Got questions? We have answers!
Trekking Kilimanjaro or Mt. Meru is a significant undertaking, and it’s normal to have a lot of questions before committing. The answers below cover the things most trekkers want to know – from choosing the right route to what to expect on summit night. If something isn’t covered here, or if you’d like to talk through your specific situation, Philip is always happy to help.
He has guided hundreds of ascents and there isn’t much he hasn’t been asked.If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, just reach out directly. Philip and his team are happy to answer any question, no matter how small it might seem.
Do I need any climbing experience to trek Kilimanjaro?
No technical climbing experience is required. Kilimanjaro is a walk-up mountain – there is no roping, no scrambling, and no equipment beyond good hiking gear. That said, it is a serious physical undertaking. The primary challenge is altitude, not terrain. A reasonable base level of fitness and a willingness to walk slowly and steadily for several days will take you further than raw athletic ability.
What is the main reason people don't reach the summit?
Altitude sickness. As you ascend, the air thins and your body needs time to adjust. Pushing too hard, too fast is the most common mistake. This is why route selection matters – longer routes with better acclimatization profiles have significantly higher summit success rates than shorter ones. Our guides are trained to monitor symptoms and will always prioritize your safety over summit attempts.
Which Kilimanjaro route should I choose?
It depends on your available time, budget, and how important summit success is to you. Here’s a rough guide:
- Lemosho (7-8 days): Our top recommendation for most trekkers. Scenic, less crowded, and excellent acclimatization.
- Northern Circuit (8-9 days): The longest route and the highest summit success rate. Outstanding scenery and genuine solitude.
- Machame (6-7 days): Popular and varied, with good acclimatization. A strong choice for fit trekkers.
- Rongai (6-7 days): The only route approaching from the north. Drier and quieter, good for the dry season.
- Marangu (5-6 days): The only route with hut accommodation. Shorter and more affordable, but lower success rates due to limited acclimatization time.
- Umbwe (6 days): The most direct and demanding route. Recommended only for experienced, very fit trekkers.
We’re happy to help you choose based on your specific situation.
What are the chances of reaching the summit?
Overall summit success rates on Kilimanjaro vary widely by route and operator. On longer routes with proper acclimatization – like the Lemosho or Northern Circuit – well-prepared trekkers guided by experienced teams have strong odds. Rushing the ascent on shorter itineraries is the main reason people turn back. Philip has guided hundreds of Kilimanjaro ascents and knows what it takes to get climbers to the top safely.
When is the best time to trek Kilimanjaro?
The two main trekking seasons are January through mid-March and June through October. These periods offer the most stable weather and the clearest summit conditions. December and early January are also popular. The rainy seasons – April through May and November – bring heavier precipitation and cloud cover, though treks still operate year-round. The Rongai route, approaching from the drier north, is a good option if you’re trekking outside the main seasons.
How fit do I need to be?
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to prepare. The daily walking distances are manageable, but you’ll be doing them for multiple consecutive days at increasing altitude. A good preparation plan involves regular cardio over the months leading up to your trek – hiking, cycling, or running – with an emphasis on sustained effort rather than speed. Day hikes with a loaded pack are the most relevant training you can do.
What should I pack for the trek?
Kilimanjaro requires clothing for a wide range of conditions – from hot and humid at the base to well below freezing at the summit. Layering is essential. Key items include a warm down jacket, waterproof outer shell, thermal base layers, good quality hiking boots that are already broken in, trekking poles, a warm hat, gloves, and a headlamp for the summit night. We provide a full packing list when you book, tailored to the route and season.
What is the food like on the mountain?
Our mountain crew includes a dedicated cook who prepares hot meals at every camp. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided throughout the trek, along with hot drinks. The diet is designed to be nutritious, filling, and appropriate for high altitude – plenty of carbohydrates to fuel the ascent. A sample menu is available on request. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Who carries my gear on the mountain?
Your personal gear is carried by porters, which means you only need to carry a small daypack with water, snacks, a rain jacket, and personal items during each day’s walk. Our porter teams are experienced, properly equipped, and paid and treated in accordance with fair standards. Tipping your mountain crew at the end of the trek is customary and warmly appreciated – we provide guidance on appropriate amounts when you book.
What is Mt. Meru, and is it worth doing?
Mt. Meru is Tanzania’s second highest peak at 4,566 metres, located in Arusha National Park just a short drive from Kilimanjaro. It’s a 4-day trek and a genuinely rewarding experience in its own right – the crater scenery and ridge walk to the summit are spectacular. Many trekkers use it as an acclimatization climb before Kilimanjaro, and it pairs very naturally with a Kilimanjaro trek. Because it sees far fewer visitors than Kilimanjaro, you’ll have much of the mountain to yourself.