Kilimanjaro Faqs

We carry emergency oxygen on all our Kilimanjaro Climbs, for use when someone is suffering from a serious altitude-related illness. In this event the guide would ask you to descend since this is the only way to recover; however, oxygen can help people feel better during the descent, therefore making evacuation easier and safer.

We have at least one guide for every three trekkers, so you can move at your own pace. Our Kilimanjaro Climbing Guides will remind you to walk slowly as ascending at a slow and steady pace gives your body a chance to acclimatize.

We offer excellent client-to-guide ratios, therefore if someone cannot continue Climbing Kilimanjaro, one of our guides will descend with them while the rest of the party continues.

We don't carry Gamow bags. This is because for Kilimanjaro Altitude the best treatment is descent; either on foot, stretcher or by helicopter; depending upon the severity of the situation and which means of evacuation is accessible given the location and weather.

A Gamow bag creates an artificial environment where the air pressure is increased, simulating descent; however, it cannot be moved once a person is inside as pressure must be maintained. This makes it practically impossible to descend.

Once removed from the bag the casualty is back in the same situation as before. It is therefore only really useful if a casualty is unable to descend for some reason. In all other cases starting the descent as soon as possible is preferable.

Since Kilimanjaro is a freestanding mountain, different from the Himalayas, it is relatively straightforward to descend without having to climb higher over mountain passes. There are only a few places where any ascent would be necessary to evacuate. If you would still prefer to climb with a Gamow bag this can be arranged at an extra cost.

We will send you a comprehensive Kilimanjaro Equipment Checklist, including items available for hire, upon inquiry. Prices are for the duration of the climb, not per day, and costs can be paid in USD cash at your briefing. All equipment is of good quality, however, we advise bringing your walking boots, socks, and base layer clothing, as these will inevitably be a better fit than the items you hire.

Mattresses are closed-cell foam, approximately 7cm thick with a heavy-duty cover, insulating you well from the ground. If you plan to bring your own inflatable mattress, it’s worth investing in a good quality one as cheaper versions are prone to leaks and punctures. Our Premium Kilimanjaro Climbs include mattresses as part of the package price.

You do not need to take up additional luggage to the mountain when Climbing Kilimanjaro. It can be left safely in storage at your accommodation or our offices. We recommend you ensure any valuables are signed into the hotel safely, and where possible left at home!

Mount Kilimanjaro Porters carry most of the essential gear to make your climb comfortable. This usually includes:

• Tents for sleeping, dining, and kitchen use
• Cooking equipment and food for the group and crew
• Safety equipment like oxygen kits, first aid kits, stretchers, toilets and other emergency supplies
• Some of your personal gear (usually up to 20 kg)

You will carry a Kilimanjaro Daypack which contains items needed during the hiking day. You will not see your main porter bag until you arrive at camp.

Your guide will tell you exactly what you need to carry in this bag. Be careful to keep the weight down where possible, whilst carrying everything necessary.

Every small item adds up and water adds considerable weight. Your bag will likely weigh around 7-10kg once full.

We have given a list of essential and optional items that can be added to your Kilimanjaro Daypack:

• Water (guide will indicate volume needed each day and refill locations)
• Snacks (replenish at night from porter bag)
• Waterproof Trousers & Jacket
• Spare warm clothes, gloves, hat (the guide will advise you what you need at evening briefings as this varies according to weather and elevation)
• Sun cream & SPF lip protection
• Sunhat & Sunglasses
• Buff/bandana
• Valuables e.g. tip money, passport, credit card
• Small first aid kit including personal medication, blister treatment; oral rehydration; painkillers & anti-inflammatories; diarrhoea tablets; throat lozenges, etc. (replenish at night as required)
• Hygiene kit - tissue, wet wipes, antibacterial gel, biodegradable diaper bags to put tissue in whilst on the trail (to be disposed of later at camp) (replenish at night)
• Mosquito repellent (first and last day only)
• Walking poles (optional)
• Camera (optional)
• Mobile phone (optional)
• Solar charger (optional)

Ensure daypack contents are waterproof, using a rain cover, dry bags/rubble sacks.

Our Kilimanjaro Packing List includes everything you need for summit night and will give you the flexibility to adjust layers according to the temperature. When you start climbing on summit night you may not be that cold, but the temperature drops considerably through the night, even more so if you are exposed to the wind. Once the sun rises you need to take layers off again.

Our guides recommend the following:

• Lower Body: warm socks; thermal leggings; thick walking trousers/fleece trousers; waterproof trousers (for wind rather than rain).
• Upper Body: a short-sleeved base layer; long-sleeved thin base layer; long-sleeved mid layer; microfleece; warmer fleece; down jacket; hat & gloves.
• You don't need to wear your waterproof jacket if it's not raining, but it needs to fit over your layers if it is!

A down jacket or ski jacket is critical for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, but it doesn’t matter which it is. You will also wear it in the mess tents at night as the temperature rapidly drops when the sun goes down and can use it as a pillow!

Ski jackets can be bulky and heavier, so down is preferable, but there's no need to buy a new down jacket if you already have an alternative that will keep you warm.

Gaiters stop water entering your walking boots if it rains; protect your trousers from damage, especially in scree; stop dust and scree entering your boots, especially on the descent from the Kilimanjaro Summit; and protect your legs from nettles in the rainforest.

Trekking poles have several benefits, especially if you have trouble with your knees or hips when Climbing Kilimanjaro. There is scientific evidence they reduce the forces on your body, especially when walking down steep hills.

Poles improve power and endurance when walking uphill, as energy output is distributed over more muscle groups. They help with balance on uneven Kilimanjaro Climbing Trails and improve posture, which in turn can help with breathing.

From experience, we strongly recommend walking boots with ankle support. Trail running shoes are fine for shorter walks on less rocky terrain, but due to the prolonged nature of a Kilimanjaro climb and the rough terrain, in particular the screen on summit night, there is quite a high chance of twisting an ankle if you don’t have ankle support.

While some people choose to climb without boots, clients who have done this later commented that their feet felt bruised and sore underfoot after a few days, detracting from their enjoyment.

Walking boots generally have stiffer soles with more support overall. It would be such a shame if you were unable to reach the Kilimanjaro Summit due to an ankle sprain.

There is a lot of information, which can be confusing. Please remember that whilst people are well-meaning, many have only climbed Kilimanjaro once and may not be regular trekkers! Our Kilimanjaro Packing List has been designed through years of personal experience on the mountain in collaboration with our guides and past guests, so follow our checklist and you will be fine.

No! We use either a Katydyn filter or water purification tablets to treat the water, making it safe for you to drink on Mount Kilimanjaro. You do not need to bring these yourself. Since the tablets are usually chlorine-based, there can be a slight lingering taste in the water. You can bring neutralizing tablets, electrolytes or flavoured cordial/squash to cover the taste.

Our cooks prepare three hot, nutritious meals daily, as well as snacks and afternoon tea. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other special Meals on Kilimanjaro can be provided. Please let us know in advance. If you would like more details or a sample menu, please ask.