No. We only offer custom private trips for everyone from solo travelers to large groups. That way we can custom-tailor your experience to exactly fit your needs. If there’s something in particular you’re looking for, just let us know and we will try to make it happen.

You can climb year-round, but we do not recommend going during the rainy season (mid-March through mid-May).
● January, February, and September are the best all-around conditions.
● July through September is the dry season, but also the coldest. July and August arealso the busiest time on the mountain.
● November through the first half of December sees fewer climbers, but can be rainy.

Despite the above guidelines, it can rain in July through September, and it can be completely dry in November. The weather can change at a moment’s notice on the mountain, so you must prepare for every type of weather no matter when you go.

There are seven official routes to ascend Kilimanjaro:
● Machame (a.k.a the Whiskey RouteL 7-8 Days)
● Marangu Route (a.k.a the Coca-Cola Route: 5-6 Days), and the most popular route
● Lemosho Route (7-9 Days), the one we recommend
● Shira Route (highest starting elevation)
● Rongai Route
● Umbwe Route (shortest, steepest, hardest)
● Northern Circuit Route (longest, 9-10 days)

In general, the longer you have to ascend Kilimanjaro, the higher the summit success rate is. The shorter routes, such as Marangu, are tougher on your body (longer hiking days) and allow less time for your body to acclimatize to the elevation, which can lead to altitude sickness. There also tend to be more climbers on the shorter routes.

There are fewer climbers on the Lemosho and Rongai Route, and the views from the Lemosho Route are the most spectacular. That, and because of the high success rate, is why we encourage all of our guests to do the Lemosho Route versus the other options.

The new Northern Circuit Route is also a decent option that extends the classic Lemosho Route by a day or two, if you’re worried about acclimizating, or simple want to extend your time on Kili.

The minimum hiking age is 10 years old, as set by the Park Service. There is no maximum age to climb Kilimanjaro. We’ve had plenty of guests successfully summit in their 60s and 70s. The oldest recorded summit was by an 89-year-old great-grandmother!

What’s more important than your age is that you’re physically active and have a good level of fitness.

It’s ideal if you can train and hike at higher elevations, great. However, we know that isn’t possible for many guests. We recommend cardio training such as long walks and runs, swimming, hiking, and biking in order to get into decent physical shape before you start your ascent.

Most guests make sure that they are up to date on the usual travel inoculations, such as Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid.

As far as anti-malarial drugs are concerned, the only areas where mosquitoes are present are on Day 1, Day 7, and Day 8. Most guests opt to not take anti-malarial drugs are the prevalence of malaria being quite low in the area, and the unpleasant side effects of the drugs.

Wearing long sleeves and pants also helps to avoid mosquito bites.

Tanzania requires Yellow Fever vaccinations only when traveling directly from endemic countries, such as Kenya, Ethiopia, or Brazil. (If you only have an airport layover in one of the countries, you don’t have to worry about it.)

Please consult with a qualified medical specialist regarding travel vaccinations and medicine.

We strongly recommend that any guest who isn’t allergic to sulfa-based drugs at least have acetazolamide with them in case they need it. We have seen definite increases in summit success rates and decreases in altitude sickness in those who start taking prophylactic doses of 125mg acetazolamide twice a day starting the day before the hike begins.

Minor side effects of taking acetazolamide include loss of appetite, more frequent urination, and a tingling sensation in your fingers and toes.

Please consult with a qualified medical specialist before taking any medication.

The number one cause of guests not reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is altitude sickness (also known as hypoxia or AMS). Symptoms of altitude sickness include difficulty breathing, loss of sleep, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and in rare severe cases, even death.

All our guides are trained to recognize the signs of altitude sickness. If they decide that you are no longer in any condition to continue the hike, then you must start your descent (on your own with a guide, or another staff member if you are able – otherwise, a guide with a team of porters will escort you down via rolling stretcher).

In certain situations, helicopter rescue may be an option (for an extra fee), but even when rescue is possible the helicopter is not always available.

Unlike many other companies, we include a generous base gratuity in our pricing structure. We do this because it encourages the very best talent on the mountain to work with us and stay with us for the long term. We’ve found that having happy, well-paid, and well-fed staff leads to a much better experience on the mountain for our guests and team alike.

Many guests choose to bring small bills to give a bit extra to team members who were especially helpful during their hike. (Note: do not bring more than $200/person [or equivalent] cash with you on the mountain, as is not allowed by park rules in case of loss or theft).

We have a full list of recommended gear in our Kilimanjaro Packing & Preparation guide.

We can arrange for extra nights at the cost of $150/person for shared rooms, and $200/person for solo travelers, including three meals per day.

Activities during your extra day(s) (hikes, safaris, etc.) may be arranged at extra cost.

We highly recommend staying through the evening of Day 10, as you’ll be quite exhausted and in need of rest once you get off the mountain. This extra time also allows for some leeway in case of any unexpected incidents that require time to resolve.

However, if you must fly out that evening we can arrange for a day-use room near the airport that you can use to shower and change in before your flight.

The pricing of the itinerary does not change if you choose to fly out a day early.

We highly recommend including Day 2 in your itinerary because it allows for leeway in case your flight is delayed or canceled or your luggage is lost.

It also allows for time to check your gear with your lead guide before the trek and to rent anything that is needed. Plus, it helps your body cope with the fatigue and jetlag after a long flight, making your Kilimanjaro hike more enjoyable.

However, if you are scheduled to arrive in Tanzania in the morning or early afternoon of Day 1 we can work with you to make sure you are ready to start the ascent the next morning.

The pricing of the itinerary is reduced by $100/person if you choose to skip the recommended preparation day.

If you need evacuation off of the mountain we will do everything in our power to safely get you down from the mountain. From there you’ll be taken to a lodge, or to the hospital, as needed.

There are no refunds given in the case of a canceled hike, as everything has already been paid in full for the entire duration of the hike at the point the trek starts, including the national park permits.

Please note that all extra costs incurred (transportation, lodging, meals, hospital visits, etc.) must be paid by the guest. (Most charges resulting from early termination of your climb should be able to be claimed via your travel insurance.)

Always check with your doctor or medical professional first and bring medications. Also, alert us of any medical issues before you start your hike.

Yes. We have a top chef and can accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, etc. Please check with us before you book,