How much time do I need to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
We recommend a minimum of eight days from the USA and Europe, although some people may wish more time for the trip. We can customize itineraries or routes to offer more days in the park(s). Some people may wish to climb nearby Mount Meru as well. If you have more than eight or nine days, you can choose any of the main routes on the mountain and still have time for a wildlife safari before or after your trip.
What is the best time of year to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
You can climb any month of the year. At lower elevations, April, May, and November are quite wet while March and June are transitional months. August and September are the coldest and driest months. January, February, July, August, and September are all popular climbing months.
How far do I hike each day?
We can measure each day in walking hours rather than kilometers. Most days, other than the summit day, will begin with breakfast around 6:30 AM and departure at 7 AM. You will walk four to five hours with a break for lunch followed by another hour or two of hiking in the afternoon. These days are not long or difficult and you will be advised to walk slowly.
Why do we make the final ascent in the pre-dawn darkness?
Most groups will start for the summit on ascent day around 11 PM to midnight, depending on the perceived fitness of the group, the weather and the route. The pre-dawn hours are ideal to start the ascent to the summit as it is cold but also calm and clear. It is rare find cloudy weather at the summit at dawn any time of year and at dawn, you have the best view.
On the other hand, if you leave in early morning, it could be very windy and the ascent becomes more difficult. The ascent day is a long hiking day, so it is better start early and walk slowly. It can take up to 15 hours to reach the summit and descend to the camp for that night.
How much weight will I have to wear and where can I leave unnecessary luggage?
You will simply carry a day pack of about two to four kilograms, although some people carry more or less. Your gear (not to exceed twelve kilograms) will be placed inside a waterproof duffle at the trail head and a porter will carry this for you. If you have things that you do not need on the climb, you may leave a bag behind at Arusha.
What kind of staff will accompany me on the climb?
The usual ratio is three or four local staff for each climber, although small groups may have four or five staff per climber. The staff usually consists of an English speaking guide or guides, a professional cooker, and gear-carrying porters. We encourage you to interact with your staff. They are all trustworthy, local people who have grown up in the shadow of the mountain. Many of them have climbed the peak a hundred or more times.
What is provided and what do I have to bring?
We provide tents, camping gear, food, utensils, and leadership. You should bring your own sleeping bag, water system, personal clothing, light duffle bag, and day pack. Hiking poles can be rented.
A packing list is provided to all climbers, along with our pre-departure packet:
• 1 mountaineering sleeping bag (usually a below 10 degree rating or better is recommended)
• 2-3 liters’ water canteen (sturdy plastic or steel)
• 1 LED flashlight with spare batteries
• 1 Pair of comfortable trekking boots
• 1 towel
• 2 pairs of thick thermal socks and several pairs of regular socks
• 2 fleece jackets
• 1 down jacket or long-sleeved wind-breaker (down jacket is unnecessary if you have good fleece jackets)
• 1 set of thermal underwear (i.e. thermal vest and long-johns)
• 2 pairs of trekking trousers
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1 pair of waterproof trousers
• 1 balaclava or ski-mask
• 1 sun hat
• 1 pair of sunglasses
What kind of tents will I sleep in? What are the huts on the Marangu Route like?
Your tents are mountain-style, double-walled, mosquito-netted, and durably-floored with waterproof material. While technically rated as three-person tents, they accommodate two people very comfortably. Tents are erected and packed up by the portering staff. There is enough space for tall people to stretch out and room for your gear within the tent. On the Marangu Route, the huts are just large enough for four bunks built against the walls of A-frame cubicles. Tall hikers will feel cramped. Gear is stored on the floor. Wash and toilet facilities are shared and are outside of the bungalows.
What is the food like?
Breakfast includes tea, coffee, milk, eggs, toast, porridge, cereals, bread, fruits, bacon, sausages, etc.
Lunch is a picnic lunch on the way the first day while it is hot lunch the next days with hot soups, bread, vegetables, fruits, salad, cookies, beef, chicken or fish, potatoes, pasta, or rice with sauce.
Dinner starts with hot soups, followed by the main course (pasta or rice, meat), desserts and ends with hot drinks.
Drinking water—is it safe and is there enough for all climbers?
You will have enough drinkable water during the trip. To keep your system running normally, we recommend you bring two bottles and use tablets to purify water (you can buy tablets in Arusha).
What happens if some members of the party need to turn back before the summit?
No one is forced to go on. There is always enough staff to split the group accordingly to needs and regroup later at the camp. Most people have no trouble reaching the highest campsite. If some party members decide not to climb the final distance to the peak or cannot proceed at any point in time, they can wait for the other group climbers to come back or can go down with a guide following the same way or take a lateral path to the descent route.
What are the healthy issues on Mount Kilimanjaro?
You must arrive healthy and fit. A simple cold or other respiratory sickness can become worse during the trekking. There is no malaria risk on the mountain and insect bites are very rare.
What kind of help is available in case of an emergency?
We always have a first aid kit with us and guides are well trained on first aid. Serious injuries are very rate and Kilimanjaro National Park has a rescue team in case of emergency.
How to Change my Photo from Admin Dashboard?
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Is bottled oxygen necessary or available on the climb?
Bottled oxygen is not routinely available on this climb and not included in the price of the trip. The most immediate treatment for serious altitude sickness is rapid descent, which is always possible on Mount Kilimanjaro. Virtually no climbers on the mountain carry oxygen. If upon reaching the final campsite before the ascent your guide judges you to have serious symptoms of altitude sickness, you will not be permitted to attempt the final climb. Oxygen may be available on an emergency basis or at an added cost, but not as an aid for climbers who have not acclimatized adequately on their own.
Do I need to get any vaccinations before I leave?
Check with your doctor and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for current recommendations. None are required for entry to Tanzania from the USA and Europe or for re-entry to the USA and Europe. If you come from a yellow fever endemic country by road, proof of vaccination is required.
Since I read a lot about Tanzania i decided to put in my backet list for this year which I save and fulfill to complete my goal of visiting Tanzania.... read more
I arrived Tanzania early this august alone and try to check with the local tour operator on the internet and found Boker adventures. I requested for a joining group to Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro that departure on early august and lucky enough i got one.
The agent was very active in responding and looks very professional on how to organize the joining group because he was very transparent.
The Serengeti was amazing and Ngorongoro as well, i saw a lot of animals like zebras, antelopes, lions, birds and so many. I was so surprised to see so many people visit the parks. I asked, and been told its a high season, hahaha. The guide was also very professional and calm to make sure everyone in the jeep have enough time to enjoy their interest
The hotels in the park were so nice, clean and meals was actually so delicious than i was expected.
I wish to say thank you so much and i really appreciate Boker Adventures efforts for making sure i fulfil may goal.
I recommend this agency for the best service and kindness team.
Thanks
Robert
Journey05454956249 August 25, 2023
Happy and Joyful trip in Tanzania - My family and friends highly recommend Tanzania for tourism. This was because of the experience and good time we had after been organized with local tour company Boker Adventures.
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Peter and the team worked so hard to make sure we had an amazing trip since we arrived in Tanzania. The hotel were great with good services all the time.
The guides very experienced and knowledgable with the nature. We spent enough time in each park Tarangire, Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti park. We saw all big fives close enough.
The Zanzibar part was awesome, the beach sand was white clean and enjoyable. Marijani hotel was the best since we had brilliant view at the ocean.
We highly recommend for safari and zanzibar tour with Boker Adventures.
Regards
Marcus
marcuslesney August 29, 2022
Unforgettable 12-day honeymoon tour! - My wife and I had an unforgettable 12-day tour for our honeymoon with Boker Adventures! I truly have no words to describe how amazing our experience was with Peter and... read more our exceptional guide Kanti.
Our wonderful itinerary included: hiking to Materuni Waterfalls and making traditional coffee with the Chagga tribe, staying with the Maasai, visiting 5 splendid national parks (Mkomazi, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara), and discovering Zanzibar island. Needless to say, every day was a thrilling adventure. I still have goosebumps just thinking about all the memorable places we visited and the lovely people we met.
Everything was so perfectly organized! Peter and Kanti were so professional, cooperative, flexible, efficient, and most importantly, welcoming and friendly. We felt like we were part of their family during the whole trip. They made sure that we had a perfect time and they paid attention to every single detail (including the romantic ones). To be honest, the trip was beyond my - already very high - expectations!
I recommend them 150% as a trusted agency for local tourism and authentic adventures in Tanzania!
From the bottom of my heart, a thousand thanks for making our honeymoon a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
We cannot wait to come back to Tanzania and do another trip with you (sooner rather than later).
Warmest regards,
Jade
JadeHachem92 August 13, 2022
Unforgettable experience!
Boker provide very professional guide and super friendly crew. Without their support I will never make this trip happen.
向导和挑夫很专业也很友好,给了我很多鼓励。
Juliaaaaduan January 21, 2022
First time booking a trip through Boker Adventures and it will not be the last. I traveled to Dar Es Salam from the US and took a trip to... read more Zanzibarwhile I was there. When I got back to Dar I wanted to go see Kilimanjaro while I was out there and so close to it from US. I only had 3 days left in TZ so I did not want to risk driving so I asked the concierge at my hotel if she could assist me in getting to Kilimanjaro and back before my flight left and she said yes. She called Peter (The owner of Boking Adventures) and that same night he came to my hotel, asked some questions about what I wanted to see, what was my time frame there and back, and what kind of hotel I wanted to stay in. I answered his questions and he put together a package for me that night and had my flight and hotel booked that night. The next morning he arrived at my hotel at 7am to take me to the airport and when I arrived at Kilimanjaro airport there was a driver waiting for me who took me to my hotel to drop bags, asked if i needed time to relax for a bit or if I wanted to go sight seeing asap. I wanted to go sight seeing. We dropped my bags and he took me around town, to a great BBQ restaurant, and several other places that day and back to my hotel. The next morning he picked me up at 9am and took me all over Moshi. We went to Kilimanjaro national park, Madango waterfall, a coffee tour, and lunch. It was an AWESOME time. Bill and David, my guides while I was in Kilimanjaro were AWESOME. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Bill took me to fly my drone and get the best food in Moshi. David gave me the history of the Chaga people (I hope I'm not butchering their tribe name) and David is very knowledgeable about the mountain and the history of the people in that region. The coffee tour was unbelievable. At one point I was like nah, I think Ill skip the coffee tour but I'm sooo glad I didn't. That was AWESOME. I got the biggest bag of coffee I could fit in my pack to bring back, along with two bacs of Coco. The experience of the temperature change from the base of the mountain to the starting point of the mountain climb was unbelievable, Its like going from 100 degrees to 45ish Fahrenheit, and your ears pop like you're on an airplane. I will never forget it. I did this last minute trip in September of 2021 and Ill be back in January 2022. I will definitely be contacting Peter again for a Serengeti trip and to see Arusha while I'm out that way. Thank you Peter, Bill, and last but definitely not least David.
Gregory N September 16, 2021
Me, my beloved wife Jessica and our son James decide climb Mt Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route and 4 days safari with Boker Adventures Company this month August and manage to... read more make it to the Uhuru Summit.
This has been possible without the best time organized by Boker Adventures Company. The guides were very friendly and cooperative all time since we started climbing. They checked our health every morning and evening before we slept to make sure me and my families are healthy well. They pushed us to the limit and courage us especially on the night before summit. We were almost about to given up at Stella point but Juma, Rashid and Mudi (Guides) inspired us to kept trying. Uhuru peak it’s was the best and beautiful place to be as the zone was covered with ice with amazing view, so we took photos with my family for best memories.
The cook was so nice and knows to cook varieties of healthy food and on time, we never climbed empty stomach, he make sure we get warm and fresh food everyday though I was so surprised how faster he is to make food at every point. Thank you for the Abbas the cook. Also porters were really strong and powerful, they were walking very fast as all the time we reached at the camp we found them already there waiting for us with all big duffle bags. They were doing a great job.
After descending back we overnight in moshi and next day travel to tarangire national park, Ngorongoro and Serengeti National park. We were so happy to see animals close on their natural nature. We managed to see all big fives and birds. The guide English was brilliant and had a big knowledge about animals and birds. After safari we went straight to the airport with our guide. Thanks you so much Erasto ( tour Guide)
On behalf of my family I wish to acknowledge the effort and hospitality Peter the director and your team for endless updates you shared with us from booking our flight, hotels and all tour until the last day. Your hard working team is the result of your success.
I will always recommend you as a trusted company for tourism in Tanzania.
Thanks
Charlse Donald.
charlsed2021 August 19, 2021
We had the best trip ever after Climbing. Communication with Peter was great, he replies immediately and answers every question. That makes planning your safari very easy, thank you!
As... read more we arrived in Arusha, Peter met up with us at the hotel to arrange all the details. We had a look at the car the day before the safari, so we knew that everything was fine and we had a reliable car. Everything, from the very first contact to our last day on safari was simply amazing. We are so glad we chose Boker Adventures, the driver Mudi was such a nice guy, a very good driver who is very patient and knows a lot about safaris. We would always choose Boker Adventures for our next trip, it is a very reliable company, we would always support again. Thank you Peter & Mudi for making our safari a real authentic experience!!
dottrymag2020 November 15, 2020
Kilimanjaro climbing is one of our best adventures we did this year 2020. It was so challenging because of the COVID breakdown but we truly appreciate Boker Adventure team for... read more their courage and make us fulfill our dream.
They took all precautions to COVID since Airport by checking our temperature and provide us with the mask though after that day we opt to stay without a mask as we saw everyone around town without a mask so we did not want to be different from others. This has been like born again on the other universe since we did not think this was true but finally it is.
We did Machame 7 days and it went very well, the food was fine and delicious, the guides were brilliant, kind, and very supportive including the porters who were there to assist with our backpack every time. we truly appreciate that as well and without you guys, we couldn't reach our dream.
We highly recommend people visit Tanzania as it is a safe place in the world to visit. Thanks, Peter and your team for good work.
See you soon.
irynem2020 October 1, 2020
husband and I decided to break the fear and decide to travel to Tanzania during this pandemic period. We booked since last year but our government stopped people from traveling... read more and the lockdown was in all counties.
Soon after the government allows people to travel at their own risk we decided to rebook our trip. Boker Adventures were okay with us to reschedule the trip for us.
We did mt Kilimanjaro climbing and 3 days safari which was unbelievable. During Trek, everything was super okay from the guides who were taking all precautions against COVID like make sure we have sanitizer every time, wash our hand in every camp. Social distance was not a big deal as we wanted to get close to the crew most of the time and to kill the fear. I was so surprised as when I saw people happy, free-minded about this pandemic up there. The preparation and food were very okay with us and the porters were very helpful.
There where very few people than I was expecting, we understand that was due to COVID but hopeful things will be okay soon.
After the climb, We slept in Arusha so as we can catch up early in the morning to start our three days safari. The jeep was awesome. In fact, we have never been in a big jeep like the one we use for safari. Same to the trek, in the parks, we visit Ngorongoro and Serengeti people where very few, I guess animals were so relaxing this time as it was not crowded. The guide knowledge about fauna and flora was brilliant hence we were interested much in the fauna and flora found in the park. The animals were close enough and we got good pictures as well.
We inspire those who have fear about COVID to kill it and travel, in Tanzania it's different, very different with other countries, well done Mr president for your courage of daring to kill fear among your people.
Thanks to all Boker Adventures team who make this possible for us to travel and do a safari and Kilimanjaro climbing. We highly recommend Boker Adventures Company for Tourism in Tanzania