FAQs – Ktsima Expeditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with TPTS Travel.

Planning Your Climb

What's the best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These periods offer the clearest skies, best visibility, and most stable weather conditions. July to September is peak season with the most climbers. January and February are excellent months with fewer crowds and still good weather. The long rainy season (April-May) and short rains (November) are generally avoided, though the Rongai Route remains viable during wet months due to its drier northern approach.

Which Kilimanjaro Route is Best for me?

The best route depends on your priorities. For the highest success rate and most scenic experience, we recommend the 8-day Lemosho Route (95% success). For a balance of scenery and challenge, the 7-day Machame Route is excellent (92% success). If you prefer hut accommodation over camping, the 6-day Marangu Route is your only option. For a quieter experience, consider the Rongai Route from the north. The Umbwe Route is reserved for experienced high-altitude trekkers seeking the most challenging path.

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

Climbing routes range from 5 to 9 days. We recommend a minimum of 6 days for proper acclimatization, though 7-8 day routes have significantly higher success rates. The longer you spend on the mountain, the better your body adapts to altitude, directly improving your chances of reaching the summit. Our most popular options are the 7-day Machame and 8-day Lemosho routes.

What's included in the climbing Price?

Our packages include: professional certified guides and assistant guides, all park fees and rescue fees, quality camping equipment (or hut accommodation on Marangu), all meals on the mountain, purified drinking water, oxygen cylinder and first aid kit, portable toilet, airport transfers, pre and post-climb hotel accommodation in Arusha, and your summit certificate. Excluded are international flights, travel insurance (mandatory), Tanzania visa, personal gear, tips for staff, and personal expenses.

Fitness & Health

How fit do I need to be to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but good cardiovascular fitness is essential. We recommend starting a training program 2-3 months before your climb, focusing on hiking, stair climbing, and cardio exercises. You should be comfortable hiking 4-8 hours daily for consecutive days. Most importantly, acclimatization matters more than peak fitness—we’ve seen very fit climbers struggle while moderately fit climbers succeed because they paced themselves properly.

What about altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) affects most climbers to some degree. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Our guides monitor climbers twice daily using pulse oximeters. We follow the ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle and maintain a slow, steady pace. Longer routes provide better acclimatization. We carry emergency oxygen and have evacuation protocols in place. Some climbers take Diamox prophylactically—consult your doctor about this option.

Is it safe to climb Kilimanjaro?

With proper preparation and experienced guides, Kilimanjaro is safe for most healthy individuals. Our safety measures include: KPAP-certified guides trained in wilderness first aid, daily health monitoring, emergency oxygen supplies, comprehensive first aid kits, established evacuation protocols, and 24/7 communication with our Arusha office. We maintain a 100% safety record. However, climbing at altitude always carries inherent risks, which is why travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is mandatory.

During Your Climb

What will I eat on the Mountain?

Our mountain chefs prepare hearty, nutritious meals designed to fuel your climb. Breakfasts include porridge, eggs, toast, fresh fruit, and hot drinks. Lunches are packed picnic-style with sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and juice. Dinners feature soups, main courses (pasta, rice, chicken, beef, vegetables), and desserts. We cater to vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary requirements—just let us know in advance. Drinking plenty of water (3-4 liters daily) is crucial.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

On most routes, you’ll sleep in two-person dome tents with sleeping mats provided. We use quality 4-season tents designed for mountain conditions. The Marangu Route is unique in offering wooden mountain huts with bunk beds—these fill up quickly and must be booked in advance. We recommend bringing a sleeping bag rated to -15°C or colder, as nights at high camp can drop below freezing.

How much should I tip guides and potters?

Tipping is customary and appreciated. We recommend budgeting $200-300 USD total for tips, distributed among guides, assistant guides, cooks, and porters. A typical breakdown: $20-25/day for the lead guide, $15-20/day for assistant guides, $10-15/day for the cook, and $5-10/day per porter. Tips are usually given in a ceremony at the end of the trek. We can provide guidance on appropriate amounts based on group size.

Practical Information

Do I need a Visa for Tanzania?

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania. US, UK, EU, and most other citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (approximately $50 USD) or apply for an e-visa in advance at immigration.go.tz. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. We recommend arranging your visa before arrival to avoid airport queues.

What gear do I need to bring?

Essential items include: broken-in waterproof hiking boots, warm sleeping bag (-15°C rated), layered clothing (base layers, fleece, down jacket), waterproof jacket and pants, warm hat and sun hat, UV-protection sunglasses, headlamp with extra batteries, trekking poles, and personal medications. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking. Quality gear can be rented in Arusha if needed—we can arrange this for you.

How do I get to Arusha?

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located about 45 minutes from Arusha. Major carriers like KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines offer connections. We provide complimentary airport transfers for all our climbers. Alternatively, you can fly into Dar es Salaam and take a domestic flight or bus to Arusha, though direct flights to JRO are more convenient.