We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us or perhaps visit our trekking forum for more advice from our clients and team.

How fit do I need to be?

This climb is graded strenuous and does spend considerable time at high altitude so you will enjoy the climb far more if you are well prepared and enjoy a good level of physical fitness.

If you do not currently enjoy a good level of fitness it may take many months of training to reach a suitable level of fitness to enjoy the 5-12 hours of trekking that are involved in climbing Kilimanjaro. It is important to start slowly and gradually increase your fitness. Try to exercise for between 30 and 45 minutes three times per week (walking, running, cycling or swimming) and go for longer walks on the weekends which should include some hills. A local gym will be able to draw up a fitness program for you on request.

Do I need any mountaineering experience?

No mountaineering experience is required as long as you're in your sound physical shape & have a sense of adventure you will enjoy this climb.We would advise that you have prior hill walking experience.

What is the average group like?

Our clients share a common passion for the mountains, are aged anywhere between late twenties and early sixties, are english speaking and get on like a house on fire.We have a maximum group size of 8 clients on our scheduled climbs and the groups are normally made up of a mix of those travelling solo, with a friend or as a couple.

How long have you been in business?

We have been operating adventure holidays since 2003. Our local partner in Tanzania has been operating since 2004 and is a fully goverment registed tour operator operating to the highest responsible travel standards.

Do you have any referral customers?

Yes, we would be happy to supply references and you can also visit our testimonials page for further information.

Are your porters and guides properly equipped, paidand insured?

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.

What training and experience do your local guides have?

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.

What is the food like on the climb?

Delicious and plentiful to ensure that you are fully fueled up for your challenge. We provide three meals per day during the climb plus afternoon snacks as well as all your drinking water during the climb.

If we arrived in Arusha early can you organise additional accommodation and activities?

Absolutely, this is no problem at all, we can also arrange safaris and beach holidays in Zanzibar after your climb. 

What are the shower and W/C facilities like during the climb?

We carry a toilet tent on all climbs so you will have privacy when going to the loo at overnight camps. A bowl of hot water is provided for washing each morning. Shower tents are only carried on some climbs and there is an additional charge.

Will there be opportunities to charge camera batteries during the climb?

No, you should bring spares or a solar charger.

Should I buy or hire a down jacket/sleeping bag?

Down jackets and sleeping bags are available to hire from our local partner in Arusha and are more than adequate in terms of warmth/quality for your trek.

Unless you really want a down jacket I would recommend hiring or buying locally. I wear my down jacket quite a bit in Scotland but my sleeping bag hardly comes out the bag from one year to the next and if you consider a decent down jacket will cost at least £150 and sleeping bag from £200 upwards in the UK you can make a huge saving.