Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked Questions

This information should answer many of your initial questions and also guide you through the next stages of preparing for the expedition. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need javascript enabled to view it

With so many options for Kilimanjaro trips, why should I choose IMG?

You're right, there are lots of operators are in the Kilimanjaro business these days and most got in fairly recently. We encourage you to do your homework and make the decision carefully. IMG's partners started in the guiding business in the 1970's. Their first Kilimanjaro trip was conducted in 1989. And to this day, we're proud to say we've still never had a group (as a whole) not summit and we've still never had a serious injury accident. IMG partners Eric Simonson and Phil Ershler personally oversee each program. And the IMG Senior Guides who lead each trip are among the best. IMG does not wholesale trips. An IMG Senior Guide leads each climb. If the caca ever hits the fan, having a fully trained and experienced Western guide at the helm will be a tremendous asset. And many accidents are avoided with having a Western guide in the lead. Radios for each guide, a satellite phone, pulse oximeter, Gamow bag and emergency oxygen are all standard equipment. But it's not the hardware as much as it is the "software." The training, skill, experience and decision making judgment of the lead guide trumps all.

Plus, IMG climbers are just good people. Safety and a successful climb come first, but we intend to have a good time and learn a few things in the process. IMG customers just seem to pull together in a supportive manner and make these trips truly memorable.

Why climb via the Machame Route? Why not shorten the summit day and camp in the Crater?

The trail for the Machame Route has recently been overhauled and it's nice walking now, even if we get some rain. Gone are the deep mud issues of the past. And, the Machame Route takes us beneath some of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular scenery. The camp at Barranco is spectacular, starring up at the Western Breech, while beginning the following morning with a fun climb of the Barranco Wall. Also note, by taking a full 7 days for the climb, people have a very reasonable acclimatization program. The Day 5, going to high camp from Karanga is short, which allows us to reach high camp without having had a hard, long climbing day, so we get there early, shortly after noon. That means plenty of time to drink, eat, pack and rest in preparation for our early start the next day.

Crater camp? Not for us. Camping at almost 19,000 ft is tough. It's cold and headaches/restless sleep are the norm. Much better to get up and get down before too much trouble can occur. Remember the old climber's adage, "climb high, sleep low." It's still true. There have been many deaths on Kili from altitude problems. We have spent way too many hours assisting climbers down from other teams who contracted edema problems while sleeping in the Crater.

What is the climb like?

We will normally climb the Machame Route. The Kilimanjaro National Park staff has done a lot of work in recent years on this trail (it is now much better drained, so less muddy than in the past). The camps have also been improved, and there are Park rangers stationed at the camps to ensure that porters are not overloaded and that rubbish is removed. There is also emergency rescue available (by jeep) from the second camp (Shira Plateau). We have also led climbs via the Umbwe, Lemosho, and Western Breach Routes for special groups. If you have a private group, please contact us for a custom quote. Please keep in mind that Kili very physically demanding. The group equipment and most of our personal equipment will be carried by our Chagga porters. Our Chagga staff will also take care of the cooking chores. The Machame Route takes us past some of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular scenery. It also keeps us away from the crowds on the normal route. Since we have a large difference in altitude between the start of the climb and the summit, we get the opportunity to go through many vegetation zones. We will descend via the Mweka Route. This is the descent route required by Kilimanjaro National Park.

Who'll be leading my climb?

Your climb will be led by an IMG Senior Guide, assisted by a registered African Guide and 3-5 additional assistant African guides. We also employ a chief cook, several assistant cooks, tent porters (responsible for pitching the tents), servers (responsible for meal service), and many porters to carry it all.

Could you explain tiered pricing policy?

For programs with tiered-pricing, the balance of program fees is based on the number of confirmed participants 90 days prior to the starting date. If there are last minute signups after 90 days which change the tier price, we will provide a refund.

How fast do your trips fill up, and when should we be reserving a space for trips in the second half of the year?

It's hard to provide a firm answer to that question. Different trips fill up at different speeds. Sometimes a group of folks will show up at once and fill the rest of a climb. A good rule of thumb is to commit as soon as you reasonably can. Not only does it ensure your spot on the climb, it is very satisfying to write this in pen on your schedule. The earlier you sign up the earlier you will be able to enjoy the anticipation!

How much climbing experience do I need?

No previous climbing experience or technical climbing skills are required. The hiking is on rough trail. A small amount of snow may be encountered below the summit but it does not necessitate the use of crampons or an ice ax. Trekking or ski poles can be very useful. Some very short and relatively easy sections of rock scrambling are also encountered, requiring "using of your hands" in a couple places.

How should I train for Kilimanjaro?

Good conditioning is the primary requirement for the climb of Kilimanjaro. This is a strenuous trip. Participants must be in sound "hiking shape" and capable of traveling for a full day with a modest pack (clothing, lunch, water, camera, etc). Don't underestimate this mountain. We're going high and the summit day is long. Follow a conditioning program that will strengthen your lungs, legs and heart. Any hiking you can do before the trip will be of the most value. At home, we recommend stair climbing, bike riding and running hills. Conditioning is a process that should continue throughout the year.

What gear will I need?

The equipment list is meant to help you compile your personal gear for a high altitude trekking trip. You'll notice that the gear is essentially the same as that required for a summer ascent of Rainier without the inclusion of any technical climbing gear. Most items are required, while a few are optional. Please consider each item carefully and be sure you understand the function of each piece of equipment before you substitute or delete items from your duffle. Keep in mind that this list has been carefully compiled by Phil Ershler and Eric Simonson, the expedition organizers. Don't cut corners on the quality of your gear.

Do you provide trekking poles?

You can rent trekking/ski poles from the hotel in Moshi, but we highly recommend bringing all of your own equipment.

What is the situation regarding personal hygiene and daily cleanup. Do we get water for washing, shaving, etc?

Warm washing water will be made available at each camp. It consists of a five gallon jug of warm water, and a small personal wash basin. Some people use this for shaving or bring electric razors. Of course you can always grow a beard!

Do any of the camp sites have some sort of power or battery source to charge camera batteries?

You need to bring enough camera batteries for the whole seven days of climbing. Don't count on having any charging opportunities on the climb. You will have an opportunity to recharge your batteries at the hotel before beginning safari.

Do you take a portable toilet?

On the climb we provide a toilet tent with a western style toilet seat. This is for IMG clients only.

What is the policy on Leave No Trace?

IMG is committed to Leave No Trace. On Kili this means working with the Kilimanjaro National Park staff to ensure that the Park regulations are followed. Garbage is carried down from the climb and turned into the Park Rangers, per the regulations. A private toilet tent as well as the Park Service maintained pit toilets are used at the camps to ensure that human waste is disposed of correctly. The toilet tent is for IMG clients only.

Should I bring a jacket?

January and February and mid-June through mid of October are normally very stable weather periods. That said, it is always difficult to predict the exact weather conditions we will encounter during our ascent. Warm rain can occur down low and we can experience cold and windy conditions higher on the mountain any time of the year. It is not unusual for the temperatures to be well below freezing on summit day before the sun comes up. A down jacket (or equivalent) is required. We expect that the weather will be perfectly reasonable but it is important to prepare for all possibilities. Safari and travel days should be comfortably warm and the evenings may require a light sweater or jacket.

Weather and Climate

Because Tanzania lies below the equator, the coolest months occur during the northern hemisphere's summer, and all-year round the weather remains pleasant and comfortable. Between June to October, temperatures range from around 10°C in the northern highlands to about 23°C on the coast. On the plains and the lower-altitude game reserves, the temperatures from June to October are warm and mild. On the coast, these months are some of the most pleasant to visit, with balmy, sunny weather much of the day and cooling ocean breezes at night.

From December to March, the days are hot and sunny with often not a cloud in the sky. Temperatures range from the mid-twenties to the low thirties throughout the country while visitors flock to the parks and beaches to escape the dreariness of late winter in colder climes. Clear sunny days are the norm in the northern highlands and the heat of mid-day is tempered by the golden light in late afternoon and the especially striking sunsets. In the game parks and central plains, the beautiful weather provides perfect opportunities for unhampered game viewing, and clear night skies offer perfect opportunities for star-gazing and romantic evenings in the bush. On the shores of the Swahili Coast, the Indian Ocean reaches its highest temperatures and is ideal for swimming at any time of day or night.

Tanzania's equatorial climate brings two seasons of rain each year: the masika, or long rains that fall from mid-March to the end of May, and the mvuli, or short rains, that come intermittently throughout November and parts of December, and sometimes stretch into early January. During the long rains, heavy showers fall in the early mornings but usually clear up by mid-day, with the weather often remaining clear and sunny until late afternoon. By evening, impressive cloud formations build, breaking sometime after dark and the rain often continues throughout the night. During the short rains, light showers in the mornings and late afternoons are punctuated by stretches of clear weather and beautiful rays of sunlight. The beginning of both rainy seasons is marked by a change in the winds which historically, marked the time for trading boats to set off on expeditions across the Indian Ocean or return to their native lands.

What food do I need to bring?

All meals on the climb and during our safari are included. You will be responsible for your bottled drinks and alcoholic beverages. You may want to bring powdered drink mixes for flavor in your water bottles. We recommend you bring a modest personal stash of your favorite trail and snack foods (nuts, candy bars, granola bars, salami, etc.) primarily for summit day and also to supplement the lunches provided by our African staff on the climb. The Chagga cooks prepare meals using local food and the quantity and quality are excellent.

What kind of visas do I need?

Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the trip and have empty pages. Advanced visas are not required for entry into Tanzania or Kenya. We all take care of the necessary paperwork upon our arrival at the airport in Tanzania. You will be charged approx. $100 (cash) for the Tanzanian visa.

How do I get there?

Our program itineraries take advantage of the daily direct flights from Amsterdam into Kilimanjaro International Airport on Delta/KLM. We encourage participants to work with CTT Destinations, an agency that specializes in our group travel. We've worked with them for years, they know our programs, and we highly recommend them to help make your air travel plans. CTT Destinations is linked from our web site or you can contact them at (800)909 6647 or by email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need javascript enabled to view it Ask for Pirjo, who works directly with our programs.

Flights into Kilimanjaro can be in short supply during the popular climbing seasons, so it is very important to book your air reservations early. Lost luggage is a pain, so make sure that your flight connections aren't too tight and try to keep the number of connections to a minimum. When you are making travel plans, use the same airline or their partners as much as possible. We will meet the group at the arrival gate at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

What kind of insurance do I need?

We invest in insurance coverage for commercial liability and medical and disability insurance for our employees while participating on our programs. We cannot insure you for your personal needs, but we do expect you to be as fiscally responsible as we are. We require that you insure yourself against potentially expensive difficulties that may arise. First, Trip Cancellation Insurance may provide financial relief should you be forced to withdraw from the program before it even happens. Next, make sure you have adequate Travel Insurance for coverage should you have a problem during the trip. Medical care and evacuation in remote locations can be expensive. For more information, please see our page on Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance.

What's the best way to pack for the trip?

We usually carry a daypack/rucksack as carry-on luggage and check two lockable bags. One of those bags can stay at the hotel while climbing for storage of your travel clothes (it is OK to leave a bag with wheels at the hotel). The other bag will be used by the porters to carry your gear on the climb, and it should NOT have wheels. It does not have to be 100% waterproof, just stout nylon fabric is fine. You will want to put everything in plastic bags anyway, inside the duffel. We limit this porter bag to 30 pounds maximum per climber. Most climbers find the 30 lb. allowance to be quite reasonable for a climb of Kilimanjaro. The welfare of the IMG porter team is of prime importance, and your bag will be weighed prior to the beginning of the climb to be in compliance with Kilimanjaro National Park porter regulations.

Climbers who feel they absolutely need more than the 30 lb. allowance will be charged an additional fee to cover the increased porter requirements. Additionally, we suggest that you use a travel wallet that you can hang around your neck and place inside your shirt. This is a safer way to carry your money and travel documents. Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home. Experienced travelers will also carry a couple of extra passport photos with them as well as a photocopy of the first pages of your passport. These should be carried in a place separate from your passport. Having these available will greatly facilitate the replacement of your passport if you lose it. Carry a pen with you for completing travel forms. Get to the airport early and make sure your luggage gets checked through to the correct destination.

Will utensils/plates/cups/mugs be provided or do we need to supply our own?

The porters, cooks and servers will set up a dining tent at every camp, complete with chairs, tables, lanterns, utensils, the whole nine yards. So, you don't need to bring any of that.

Will water be provided at breaking points during the day so we can refill our water bottles?

Bring 2 one liter water bottles. If you drink more water than the average person, you could bring 3, but at some point you reach a point of diminishing return. There will be virtually unlimited hot drinks at camp in the morning and when you arrive at camp. You can handle much of your hydration at that time.

Can our luggage that we are leaving at the hotel during the hike have wheels on it or does this also need to be a duffel without wheels?

The luggage you leave at the hotel can have wheels. Don't take the wheeled bag on safari either though. Space for luggage on safari can be tight. There is plenty of room, it's just not usually "luggage" shaped!

How long are the tents we will be using? I am 6'4" and want to be sure my sleeping pad of 77" will fit.

You'll fit in the tent just fine.

I have a 15° sleeping bag. Do you think it will be sufficient for the higher-altitude Kili camps, or should I get a lower-temp-rated bag.

We recommend a 10° bag, but some like to bring slightly warmer bags. It can be nice to have a little "extra cushion" so to speak. That being said, there are many things you can do to extend the range of your bag. If you are a sound sleeper, you can put your down parka over your bag. The guides do that quite often when temperatures dip. Also keep in mind that a properly inflated thermarest will insulate you from the ground very well. That goes a long way to keep you warm. You could also bring an insulated liner. If it fits well into your other bag, you'd be very well set. If the fit is too tight you'll lose the loft that creates warmth. Of course all this advice applies differently to different individuals. Do you get cold easily???

What are the local concerns and responsibilities?

We take great pride in the long term relationships we have built with our local staff. They do a great job, we pay and tip them well, and they enjoy working for IMG. IMG supports the Recommended Guidelines for Proper Porter Treatment of the International Mountain Explorers Connection's Porter Partnership Program (www.mountainexplorers.org): We make sure that the IMG porters have adequate clothing, equipment, shelter, sleeping arrangements, food, cooking equipment and water. Sick or injured porters are properly cared for. All loads are weighed to ensure that porters are carrying loads that don't exceed their physical ability or legal limits. Porters are paid a fair wage for their work and are paid tip money directly from the tip pool at the end of the expedition (no middleman taking a cut). We encourage our team members to observe and participate in the staff tipping session at the end of the climb and suggest a contribution of $200 per member.

How much should I plan for tips and gifts?

We recommend about $800, with $200 of this for the group tip pool. Nice shops will accept credit cards (but will often charge a 3-5% service fee for using the card). We know some fun shops and we also have a couple of good places to shop for tanzanite. We suggest carrying personal money in the form of smaller denomination, new condition bills, in US dollars (twenty $1.00 bills and the rest in $10's and $20's). In addition, the Chagga porters always gladly accept used shoes, clothes, gear, etc. that you might want to bring. They are great guys and you'll really enjoy their help and friendship. It feels good to meet with them after the climb, buy a couple of beers, hand out some tip money and leave some extra clothing items with them. You can also throw some pencils or pens into your luggage. The kids we meet love them.

Will we have an opportunity to exchange money into local currency before we need to tip the porters?

You can change money at airport upon arrival, or on your visit to the local town of Moshi. The lead IMG Guide will handle the tipping to the porters with the money that you and the team put in the tip pool. It can be nice to have a few US singles in your pocket for tipping the occasional bag handler.

Will we be able to go back to the hotel where our 2nd bag is being stored before we need to tip the porters so we could leave gifts/money there instead of carrying them with us on the mountain?

You will meet the porters on the mountain and say goodbye to them there as well. The best way to help the porters is to donate money to the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project: www.kiliporters.org. You will visit there on your first free day in Moshi.

What kind of camera equipment do you recommend?

A small camera is perfect for the climb. While on safari, the longer the lens the better (bring some fast film for low light conditions.) A pair of binoculars is great for the safari, too. Sometimes it's more fun to just watch the animals than try to take pictures. On safari you will be standing up in the back of the "pop top" vehicles, leaning against the roof. In this situation, serious photographers will find that a sandbag type stabilizer is much more useful than a tripod.

What should I pack for the safari?

Casual, loose, cool and comfortable clothes are perfect. You will get hot and dusty. Cotton is OK. Our private safari camps are deluxe, so leave your "mountain" clothes behind. We don't have much time to do laundry between the climb and safari so bring enough clothes for both. You'll be amazed at the quality of accommodations while on safari. A light jacket or sweater can come in handy during the evenings. Our longtime African outfitters use 4WD "pop top" vans for the safari that allow participants to stand up for viewing and photography and the drivers do a great job of finding the critters for some world-class game viewing. For the airport transfers, our local operators use a bus. Seat belt use is uncommon in Africa, and they are not available on these vehicles.

What immunizations will I need?

Start preparations early so you can complete before your departure. For more info, consult your physician, travel clinic or the Centers for Disease Control at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/tanzania.htm »

• Yellow Fever: Currently not required if you are traveling directly to Tanzania from a non-endemic area (like the USA or Europe), but it IS required by Tanzania IF you are coming via an endemic area. In this case bring your shot record. Recommended if you are traveling to some other parts of Tanzania with more risk (like Zanzibar).
• Tetanus-Diphtheria, Polio, MMR: You should already have these. Do you need a booster?
• Meningitis: Ask your physician/travel clinic for advice.
• Hepatitis A and B: Recommended. Ask your physician/travel clinic for advice.
• Rabies and Typhoid: Good to be on the safe side, the new vaccines are easy.
• Malaria: Bring some insect repellent. We suggest you bring Malarone for chemoprophylaxis (see your doctor)

What other medical info should I consider?

While it's always nice to have a doctor as a participant on our trips, we cannot guarantee a doctor's presence. We ask that you carefully complete the Medical Information form included in the registration materials. We need to be informed of any allergies you may have, medicines you are currently taking and any medical conditions that could possibly effect your ability to safely participate on a climbing expedition.

In addition to the first aid items listed on the equipment list, there are a few additional medications that you should consider. These should be discussed with your personal physician and some will require a prescription. We want everyone to bring some of the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin and some Immodium in case of bad traveler's diarrhea. Please consider both of these medications as part of your REQUIRED equipment list. A sleeping medication can be useful for napping on the international flights and for the first few days in Africa (due to the big time change). We do not recommend the automatic use of Diamox while climbing but you might find a small dose (125mg) useful if altitude sickness symptoms appear. Discuss this and your other medication requirements with your physician. Any medication should be used only if necessary and use should be discussed thoroughly with your physician and with your guide before you take the medication.

Water purification is also very important. An effective and inexpensive method is the use of iodine crystals or tablets. These are available commercially at mountaineering stores as a product called 'Polar Pure' or 'Potable Agua'. Filters, such as the ones made by MSR, are also good. Either can be used or both can be used in combination. Bottled water is also readily available while on safari. We also recommend that each participant bring a small bottle of a hand disinfectant such as Purell. Anything that we can do to stay healthy is worthwhile. Health issues will be discussed during the expedition and we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions before or during the trip.

Do I really need to bring the high altitude medications Nifedipine and Dexamethasome?

Our IMG guides are very experienced with dealing with altitude illness, but we are not allowed to provide prescription drugs to our customers. For this reason we ask each climber to consult with their own physician and to bring their own emergency medications to use (while descending!) in case of onset of high altitude pulmonary or cerebral edema symptoms. These include Nifedipine and Dexamethasome, which will help to "buy some time" to get down to a lower altitude. The Nifedipine is useful for pulmonary edema (take one 30mg sustained release tablet every twelve hours) and the Dexamethasome is useful for cerebral edema (take one 4mg tablet every 6 hours). Our suggestion is that climbers each bring a few tablets of each medication (2 tabs of Nifedipine and 4 tabs of Dex is plenty) and that should be sufficient to provide one day of treatment so the patient can get down, if they start to get sick. For more information see this recent article in WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 21, 146–155 (2010).

What happens to a person who needs to descend early?

We have many options when a climber needs to go down, and of course those are all case dependent. In addition to your IMG lead guide who will be a super-expereinced American high altitude guide, we will have several local guides that can descend if needed. Descending climbers and the local guide can return to Moshi until the rest of the climb returns.