Trek Expectations

Physical and mental preparation are the keys to your success on Kilimanjaro. Training specifically for your climb and mentally preparing yourself for the mountain conditions you may encounter will give you the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak. Review the training plan and the route maps.

Keep your eyes on the prize. As with every challenge, a reward awaits at the end of the trail. The view from the “Roof of Africa,” not to mention the sense of achievement, is intensely satisfying. Remember this during every step of your trek.

Listen to and trust in your guides. Having summited Kilimanjaro hundreds of times, your guides are fully prepared for any scenario. It is absolutely essential that you tell your guide if you are not feeling well, if you have a problem with your tent or rental gear, if you need special assistance, or if you have any questions or concerns at all. His job and first priority is to make sure you are safe and comfortable. He often has the skills and tools to fix whatever might be troubling you.

Aim for the top, but be prepared to turn back. You must understand that your highly skilled, professional Wilderness First Responder guides have the authority to send you back down the mountain (with a support guide) if they deem it unsafe for you to continue. They are trained to make such decisions and do so with significant professional consideration. Ultimately, they will do everything in their power to see you safely reach the summit.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Prior to the trek you will stay in Western-style accommodations with private en-suite bathrooms.
On Kilimanjaro you will stay in 4-season mountaineering tents with ground sheets and foam-core ground pads.
The Grand Traverse Route includes a larger tent with cot, foam mattress and sleeping bag included. This upgraded tent is available on other routes for a fee.

Hygiene

Running water and laundry services are not available on Kilimanjaro.
You will be provided a basin of warm water and soap in the mornings, afternoons, and/or upon request.
Eco-friendly, pump-flush toilets with toilet paper are provided for your trekking group at camp, pictured below. When relieving yourself on the trail you will need to pack out all waste in a biodegradable dog waste bag to be disposed of at camp. Read more about hygiene considerations on the mountain.

Toilet tent exclusive to your trekking group

Meals & Water

During the trek purified water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be provided for your refillable bottles. Read more about water on your trek.
Breakfast and dinner are taken in a group dining tent (lunch is location-dependent). You may also request for meals to be served in your tent. Read more about food on your trek.
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice, preferably at least 60 days before travel.

TEMPERATURES & WEATHER CONDITIONS

Mountain temperatures range from -15° to 80°F, depending on elevation, and sporadic rain, snow or sleet are possible. Due to the high elevation and different climate zones, it’s essential to prepare for a full range of conditions any time of year.

Trekking Kilimanjaro is like traveling from the equator to the North Pole. That’s because Kilimanjaro is so massive it contains five distinct climate zones. You’ll pass through each of them on your way to the summit:

➡️ KILIMANJARO CLIMATE ZONE 1: RAINFOREST

ELEVATION: 6,000′ – 9,200′
DESCRIPTION: Warm, humid, and lush year-round, this section of the mountain is home to rare species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth!

DAY TEMPS: 70s – 90s F
NIGHT TEMPS: 40s – 60s F

➡️ KILIMANJARO CLIMATE ZONE 2: HEATH

ELEVATION: 9,200′ – 11,000′
DESCRIPTION: Sparser and drier than the forest, the heath includes bearded lichen hanging from the trees.

DAY TEMPS: 50s – 70s F
NIGHT TEMPS: 30s – 50s F

➡️ KILIMANJARO CLIMATE ZONE 3: MOORLAND

ELEVATION: 11,000′ – 13,200′
DESCRIPTION: The moorland is home to unique vegetation, such as the alien-looking giant groundsels that tower overhead.

DAY TEMPS: 50s – 70s F
NIGHT TEMPS: 30s – 50s F

➡️ KILIMANJARO CLIMATE ZONE 4: ALPINE DESERT

ELEVATION: 13,200′ – 16,000′
DESCRIPTION: Cold and dry, the alpine desert’s windswept, rocky landscapes have often been compared to the surface of the moon.

DAY TEMPS: 30s – 40s F
NIGHT TEMPS: 10s – 30s F

➡️ KILIMANJARO CLIMATE ZONE 5: ARCTIC

ELEVATION: 16,000’+
DESCRIPTION: Near the summit Kilimanjaro transforms into a frozen world of glittering ice and snow. You’ll feel like an Arctic explorer on your last steps to Uhuru Peak!

DAY TEMPS: 10s – 30s F
NIGHT TEMPS: -10s – 20s F

TREKKING TIMES & ADDITIONAL NOTES

There is a non-technical, moderate rock scramble on the Barranco Wall on all treks except the Grand Traverse.
For those on select departures with the option to overnight at Crater Camp, in order to summit during the day, you will stay at Crater Camp (roughly 18,800’ elevation) for one night, conditions permitting. Note the following for Crater Camp overnights:
- Sleeping at Crater Camp is not for everyone. It’s likely to be uncomfortable due to the high elevation, the possible noise from windy conditions and the cold.
- This is an exclusive opportunity offered to more adventurous trekkers
- Camping at the crater are weather and strength of the group permitting; your highly experienced guide will make the best decisions based on your safety
- It can be very cold and windy but our packing list will help keep you comfortable
- Plenty of acclimatization time is built in to the route to best prepare you

Click to enlarge daily route elevation charts below

Electrical power

There is no electricity on Kilimanjaro. Charge all batteries, power banks, and devices before leaving home. Read more about tech considerations on the mountain.
Lodge outlets require either UK or European adapters for use.
Small devices (not laptops) can be recharged in US-style outlets in the Land Rovers before and after the trek.
If you require use of a CPAP machine, please review the information about CPAP machines on Kilimanjaro.

Trekkers’ Responsibility

Trekkers are responsible for their own supply of face masks.
Trekkers are responsible for personal hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and waste bags for bathroom use on the trail. (NOTE: Toilet paper and hand sanitizer are always available at camp).
Trekkers are responsible for bringing all items on the packing list except for items they plan to rent.
All special needs, including dietary restrictions, must be conveyed to us prior to departure.
During your trek, direct all questions, problems, and/or requests to your head guide; he will assist you quickly and effectively.
Camp porters will carry 33 lbs of gear per trekker (26 lbs for trekkers on the Machame route); all other gear must be carried by trekker or personal porter.

Mountain Staff

Head guides and support guides lead trekkers up the mountain and ensure the most rigorous safety protocols are in place. Every guide is a certified Wilderness First Responder, fluent in English and Swahili, and experienced with hundreds of professional summits on Kilimanjaro!

Camp porters carry the entire camp! The number of porters ranges from approximately 20 – 60 porters and varies based on the number of trekkers and trekking days. It’s quite a remarkable operation! One camp porter per trekker is already included in your trek package to carry your duffel bag with gear that you will not have access to while on the trail (e.g., sleeping bag, camp shoes, toiletries, etc.).

Personal porters are intended to carry your daypack (up to 33 lbs) allowing you to carry nothing at all while on trail. Your personal porter will trek with you at your pace, providing the items you need from your daypack throughout the day.