FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ALPINISTAS KILIMANJARO EXPEDITION: Trekking to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro lead by local Tanzanian Female Guiding Company
Is everyone leading this trip female?
Yes! We’re one of only two operators offering expeditions in Kilimanjaro that utilize a completely all-female guide team! You will also have a US-based female Alpinistas leader on the trek with you who has been to Tanzania several times before.
A majority of the porters will be female as well. This is designed to empower women to summit together.
Please know that we could have up to 100 support staff through this entire journey such as porters, cooks, etc. so support staff might include some men. Our Tanzanian guide team is fully positioned to hire all the women as possible first, before getting additional support from men.
Hey girl power!
When is the best time to climb/trek Mt. Kilimanjaro?
Mt. Kilimanjaro can be trekked any time in a year but we tend to avoid heavy rain seasons.
In Tanzania they have a rainy season and a dry season. Dry season is the best time to trek Mt. Kilimanjaro as the experience is unpleasant in the rain and the trek could be longer due to road closings where the rain makes travel impossible.
April, May, and November are the rainy season and are not good times of the year to climb.
December, January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October are the best months to do this trek.
Which airport should I fly into?
It is best to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. It is ideal to land a few days before your climb, so your body can adjust to any time differences and the climate. Also we have more time to ensure you are adequately prepared! Airport transfers are included in your trip.
What are Tanzania’s general entry requirements?
As of January 2024, you will only need to show on arrival:
Your passport with validity at least 6 months from arrival date
Tourist visa (issued by an embassy or online), also you can easily apply for Visa on arrival ($100 for US-citizens)
A return ticket or evidence of onward travel arrangement
What will accommodation be like on the trip?
While climbing Kilimanjaro you will sleep in high quality four season tents on safari mattresses that are carried from campsite to campsite by our porters.
There will be no running water, showers, or electricity. You will receive a bowl of warm water from the staff twice a day, in the morning and each time you reach a camp after the hike.
Toilets are simple pit toilets in outhouses at the established campsites but the staff also bring a private portable toilet tent for our small group that will be set up and cleaned at every camp to give you more convenience and privacy.
Your first and last nights in Tanzania will be spent in a hotel in Moshi.
What food will we be eating on the mountain?
Participants will eat a combination of local Tanzanian dishes and more western-style dishes. On Kilimanjaro, our group will have our own team of chefs who will prepare meals for you.
Breakfasts typically include oatmeal, breads, eggs, pancakes and fruit. Lunch and dinners range from traditional Tanzanian staples of rice, beans, chapati (pancakes) and ugali (maize porridge), to coastal Tanzanian beef stews and vegetable curries, to more western soups, pastas, fried fish, stir fries, and salads.
When we are closer to the summit the meals will be primarily focused on carbohydrates as that is considered the best food to consume for energy at altitude.
Fuel for your body is extremely important for such a strenuous trek and at high altitudes.
We can also accommodate most dietary restrictions or allergies. However, note for anaphylactic risk participants: there may be some risk of cross-contamination and we recommend that you bring epinephrine.
We recommend bringing along some of your own favorite snacks, especially granola or protein bars to carry in your daypack.
What water will we be drinking?
Water from the tap in the hotels is safe to use for brushing teeth, but it is better to drink bottled water in the cities.
On the mountain, water will always be boiled or filtered by the porters before being given to you. We recommend bringing your own nalgene bottles for refilling and carrying in your day pack. Please avoid bringing a water bladders as they will most likely freeze on summit night. You will need at least 2 - 3 liters of water space, since drinking as much as possible is important to prevent altitude sickness.
What should I pack for the Kilimanjaro trek?
We will provide you with an extensive gear list but generally, here is what is recommended to bring. You will also receive a discount to the Alpinistas store to purchase gear and rental items may be available as well.
Day pack: for carrying valuable documents, extra layers, water, electrolytes, personal first aid kit, phone/camera and other misc. items that you might need for day hiking. You may not have access to your duffle bag/large backpack for the day so it should carry everything you might need.
Duffle bag / Backpack: For hauling personal gear needed on the mountain. This bag will actually be handled by the porters so it doesn’t have to be a traditional backpacking pack. A cargo duffle bag is sufficient but understand that the porters will be carrying this bag in a rucksack or on their head. It will often be put on the ground so expect wear and tear. Also, the Kilimanjaro National Park has a maximum carrying weight per porter which includes their own personal gear. Your bag should not exceed 15 kg / 33 lbs. It is recommended to use waterproof bags and waterproof containers to keep your clothes, sleeping bag and other essential items dry.
Sleeping bag: It is recommended to bring a warm sleeping bag, 0 degree to -30 degree, depending on how you sleep. Also, you should bring a sleeping bag liner as additional insulation and comfort.
Sleeping pad / mattress: Bring an air mattress or foam pad to help provide comfort over the provided foam we provide.
Large plastic bags/trash bags: If you do not have a waterproof bag, this will help to keep your stuff dry.
Sun hut/sun cap/warm beanie
Sunglasses/glacier glasses/ski goggles: You always need general eye protection from the sun when you hike but bringing along glacier glasses or ski goggles will help during the glacier portion of the trip or if the weather turns windy or snowy.
Base layers made of wool/wool-blend
Gore-tex rain gear or other waterproof shell jacket and pants
Hiking pants
Insulated down jacket and pants layer.
Mid-layer like fleece to take on and off throughout the day.
Poncho - Is helpful to cover your entire body and pack when trekking in the rain.
Leather hiking boot or any waterproof hiking footwear
Wool socks for every day on the mountain
Camp shoes - to wear when not trekking, at camp, they should be insulated.
Ear plugs - to help sleep if we encounter any noisy campsites.
Headlamp and extra batteries
Body towel, face washcloth
Water bladder for backpack or nalgene bottles for water. Insulated tube recommended for summit and colder days.
Electrolytes/salt pills
Personal first aid kit
What goes in the day pack?
As this is a fully portered trek, they will take your duffel bag after breakfast and you won’t see it again until you reach camp in the afternoon. So your daypack will hold all of your daily necessities.
We suggest a 30-40 liter capacity to fit in water, snacks, packed lunch on some days, waterproof gear (rain jacket and trousers), extra warm clothing (an extra fleece), gloves, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent and camera.
The guides will let you know each morning about the weather conditions to expect and advise you of any specific items to keep you safe and comfortable on the trail.
What if I forgot gear or show up without the right apparel?
It is crucial to have the correct cold-weather gear on the list and it is required. Alpinistas will help you with gear choices as you get closer to the trek. Once in Tanzania, the local guide team will also check all your gear for the climb when you arrive. If gear from the packing list is missing, we will help you to rent most things in town.
What level of experience do I need to have? Do I need special fitness or skills training?
Anyone with general fitness can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. The route that we take has an extremely high success rate! Even the disabled can do this. If you can hike then you are good to go. No special mountaineering experience or skills needed. Alpinistas suggests extending your hiking mileage and adding uphill terrain to your training the months leading up to this hike.
How do I go to the bathroom on the trek?
The park has a primitive toilet. We also provide mobile toilets for our team that allow private bathroom use. When we are in an area without the ability to use the mobile toilet, you will go behind rocks, trees or bushes, however, you must pack out any waste as is normal custom when in the wilderness.
Can you trek without a guide?
You can no longer trek Kilimanjaro without a certified guide.
How do we handle trash on the Kilimanjaro trek? Where do we dispose of this?
In order to preserve the beauty of this amazing place, all trash must be kept and carried to the next camp. The rule is that what we take in, we must take out. If you bring trash bags to carry your trash, you’ll be able to dispose of it at the next camp. The trek support staff will consolidate all the trash and take it out when we make our way down.
What is the best route to trek Mt. Kilimanjaro?
All of the routes up Kilimanjaro offer an exciting adventure with some being more technical and challenging than others. Some people have different skill sets or special needs so not all routes are suggested for everyone.
We’re doing the Shira route which is similar to Lemosho but starts at a higher altitude. Starting at a higher elevation makes our success rate very high.
Here are success rates for some of the Kilimanjaro routes.
Route Success Rate
Marangu 80% - 85%
Machame 88% - 95%
Lemosho 90% - 96% - Our Route!
Rongai 86% - 93%
Umbwe 50% - 60%
How can I prevent altitude sickness
The challenge of climbing to higher altitudes poses a chance to encounter altitude sickness. The Lemosho route allows for several days of acclimatization to allow your body to adjust to the changing elevation. Every body reacts differently to altitude and previous experiences with altitude or fitness levels do not determine who this affects. It can happen to anyone.
There are some preventative measures that you can take before traveling to Kilimanjaro. Speak to your doctor to ask for altitude sickness medication.
Our guides will carry diamox along with supplemental oxygen to be used in emergencies. In the unlikely event that you need to be evacuated, helicopter evacuation is included in the trip price in case you need to descend urgently to safety.
Do I have to share a room and a tent? Can I purchase a single room?
The pricing for this trip is based on shared accommodations. You will be paired with another solo female traveler.
If you prefer to not share a room at the lodge or on safari with another person, or a tent while on the trek, a single supplement of $800 will apply.
Can I bring my partner / husband / significant other with me on this trip?
Since this is a female-only trip, only females will be allowed to join and would be more than welcome. We are not able to book males on this trip. We are offering a co-ed trip that happens earlier in 2024 that we would recommend for those that are interested.
Can I bring my daughter or niece on this trip?
If she is over 18, then she is more than welcome to join. We cannot book anyone under 18 years of age.
Do I need any special medication or vaccines for traveling to Tanzania?
Please check with your doctor before traveling internationally as well as the CDC website for current requirements.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Tanzania requires that all travelers obtain a visa. We highly recommend applying for the visa a month before the trip start date or when you make your final booking payment.
What if I cannot travel because of XYZ or coming down with a sickness before my trip?
We require all guests to purchase travel insurance that covers unforeseen circumstances which would prevent them from traveling.
Once the final payment is made for the trip, your payment is non-refundable.
What happens if I get sick?
We require that all guests separately purchase travel and medical insurance that includes international evacuation. If you do get sick, the guide team will assist in getting you to the closest medical facility.
The trip also includes helicopter mountain rescue that would cover getting you off the mountain due to accident or altitude sickness.
How much money do you recommend that I take with me for my trek?
Alpinistas Adventures packages include all costs, like permits and all of your meals on our tours. If you wish to purchase any “luxuries” such as coffee, sweets or to buy souvenirs along the way or after your climb, you may bring some cash money for that. We recommend that you budget approximately $20 per day to comfortably cover any additional expenses that you may encounter. If you are missing any gear, you need to factor in additional costs for renting it. Also tipping at the end of your trek is customary.
Why is it recommended to tip our guides and porters, and how much should I tip?
While the cost of your Kilimanjaro trek covers various expenses, such as substantial Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, tipping remains a significant way to express gratitude for our hard working local team. Despite receiving fair wages, tips serve as a gesture of appreciation for their exceptional service.
The standard minimum tip is generally 15% of the trip cost per person, distributed among the guides and porters. Contributions from tips have a meaningful impact on the lives of our team members, often supporting their families. We emphasize that if, by any chance, you're dissatisfied with the service, tipping is not obligatory. However, for those inclined to show extra appreciation, your generosity creates a positive ripple effect, leaving both you and the team with a sense of gratitude.
Is there any other contribution that I can make to the local Tanzanian team?
Thank you for your generous offer! Cash contributions are the preferred form of gratuity, as they allow our Tanzanian team the flexibility to address their individual needs. However, the Tanzanian team would also greatly appreciate and accept donations of outerwear, particularly for our valuable support staff. Please keep in mind that the logistical challenges and expenses associated with obtaining technical gear in Tanzania make such contributions especially meaningful. Your consideration is deeply appreciated, and your support, whether in cash or kind, contributes to the well-being of our dedicated team.
Is there any Wifi on the mountain?
The Tanzanian government recently implemented high speed internet connection on Kilimanjaro. You can have 30 minutes of free Wifi to stay in touch with your family, friends or even post your summit success directly on social media to let the world know about it. Bear in mind that connection is not always reliable.
Do you have any other questions?
Send us an email or chat us (bottom right corner of page). We’re happy to help!