Kilimanjaro Faqs

1. From where do you get a Tanzania Visa?

The following entry points to the United Republic of Tanzania are designated to offer Visas-

• Dar Es Salaam International Airport
Zanzibar International Airport
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Namanga Entry Point
• Tunduma
• Sirari
• Horohoro
• Kigoma port

2. What are the visa-on-arrival fees for the United Republic of Tanzania?

Currently, Tanzania Visa fees are given below:

• For US citizens: $100 (Multiple entry travel visa) for 1 year.
• Non-US citizens: $50 (Single entry travel visa) for 6 months.
• Non-US citizens: $100 (double-entry) for 6 months.
• Fees for other categories of visas are given here.

Note: Always carry US dollars in cash to pay these fees.

3. How much time is needed to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mostly, the time required to hike Mount Kilimanjaro depends on the route chosen by the visitor. To successfully reach the mountain top, you need to choose the Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro. However, as a general thumb of rule, it is generally recommended by experts to choose a longer time for beginners. Anyone, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for the first time needs proper time to acclimatize and adjust to the weather conditions. So, for a beginner, an 8-9 day itinerary would help. Professional climbers can always go for a shorter stay.

4. Tell me something about emergency facilities available up there on Mount Kilimanjaro?

The safety of our visitors is a major concern for us. There is a rescue team allotted for helping you at every step of your Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Moreover, our guides and porters are also trained professionals to handle any kind of emergency. The rescue team will descend you on a stretcher in case of any severe emergency. In case of a more severe emergency, a helicopter rescue team will reach the spot and evacuate you. They will take all the responsibility for taking you to the nearby medical clinic. In case that does not help, they will transfer the concerned person to the best hospital in the city.

5. How difficult is it to hike Mount Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro needs practice and determination. If you are physically fit and mentally determined, then nothing can stop you from reaching the summit. You need to acclimatize yourself to the harsh climatic conditions. So, we recommend our visitors start training 3 months prior to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Scaling up Kilimanjaro is not a technical process. It’s more of a walking and hiking exercise. Eating sufficiently and hydrating well will get you through. So, drink as much as 3-4 liters of water per day while summiting the peak.

6. Can visitors rent Gear for Kilimanjaro Climb in Tanzania?

The answer is yes. You can always rent the required gear and equipment required for your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb from tour operators. The other option is to rent them from local gear shops in Moshi and Arusha. Even, trekking poles and sleeping accessories can also be hired. Although, we will recommend at least bringing all your clothing accessories for your own convenience.

7. Where to shower and use the loo while on Kilimanjaro Mountain Trekking?

Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure trek. There are no showers at such great heights. Only, a bowl of warm water is supplied to wash hands and face. Rest, you can carry wet wipes for maintaining basic hygiene. Considering it’s a trek, the best option for using the bathroom is to find a spot behind a tree or rock. Otherwise, there are hole-in-the-ground public toilets available too. What you can do is carry a little bag for putting used toilet paper in that. Dispose of it later when you return to the camp. A private toilet tent containing a plastic toilet is provided at each campsite. Now, women are recommended to bring a urinary device like a Shewee which is used to stand and pee. Antimicrobial pee cloth like Kula cloth will come in handy.

8. What is the best route to Climb Kilimanjaro?

The best route to Climb Kilimanjaro depends on less crowd, acclimatization, scenic views, and success rate on that route. Depending on the above factors, the best route for Climbing Kilimanjaro is the Lemosho route and Northern Circuit Route.

9. Which Kilimanjaro Route is highly successful among trekkers?

With a success rate of 95%, the highest Kilimanjaro Success Rate is on the Lemosho and Northern Circuit Route. They are longer routes that offer high acclimatization rates.

10. Which is the best month to go for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro?

The month of September is the best month to go to Mount Kilimanjaro. The main attraction during this time is the pleasant weather and absolutely lovely scenic views of the mountains. The sunsets and sunrises against the majestic Kilimanjaro are absolutely stunning. Great time for photography as well.