• Kilimanjaro Airport pick up and drop-off per group
• 2 nights at a hotel bed & breakfast plan
• English-speaking professional guides & dedicated crew
• Transfers to and from the mountain
• All Meals as per daily itinerary
• Activities as per the itinerary
• National Park Fees and taxes
• Purified drinking water while on the mountain
• Dry bag to protect your duffel bag
• Oxygen cylinder(s) for emergency
• Portable chemical toilet
• Mountain tents plus standard sleeping mattress
• Official Summit Certificate – for those who qualify

• Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro
• Personal travel insurance with medical and mountain evacuation (required)
• Tanzania entry visa
• Tips for the support team
• Sleeping bags and other personal gear
• Rental gear
• Lunch and dinner at the Moshi hotel
• Drinks and snacks
• Additional airport or gate transfers
• Extra nights at the hotels
• Expenses of a personal nature (souvenirs, etc.)

The necessary attire for the hike includes clothing and equipment items. HEADGEAR For the head, it is recommended to wear:

• warm beanie-style hat made of fleece or knitted material,
• neck gaiter, or a scarf to protect against dust and wind
• wide-brimmed sun hat for sun protection, and high UV protection sunglasses.

UPPER-BODY The upper body requires:

• thermal or fleece base layer
• two light or medium weight moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
• two lightweight moisture-wicking short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
• fleece or hoodie
• insulated jacket
• warm hooded or summit jacket
• poncho to be carried in the daypack in case of unexpected rain.
• Inner gloves made of fleece or quick-drying fabric and heavyweight, insulated, water-resistant gloves or mittens are also necessary.

LOWER-BODY

• thermal or fleece base layer leggings
• two pairs of shorts for warmer weather
• two light or medium weight trekking trousers, waterproof or summit trousers, and gaiters are recommended. Additionally:
• six pairs of underwear, trekking boots with good ankle support. Check more info here
• training shoes or similar for around camp
• daily trekking socks, and thermal trekking socks for summit night are required.

Equipment to bring includes :

• small rucksack or daypack for personal items and water
• waterproof duffle bag that weighs no more than 15kg when full
• 4 seasons or -20 Deg C sleeping bag with a compression sack
• trekking pole
• water bottle or hydration bag that can carry 3.0L of water with a wide-mouthed bottle required for summit night
• headlamp with extra batteries
• optionally, an insulated sleeping mat for added comfort and warmth.

Gears and equipment to rent:

• warm hooded or summit jacket
• waterproof or summit trousers
• upper and lower thermal, gloves
• gaiters
• headlamp
• water bottles
• hiking boots
• balaclava or warm scarf
• sleeping bag
• poncho or raincoat
• duffel bag
• camelback
• warm hat
• thick socks

Other necessary accessories include:

• high SPF sunscreen and lip balm
• toiletries including wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• camera with spare batteries
• personal medication and first aid kit
• personal snacks and energy bars, glucose powder or tablets
• towel for wiping hands and face

It is important to note that Dotcom Safari has a strict 15kg weight limit per porter for the main equipment bag, which includes the sleeping bag even if rented from them. The bag will be weighed before the climb, and if overweight, items will have to be removed and left at the hotel or an extra porter must be used. All rubbish must be carried off the mountain.

Hiking Kilimanjaro is a challenging and rewarding experience, and proper training is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable climb. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the climb:

Start training early

It’s important to give yourself enough time to build up your fitness level gradually. Ideally, you should start training at least six months before your climb.

Focus on cardiovascular exercise: Hiking Kilimanjaro requires a lot of endurance, so you should focus on exercises that improve your cardiovascular fitness, such as running, cycling, or swimming.
Incorporate strength training: In addition to cardio, you should also include strength training in your workout routine to build your leg muscles and improve your balance.
Practice hiking: The best way to prepare for hiking Kilimanjaro is to go on long hikes with a weighted  backpack to simulate the conditions you’ll experience on the mountain (5kg/12lbs is sufficient). Wear the same hiking boots you plan on using while trekking Kilimanjaro.
Get used to high altitude: Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude climb, so it’s important to acclimate yourself to higher elevations before the climb. Consider doing some high-altitude training hikes, or spending time in high-altitude environments.
Improve your nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining energy and endurance during the climb. Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Hydrate properly: Staying hydrated is crucial when hiking at high altitudes. Make sure to drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids throughout your training and during the climb.

While it’s possible to trek Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania throughout the year, some months are colder, wetter, and may have more snow at the summit.

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, and MID-MARCH

The prime time for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro, which happens to be the most preferred, is January and February due to their warmer climate (remember Tanzania is in the southern hemisphere). This period typically offers bright and cloudless skies in the early morning and late afternoon. Yet, one may encounter rain and cloudy skies during the afternoons.

MID-MARCH, APRIL, AND MAY

From late March to early June, the long rainy season hits Mount Kilimanjaro, bringing wet, muddy, and snowy trails, which makes it not an ideal time for climbing. Apart from less enjoyable climbing and limited opportunities to capture the scenic beauty, climbing during this period should be avoided to minimize risks.

Despite this, if you opt to trek during this period, you could enjoy the solitude, peace, and tranquility offered by the less crowded trails and campsites/huts. Additionally, some mountain climbers are enticed by the challenge of scaling a snow-capped summit and the breathtaking landscapes it offers. Note that the northern side of the mountain receives less precipitation so the Northern Circuit and Rongai Routes are a strong consideration. Also the comfort of mountain huts on Marangu Route can be considered.

JUNE

June marks the shift from the rainy season to the dry season, and thus it is generally less rainy than March, April, and May. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to be equipped for cold temperatures and cloudy skies during this month, as the mountain views may not be as spectacular as during other months.

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER

Starting from July and ending in October, the weather is generally colder, but significantly drier compared to the preceding months. Although rain is possible throughout the year, especially in the rainforest and moorlands, it is usually infrequent, and remaining dry will make your trek more comfortable and enjoyable. Additionally, these months offer clear, sunny skies, and breathtaking views.

One potential downside of trekking during this period is that the trails tend to be more crowded. However, some people appreciate the opportunity to socialize with other groups at the campsites and huts, and team spirit is crucial for reaching the summit.

NOVEMBER

The start of November marks the beginning of Tanzania’s brief rainy season which extends until the start of December. During this time, it is typical to experience afternoon showers while mornings and evenings are often characterized by clear skies. Unfortunately, this month is not generally recommended for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro due to the high likelihood of wet, muddy and slippery conditions. Similar to March – May, the Northern Circuit and Rongai Routes are a stronger consideration for this time period as is opting for mountain huts used on Marangu Route for overnight comfort.

 DECEMBER

While the short rainy season can extend into December, this month remains a favored time for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, as weather conditions tend to be similar to those in January, offering clear and pleasant skies.

Climatic conditions on Mount Kilimanjaro

 (Dry season (July – October/ Mid December – Mid March)

In Tanzania, the dry season is characterized by predictable weather patterns, with infrequent rainfall and clear skies that make it an ideal time for climbing. Temperatures at the summit area range from -5 C to -10 C, and there is little snow cover, which means that additional equipment is not required. Overall, the dry season offers a more comfortable and less challenging experience.

Rainy season (Mid March – June / November – Mid December)

Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro peak is feasible throughout the year, although the rainy season may require additional effort. However, there are two advantages to climbing during this season: the routes are less crowded, and the snow-covered Uhuru Peak offers picturesque views. To prepare for the cooler weather and potential moisture, it is recommended to pack extra thermal underwear, T-shirts, and socks. Rain and snowfall may occur, and the days are often windy and humid. The summit area is covered in snow and ice, necessitating the use of gaiters and microspikes. While climbing during the rainy season is generally more challenging, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Check the weather here

Altitude sickness (AMS) is a serious medical condition brought on by travelling too quickly to altitude, and/or performing physical exercise at altitude when unacclimatised.

Tolerance to altitude varies greatly amongst individuals, but a fit person who does not go too fast will not strain their cardiovascular system as much as an unfit person for the same amount of exercise and will therefore be at a lower risk of developing AMS. Even a very fit person however is still very likely to develop AMS if they trek to altitudes above 3500m without some days spent acclimatizing or they walk too quickly.

Altitude sickness can occur in some people as low as 8,000 feet (2,400 meters), but serious symptoms do not usually occur until over 12,000 feet (3,700m). AMS is brought on by changes in the body caused by the reduction in air pressure at altitude. At 5000m the air pressure is reduced to 55% of that at sea level and at 6000m it is down to 49%.

This drop in pressure has three major effects. Learn more here