Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked Questions'

Do I need special training before embarking the Climb?

Yes! But you don’t need to be an athlete or with technical mountaineering experience. Obviously, you do should commit yourself to training exercises and regular hikes to be active, strong, conditioned legs prior to the climb and ready to persevere hash conditions on the mountain. Aerobic fitness to familiarize your body to function efficiently in the rigors and nuances of the non-technical (very steep and gentle) trek trails with less oxygen.

What equipment should I bring on the Trek?

Well, Kilimanjaro Trek does not need any special mountaineering equipment. We recommend you bring warm clothing such as cardigan or pullover is most suitable especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Bring a balaclava and gloves for the very cold night conditions, as well as sun-protective items such as barrier cream and dark glasses for the hot lunchtime sun. Comfortable sturdy or walking shoes and canvas hats are recommended. Sleeping bags and towels for camping must be included. To capture as much as possible unforgettable memories of this amazing trek, you shouldn’t forget a camera, camcorder with a lot of films, tapes and replacement batteries. Powerful torch/headlight, preferably lightweight is very important. Remember, your sunglasses, sun lotion/cream, lip balm, insects’ repellants, small first-aid kit, your own toiletry requirements and a pair of binoculars. After booking your trek, you’ll send a detailed trek equipment list and rental gear list to help you prepare.

When is the best epoch for Kilimanjaro Trek?

Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year. However, January, February and September are considered best months. July, august, November and December are also good months. During the rainy period of March to May, clouds tend to pile up and over the summit, dropping snow on top and rain at the base. Visibility can be limited by cloud cover even when no rain falls. The shorter rainy period of October to December often has thunderstorms that pass over the mountain, dropping rain as they go. Normally, the clouds disappear in the evening; so the nights and mornings are clear with excellent visibility. Temperatures on the mountain vary greatly from 70-90 °F in the rainforest to -10 °F near the summit. Above the tree line, most days are 30-50 °F. Kilimanjaro creates its own weather patterns and the weather can change dramatically and without warning.

What are the meals like on Kilimanjaro Trek?

Meals are extremely good on the Kilimanjaro trek. Our professional Chiefs will prepare you three hot, nutritious meals, trail snacks, and afternoon tea each day. Any meal requirements can be catered only for you, and you will enjoy cooked breakfasts/dinner and lunch boxes for during the day. We also provide delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten- free and other specialty meals (upon advanced request).

At what pace should I trek?

Don’t worry! There’s a guide for every three trekkers so you can move at your own pace. Our guides will remind you to move pole, pole (slowly, slowly). Hiking at a slow and steady pace gives your body a chance to acclimatize to the altitude. Altitude sickness is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air as one gains altitude. It is likely that you will experience some form of mild altitude sickness when climbing a high mountain climb. Some of the symptoms that you experience are headache, light-headedness, nausea, sleeplessness and a loss of appetite, loss of balance and dizziness; however in most cases these sickness can be controlled by light painkillers such as panadol, tylanol and others which are available. If you need to descend early, one of our medically-trained Mountain Guides will assist you down the mountain. They know a network of shortcuts to escort you to our next campsite efficiently and safely. Porters carry all of your gear except for your day pack, which holds your water, rain gear, sunscreen, and camera. The pack typically weighs 10-12 lbs.

What type of accommodation do you offer on the trek?

With exception of Marangu route where accommodation is on comfortable park’s huts, you have to camp on the other entire route. Maasai Wanderlust will provide all the camping equipment but you have to bring your own climbing gear. Camps are set up and broken down each day by your expert porters and include double occupancy, all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar lit dining tents with tables and large chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are all provided. We offer small sizes trek offering you a more intimate experience on the mountain. There’s no minimum size, so all departures are guaranteed.