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, August and September.

Does climbing Kilimanjaro involve technicalities?

The trek 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.

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.

Can children climb Kilimanjaro?

The minimum age limit set by Kilimanjaro National Park for children trekking to Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro is 10 years old.

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 ascend through various terrains and weather zones to arrive at the permanently snow-capped summit. Expect rainfalls and sub-zero temperatures on your trek.

How long does it take to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro?

Depending on the route chosen, most trekkers 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.

What kind of mountain climbing gears do I need for Kilimanjaro?

Soft kit bag (for porters to carry), small daypack (for you to carry), rain cover for backpack/bags, dry sacks for packing inside, sun hat/cap, woolly hat/toque, scarf, balaclava, sunglasses, waterproof jacket and trousers, four-season duvet jacket, warm upper body layers, thermal under layers, trekking trousers, shorts (optional), underwear/sports bra, waterproof gloves, thin gloves, gaiters, thick socks, thin socks, waterproof hiking boots, spare laces, jogging shoes or flip flops for around camp, walking poles, sleeping bag, water bottles or hydration bladder, water purification tablets (optional), water flavoring or rehydration salts, favorite snacks, knee support (optional), eye protection goggles (for wind/dust/glare on summit), head torch, spare bulb, camera, memory cards, spare batteries, towel, toiletries, lip balm, sunscreen, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, personal first aid kit, medication (Diamox optional), insect repellent, pen/paper/playing cards.

Can we leave excess luggage behind whilst trekking Kilimanjaro?

Yes, Hotels that accommodate you will have luggage room and some have safety box/locker. Therefore, any excess luggage you do not need to carry with you on Mount Kilimanjaro can be left at your hotel whereby you will be headed after trip. You should keep valuable items with you at all times.

Can you accommodate people with special diet requirements?

Most certainly! We can cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, or any other special diets. Kindly advise at the time of booking.

Is my departure guaranteed if I sign up with your company for the Kilimanjaro climb?

Yes, absolutely! Because we do not join groups together, you can choose to start your climb on any day you choose.

What are some of your hygiene practises on the mountain?

We always boil and filter drinking water for our clients. Cooks always make sure the food is well cooked and 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 only.

Can we rent a portable toilet for our climb?

Yes, a portable toilet is available for rental at US$120/group (up to 4 climbers).

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 responder and performing CPR. Each guide carries a first aid kit which includes: paracetamol, Imodium, ibuprofen, rehydration salts, paraffin gauze, sterile swabs, bandages, plasters, cotton wools, latex gloves & tongs, antiseptic disinfectant, antimicrobial cream, antihistamine, Diamox, etc. We check in with the clients and crew daily at camp as they are equipped with mobile phones.

What if one member of the group gets sick while trying to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro?

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 very very sick then we call for a dispatch for stretcher – the rescue fee is included in your quoted price. But before reaching that point, our guides are very careful and they will monitor the health of everyone everyday on the mountain to make sure that the sickness does not get to that point.

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 (3 L drinking water, valuables, camera, lunch/snacks, rain layer…). The rest of the items you can leave with porters to carry.

What differentiates Habari with other operators?

First of all, the most important thing that differentiates us from other companies, we are the local company, so we pay the taxes and all the money we get from clients we use in our local community. Also all of the employees are local and they know very well about Tanzania culture and heritage.

Secondly, we have our organization to support education, known as the Habari foundation (www.habarifoundation.org). The organization supports our local community and until now we are sponsoring kids in private and public schools with accommodation, school fees and school materials. Actually the 5% of the profit from our clients goes to this organization. We also invite donors to support us if they are willing to. We accept donations like kids clothes, money, school materials and porters gears.

We also take care of our porters and guides by paying them the best salary as proposed by the government - they sleep in the best tents, eating 3 fresh meals per day, supplying them some gears and we take them to the hospital in case they get sick / injured on the trip.

As a local registered company our prices are reasonable because we operate things local.

Are you able to provide us with references?

Most certainly! Please ask.