Mount Kilimanjaro Climb FAQ
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No preamble necessary, we think – let's get tucked into the Q&As!
What is climbing Kilimanjaro really like?
Find out what it’s like to summit the roof of Africa at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level. No matter where you are in the planning stages, it’s an extremely useful watch as you:
- Meet the mountain crew who make this magnificent once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.
- Watch the team trek through five unique ecosystems.
- And find out what it takes to conquer one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
How do I get to Mt Kilimanjaro?
Tanzania has three major international airports:
- Dar es Salaam (DAR)
- Zanzibar (ZNZ)
- Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
The latter is the most convenient for Kilimanjaro, sitting only 42 km away from the mountain town of Moshi and 50 km from Arusha. In addition to flights to Tanzania, you may consider flights to Nairobi in Kenya, which is only a 5-hour shuttle bus ride to Arusha or a 1-hour plane ride to JRO. Note, however, that by choosing to fly to Kenya you may need a multiple-entry Kenya visa (if you are flying out of Kenya, too, for example, and spend longer than a fortnight in Tanzania), which can cost as much as $122 – thereby reducing or eliminating any saving you may have made in airfares.
In deciding which flights to book, you should consider the full trip. For example, if you would like to spend a couple of days in Zanzibar after the climb, it might be best to book one-way tickets from your home to Kilimanjaro Airport for the climb, from Arusha to Zanzibar after the climb, and then from Zanzibar back to your home.
How many days early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving one day early (called “arrival day”). This will give you time to relax, meet your fellow trekkers, and get a proper briefing before the climb starts. We do know, however, that traveling to Kilimanjaro can be a challenge and so we will accommodate your arrival time as best we can (for example, if you arrive only late at night the day before the climb starts).
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
You will need a passport that is valid for at least six more months as well as a flight card which you will receive on the plane. Finally, you need a Tanzanian visa. US, Canadian, British, and most European citizens can simply obtain their visas upon arrival at the airport. The cost is $100 for US passport holders and $50 for others. If you are a citizen of a different country, please check with your embassy if you can obtain a visa upon arrival.
What vaccinations do I need?
There are no specific vaccine requirements for entry into Tanzania. However, be aware that the Government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever. We suggest you talk to your doctor about getting the following vaccinations (which are standard in developed countries): Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, polio, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and meningococcal meningitis (Africa and Asia). Please check the Fit For Travel website for more up-to-date information.
Which is the best route?
There are seven different Kilimanjaro routes up the mountain. We recommend the eight-day Lemosho, seven-day Machame, and nine-day Northern Circuit routes. These routes offer the best balance of a high success rate and beautiful scenery.
How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing experience and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain. However, for most people, it will be one of the most difficult things they ever do in their lives.
When is the best time to climb?
Kilimanjaro is climbable all year round. The best months to climb, however, are July to October and December to February, as these are the warmest and driest months. July, August, and September tend to be the busiest months on the mountain. Another factor to take into consideration is the full moon: summiting Kilimanjaro on a cloudless evening is without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Now imagine seeing the glaciers glitter in the moonlight – absolutely stunning. You can also submit the mountain to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Why not join us on a New Year’s Eve climb, a unique once-in-a-lifetime adventure?
![](https://kilialtitudeadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/lemosho-route.jpg)
![](https://kilialtitudeadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/safari-team.jpg)
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