To give you the best chance of standing on the Roof of Africa, we have partnered with only the top operators and mountain guides. The various routes up the mountain offer different amenities, ranging from huts with cooking facilities, bathrooms and electricity to more sparse offerings with just the most basic camping facilities.
Guides and Porters
A trek up Kilimanjaro is undertaken as a group and trekkers are supported in their effort to reach the summit by guides and porters. All activity on Kilimanjaro is regulated by the Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA), which also oversees the conduct of tour operators and the management of porters. According to KINAPA regulations, a climbing group of two trekkers will have one guide, one assistant guide, six porters (three for each climber) and one cook.
Porters are responsible for carrying the trekker’s gear as well as items such as cooking supplies, tents and water. It is customary to tip guides and porters and the amount is generally determined by the number of days on the mountain and number of climbers in the group.
The Summit
Generally, summit attempts start at midnight to allow trekkers to reach the rim of the crater in time to see the sunrise. An added advantage of setting out at night is that the ground tends to be frozen, ensuring an easier walk over the usually loose gravel. Depending on your route, the push to the summit can take anything from one to two hours. It is generally a straightforward walk, though your route may require some scrambling (using your hands for balance and support) for short sections of fragmented rock.
It is also possible to sleep overnight in the crater on most routes, meaning travellers can summit during the day and avoid the midnight rush. You will have time to explore the crater and the glaciers and can get back to the rim early the next day to see the sunrise.
Altitude Sickness
The greatest challenge travellers face when climbing Kilimanjaro is altitude sickness, which causes a third of climbers to turn back. While Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, the extreme altitude, low temperatures and occasional fierce winds mean all hikers must be physically fit, properly equipped and well acclimatised. The single biggest success factor on any Kilimanjaro trek is allowing yourself ample time to adjust to the elevation. All routes have rangers and rescue facilities to assist those affected by altitude sickness.
Eating and drinking
Porters and cooks carry all catering supplies and food. You can bring your own snacks. This is advised to help combat fatigue and symptoms of altitude sickness. High sugar, high fat and high energy snacks are best, such as chocolate bars, energy bars, peanuts and biscuits. We recommend you bring at least two snacks for each day spent on the mountain.
You will eat well. All meals are catered for by cooks and porters who carry utensils, pots, food and gear. You will drink well. Porters will fetch water from streams whereafter it is filtered and boiled to purify and served as tea, coffee or hot chocolate. You will have to drink at least three liters of water a day to stay hydrated enough to reduce symptoms of altitude sickness.Cold drinking water for the day will also be provided by the porters each morning.
For breakfast you will be served eggs, sausages, porridge and bread. Extras include jam, peanut butter and margarine. Lunch is usually a packed affair including a boiled egg, a sandwich or roll, a piece of chicken, biscuits, fresh fruit and a carton of juice. Supper is a hot meal consisting of soup, meat, vegetables, starch and fruit. We provide a mess tent with table, chairs and proper cutlery. We don’t serve alcohol but every meal is accompanied by tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Vegetarians and those with food allergies can be catered for with advance notice; we can cater also for Kosher and Halal diets. A designated waiter and his assistant will cater to all your needs at meal times.