask.
Remember, if you’re flying in and out of Kenya, you’ll need a Kenyan visa. If you plan to fly to Kenya and then cross into Tanzania, you can return to Kenya using the same single-entry visa, provided your Tanzanian visit is under two weeks, and your Kenyan visa hasn’t expired.
Proof of a yellow-fever jab is necessary if traveling through a country where the disease is prevalent. Officially, you should have been in that country for at least 24 hours, though Kilimanjaro Airport staff may check even if you were just passing through. It’s advisable to obtain the certificate for peace of mind and to avoid potential hassles. Keep in mind that regulations on this matter change frequently, so check online for updates.
Bring a couple of passport photographs and a photocopy of your passport in case the original is lost.
Flights
Flights are not included in the trek price, and you must arrange them yourself. Provide your trek organizers with your arrival/departure details promptly after booking flights for efficient airport transfers. If arriving at Nairobi Airport, shuttle arrangements from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport or the city center to Arusha can be made in advance for approximately US $35 one way.
Medical Matters
Sort out your vaccinations a few months before your scheduled flight. A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Tanzania when flying via an affected country. Collect a health card or other evidence from your doctor to prove vaccination. Other recommended inoculations include typhoid, polio, hepatitis, tetanus, and meningococcal meningitis.
Malaria is not a concern on Kilimanjaro due to its high altitude. However, it’s prevalent in coastal areas, Zanzibar, and Arusha. Consult your doctor for suitable preventive measures, and begin taking them before arrival, completing the full course after returning home. Use a repellent with 30% Diethyltoluamide (DEET) in the evenings to prevent mosquito bites.
Insurance
Purchase comprehensive insurance for the entire trip. When buying insurance, clearly communicate that you’ll be trekking on a high mountain. Read the policy’s fine print, considering factors such as deductible amounts, immediate payment for bills in Tanzania, the time frame for making claims, and required evidence.
A note on premiums: Climbing above 5000m may double the premium, even though you’ll be on the mountain for only a few days. However, coverage for the entire trip is crucial, as many potential issues can occur off the mountain.
Fitness Regime
While altitude sickness is a significant concern, being in reasonable condition enhances the Kilimanjaro experience. Start an exercise program about three months before the climb, focusing on reducing body fat, improving aerobic fitness, and strengthening leg muscles. Consider alternating aerobic exercises with leg-strengthening exercises.
Engage in activities such as jogging, cycling, climbing stairs, or brisk walking for 30 minutes to an hour, aiming for 70% of your maximum heart rate.
If using a gym, follow instructions carefully to avoid injuries. Lunges, reverse lunges, and calf raises are effective exercises for thighs, hamstrings, and buttocks. If without gym equipment, these exercises can be performed without machines.
What to Bring
The Kilimanjaro National Park imposes a maximum carrying weight of 25kg per porter. This weight includes the porter’s personal gear (assumed to be 5kg) and 5kg of company gear, such as tents, food, and cooking equipment. Consequently, the load carried for the trekker should not exceed 15kg. This limit encompasses any equipment or clothing rented from us, as well as any special requests for additional or specific food and clothing. If the weight exceeds 15kg, additional porters can be arranged at USD 10 per porter per day for the duration of the trek.
It’s important to note that we provide sleeping mats for all climbers, so there’s no need to bring one. Additionally, please be aware that bringing plastic bags into Tanzania is no longer allowed. Attempting to do so could result in a significant fine. While this restriction is unfortunate, as plastic bags are useful for organizing items in your backpack and keeping them dry, consider using bags clearly intended for multiple uses, especially zip-loc bags, as they are acceptable alternatives.
Duffle Bag/Rucksacks
Carry a 60-80L waterproof duffel bag/rucksack for your main gear.
Daypack
A 30-40L daypack is sufficient for carrying personal items.
Trekking Poles
Reduce joint pain with adjustable trekking poles.
Water Bladder/Bottles
Highly recommended for carrying 3 liters of water. Alternatively, bring two 1.5L bottles and an extra 1L bottle.
Head Wear
Warm Winter Hat, Neck Gaiter, or Scarf
Protect against the cold and dust on Kilimanjaro.
Sun Hat
Choose a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
Sun Glasses
Opt for high UV protection glasses due to intense sun at higher altitudes.
Headlamp
Bring a headlamp with good light output for late-night activities and summit night. Include extra batteries (AAA).
Hands and Feet Wear
Lightweight Gloves
Recommended for lower slopes.
Warm Gloves or Mittens
Essential for cold nights and the summit; choose heavyweight gloves.
Trekking Boots
Use mid-weight, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support.
Gym Shoes/Sandals
For comfort around camp after a day’s trek.
Socks
Bring 3-4 pairs of outer socks, 2-3 pairs of liner socks, and 1 pair of thick thermal socks for summit night.
Gaiters
Recommended to keep trousers clean in wet, muddy, or dusty conditions.
Micro–Spikes/Crampon
Not always required but considered during periods of excessive ice near the summit.
Upper Body Wear
Thermal Base Layer
Pack 2 thermal base layers, ideally made from merino wool, for summit night and sleeping.
Short Sleeved Shirt
2 lightweight, moisture-wicking short-sleeved shirts are sufficient.
Long Sleeved Shirt
Bring 2 or 3 light or medium-weight, moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirts.
Fleece or Soft-Shell Jacket
Carry a mid-weight fleece jacket for comfort.
Insulated Jacket
A good-quality, warm down, or primaloft jacket is necessary for cold nights and the summit push.
Hard Shell Outer Jacket
A windproof hard shell outer jacket is essential for protection.
Poncho
Recommended due to unpredictable Kilimanjaro weather.
Lower Body Wear
Leggings
Pack 2 thermal or fleece base layers for your legs.
Trekking Trousers
Bring 1 or 2 medium-weight trekking trousers.
Sleeping Bag
Choose a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold nights.
Hard Shell Trousers
Windproof trousers for protection against the elements.
Toiletries And Other Stuff
Sun and Lip Screen
High sun protection factor sunscreen and lip protection balm are essential.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Include wet wipes and hand sanitizer for personal hygiene.
Personal Medicines and Medical Kit
Bring Paracetamol and Imodium as a minimum.
Extra Bag and Padlock
For securing additional luggage.
Packing Cubes
Useful for keeping items organized in your duffel bag.
Camera and Spare Batteries
Capture memories with a camera and spare batteries.
Plug Adapter
Bring a plug adapter (type G) for charging devices.
Personal Snacks
Pack energy-boosting snacks for the climb.
Towel
A lightweight, quick-dry towel for personal hygiene.
Portable Power Bank
Bring a power bank for charging electronic devices during the trek.
Rental Equipment
We offer rental options for essential clothing and equipment. Notify us of your needs and sizes in advance. Rental costs are as follows:
- Summit Jacket: $5 per day
- Sleeping Bag: $5 per day
- Head-torch: $1 per day
- Large Kit Bag: $5 per day
- Gloves: $2 per day
- Walking Poles: $2 per day
- Waterproof Jacket/Trousers: $2/$2 per day
- Daypack: $3 per day
By thoroughly preparing and packing the right equipment, you’ll enhance your overall experience during the Kilimanjaro climb. Enjoy the journey!