Kilimanjaro questions , answered.
Booking and groups
How large are your open group climbs?
Open group climbs have a maximum of 15 climbers. Group departures follow the published routes and dates, while private climbs are arranged around the agreed itinerary. We do not promise unlimited private-group size — confirm the arrangements for your party in your quotation.
What is included in a standard climbing package?
Standard climbing packages include two hotel nights: one before and one after the climb, subject to the quotation. The full list of inclusions is confirmed in your written quotation.
How is accommodation arranged on the mountain?
On camping routes, shared tents are standard. Published one-person trek rates already include a private hotel room for both included hotel nights and a private mountain tent on camping routes, so no single supplement is added to these rates. For travellers in a party of two or more who request separate accommodation, a hotel single-room supplement costs US$80 per night and a single-occupancy mountain tent costs an additional US$30 per mountain night, arranged when booking and subject to availability. The supplements are separate and apply only to the relevant nights. Marangu hut accommodation is shared; a private hut is neither included nor promised. For the full detail, see our
.
Can I join a group safari after my climb?
Yes. Safari extensions and group safari availability can be arranged by enquiry. Tell us your dates and interests and we will advise on the options that fit your itinerary.
Does submitting an enquiry create a booking?
No. Submitting an enquiry does not create a booking contract. A contract is formed only when a booking is confirmed and the applicable deposit is received, as set out in our Booking Terms & Conditions.
Preparation
How fit do I need to be?
Kilimanjaro is a strenuous undertaking at high altitude. You should be in good health and reasonably fit, with experience of long days of walking. Fitness does not guarantee protection against altitude illness — acclimatisation and a slow ascent matter more. Discuss your plans with a clinician before travel.
Which route should I choose?
Route choice depends on your fitness, experience, available time and any history of altitude problems. Longer itineraries improve acclimatisation but do not eliminate risk. Compare the options on our Kilimanjaro guide and route pages, and ask us for honest advice.
When should I arrive and depart?
Plan to arrive the day before your climb begins and to depart after the post-climb hotel night. Confirm your briefing time personally with our team rather than assuming every briefing is held at 5 pm.
Do I need vaccinations or a visa?
Vaccination and visa requirements depend on your nationality and itinerary. We do not provide blanket yellow-fever requirements, universal visa-on-arrival eligibility, old visa fees or “nothing is required” vaccination advice. Confirm current entry requirements with official sources and see our entry-requirements guidance.
Equipment
How should I layer my clothing?
Use a layering system: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers (fleece or down), and a waterproof outer shell. Rain protection is needed in every season — do not assume dry weather on any route.
How much luggage can my porter carry?
Aim for a maximum of 15 kg in your porter-carried duffel bag. Each climber has a porter assigned to carry their duffel. If your bag weighs more than 15 kg, let us know in advance; an additional porter may be needed to distribute the load. You carry your own daypack. Separately, our porters generally carry around 15–18 kg each, and the maximum load is 20 kg per porter, including their personal kit. We recommend a soft duffel bag, and use dry bags to keep gear organised and dry.
Can I rent equipment?
Yes. Selected equipment is available to rent. Rental prices are per trip, not per day. Key rentals include: Sleeping bag −29°C / −20°F at US$60 per trip; Sleeping bag −20°C at US$30 per trip; and Crampons / Microspikes at US$50 per trip. The −29°C / −20°F option includes Mountain Hardwear Lamina™ bags, subject to availability; the −20°C option is available in various brands. Both are professionally cleaned after every trek. Reserve rentals ahead of arrival, with availability and fit confirmed. See the full rental list on our equipment page.
Is a portable toilet included?
A portable toilet is an optional extra at US$30 per day per group of up to five guests. It is not automatically included on every climb — arrange it in advance and confirm it in your quotation.
Mountain life
What are meals like on the mountain?
Our cooks prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner on the mountain, with enough energy for the demands of climbing. We can accommodate most dietary requests — tell us in advance so we can plan accordingly.
What about washing on the mountain?
Washing arrangements are basic. A bowl of warm water is typically provided in the morning and evening. Optional portable showers can be arranged in advance at suitable camps, subject to water supply and conditions.
What happens if I descend early?
If you descend early, additional hotel costs in Moshi may apply and are not automatically included in the package. We will help arrange your accommodation and any onward plans; confirm the arrangements with our team.
Safety
How do you monitor altitude sickness?
Our guides conduct twice-daily pulse-oximeter and Lake Louise symptom checks, with additional assessment whenever concerns arise. Emergency oxygen and first-aid equipment are carried. For the full safety guidance, see our Altitude & Safety page rather than relying on outdated medical advice.
Can medication prevent altitude sickness?
Medication decisions require advice from a qualified clinician. Our guides do not prescribe or administer medicines. Discuss any altitude medication with your doctor before travel and carry it yourself.
Is summit success or evacuation guaranteed?
No. We do not guarantee summit success, guaranteed evacuation, or uninterrupted progress for every remaining group member after an emergency. Summit and evacuation decisions depend on your health, acclimatisation, weather and mountain conditions. Your guide’s decision on the mountain is final.
Arrival and onward travel
Which airport should I fly into?
Most climbers arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We can assist with domestic flight connections where needed. We do not publish old international airfare estimates — confirm current flight arrangements with your airline or travel agent.
Are airport transfers included?
Airport-transfer terms are package-specific. Confirm whether transfers are included in your quotation. For the Kilimanjaro mountain biking package specifically, airport transfers are listed separately at US$50 each way; do not apply the MTB exclusions to ordinary trekking packages.
Can I extend my trip with a safari or Zanzibar?
Yes. Safari extensions, Zanzibar beach stays and group safari availability can all be arranged by enquiry. Tell us what you have in mind and we will build it into your itinerary.
Kilimanjaro Guide
Altitude & Safety
Equipment & Packing List
Travel Insurance
Booking Terms & Conditions
Contact Our Team
Kilimanjaro FAQs | Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris
Frequently asked questions about climbing Kilimanjaro with Exuberant — booking and groups, preparation, equipment, mountain life, safety, and arrival and onward travel.
Kilimanjaro FAQs
Practical answers about booking, preparation, equipment, mountain life, safety and travel logistics. For detailed guidance, follow the links to our dedicated guides.
Entry requirements
Visas &
vaccinations.
Visa and vaccination requirements depend on your nationality and itinerary. We do not publish blanket yellow-fever requirements, universal visa-on-arrival eligibility, old visa fees or “nothing is required” vaccination advice. Always confirm current requirements with official sources before you travel.
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