Ready to stand on the Roof of Africa? Join us for an unforgettable adventure as you climb the world-renowned Mount Kilimanjaro! We highly recommend the three itineraries below, as they not only offer stunning views but also ensure proper acclimatization – a key factor for a successful summit!
We offer four of the seven routes up Kilimanjaro – the best and safest ones! These routes range from seven to nine days, but our itineraries include a night at a local lodge on either side of the climb.
Prepare for your journey to Tanzania with these key details, including the closest airport to Mount Kilimanjaro, the local currency, seasonal highlights, and health considerations for climbing Africa’s tallest mountain!
Swahili, English
Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
The nearest airport and the one all our clients use is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) just outside the city of Arusha. When coming from outside of East Africa, you must usually fly via Nairobi (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) to catch a connecting flight to JRO.
To learn more, please read Best time to climb Kilimanjaro.
A standard Tanzanian tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days and costs $50. U.S. citizens, however, must obtain a multiple-entry visa costing $100, valid for one year. Nationals from approximately 50 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, India, Brazil, and Turkey, do not require a visa. For more details.
Climbing Kilimanjaro: Safety First Climbing Kilimanjaro is safe when you choose a reputable tour operator that prioritizes your health and safety. The primary concern during the climb is extreme altitude, so it’s important to understand the risks and how to mitigate them. Additionally, you must have travel insurance that specifically covers hiking up to 6,000 meters above sea level to join a climb with Follow Alice. For a comprehensive overview,
Our team is always here to help
Farida is a highly experienced Kilimanjaro lead trek guide. She’s been leading treks with the Great Image Expedition for years, and we know our climbers are in great hands with Farida as the expedition leader.
As a female tour guide, establish Leadership through clear boundaries, confidence, and professionalism, aiming respect and trust She handles challenges as a female tour guide with confidence, clear boundaries, and strong skills. She stays fit, supports fellow guides, and
maintain professionalism.
Hussein Bernard started working on Kilimanjaro in 2005 and has since made it to the summit over 200 times. He’s the founding father of GIE and loves taking people to the roof of Africa! He’s the steady and competent hand you need, but olso o great storyteller who adds so much to every trip!
It was a passion and Love for mountains, nature, and wildlife that drove him to mountain guiding.
He enjoys guíding, telling stories, and sharing knowledge about mountains, nature, and wildlife.
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Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. You can obtain it in advance through the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your country or apply for an e-visa online. Alternatively, visas are available on arrival at major entry points like Kilimanjaro International Airport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and check for specific requirements based on your nationality.
While there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Tanzania, it is recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus, and polio. Additionally, consider vaccines for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever. If you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, you must provide proof of vaccination. Consult your doctor or travel clinic for personalized advice and check if any other vaccinations, such as meningococcal meningitis, may be beneficial based on your travel plans.
Mount Kilimanjaro is considered safe to climb, as it is a non-technical trek that does not require mountaineering experience or equipment. The primary risk is altitude sickness, but this can be mitigated by choosing a route with a good acclimatization profile, ascending gradually, and staying hydrated. While the climb is physically demanding, proper preparation, experienced guides, and safety measures make the adventure manageable for most climbers. Additionally, Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano, with its last eruption occurring over 200 years ago, so there is no volcanic risk.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is challenging but achievable for most people with proper preparation and determination. The trek does not require technical climbing skills, but it demands physical endurance and mental resilience. The main difficulty comes from the high altitude, which can cause altitude sickness. Choosing a route with a good acclimatization profile, taking it slow, and staying hydrated can help manage this risk. The final ascent to the summit is particularly tough due to the thin air, cold temperatures, and steep incline, but reaching the top is a rewarding experience for those who persevere. With adequate training and the support of an experienced mountain crew, many climbers successfully reach the summit.
Yes, solo climbers can join group treks to climb Kilimanjaro. Joining a group is a great way to share the experience, meet like-minded adventurers, and reduce costs, as expenses like guides, porters, and logistics are shared. Many tour operators offer scheduled group climbs with fixed departure dates, making it easy for solo travelers to join. Additionally, being part of a group provides camaraderie and motivation, especially during challenging parts of the trek.
Where you sleep on Kilimanjaro depends on the route you choose. On most routes, you sleep in tents provided by your tour operator, complete with sleeping mats. However, if you take the Marangu route, you stay in shared huts with bunk beds, mattresses, and pillows. Your mountain crew sets up camp or arranges accommodations, ensuring you have a comfortable place to rest. Whether in tents or huts, the experience is basic but sufficient for recharging during the trek.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, which typically run from January to mid-March and from June to October. These months offer more stable weather, clear skies, and lower chances of rain, making the trek safer and more enjoyable. January to mid-March tends to be slightly colder but less crowded, while June to October is warmer and busier. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for weather conditions and the level of trail activity.
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