Essential Kilimanjaro Climb Information:

Accommodation & Meals

During the climb you will camp on the mountain. We use top quality mountaineering tents and equipment which are rated for sub zero conditions and high winds. We supply 3 person North face VE25 and mountain 25 tents for each two people as well as sleeping mats, mess tent, camping tables and chairs, a toilet tent, kitchen equipment and staff tents.

During the climb we provide three meals a day, afternoon snacks and all drinking water (filtered). Our excellent menu and the wonders our chefs can work high on the mountain never cease to impress our clients.

In Arusha we use comfortable, welcoming and locally owned and operated accommodation including breakfast.

Climate and Weather

The best time to tackle Kilimanjaro is during the two "dry" seasons which traditionally occur from January to mid-March and June to October. You can of course tackle Kilimanjaro ouside of these times but there is a higher chance of rain. 

The January - March period is generally a little colder and quieter but you are rewarded with a quieter mountain and clearer views. June - October are more popular as the main European holidays fall over this time.

Arusha, on the inland plateau is always warm, alternatinng between 20 and 26 degrees in the cooler months of June to August and reaching a very warm 30degrees from January to March.

During your climb on Kilimanjaro you will pass through a range of climatic zones and the extremes of temperatures.   You start in the low to mid 20's and can be sure that on summit day the temperature will be well below freezing and can fall to -20 in bad weather.

Travelling Solo

About 50% of the people joining our small group departures are travelling solo so you will be in good company and the small group (2-10) nature of our holidays make for a friendly, sociable and encouraging group dynamic.

There is a single supplement payable to cover the single supplement in Arusha.

Single Rooms/Tents

Single tents are generally not available whilst on the climb. If you are an individual joining a small group departure you will share a tent with another group member of the same sex. If you would like a single tent in trek we can quote for this. Single rooms are available in Arusha and there is a supplement payable.

Equipment

While trekking you will only have to carry a day bag with water, snacks, spare clothes, waterproofs and your camera. Your main bag will be moved by a porter. Your bag must be of a duffle bag or backpack design and weigh a maximum of 15kg. Hard cases are not suitable for this climb. You can download a full equipment list from our website downloads page.

Your Guide

Our guides are some of the best in the business. All have at least seven years experience on Kilimanjaro, are fully qualified and trained according to Tanzanian law, are passionate about the fauna, flora and culture of Kilimanjaro and all have many successful ascents behind them. All speak fluent English and they will add hugely to your experience of climbing Kilimanjaro. As well as guiding you on the mountain they bring a wealth of knowledge to your journey and coordinate all your porters, accommodation and meals.

Our guides are fully trained and experienced in recognising the signs and dealing with Altitude Sickness.

Your Porters

Porters are an integral part of your climb and we have a fantastic team of full time porters. We are very proud of our porter protection policy. Our local partner is a partner for responsible travel with the International Mountain Explorers Connection and Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project. Duma is one of just a few Kilimanjaro trekking companies to qualify for IMEC/KPAP membership. In order to be a partner, Duma must adhere to the following guidelines about porter treatment on Kilimanjaro:

• Wages - 6,000Tsh/day for the Marangu route and 8,000Tsh/day for all other camping routes.
• Loads should not exceed 25 kilos. Porter carries 20 kilos for the company and 5 kilos of their own gear.
  
• Porters receive the full amount of tip intended for them. A transparent tipping procedure in which each crew member receives their tip directly.
  
• Porters are outfitted with proper clothing and equipment.
  
• Porters have proper shelter and sleeping equipment - Each porter is required to have a sleeping bag and adequate space in sleeping quarters.
  
• Porters are provided with food and water. Porters should be given adequate water and at least two meals a day while climbing Kilimanjaro.
  
• Number of crew should stay consistent throughout the trip. Porters should not be overloaded in order to send other crew down early.
  
• Sick or injured porters are properly cared for. An ailing porter should receive the same treatment you would provide for a sick climber. 

Flights to Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro International Airport is the most convenient airport. Indirect flights to Kilimanjaro are available daily from London and major regional airports in the UK. Airlines include KLM, Kenyan Airways, Ethiopian Airways amongst others. Flights start at about £450. We do not sell but would recommend both Opodo and Expedia for competitive flights.

Passport & Visas

All nationalities require a full passport valid for at least six months after your intended departure from Tanzania. Most nationalities require an entry visa for Tanzania which should be obtained prior to travel. The current cost is GBP £38. Passport and visa requirements do change so although this information is supplied in good faith it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documentation.

Health & Vaccinations

In addition to those vaccinations and boosters required for life in Britain the following vaccinations/boosters are recommended: diphtheria; tetanus; hepatitis A; typhoid; yellow fever. For detailed advice on travel health visit the Fit For Travel Website: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness is a major concern on the Kilimanjaro Climb and although our itinerary is designed to minimise the chances of you suffering from AMS each individual is affected differently by altitude.

Our pre-departure information pack has detailed information on minimising the risks of AMS and recognising the signs of AMS and the appropriate course of action. Your guides are all fully trained in recognising the symptoms of and dealing with AMS.

If you have any pre-existing health conditions that you think may make you more susceptible to AMS we recommend you consult your doctor before booking this trip.

Currency, Money & Local Costs

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. The best way to carry money is a combination of cash in GB pound sterling (which can be changed at the airport and in Arusha), USD, pound sterling traveller’s cheques and credit/debit cards.

You will need some money to pay for your meals in Arusha, alcoholic drinks or soft drinks, snacks, souvenirs and trekking crew tips.

Financial Security:

Total Payment Protection Policy (topp) cover: In compliance with the UK Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 an insurance policy has been arranged with Travel & General Insurance Company plc to protect customers’ prepayments paid in respect of: non-flight inclusive packages commencing and returning to the UK the ground handling aspects of packages where the customer is responsible for arranging travel to the destination offered in this literature (subject to the terms of the insurance policy), for: a refund of such prepayments if customers have not yet travelled making arrangements to enable the holiday to continue if customers have already travelled or in the unlikely event of our financial failure.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance which includes evacuation cover and covers trekking to the altitude of Kilimanjaro’s Summit (5895m) is a requirement for this holiday and we will require proof of cover and the insurance companies emergency number prior to your departure.

Macs Adventure does not sell travel insurance but we recommend Sports Cover Direct whose Venture Guard Policy is well suited to this climb. Phone: +44845 120 6400 Web: www.sportscoverdirect.com

Recommended Reading

Maps of Kilimanjaro are available locally. Your guidebook has a comprehensive section of recommended reading.