Mount Kilimanjaro Frequent Asked Questions

Tanzania is generally a safe destination for tourists, with a low crime rate and a welcoming and friendly population. However, like any other country, visitors should exercise caution and take some basic safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:

1. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid carrying large sums of cash or wearing expensive jewelry.
2. Use reputable tour operators and taxis, and avoid using unlicensed transportation.
3. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and necessary vaccinations before traveling to Tanzania.
4. Always listen to your guide’s instructions during wildlife safaris and avoid getting too close to wild animals or disturbing their natural habitats.
5. Be mindful of health risks, such as malaria and water-borne illnesses, and take necessary precautions to avoid exposure.
6. Respect local customs and religious traditions, dress modestly, and observe local customs, such as removing your shoes when entering mosques or homes.In summary, travel to Tanzania is generally safe, but visitors should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and avoid any potential risks that can arise while traveling abroad.

Climbing Kilimanjaro can be safe when proper safety measures are taken. However, it’s essential to note that the climb is physically and mentally demanding, and it comes with some inherent risks.

Here are some safety precautions to take when climbing Kilimanjaro:

1. Choose a reputable tour operator: It’s critical to select a reputable tour operator with experienced guides who are familiar with the Kilimanjaro trek and can provide assistance, advice, and support throughout the climb.
2. Acclimatize properly: Ascending too quickly can lead to altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening. It’s essential to acclimatize properly and listen to your guide’s instructions.
3. Stay hydrated and well-fed: Drinking plenty of water and eating enough food can help prevent dehydration and altitude sickness.
4. Wear appropriate gear: Wearing sturdy and supportive hiking boots, warm layers, and proper rain gear are essential for protecting yourself from the elements and preventing injuries.
5. Follow safety procedures: Always follow your tour operator’s and guide’s safety procedures, such as listening to their instructions, staying with your group, and not deviating from the established path.

While there are risks associated with climbing Kilimanjaro, many people do it safely every year. With proper preparation, safety measures, and experienced guides, it is possible to climb Kilimanjaro safely

1. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
2. It is located in Tanzania, East Africa, and is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. The mountain has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the highest and is the one that people climb.
4. Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano, and the most recent eruption occurred over 360,000 years ago.
5. Kilimanjaro is known for its five distinct ecological zones, which include rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and summit glaciers.
6. The mountain has become a popular destination for adventure tourism, with thousands of people attempting to climb to its summit every year.
7. Depending on the route, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can take anywhere from five to nine days, with the majority of people taking six to eight days to reach the
summit.
8. Despite being located near the equator, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro can experience significant snowfall. However, the glaciers on the mountain are rapidly
shrinking due to climate change.
9. The mountain has important cultural significance to the local people, particularly the Chagga tribe, who have lived in the area for hundreds of years.
10. The first recorded ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro was in 1889 by German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller.

There are many videos online that make the Barranco Wall look incredibly exposed. However, while the wall is a scramble and will require you to use your hands, it is not a technical climb and no ropes are needed. Our guides are very skilled at helping people when they are nervous and most people who think they’ll be scared find they are absolutely fine. There is a footpath all the way up.

Once you are settled in Arusha your head guide will come to meet you for a full mountain briefing. They will check your equipment and help hire anything additional you might need. Whilst we realize some people have a lot of hiking experience, for many of our climbers this is not the case. It’s also a chance to meet other climbers in your group. During the briefing, your guide will discuss plans and logistics for the first day of your climb, amongst other important information to help you prepare.

Distances vary according to the route. Total distances covered range from around 30 to 60 miles (48-97 kilometers) in total, but often feel different at altitude.

You don’t need to be an athlete or have experience with technical mountaineering, but you do need to be active, committed to training, and ready for a challenge! The trails can be very steep at points. You will find training recommendations here.

On the first day of your climb, you are likely to lose signal before reaching the gate and will not regain it until day two. From then onwards, for most Kilimanjaro Routes, you will find the signal at some point, and sometimes even in camp. On the Rongai route and Northern Circuit reception can be more limited and tends to be via Kenyan networks, as the routes pass close to the border.

No. All of the climbs are walks, you may need walking poles to support your climb. Nor do you need any special equipment, so you can leave all your ropes, crampons, ice axes etc at home. All of the routes are walking routes only.