1. What is the weather like on Mt. Kilimanjaro?
You can expect equatorial to arctic conditions on Mt Kilimanjaro. Depending on
the route chosen, you will begin your trek in dry plains or tropical forests
with average temperatures between 25⁰C and 30⁰C. You will then hike up through
various terrains and weather zones to arrive at the permanently snow-capped
summit. Expect rainfalls and sub-zero temperatures on your trek.
2. How long does it take to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro?
This is based on the route you selected, most hikers take 4-6 days to reach
the summit. The longer you spend on the mountain, the more time your body gets
to acclimatize, the higher the chance you will succeed in reaching the summit
of Kilimanjaro.
3. When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers
prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October.
Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February and
September
4. Does climbing Kilimanjaro involve technicalities?
The hike up Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb. You do not require any
mountaineering equipment to reach the summit. In fact, anyone in good physical
condition can reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. You should be able to run
for at least half an hour without feeling shortness of breath. You should also
be able to walk for at least 2 hours in hilly terrains without feeling overly
exhausted. No one with a sore throat, cold or breathing problems should go
beyond 3000m. Anyone with heart or lung problems should consult his/her
physician before attempting to climb Mt Kilimanjaro.
5. Are park fees included in your price?
Yes, all Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) fees are included in our Kilimanjaro
price. Currently, the conservation fees at Kilimanjaro National Park are:
US$70 per person per day and US$50 per person per night for camping. Crew
entry fees and Tanzanian Forest Services Agency (TFS) fees (applicable for
Rongai, Shira and Lemosho routes) are also included in our Kilimanjaro price.
6. Can children climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes! The minimum age limit set by Kilimanjaro National Park for children
climbing to Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro is 10 years old
7. What is the weight limit for luggage on Kilimanjaro climbs?
Each porter can carry up to 20kg of luggage.
8. What kind of food can we expect to have during our Kilimanjaro trip?
Our typical food on the mountain includes:
– BREAKFAST: Coffee,Tea, Porridge, Fruits, Fruit juice, Scrambled
eggs/omelet, Sausage, Toast, Margarine, Honey and jam, etc.
– LUNCH: Tea, Coffee, Chips, Sandwiches, Biscuits, Pancakes with honey or jam,
and fruits, other nutritious Tanzanian-styled meals, etc.
– DINNER: Soup, well-cooked meat or vegetarian meal (these include
chicken/beef with rice, sliced fresh carrots and green beans, mashed potatoes,
and salads), etc, fruits, and fruit juice, and a variety of hot drinks.
9. Can you serve people with special diets?
Of course! We can cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, or any other special
diets. Kindly let us know at the time of booking.
10. How many climbers will we be trekking with on Mt. Kilimanjaro?
Since Giraffe Safari private guided climbs, you will not be trekking with any
strangers :
11. Is my departure guaranteed if I sign up with your company for Kilimanjaro
climb?
Yes, 100%! Because we do not join groups together, you can choose to start
your climb on any day you choose.
12. Where and how often are your guides and porters trained? How do you select
them?
Before obtaining their license, all guides need to attend training provided by
Kilimanjaro National Park – on both theory and practical components as well
as First Aid. They will need to pass an exam before they can get their
license. We would never consider anyone who is not certified. We always
interview potential candidates before we would hire them. We would only use
someone who is knowledgeable, has a good attitude and good English as an
assistant guide.
13. What are some of your hygiene practices on the mountain?
We always boil and filter drinking water for our clients. Cooks always make
sure the food is well cooked and the utensils are sterilized with clean hot
water before they are used. The mess tent is cleaned on a daily basis. Mess
tents are solely reserved for clients use and we do not allow porters to sleep
in them.
14. Are emergency oxygen tanks include in your climb price?
Yes. The price also includes the salary of a porter to carry the oxygen tanks
during your summit attempt.
15. Can we rent a portable toilet for our climb?
Yes, portable toilets is available for rental at US$150/trip
16. How many guides and porters will we have on our climb?
You will have one lead guide and an assistant guide for 2-3 climbers.
For 4-6 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 2 assistant guides.
For 7-8 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 3 assistant guides
For 9-10 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 4 assistant guides.
We provide 3-4 porters per one client.
The porters will carry all the tents, food, and the luggage that you do not
require while hiking so you will only need to carry a day pack during the day.
17. What safety equipment do you carry on the trek?
All of our lead guides are trained and certified in the following areas:
altitude sickness and recognizing symptoms in the early stages, emergency use
of oxygen, wilderness first responded and performing CPR. Each guide carries a
first aid kit which includes: paracetamol, Imodium, ibuprofen, re-hydration
salts, paraffin gauze, sterile swabs, bandages, plasters, cotton wool, latex
gloves & tongs, antiseptic disinfectant, antimicrobial cream, antihistamine,
Diam-ox, etc.
We check in with the clients and crew daily at camp as they are equipped with
mobile phones. Each ranger post also has radio communication.
18. What if one member of the group gets sick during the trek?
Because you will have many guides and assistant guides, an assistant will take
the ill person down while the rest of the group goes on. If the person is
extremely sick then we call for a dispatch for stretcher – the rescue fee is
included in your quote. But before reaching that point, our guides are very
careful and they will monitor the health of everyone every day on the mountain
to make sure that the sickness does not get to that point.
19. What is the recommended weight for our day pack?
We would recommend that you carry no more than 10kg. The average is 7kg. You
only need to carry the essentials (3L drinking water, valuables, camera,
lunch/snacks, rain layer. The rest of the items you can leave with porters to
carry.
20.How about Tipping issues will be to our guides and porters?
Tipping is always a difficult issue to cover for Kilimanjaro. Some say that
tips are mandatory which has been as culture to mountain climbers, others say
different. As Giraffe Safari Company would like to stress that a tip should
only be given when someone feels they have received an service accordingly. It
is not mandatory to give a tip, and though our guides and porters work very
hard on the mountain to ensure your safety and success, they are all doing
their job.
Not discuss the tips with the guides or porters until the end of the trip
To tip if you enjoyed your trip
To tip if the service was good
To tip if you enjoyed the people with you
Never to feel pressured to give more for tips
To hand out the tips to each porter and guide individually if possible, or to
the head guide and have him disperse it to the team.
Note that; the below is just a guideline for tipping, the final amount you
give is your decision, you can always give more or less than the amounts
stated below based on received service.
Each Guide USD $150 for the entire trip per group
Each Assistant Guide $120 for the entire trip per group
Each Porter USD $65 for the entire trip per group
Each Cook USD $100 for the entire trip per group