Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 21:42
Kilimanjaro Climb - Lemosho Route Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Tanzania
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
6 out of 7 - Challenging / Tough
- 10 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TYR
- Carbon Footprint: 12kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Take the most scenic route up Africa’s tallest mountain, the adventure enhanced by our expert guides, porters and cooks
Scale Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho Route, considered the most beautiful of the seven established trails up Tanzania’s mightiest mountain. It’s no easy task, but this trip has been designed to maximise your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak at the very top – we have one of the best summit success rates of any operator here. Our eight days on the slopes is longer than most (allowing more time to acclimatise), while larger-than-normal tents, full porterage throughout and chef-prepped meals make the journey as comfortable as possible.
Why trek with us?
- One of the highest summit success rates of any operator on Kilimanjaro
- One guide to every two trekkers on summit day – essential for maximising your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak
- Acclimitisation day built into trip to improve success rates
- Larger-than-normal tents make the trek that little more comfortable
- Exodus is a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, which aims to improve the working conditions of porters
Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador:
“Trekking to the ‘roof of Africa’, Mount Kilimanjaro, is an experience you’ll never forget. The Lemosho route is one of the least trekked paths towards the summit, which allows you to take in the beautifully wild Shira Plateau. The sense of achievement you feel when you see the Uhuru Peak sign and know you’ve made it to the top of the highest mountain on the African continent is something else. It’s a truly special place and perfect for anyone who’s looking for a challenge.”
At a Glance
- Seven nights of full-service camping in three-person tents (for twin-share and single supplement bookings), private toilet tent provided for group, two nights in comfortable hotels
- Eight days of walking
- Full porterage throughout
- Altitude maximum: 19,340ft (5,895m); average: 13,125ft (4,000m)
- Full moon, new moon and female crew departures available (see Dates & Prices)
- Zanzibar and safari extensions available
- Part of the Aldo Kane collection
Highlights
- Take in the wild beauty of the Shira Plateau
- Camp above the clouds and enjoy unforgettable views
- Reach the top of the largest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro
- Toast your adventure post-trek in our much-loved coffee plantation hotel
Is This Trip for You?
The trip is rated Activity Level 6 (Challenging/Tough). We strongly recommend you thoroughly read the Activity Level Guidelines page before booking.
The summit attempt is graded Activity Level 7 (Tough) because of the high altitude and the level of physical effort needed. The rest of the trek is graded Activity Level 5 (Challenging), more because of the high altitude and extended wilderness camping than the difficulty of walking; hence the overall grading of this trek as Activity Level 6 (Challenging/Tough).
Walking conditions: This is a challenging trek, reaching an altitude of 19,340ft (5,895m). Even if you consider yourself fit, you might still find the climb very hard, depending on how well your body acclimatises to high altitude. There is no scientific way to determine how easily you will acclimatise; the acclimatisation process can also differ from climb to climb. Most of the trails on the Kilimanjaro trek are well defined and good quality but some forest sections are slippery and moorland paths can be very wet in poor weather conditions. The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is almost exclusively on scree and loose rock without permanent footpaths but no technical skills are required. During the trip, we spend time at both high and low altitude, experiencing both extremely cold and quite hot conditions. You should be prepared for an early start every day on Kilimanjaro.
Under 18s: We believe this trek is manageable for a strong 16- or 17-year-old with previous experience of sustained trekking and possibly altitude. Under 18s should be accompanied by an adult on the trek and must pay an additional fee in advance (ask your sales representative for prices) for an accompanying guide. This guide provides support throughout and is available should they need to come off the mountain at any point in the trek.
Group
Tour leader: Our leader is a licensed Kilimanjaro Chief Guide, and they will meet you upon arrival and hold a welcome briefing at the hotel on Day 1. On the Kilimanjaro climb, the leader is joined by assistant guides, cooks and porters.
Assistant guides: Exodus has a high guiding ratio on the mountain: one guide for every two trekkers. This is especially important on summit day where you may be feeling very tired. The guides are extremely experienced and are well trained in spotting the effects of altitude. Their guidance is key to maximising your chances of reaching the summit.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Arusha
- End City: Arusha
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Start Arusha
The adventure begins at our much-loved hotel in Arusha, which is our home today and upon our return from Kilimanjaro. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time for a dip in the pool or to relax in the lovely gardens.
This afternoon/evening, we have a welcome briefing with the Kilimanjaro Chief Guide, which covers all aspects of the trip and includes the distribution of any hired equipment you have booked. Please also bring your passport, insurance details and air ticket details.
Accommodation: Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge (or similar)
Arrive Kilimanjaro airport; transfer to Arusha
There will be a trip briefing this afternoon/evening. Please bring with you your passport and insurance details, and your air ticket details. The briefing will cover all aspects of your trip and will include the distribution of any hired equipment you have booked.
Accommodation: Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge (or similar)
To Lemosho Gate; begin ascent to Lemosho Forest
We transfer (67mi/108km) to Lemosho entrance gate (6,890ft/2,100m) in the morning, passing between Kilimanjaro and the horseshoe-shaped volcanic crater of Mount Meru. In the short distance before reaching the Lemosho trail head gate, we drive through farmland and plantations. The last 3mi (5km) of the road to the park gate are poor quality, particularly after rain, and the drive there should be considered part of the adventure.
After completing the necessary registration formalities, we often have lunch in the designated tourist shelter before starting our walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through lush forest and an area with a variety of wildlife, including buffalos. We camp at Lemosho Forest camp (8,695ft/2,650m).
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Explore Shira Plateau; camp at Shira One
This morning begins, as all do on the trail, with hot tea brought to your tent – a very welcome wake-up. Today’s hike starts in lush montane forest before ascending into a moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with views across the plains, opening out as we reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially if the afternoon mists cloak the landscape. We camp in the centre of the plateau at Shira One (11,645ft/3,550m).
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral to camp at Shira Hut
Enjoy a day to help acclimatisation and explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. The views from our camp near Shira Hut (12,600ft/3,840m) of Mount Meru floating on the clouds are unforgettable. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoying those views and getting to know each other even better.
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Descend to camp at Great Barranco valley
We have a morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (14,930ft/4,550m), we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (12,795ft/3,900m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below, including the Barranco Wall, which we tackle tomorrow.
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Over the Barranco Wall to Karanga
A short, steep scramble up the famed Barranco Wall provides us with a different challenge and leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the southern icefields. The terrain changes to volcanic scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and a powerful sense of mountain wilderness.
Our next camp is at Karanga (13,125ft/4,000m), a short distance away. The valley floor has the last water point on the approach to Barafu and we camp on the higher sides of the valley with views towards the glaciers of the southern icefields.
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Steep ascent to Barafu campsite
The trail follows a path on compacted scree with wide views ahead including the Barafu Ridge, where our camp lies. The trail climbs to reach the Barafu campsite (15,090ft/4,600m) for lunch, after which there is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley (15,750ft/4,800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and includes a very early night.
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Reach Stella Point for sunrise; to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa; descend to Millennium Camp
We start our ascent around midnight so we can reach the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace takes us to Stella Point (18,815ft/5,735m) in about five or six hours. We rest there for a short time to enjoy sunrise over Mawenzi.
Those who are still feeling strong can make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft/5,895m) – congratulations, you’ve made it! Standing at the highest point in Africa, taking your photo at the Uhuru Peak sign and knowing you have climbed one of the Seven Summits is a moment that will stay with you forever!
The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast; after some refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (12,470ft/3,800m) at Millennium Camp.
Accommodation: Full-service camping
To Mweka Gate; transfer to Arusha
Today is a sustained descent on a well-constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the national park gate at Mweka (5,415ft/1,650m) where we meet our vehicle and drive through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. The shower, beer and swimming pool are tantalisingly close! We return by bus (62mi/100km) to Arusha.
Accommodation: Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge (or similar)
End Arusha
The morning can be spent resting in the hotel garden by the pool or exploring Arusha for souvenirs if you have time before your flight. However, if you’d like a little time to recuperate after climbing Kilimanjaro, speak to your sales representative to join our trip extensions, either a relaxing break on idyllic Zanzibar or an unforgettable safari adventure encompassing three different national parks.
Free morning; afternoon depart Kilimanjaro airport
The morning can be spent resting in the hotel garden by the pool or exploring Arusha for souvenirs for those on group flights. Those not flying back to UK with the group will leave us in Arusha.
Arrive London
Arrive London.
Extend Your Trip
Zanzibar
If you are keen to end your trip on a (very) relaxed note, Zanzibar is a place to walk on the beach, explore the colourful offshore reef, or simply soak up the sun. You can choose to add as many extra nights to your trip as you wish; your time on the island will be at leisure. We transfer to Nairobi Airport and fly to Zanzibar; on arrival we transfer to the southwest coast of the island. The accommodation used, Fumba Beach Lodge, is far from other developments, the peace is all encompassing and there is a long strip of private beach, pool, spa, diving centre and spacious rooms. Please note, on Zanzibar you will be met and transferred between the airport and hotel but you are not escorted or guided. If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity then we can arrange flights for you to Zanzibar and book the hotel on half board and include all the transfers needed. We can provide you with a price once we know your requirements.
We can also book other hotels for you on the island including Kichanga Lodge and Tembo Hotel.
Please contact your sales representative for details.
Safari extension- after Lemosho Route
This extension is a perfect introduction to African wildlife, discovering three unique national parks over three days. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is as breath-taking for its landscapes as it is for animals. The crater walls house an abundance of wildlife acting like a giant enclosure. As a result, only a few of the vast numbers of animals actually migrate out of the crater. Tarangire National Park has the largest number of elephants in the northern part of Tanzania and is dotted with baobab trees. Finally, Lake Manyara National Park is small but supports a high density of mammals including tree-climbing lions. The detailed itinerary can be found here.
Please ask your sales representative for more details.
Altitude warning
This trip includes one or more nights over 11,480ft (3,500m) above sea level, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness (AMS). If left untreated, AMS can be life-threatening. We expect most clients to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, shortness of breath while walking or sleeplessness. Our leaders are trained to identify symptoms of severe AMS and if a client requires extra care, arrangements such as rapid descent, will be made immediately.
On some days, this trip climbs faster than commonly published ascent-rate recommendations. Based upon an assessment by our external safety and medical advisors and our risk-assessment process, we consider the ascent rate acceptable due to the additional safety measures in place for our customers. All our trips operating at high altitude meet our internal altitude-safety standards, which minimise the risk of serious incidents occurring while travelling at altitude.
Several medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise. This may affect your performance and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing conditions, such as heart conditions, or your overall physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. The drug Diamox (also known as acetazolamide and normally only available on prescription) has been shown to aid acclimatisation in some individuals, and therefore may reduce the risk of AMS. Clients considering using Diamox should speak to their doctor about the drug, its side-effects and a prescription. While we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip (if trekking in the Himalaya your policy should also cover the use of a helicopter for emergency medical evacuation).
Accommodation
Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge and Kilimanjaro camps
On this adventure, we spend seven nights camping in three-person tents and two nights in a hotel.
Arusha: Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge (nights 1 and 9)
Before and after our time on Kilimanjaro, we stay at the comfortable Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge. In a peaceful setting just outside Arusha, this property has 40 spacious thatched cottages dotted throughout a beautiful garden overlooked by Mount Meru. There’s also an excellent restaurant serving African and international dishes, a spacious bar and a swimming pool. It is also possible to book a massage for when you return from the trek.
Kilimanjaro: Full-service camping (nights 2-8)
Although conditions are basic on the mountain, the camping we experience is one of the best available on the Lemosho Route. We sleep in Vango Halo Pro 300 tents regardless of whether you have made a twin-share or single supplement booking. These are spacious three-person tents that are ideal for the conditions on Kilimanjaro. Our camp life is about as comfortable as it gets on Kili, with a communal mess tent, where we gather as a group and eat breakfast and dinner, and a private toilet tent. We also ensure there is a bowl of hot washing water for you in the morning and again after the walk at an agreed time in the afternoon. The only exception is the highest camp where there is no water source.
Worth knowing
- The campsites on Kilimanjaro are designated by the national park and are mainly stone/dirt. They are not all level and can be crowded in peak season.
- Handwashing water, treated with Dettol, is available along with soap before all meals, and everyone is strongly advised to make use of it.
- The toilet tent has toilet paper within it, but we recommend that you bring your own toilet paper and wet wipes.
- All camping equipment is provided except for sleeping bags, sleeping mats and pillows.
Single supplement from £ 360
Food & Drink
All meals during the climb are included. Please allow about US$30-US$50 for the two lunches (days 1 and 10) not included.
On trek, the emphasis is on a varied and well-balanced diet with a greater amount of fresh fruit and soup to maximise the daily intake of fluids.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. The availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent in Tanzania and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home.
The menu has a high liquid and carbohydrate content, the two important elements for successful climbing. At higher altitudes, stimulants (such as coffee) and less digestible foods (such as meat) are not recommended. Our evening meal at the highest camp on Kilimanjaro is a meatless stew as our experience shows this to be the ideal preparation for the summit day. At mealtimes, a selection of hot drinks is available. Soup is served twice daily.
Daily meals
- Bed tea: Tea or coffee served in your tent.
- Breakfast: Seasonal fresh fruit (mango/banana/watermelon), porridge, cooked eggs, sausage, bacon and toast.
- Energy snacks, such as biscuits, bananas and chocolate bars, are provided for the daily walk
- Lunch: Either a packed lunch on longer days or, more usually, a hot lunch served in camp by a small team who have raced ahead of the clients. A hot lunch typically consists of soup, bread or pancakes, cheese, tuna, jam, peanut butter, pasta salad and cake.
- Afternoon tea: Served in late afternoon. It is an opportunity to drink lots of hot drinks and snack on peanuts or popcorn.
- Dinner: The main meal of the day and always consists of three courses: soup and bread, followed by the main dish, which could be rice, potatoes or pasta with fish, meat or vegetables, and is followed by a dessert often of fruit.
- Summit snacks: While we provide enough food for the climb, we recommend you bring some of your favourite snacks and keep them for the summit day. The summit day is a long, tough climb and having your favourite snacks can provide a very welcome boost.
Water
While the water we provide on Kilimanjaro is suitable for drinking you may wish to be extra safe and treat it with your own water-purification tablets.
Transport
All transfers are usually by private minibus or bus depending on the group size.
Weather & Seasonality
Although Tanzania lies in the tropics, the temperature depends more on altitude than on season. Northern Tanzania has temperatures around 16C-23C (61F-73F) in August, rising to 18C-28C (64F-82F) in February. The long rains, during which we do not operate trips, occur from late March to May, and there are intermittent short rains in November and December, though the latter have no great effect on mountain climbs.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year, but it is usually very wet in the rainforest in April and May. January and February are the warmest months. Above the cloud line, the days are warm and pleasant, with temperatures in sunlight often above 20C (68F), but the nights can get very cold. It is possible for temperatures to get as low as -20C (-4F) at Barafu campsite, our highest overnight stop. The daily weather pattern on the mountain tends to be clear mornings with an afternoon cloud build-up that often clears before sunset. In the (European) summer, the weather is usually cloudy at lower altitudes and often sunny above 11,480ft (3,500m). Please note, mountain weather conditions are never totally predictable and we may meet wet and snowy conditions at any time.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: There is a welcome briefing in the afternoon/evening. Hotel check‐in is normally from around midday.
Airport: Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Getting to the start hotel
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Arusha
Location end: Arusha
What To Take
Essential Equipment
All camping equipment is provided except for your own personal equipment. Certain items, such as duvet jackets, sleeping bags and thick mattresses, can be hired through our local agents. These must be pre-booked through the Exodus office to ensure availability. Please call for details.
Below are the items you need:
- Four/five-season sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Good boots well worn-in (leather recommended)
- Four/five-season duvet jacket
- Walking poles
- Fleece jacket or equivalent, warm sweater(s)
- Thermal underwear
- Two large water bottles
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (pants)
- Two pairs of gloves
- Warm hat or balaclava
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- High-factor (at least 30+) sunscreen for the twin exposure to high altitude and equatorial sun
- Thick socks
- Headtorch (head lamp) with spare batteries – possible freezing temperatures at altitude can affect your batteries, so we recommend a couple of spare sets
- 30-40 litre backpack for the day
- We recommend summit snacks (see food section)
- First-aid kit – a first-aid kit is carried on each trek, but you should bring you own with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, insect repellent with DEET, plasters (band-aids) and a blister-treatment kit.
All luggage for the Kilimanjaro climb should be packed in a soft kitbag. The weight limit on trek is 33lb (15kg). This does not include your backpack for the day. Clean clothes and other items can be left at the hotel in Arusha.
VERY IMPORTANT: In case of lost luggage, it is vital you take essential climbing equipment such as boots and clothes in your 30-40 litre backpack and travel with this as hand luggage. Should this kit go missing en route to Kilimanjaro, it will seriously affect your trip.
Plastic bags: Tanzania and Zanzibar have banned the use of plastic carrier bags and certain other plastic bags. Travellers arriving into either by airports, sea ports or land borders must leave any bags deemed to be on the banned list at the point of entry and risk facing heavy fines.
Equipment Hire
Duvet jackets and sleeping bags are available for hire from Trek Hire UK. Trek Hire UK can also provide a range of trekking essentials and accessories, from rucksacks to trekking poles. Please note that supplies are limited, and it is advisable to reserve any equipment as early as possible. For trips to Kilimanjaro, Nepal and Peru, certain items such as duvet jackets, sleeping bags and thick mattresses (mattresses not available in Nepal) can be hired through our local agents. For Kilimanjaro and Nepal trips these must be pre-booked through the Exodus office to ensure availability. For trips to Peru there is no need to pre-book these as they can be arranged locally through your tour leader in Cuzco. Please call for details.
Optional Equipment
- Entertainment for the evenings: book, playing cards or games etc
- Lip balm
- Portable charger
- Drying line
Exodus kitbag
If you book this trip, we provide an Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in while on trek. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to claim your free bag (they are not sent automatically). Please note, if you book less than three weeks before the departure date, we cannot guarantee your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts. If this is the case, please contact us on customerops@exodus.co.uk (or customeroperations@exodustravels.com if you’re based in the US or Canada). See www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags for full T&Cs.
Reading List
Maps
West Col productions has printed an excellent map and guide to Kilimanjaro (1:75 000). This map is generally available from good map/book shops. There is also a good Bartholomew East Africa map. Locally produced maps of Kilimanjaro are available in Marangu, as is a revised version of the West Col map at a scale of 1:50000
Practical Information
Visa
Tanzania
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Tanzania. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/tanzania
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/tanzania
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Tanzania.html
Please note, it is possible to get the visa online (from US$50), but this can take between 10 days and three weeks. For more information and to apply for the visa, please visit www.eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa. If you are flying into Kilimanjaro Airport, we recommend arranging the visa in advance as the visa-on-arrival process has become more complicated and can now take longer.
Vaccinations and Health
Tanzania
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, rabies, tuberculosis and yellow fever. Protection against malaria is essential. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic on the best course of action for all the above. Additionally, dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
You may also be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate (or an exemption certificate) if you’re coming from (or transiting for more than 12 hours through) a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you’re visiting Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania, border officials have been known to demand proof of yellow fever vaccination or an exemption certificate.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Local Time
Tanzania's time zone: Africa/Dar_es_Salaam (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
No facilities are available to recharge batteries while on trek.
Money
Tanzania's currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS). However, we recommend you take most of your money in US dollars issued from 2009 or after with the big head design. Please note, Tanzanian shillings may not be imported or exported. There is no restriction on the import of foreign currency provided it is declared on arrival. On leaving Tanzania, you may convert any amount of shillings into hard currency provided you have a currency exchange receipt.
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in Arusha but it’s best not rely on these as there are regular power cuts. Credit cards are accepted at the lodge in Arusha and some other places but note there is often a service charge for their use.
We recommend changing some money at the airport in Kilimanjaro on arrival.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Luggage to be carried by porters on the Kilimanjaro trek is limited to 33lb (15kg) per person. If you wish to take extra luggage, allow US$185 per porter, which is payable in US dollars cash to our local agents at the start of the trip.
It is impossible to spend a lot of money on the mountain climb but both alcohol and souvenirs are readily available in Arusha.
- Beer: Approximately US$3
- Mineral water: Approximately US$2
If anyone needs to leave the group at any point during the trip (for reasons such as an early descent from Kilimanjaro due to altitude sickness), all expenses incurred until rejoining the group on the itinerary described in these Trip Notes are the responsibility of the individual(s) concerned and should be paid directly to our local operators before leaving Tanzania.
Altox personal oxygen system: £367 (subject to change). This is designed to help close the altitude gap between the top camp and the summit.
The pack includes:
- 2 x oxygen cylinders (each cylinder gives 12 hours’ endurance)
- 1 x oxygen regulator
- 1 x pulse dose delivery system
- 1 x silicone nasal cannula
- 1 x personal backpack
An additional porter is required to carry the system. The complete system is supplied in a protective Pelicase and backpack, carried by your porter. Guides are all fully trained in the use of the system.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work but tipping has become customary in Tanzania with the increase in tourism. The local staff will expect some gratuity and we suggest you allow for this.
Tipping kitty: On arrival, the tour leader will suggest to the group that they donate between US$210 and US$235 per person for all the staff on Kilimanjaro. This money is then used to tip the guides, cook and porters. How the tips are distributed will be explained in the pre-trip briefing. This method is the smoothest way to ensure all crew on the mountain receive the right amount. In addition, it is also normal to give small tips in restaurants and to luggage porters and drivers.
If there are trainee guides on your departure, please note that their tips are being covered by the Exodus Travels Foundation and so they will not be included in the group tip.
Kindly ensure you have US dollars to contribute, as other currencies are not much use in Tanzania.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- Human porterage is an essential part of the Kilimanjaro climb and we understand the importance to adhere to the strictest guidelines for the porters’ welfare on the mountain. Exodus is a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, which has a clear mission to improve the working conditions of porters on Kilimanjaro by advocating for fair wages, providing educational opportunities, and ensuring companies uphold a responsible treatment practice. Read more about the porters project here.
- Since 2020, we have funded scholarships for 30 women to train at the College of African Wildlife Management to become guides. Most have now qualified and they are our Mountain Lionesses. Over the next three years, we are funding five more women to train as guides each year and are supporting a follow-up training programme ‘Becoming Even Better’ to provide advanced guiding and language skills for the women.
- On your trek, there might be female trainee guides who are sponsored by the Exodus Travels Foundation. The trainees are women who have undertaken the Mountain Lioness Scholarship, a training programme for ambitious women to qualify as mountain guides. The Exodus Travels Foundation are funding additional training climbs to further develop their skills and progress their careers as guides on Kilimanjaro. We’re also pleased to include at least four female crew on every departure, which will support their professional development and provide more opportunities for women working on the mountain.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- Where the group has time, they visit markets, which supports local economies.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- Entrance fees to natural reserves generates income, which is used to upkeep and develop these important sites. We visit the Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices regarding working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food, which has not been transported long distances.
- Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
You will need to provide Exodus with a scan of a recent passport photo at least 14 days before departure as this is required by Kilimanjaro National Park for their reservation system.
Full Moon departures: Several dates throughout the year coincide with a full moon. We schedule them in line with flights and the best time of year to climb. The complete full moon may take place a few days before or after summit day and this can vary across the departures. It means the final ascent will be lit up by the moon’s glow on a clear night.
New Moon Departures: A number of departures also coincide with the new moon. This may take place a few days before or after summit day. Without the light of the moon, Kilimanjaro is an excellent site for stargazing.
Female Crew Departures: On these dates, our crews typically consist of one or two female guides, a female cook and 10-20 female porters. Please note that male crew are also present on these departures. To learn more about how we support female porters, please follow this link: www.exodus.co.uk/mountain-lioness-scholarship. In addition to this, we include a minimum of four female crew on every other departure.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.