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Are private departures available?
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Yes! For private departures, any date is available, however pricing will vary based on the number of people in your group. Lower rates may be available for groups of 3+ people. Please contact our Adventures Team to explore pricing and check on availability.
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What is the best way to get to the trip start location?
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Plan on arriving at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you'll be met by a representative from Altezza Travel. Airport pick-up and drop-offs are included.
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What are the accommodations like?
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The hotel accommodations are provided in Aishi Machame Hotel or in Altezza Lodge. Both are cozy hotels, which have everything necessary for a comfortable stay – reliable WiFi (which is rare in Africa in general and in Tanzania in particular), nice rooms, swimming pools, restaurants with continental and African cuisine, and doting staff. During the summit attempt, you'll stay in sleeping huts along the trail. The huts offer increased comfort and protection from the weather compared to tents.
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What is the average group size?
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In general, groups are made up of two to fifteen climbers.
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Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
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Single accommodations are possible in the hotel if booked in advance. The price for a single room is $55 USD per guest per night, payable directly to Altezza Travel. Single rooms are not available in the sleeping huts.
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If included, what is the food like?
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Breakfast is included before and after the climb. If you decide to extend your stay, breakfast is included along with each paid night of stay. Lunches and dinners at the hotel are on your own. The hotel restaurant menu features a traditional continental menu (various pizzas, spaghettis, fish, salads, and chicken and beef steaks, etc. The menu also features local Tanzanian cuisine and vegetarian fare is also available. During the trek, all meals are included and are prepared by guides skilled in high altitude cooking. Here is a sample of what your meals will look like on the trek:
Breakfast:
Spanish omelette
Oatmeal
Toast + butter + jam
Tea / cocoa / coffee
Lunch:
Onion soup (three types of onion, chicken, and herbs)
Breaded chicken fillet + Mexican rice (sweet corn, fine beans, garlic, and carrot)
Tomato salad (green pepper, onion, salad)
Tea / cocoa / coffee
Dinner:
Borscht with beef
Tomato beef ragout + spaghetti
Salad (tomato, cucumber, and greenery)
Banana pancake rolls with strawberry syrup
Tea / cocoa / coffee
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How difficult is the climb? What kind of shape should I be in for this trip?
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Climbing Kilimanjaro does not involve technical climbing and does not require special climber’s training. However, the ascent to Uhuru Peak is very challenging due to the altitude, especially during the summit ascent. It is necessary to be in above average physical shape and possess the willpower to reach the top of Kilimanjaro. Running is excellent preparation for a Kilimanjaro summit. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to run a 10k (6.2 miles) continuously. Training on hills and at altitude will give you an additional advantage. Other aerobic exercises such as long-distance hiking and cycling are also good preparation.
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What is the minimum age to climb? Can children climb Kilimanjaro?
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The minimum age is 10 years old. However, climbers younger than 18 years old attempting to climb the mountain is allowed on a case by case basis. There may also be discounts available for younger climbers. Please contact customer service with special requests.
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When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
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The main factor that affects everything on the mountain is weather. Mount Kilimanjaro lies in an equatorial climatic zone, so as opposed to having summer, winter, spring, and autumn, it has wet and dry seasons only. The wet seasons are in April-May and November. Like other tropical countries, predicting when the rain starts and stops is nearly impossible. All other months are the “dry season,” when most of the days are sunny, but even then it is still not a 100% guarantee of clear skies. Daytime temperatures will vary depending on altitude, from highs of around 80 F in the rainforest zone to nighttime lows of -4 F at the summit. In general, the dry seasons are more popular due to better weather and because it is easier to climb on dry ground. The wet season has its attractions too: there are fewer crowds and the view of the snow-capped peak is unforgettable. So long as you have adequate training and the right clothing and equipment, you'll enjoy climbing at any time of year.
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What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
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The following is required for the climb:
Small backpack (20–40 liters) for your daily necessities
Large duffel bag for your belongings, which will be carried by a porter (80–120 liters)
Sleeping bag (designed for up to 5°F)
Rain poncho and a waterproof covering for your backpack
Hiking boots with a water-repellent layer and good protector
Gym shoes for the first days of the climb and to change at the camp
Hiking pants for the first days of the climb (2 pairs)
Waterproof and wind block trousers
Warm ski pants (designed for 5°F)
T-shirt or long sleeve shirt (4-5 pieces)
Soft-shell or fleece jacket
Down jacket for 5°F is an absolute necessity for the final ascent to the summit
Thermal underwear for active sports (preferably 2 pairs)
Light trekking gloves
Mittens/gloves designed for 5°F for the final ascent to the summit
Trekking socks (4-5 pieces)
Gaiters for protection against dust/snow
Cap/panama hat/hat to protect your face and neck against the equatorial sun
Fleece hat
Balaclava for wind protection during the final summit ascent
Alpine sunglasses or googles (don't take cheap sunglasses)
Headlamp
Trekking poles
Water flasks (2-liters in total); the flask may be substituted for by a water bladder installed in your backpack
Sunblock (SPF 50+)
Lip balm
Towel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush
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How much extra money should people budget?
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The tour includes almost all climbing-related expedition expenses. However, you should consider that the following expenses are not covered:
• Visa fees upon arrival at the airport ($100 USD for US citizens)
• Lunches and dinners in the hotel ($15 – 20 USD)
• Tips for the climbing crew (tipping the guides and the porters is customary practice in Tanzania although it is not obligatory; tips are a significant source of income for the climbing team and are much appreciated). The average recommended tip is $200-250 USD from each guest.
• Souvenirs and other daily expenses.
• If you do not bring climbing gear and clothes with you, you may rent them from Altezza Travel.
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What is the minimum and maximum guest group size?
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The minimum group size is one guest. The maximum group size is 100 climbers. A guide is assigned for every two climbers.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
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We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips and please inquire specifically about additional mountaineering insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend VisitorsCoverage as a provider.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel or modify my trip?
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Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.
New For 2022 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.
Up to 60 days prior to departure*
You may postpone or modify your trip up to 60 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date, or
2) Select a new adventure or destination, or
3) Receive 100% lifetime store credit toward a future trip.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season in 2022 or 2023 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you select a new adventure, you will be responsible for the difference of any additional trip costs above the value of your current trip.
Up to 30 days prior to departure*
You may postpone your trip up to 30 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date, or
2) If you choose not to reschedule your trip you will have the option to cancel, but standard cancellation fees will apply.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season in 2022 or 2023 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you choose to cancel, you will receive a lifetime credit, minus cancellation fees, towards a future trip.
Less than 30 days prior to departure
In some cases, you may have the option to postpone your trip within 30 days prior to departure.
If this is available at the time of your request, you will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date. Additional trip costs may apply and new dates are subject to availability, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.