Support Centre
Everything you need to prepare for the best trekking experience of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don't need to be a professional athlete, but you should have a solid base of cardiovascular fitness. We recommend being able to comfortably hike for 6–8 hours consecutively with a loaded daypack. Training should begin 3–6 months before your trek. We provide a full training guide on booking.
The two main dry seasons are January–March and June–October. The best windows are mid-January to mid-March and late June through October. We can arrange treks year-round, but these windows offer the best weather and visibility. The Rongai route is our recommended wet-season option.
Altitude sickness (AMS) is a real risk on Kilimanjaro. We manage it through: longer routes with built-in acclimatization days, mandatory pulse oximetry checks at every camp, a strict "walk slowly, walk together" philosophy, WFR-certified guides who can make the call to descend, and carrying emergency oxygen and Gamow bags on Gold expeditions. We never allow guides to pressure clients to summit when safety is at risk.
Yes — travel insurance with emergency medical and evacuation cover is mandatory for all KlimbKing expeditions. Mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation can cost $10,000–$50,000+ without insurance. We recommend policies that specifically cover high-altitude trekking above 4,500m. We're happy to provide a list of preferred insurers.
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania. You can obtain an East Africa Tourist Visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, or apply online in advance through Tanzania's e-visa portal. The standard tourist visa costs $50 USD. We send all clients a full visa guidance document on booking.
Yes! We maintain a gear rental service in Moshi for critical items including sleeping bags (-20°C rated), trekking poles, gaiters, and down jackets. Rental rates are reasonable and equipment is thoroughly cleaned and inspected between expeditions. We recommend bringing your own boots as fit is critical.
Cancellations made 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a 10% booking fee. 30–59 days: 50% refund. Under 30 days: no refund (claim through travel insurance). We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for this reason. We do offer date-change options subject to availability.
Tips are not included in trek prices but are culturally expected and deeply appreciated. Our recommended tipping guidelines: Lead guide: $20–25/day; Assistant guide: $15–18/day; Cook: $10–12/day; Porters: $8–10/day. Tips are collected in USD or TZS and distributed collectively by the lead guide on the final day.
Absolutely. Solo travelers are very welcome on all our group departure dates. Many of our most memorable expeditions have been solo travelers who formed deep friendships on the mountain. We also offer solo private expeditions for those who prefer exclusive experiences.
Essential Gear List
What to pack for your Kilimanjaro expedition. Quality gear significantly increases your summit chance and comfort.
Layering System
- Moisture-wicking base layer (2x)
- Insulating mid-layer fleece
- Down jacket (-20°C rated)
- Waterproof shell jacket & pants
- Thermal underwear
- Warm hat & balaclava
- Neck gaiter / buff (2x)
- Waterproof gloves + liner gloves
Footwear & Legs
- Waterproof trekking boots (broken in!)
- Gaiters (essential for summit)
- Camp sandals / Crocs
- Trekking socks (wool, 4–5 pairs)
- Convertible trekking trousers
- Warm trekking trousers for summit
- Neck gaiter / buff (2x)
- Waterproof gloves + liner gloves
Pack & Equipment
- Daypack (25–35L for climbing)
- Duffel bag for porters (max 15kg)
- Waterproof liner for pack
- Trekking poles (strong recommendation)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Sleeping bag (-20°C rated)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Sunglasses (UV400+, glacier-rated)
Health & Hygiene
- Personal first aid kit
- Diamox (altitude meds, consult doctor)
- Ibuprofen, paracetamol, anti-diarrhea
- Sunscreen SPF50+ (face & lips)
- Hand sanitizer (large bottle)
- Wet wipes (mountain shower!)
- Water purification tablets
- 3L water capacity (bottles or bladder)
KlimbKing Training Guide
Your body is the most important piece of equipment on this mountain. Here's how to prepare it.
6 Months Before
- Begin regular hiking (3x per week)
- Start with flat terrain, add elevation
- Start with flat terrain, add elevation
- 30–60 minute walks with loaded pack
- Build cardio: swimming, cycling
- Strength training: legs and core
3 Months Before
- Multi-day hikes (8+ hours)
- Weekend overnight hikes with full pack
- Hill or stair training (4x per week)
- Target: 800m+ elevation gain per hike
- Wear your summit boots exclusively
- Strength training: legs and core
1 Months Before
- Final long hike (10+ hours)
- Reduce intensity — focus on rest
- Medical check-up & vaccinations
- Test all gear on training hikes
- Confirm travel insurance
- Strength training: legs and core
Travel Requirements & Info
Visa
Most nationalities obtain a Tanzania tourist visa on arrival ($50) or via e-visa online. East Africa Tourist Visa (Tanzania + Kenya + Uganda) available for $100.
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever certificate required if traveling from endemic countries. Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies (if wildlife contact), Malaria prophylaxis.
Getting Here
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — direct flights from Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Doha, Amsterdam and more. We arrange airport transfers from JRO to Moshi.
Currency & Money
Tanzania Shilling (TZS). USD widely accepted. ATMs available in Moshi and Arusha. Notify your bank before travel. Tips and extras can be paid in USD.