Kilimanjaro rises 5,895 m above northeastern Tanzania, and we guide it from Arusha. Below are the facts people look up first, followed by the questions our trekkers ask most before a climb. Each answer links to a fuller guide.
Kilimanjaro at a glance
| Height | 5,895 m (19,341 ft) at Uhuru Peak |
| Location | Kilimanjaro National Park, northeastern Tanzania, near Moshi |
| Status | Highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world |
| Structure | A volcano with three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira |
| Climate zones | Five, from rainforest to arctic summit |
| First ascent | 1889 |
| Routes we run | Machame, Marangu, Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe, Shira, Northern Circuit and Grand Traverse |
Safety and altitude
How do you monitor altitude sickness on the climb?
Our guides record every trekker’s vital signs, oxygen saturation and general condition each day. The head guide carries a pulse oximeter to measure how well you’re acclimatizing, and all of our guides are trained Wilderness First Responders. We also carry a Gamow bag, an AED, emergency oxygen and a stretcher built for helicopter evacuation. Read how we run safety-led climbs.
What happens if I have to come down early?
A guide goes down with you, either to the nearest lower camp or all the way off the mountain. Our guides know the shortcuts on each route, so descents are fast. For injuries and field rescue we work with Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue.
Group size and pace
How many trekkers are in each group?
Our groups are capped at 12 climbers, and most have six to eight. Families can book private treks of any size, and we tailor private commercial groups to the organization.
What if I’m slower than the rest of the group?
We don’t rush. “Pole pole” is Swahili for “slowly slowly,” and it’s how we walk. With this guide-to-client ratio, a slower trekker gets support all the way.
A day on the mountain
What does a typical day on Kilimanjaro look like?
You wake at about 6:00 to hot drinks and washing water at your tent, eat breakfast at 7:00 and leave camp between 8:00 and 8:30. Lunch is at about 12:00, packed on long days and cooked in camp on short ones. Afternoon tea is at 16:00, dinner at 18:30, and most trekkers are asleep by 20:00.
What food do you serve?
We choose foods that are easy to digest at altitude and can do full vegetarian menus on request. Our cooks are trained in food hygiene. Appetite fades at the highest camp, so we serve broth there. Bring a few favourite snacks. They taste better as you climb.
Preparation
How should I train for Kilimanjaro?
Hike, ideally on hills. Start at least two months before departure and train three times a week for at least an hour. A good readiness test is a four-to-six-hour day hike with about 460 m (1,500 ft) of climbing, carrying a 6 kg pack. Wear your own boots and daypack on every training walk.
What should I pack, and can I rent gear?
Dress in layers and keep your duffel at 10 kg or less. We rent used mountain gear in good condition, so you don’t have to buy kit you’ll use once. See our packing list and the final week checklist.
Do I need to bring water treatment?
No. We provide filtered water from Katadyn Expedition filters and carry iodine tablets for emergencies.
Porters and tipping
How do you treat your porters?
Our porters carry no more than 20 kg. We pay wages on time, guarantee full pay even if a porter has to descend early, provide medical care on the mountain and give porters their own sleeping tents.
How much should I tip the crew?
Tipping is customary and always optional. Groups pool their tips and hand them over at the park gate on the last day. Rates per crew member are in our tipping guide.