Six routes, one summit. The world’s tallest free-standing mountain and the only seven-summit climb you can do without ropes or technical skills.
Best Tanzania Safari specializes in Mt. Kilimanjaro treks and focuses on giving climbers the best possible chance of a safe and successful summit. We don’t cut corners – from experienced guides and quality food to well-maintained camping equipment and daily health monitoring on the mountain.
Although Kilimanjaro is considered a “walk-up” mountain and does not require technical climbing skills, reaching the summit is still a serious challenge. At the top, oxygen levels are about half of those at sea level, making altitude acclimatization essential.
Our mountain guides are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) trained to recognize and respond to altitude sickness early, with regular health checks provided throughout the trek.
01 Six Routes
Several routes are available on Kilimanjaro, each offering a different experience. We generally recommend choosing the longest itinerary your time and budget allow, as slower ascents improve acclimatization and summit success rates. The Marangu Route is unique for its dormitory-style huts with solar lighting, while all other routes are camping routes. Climbs are possible year-round, though March to May and November to early December are typically the wettest months. During these periods, the drier northern routes such as Rongai and the Northern Circuit are often good options.
Duration
8-9
Difficulty
Moderate
02 Know Before You Go
Several routes are available on Kilimanjaro, each offering a different experience. We generally recommend choosing the longest itinerary your time and budget allow, as slower ascents improve acclimatization and summit success rates. The Marangu Route is unique for its dormitory-style huts with solar lighting, while all other routes are camping routes. Climbs are possible year-round, though March to May and November to early December are typically the wettest months. During these periods, the drier northern routes such as Rongai and the Northern Circuit are often good options.
What to Pack
Packing efficiently and bringing proper gear is vital as you will pass through several climate zones..
All items can be rented locally of good quality. There will be an equipment check before your trek starts to insure you are properly prepared.
Bags/Packs
- 80-90L Waterproof duffle bag
- 20-30L Day Pack
- Day Pack Rain-cover
Clothing
- 4-5 Pairs of underwear
- Top and bottom base layer
- 3-4 Short sleeve and 1-2 long sleeve trekking shirts
- 1-2 Pairs of hiking trousers
- 1 Fleece jacket
- 1 Insulated winter jacket
- 1 Insulated trekking trousers
- 1 Hard-shell jacket
- Lightweight rain-gear
Headgear
- Sun hat, ideally with a neck cover
- Warm knit/fleece cap
- Bandanna or neck gaiter
- Headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Sunglasses – Polarized (Glacier Glasses are ideal)
Hands and Walking
- Lightweight inner gloves
- Warm outer gloves/mitts
- Adjustable trekking poles
Footwear
- Mid-weight hiking boots
- Sandals/Trainers (for use at the camps)
- 4-5 Pairs of trekking socks
- 1 Pair of warm/thick trekking socks
- Gaiters
Sleeping Accessories
- 4-Season Sleeping Bag (temperature rating of 0°C or lower)
- Sleeping Bag Liner
General Accessories
- Water Bottles (enough to carry 3L) – note if bringing a camelbak instead, it is a good idea to have at least 1 water bottle since at times the camelbak tubes can freeze shut.
- Water Purification Tablets- optional since we will treat all water for you
- Baby Wipes
- Sweat-Resistant Sunblock
- Blister Plasters (Band-aids)
- Insect Repellent
- General medications (Paracetamol, Imodium)
- Diamox (optional – see Mountain Safety Article for advice)
- Pee bottle (optional)
Electronics
- Camera (optional) – Note: Drones are not allowed
- Solar Backpack Charger (optional)
- Power Bank (optional)
- Spare Memory Card (optional)
Misc.
- Energy Bars
- Energy Drink Supplement
- Zip-lock Bags (note: single use plastic bags are not allowed in the country)
- Trekking towel
- Toiletries, including one roll of toilet paper
- Small lock for your duffle bag (optional)
Mountain Sample Diet
It takes a lot of energy to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. Your success may depend on the meals that are prepared for you.
This is one area where budget companies cut corners, but Best Tanzania Safari knows that this is unwise to make reaching the summit even harder just to save a few dollars. Unfortunately, one of the effects of high altitude is loss of appetite and nausea. That means the your meals need to be easy to digest and appealing. Best Tanzania Safari can accommodate nearly any special diet if we are informed in advance of the trek.
What is typically served is:
Breakfasts
- pancakes/chapati,
- porridge,
- fruits,
- eggs,
- sausages,
- bread with jam/honey,
- coffee/tea/hot chocolate.
Lunches
- sandwiches,
- soup,
- chicken,
- fried bananas,
- peanuts,
- fruit,
- boiled eggs,
- chocolate bar,
- coffee/tea/hot chocolate.
Dinners
- Peanuts/popcorn,
- stew/soup,
- pasta/potatoes/rice,
- vegetables,
- beef/chicken,
- coffee/tea/hot chocolate.
Tipping Etiquette
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is very much a team effort, and many clients come away with great respect for the mountain crew after seeing the hard work involved in helping trekkers safely reach the summit — and, when needed, assisting climbers back down the mountain safely.
Tipping is always optional and entirely at your discretion. Best Tanzania Safari pays its staff wages at the higher end of local industry standards, but tips still provide meaningful support for guides, cooks, and porters and their families. The suggested amounts below are based on the cost of living in Tanzania and feedback from past climbers.
We also maintain a strict no-pressure tipping policy. Our staff are not permitted to ask for tips directly or share personal hardship stories in hopes of receiving larger tips. If you experience this, or if any aspect of the service does not meet expectations, please let us know.
Tips can be given in any currency accepted by local banks. Please note that we cannot accept tips by credit or debit card, as card payments would be subject to company taxation. Useful trekking equipment that you no longer need is also appreciated.
The final number of porters depends on the total expedition weight, including client gear, camping equipment, food, staff supplies, and optional items such as portable toilets.
Suggested Tip Amounts (Per Group / Per Day)
Head Guide: $25 USD/day
Assistant Guides: $20 USD/day
Cook: $15 USD/day
Porters: $10 USD/day
These amounts are per group, not per person. For example, on an 8-day trek, the suggested tip for the head guide would total $200 USD. In a group of 4 trekkers, each person would contribute $50 USD toward that amount.