11-day adventure
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit
Tanzania
- Kandoo Summits
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Tanzania was Kandoo's first ever destination and we have helped more than 12,000 people reach the summit of Africa's highest peak. Expertly managed by Emanuel Nguma, our mountain guides, safari guides, drivers and cooks are some of the best in the country. A quick glance at our TrustPilot reviews and it is clear just what an outstanding service our team deliver. Whether you are looking for a safari, a Kilimanjaro climb or a beach break on...
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Kandoo's view
With over 15 years of experience we have helped more than 12,000 people reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. With top quality equipment and the best guides on the mountain, we have a 95% success rate on every route that we operate. As proud supporters of KPAP since 2009, you can be sure that the welfare of our local staff is a priority for us. As with all our adventures, when you climb Kilimanjaro with Kandoo, your trip is fully carbon offset as standard.
This route avoids the crowds on the southern routes and instead begins at Londorossi Gate, at an altitude of 2360 metres, with an approach far to the west of the mountain. It follows the Lemosho route, passing through majestic rainforest where some of the region’s most unique wildlife can often be seen. The route continues up to the mountain’s third summit at Shira Ridge. From there you will cross the famed Shira plateau and see the awe inspiring Shira Cathedral before turning north onto the Northern Circuit proper. The northern slopes of Kilimanjaro are far more remote and have the benefit of less traffic from other climbers. On a clear day the views stretch over the Amboseli Plains of Kenya. The trail then joins the Rongai and Marangu routes in the east for the final summit ascent via Gillmans Point. After reaching the summit, you will descend by the Mweka trail, rather than retracing your steps along the ascent route.
The Northern Circuit is a good nine day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatisation, giving a better success rate. Experienced trekkers may opt for the more difficult 8 day ascent along the Northern Circuit.
This route avoids the crowds on the southern routes and instead begins at Londorossi Gate, at an altitude of 2360 metres, with an approach far to the west of the mountain. It follows the Lemosho route, passing through majestic rainforest where some of the region’s most unique wildlife can often be seen. The route continues up to the mountain’s third summit at Shira Ridge. From there you will cross the famed Shira plateau and see the awe inspiring Shira Cathedral before turning north onto the Northern Circuit proper. The northern slopes of Kilimanjaro are far more remote and have the benefit of less traffic from other climbers. On a clear day the views stretch over the Amboseli Plains of Kenya. The trail then joins the Rongai and Marangu routes in the east for the final summit ascent via Gillmans Point. After reaching the summit, you will descend by the Mweka trail, rather than retracing your steps along the ascent route.
The Northern Circuit is a good nine day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatisation, giving a better success rate. Experienced trekkers may opt for the more difficult 8 day ascent along the Northern Circuit.
Trip highlights
- Extra day for acclimatisation
- High summit success rate (over 98%)
- High guide to client ratio
- Fully carbon offset
Experiences
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Kandoo Summits
Head to the top of a real mountain summit for a real sense of achievement
Gallery
Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival
All trekkers need to organise their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From JRO we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel. That night or early the next morning you will meet your local Kandoo representative and have a full pre-climb briefing.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
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Day 2
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
4WD transfer to Londorossi Park Gate for registration. Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent along the forest trail to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite at 2895m. We will stay here overnight.
- Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
- Ascent: 535 m
- Max. altitude: 2895 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 3
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Our journey continues eastwards across the Shira Plateau with spectacular views of Shira Cathedral. We cross moorland meadow to reach Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight camping at 3500m. By now we will be able to see the stunning glaciers of the Western Breach. It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.
- Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
- Ascent: 605 m
- Max. altitude: 3500 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 4
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today we walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially when the afternoon mists roll in. From our camp near Shira Hut, we take in the unforgettable views of Mt Meru.
- Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
- Ascent: 310 m
- Max. altitude: 3810 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 5
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
We leave the moorland behind now and a gentle grade walk takes us across the high altitude Shira Caldera to Shira Cave with fabulous views of Arrow glacier. We will camp here for the night at 4200m.
- Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
- Ascent: 390 m
- Max. altitude: 4200 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 6
Moir Hut to Pofu Camp
We climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (4700m). After admiring the views we return to the trail and heads eastwards around the Northern Circuit trail. The final section of today’s walk undulates until reaching the location of Pofu Camp.
- Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours
- Ascent: 500 m
- Descent: 680 m
- Max. altitude: 4700 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 7
Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp
From Pofu Camp we cross numerous small valleys as the trail continues through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp.
- Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
- Descent: 60 m
- Max. altitude: 4020 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 8
Third Cave Camp to School Hut
Today there is a steady ascent to reach the Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here we continue upwards and reach School Hut in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit day.
- Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
- Ascent: 830 m
- Max. altitude: 4790 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 9
School Hut to summit to Millennium Camp
We start the final and most demanding part of the climb around 1 am on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. We rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. We then head on to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descend down through Barafu Camp, where our porters will meet us with a packed lunch. We will then continue to descend to reach Millennium Camp.
- Hiking time: 14 - 16 hours
- Ascent: 1105 m
- Descent: 2068 m
- Max. altitude: 5895 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 10
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Your final day on the trek. Departing after breakfast, we descend a further 1300m to the Mweka Park Gate to pick up your summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. We will then transfer toy our hotel for a well-earned shower and celebration.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
- Descent: 2027 m
- Max. altitude: 3827 m
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast
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Day 11
Departure
After a much-needed night’s rest we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari / Zanzibar trip, we will collect you from the hotel for your onward journey.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- See more
Details
Trip information
Difficulty
The Northern Circuit is the longest and also the most remote route. The longer itinerary means that it has a good acclimatization profile. You can naturally "walk high, sleep low" which helps with acclimatisation.
Even though you don't have to climb the Great Barranco Wall on this route, you will still have a tough summit night approaching via Gilman's Point. You will be trekking for long periods of time so a good level of fitness and stamina is recommended.
Looking for training advice or a training plan in
preparation for this trip? We'd recommend checking out Kate Sielmann and
her coaching programs that are specific to mountaineering and trekking
training. Find more details here.
Food & drink
Staying well-fed on your climb is
absolutely vital, especially when conditions are such that you might not want
to eat or drink as much as you should. Because so many climbers experience a
loss of appetite at altitude, our head chef has developed special menu plans
that are appealing, healthy, and filled with all the energy you need to make it
to the summit. By default, our meals include fresh fruit and vegetables every
day. You will have fresh meat for the first part of the trek and on the
southern routes where it is feasible we resupply the group at Karanga Camp. As
a special reward after your summit ascent, we’ll have an “All Day English
Breakfast” ready and waiting for you when you arrive back at Base Camp – just
let our cook know how you like your eggs done! And before you leave the
mountain, you also get to sample some of the local Tanzanian cuisine such as
Njegere and Machalari.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
is usually fairly hearty, and includes porridge, sausage, eggs and toast with
marmalade or jam. Of course, you’ll also have hot drinks, generally a choice of
tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Let your guide know if you are still hungry, or
even if you think you could ‘pack in a few more bites’. Our cooks always try to
provide more food than necessary to ensure everyone gets a good meal.
LUNCH
Lunch is
either packed for you, to carry in your rucksack, or we stop for a hot cooked
lunch depending on your itinerary. A typical packed lunch is a boiled egg,
sandwiches, a portion of chicken, crisps, snack bar, fresh fruit and a drink.
AFTERNOON TEA
Afternoon
Tea is served at the end of the day’s walking, once you get to camp. In
addition to tea and other hot drinks, there are plenty of peanuts, popcorn, biscuits
and snacks to help restore some of the energy you’ve just burned off.
DINNER
Dinners
are quite filling. They usually begin with a nice hearty soup, and then a main
course such as chicken curry, spaghetti bolognese, fresh vegetables, and plenty
of rice, pasta or potatoes, followed by a yummy dessert such as pancakes or
banana fritters with maple syrup or nutella!
Accommodation
Your full day by day itinerary
shows what is included in terms of hotel accommodation and meal basis. All of
our pre- and post- climb accommodation is based in Moshi. If you are going on
safari prior to your climb, we will have booked you into a hotel in Arusha on
arrival to reduce your travel time. Where your hotel basis is B&B, you can
usually purchase snacks or meals at the hotel, which can be paid in Tanzanian
Shillings, or often in US Dollars. When you arrive at the hotel, take a moment
to familiarise yourself with the layout and the procedures in the event of a
fire, especially your escape routes and fire exits.
Please be aware that Tanzania is
still a third world country and cut offs in both water and electricity supply
still happen regularly, and we cannot guarantee that the hotel will have hot
showers during your stay. The hotel will help as far as they can, but these
outages are outside their control.
We use only the very best high
altitude mountain tents, Mountain Hardwear Trango 3, to ensure you stay warm,
dry and comfortable on your Kilimanjaro climb. Please bear in mind, these are
proper mountain tents, designed to cope with extreme conditions so don’t expect
to be able to stand up and walk around inside! The dry, dusty conditions on
Kilimanjaro can play havoc with the zips and they can easily jam. Our guides
are armed with WD-40 so just ask them for assistance, rather than trying to
force the zip.
Your meals will be taken in a
separate mess tent where you will be able to sit comfortably, while you relax
and chat to your team mates and enjoy the wholesome food that our cook has
freshly prepared for you. Inside, you’ll be pleased to find a table (of course)
and a proper, comfortable chair with arms. With a full 2 metres of headroom,
even the tallest climbers will be able to stretch a bit, and move about without
hunching over. They are fully waterproof, and regularly withstand the worst
weather Kilimanjaro has to offer. A toilet tent is provided with toilet
paper.
Transport
We insist on using a high standard of vehicle and driver for
all of our transfers. In Tanzania it is not a legal requirement to have
seatbelts fitted in the back of vehicles, and while we try to use vehicles that
do have rear seatbelts fitted, this cannot always be guaranteed. If you are
unhappy about any aspect of the vehicle or the standard of driving, please
speak to the driver or our local office immediately. Please note that it is a
common occurrence in Tanzania for vehicles to be stopped by the police to check
the driver’s documentation and this can seem quite intimidating when you cannot
understand what is being spoken. If your vehicle is stopped, this is not a
reflection on the state of your vehicle or your driver’s performance.
Luggage
CLIMBING
BAG WEIGHT
Kilimanjaro National Park
operates an absolutely strict limit of 15kg per porter for your main equipment
bag. This limit includes your sleeping bag, even if it is rented from us. This
is more than sufficient for your needs on the mountain. Your bag will be
weighed before you leave the hotel to start the climb and if it is overweight
you will have to take items out and leave them at the hotel. Additional porters
can be hired but they cost $25 per day
PLASTIC BAG BAN
On 1st
June 2019, Tanzania introduced a ban on all single-use plastic bags.
Please support this fight against plastic by using more sustainable
alternatives in your luggage, such as packing cubes and dry bags. Passengers
with plastic bags in their luggage may be asked to surrender them on arrival at
the airport.
The
zip-lock bags required to carry liquids and toiletries in cabin baggage on
airplanes will still be permitted.
How do I get there?
For climbers based in the UK or the US, it is best to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). KLM flies to JRO from all of the major UK airports, and many of the larger US international airports as well. UK flights tend to leave early in the morning, transfer at Luchthaven Schiphol, Amsterdam’s main airport, and arrive at JRO late that same evening.
All of our tours begin at a town called Moshi, known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Moshi is situated low on the mountain’s south slope, at an altitude of nearly 1000 metres above sea level. Moshi is only 25 miles from Kilimanjaro International Airport by car, and we will arrange transport from the airport to your hotel as part of your trek. Transport is generally available at any time, including the late evening or early morning, and takes approximately three quarters of an hour.
Moshi is an excellent choice for hotel accommodation during your stay, but it does fill up quickly during the peak season, so be sure to reserve your booking with us as early as possible. It is wise to plan a rest day after such a long flight to recover and prepare yourself and your kit for the climb, rather than planning on hitting the mountain the next morning.
Some UK climbers choose to fly into Nairobi via Kenyan Airways or British Airways. These flights are only available departing from Heathrow in London. Climbers arriving in Nairobi generally book a transfer flight to Kilimanjaro international Airport via Precision Air, Air Kenya, Air Tanzania or Ethiopian Airways.
We do not recommend flying through Nairobi, because Nairobi Airport is often uncomfortable, and transfer times can sometimes be very long. It also has a reputation for poor baggage handling and delays in transferring baggage between flights.
Turkish Airlines, Air Emirates and Qatar also fly into JRO now, but these flights often involve long delays and flights leaving late at night for UK travellers. However, climbers travelling from the US often report better service and experiences flying with Turkish Airlines, Air Emirates and Qatar, so we do recommend these flights from North America.
Vayama operates excellent flights to East Africa, including Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya or Zanzibar from JRO, and is a good choice if you wish to see more of this beautiful region before returning home. Many travellers schedule a beach holiday in exotic Zanzibar to rest up after their climb. We find the best way to arrange transport for that is to book your return flight out of Dar Es Salaam, then to Zanzibar on an internal flight, and eventually back to Dar Es Salaam for your flight home.
If you are changing airlines or re-checking your luggage at an airport on route, please ensure you leave a minimum of 3 hours between flights. This will account for any delays on arrival, travel time across airports (this can take longer than you think) and time taken to re-check baggage.
Travelling Responsibly
Here at Kandoo, we like to support our guests to make their travel more sustainable. As of 2025, we are offsetting the carbon on all of our trips from your arrival in destination to drop off at the airport. As we don't include flight travel in our trips these aren't included in our offsetting calculations, so we are providing you with the calculator below for you to do this yourselves.
Fitness and training
Please take some time to read our Kilimanjaro Training Guide which is full of helpful tips on how to get physically prepared for your climb.
Budget & change
The Tanzanian Shilling is a
closed currency so you will not be able to buy this before you arrive. It is
advisable to travel with US Dollars, as these are widely accepted. It is very
important that US bills be new (no more than 10 years old), crisp and untorn. If you want some
local currency to purchase snacks or drinks either at your hotel or on the way
to the climb then we can take you to an ATM or bank. There is also a currency
exchange as you go through to the Baggage Collection area of the airport. If
you are relying on a credit or debit card for emergency funds, make sure you
tell your card issuer that you will be using it abroad, or you may find that it
won't work when you really need it.
Please Note that not all hotels can accept
card payments so you may need to use an ATM to access funds.
Tips
We work
closely with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and they have
recommended the following tipping procedure. To give you a guide, KPAP
recommended tips for porters are in the range of $6-10/day per porter.
For other roles we recommend $20/day for guides, $12-15/day for assistant guides
and $12-15/day for cooks. These figures are per group, not per climber. You
will be sent a copy of the tip recommendations and the estimated crew numbers
for your group. The size of your crew can only be confirmed on the first day of
the climb once all the bags and equipment have been weighed at the park gate.
At the first camp you will be advised of the final number of crew and their
position on the climb.
You may
also find on your summit attempt that some of the porters accompany the group
to provide additional assistance. This is an additional task that they carry
out in order to support you having the best chance of reaching the summit.
Please show your appreciation for any help you receive by tipping these porters
directly. We would suggest an extra tip of $20.
The
tipping announcement will take place on the last night on the mountain when all
the crew will gather together to celebrate with you. One representative from
your group should say a few words of thanks, which will be translated by the
lead guide into kiSwahili.
Due to
recent thefts on Kilimanjaro, we no longer advise our clients to carry cash
with them during the climb, so the actual tip money will be presented when you
return to your hotel. Your group will be supplied with envelopes to assist with
the distribution of tips – one envelope for the porters and a separate envelope
that you can use to tip your lead guide, assistant guides and cook. Three
porter representatives will come to the hotel to accept the tip envelope on
behalf of all the porters, and they will distribute the money themselves.
Formalities & health
Passport
All travellers will need a passport which will remain valid for at least 6 months longer than your expected visit. You will also need to present proof that you have a return ticket, and proof that you have sufficient money to support yourself during your stay in Tanzania.
Each traveller is responsible for sorting out their own passport and visa requirements, and we cannot offer much assistance in this matter. If you do not yet have a passport, apply for one early, as they can take some time to arrive. If you already have a passport, double check when it expires.
Each traveller is responsible for sorting out their own passport and visa requirements, and we cannot offer much assistance in this matter. If you do not yet have a passport, apply for one early, as they can take some time to arrive. If you already have a passport, double check when it expires.
Visa
While Tanzania is a Commonwealth country, UK citizens definitely do need a tourist visa to enter. This is also true for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, India, United States, Canada and most EU countries. Citizens of countries not mentioned should contact their nearest embassy or high commission to check visa requirements. Visas usually cost in the neighbourhood of USD50 (around GBP40), but some visas from the US can cost USD100. Tanzanian visas expire three months after they are issued, so be careful not to apply too soon.
Visas can be purchased upon arrival at Kilimanjaro international Airport (IATA code: JRO), but the immigration authority has recently changed the procedure and you can expect long queues, and for the process to take two hours or more. The Tanzanian High Commission has stressed that they have the right to deny visas applied for on arrival. We have never had a report of this happening, but it is a danger best avoided.
For these reasons, we highly recommend that travellers get their visa in advance if at all possible.
It is also now possible to apply for your Tanzania visa online. Please read the Visa Application Guidelines carefully before beginning your application to ensure you apply for the correct type of visa, and that you are planning on entering Tanzania through one of the approved entry points.
Where to obtain a Tanzanian visa
- Any Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission
- The Tanzania Immigration Services website
- Entry points to Tanzania: Any gazetted entry point, including international airports.
- In Dar Es Salaam: The Office of the Director of Immigration Services
- In Zanzibar: The Office of the Principal Immigration Officer
Please be advised that, whilst we make every effort to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information, travel requirements can change quickly and sometimes without notice. We urge you to double check the visa and passport requirements for your trip, consult with an embassy or consulate, or use a reputable visa agency, such as www.thevisacompany.com.
Visas can be purchased upon arrival at Kilimanjaro international Airport (IATA code: JRO), but the immigration authority has recently changed the procedure and you can expect long queues, and for the process to take two hours or more. The Tanzanian High Commission has stressed that they have the right to deny visas applied for on arrival. We have never had a report of this happening, but it is a danger best avoided.
For these reasons, we highly recommend that travellers get their visa in advance if at all possible.
It is also now possible to apply for your Tanzania visa online. Please read the Visa Application Guidelines carefully before beginning your application to ensure you apply for the correct type of visa, and that you are planning on entering Tanzania through one of the approved entry points.
Where to obtain a Tanzanian visa
- Any Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission
- The Tanzania Immigration Services website
- Entry points to Tanzania: Any gazetted entry point, including international airports.
- In Dar Es Salaam: The Office of the Director of Immigration Services
- In Zanzibar: The Office of the Principal Immigration Officer
Please be advised that, whilst we make every effort to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information, travel requirements can change quickly and sometimes without notice. We urge you to double check the visa and passport requirements for your trip, consult with an embassy or consulate, or use a reputable visa agency, such as www.thevisacompany.com.
Vaccinations
Below we have set out what is the general guidance for travel to Tanzania. We strongly advise you to consult with your own GP or travel clinic near you before travelling. They will have the most up to date and medically accurate information relevant to you, and should be relied upon over these recommendations.
Strongly Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A: This can be spread via contaminated food and water.
- Tetanus: Tetanus is often present in the soil, and can contaminate open wounds easily. Tetanus vaccine should be used every ten years if travelling.
- Typhoid: Typhoid can also be spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
- Diphtheria: This potentially fatal disease is spread mainly via spit, but occasionally through contact with cuts on the skin.
- Yellow Fever: This can be contracted by being bitten by a contaminated mosquito. This vaccination is not essential if you are arriving directly in Tanzania. You do need it though if you plan to arrive through any country that is subject to yellow fever. Simply stopping over at an airport in an affected country should not require vaccination, but leaving the airport even briefly would make it necessary
Sometimes Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis B: This illness is spread via contact with blood or bodily fluids. It is many, many times more virulent than HIV/AIDS. Some 8% of the population of Tanzania are believed to carry the virus.
- Rabies: Rabies is spread via contact between the saliva of any infected animal and an open wound (including bites, but also licking existing wounds). Rabies is fatal unless treated, and treatment of an unvaccinated rabies patient can be very difficult in many parts of Tanzania.
- Tuberculosis: TB is generally contracted through inhaling airborne sputum.
- Cholera: Cholera is spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
- Measles: This disease is spread through inhaling sputum.
Strongly Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A: This can be spread via contaminated food and water.
- Tetanus: Tetanus is often present in the soil, and can contaminate open wounds easily. Tetanus vaccine should be used every ten years if travelling.
- Typhoid: Typhoid can also be spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
- Diphtheria: This potentially fatal disease is spread mainly via spit, but occasionally through contact with cuts on the skin.
- Yellow Fever: This can be contracted by being bitten by a contaminated mosquito. This vaccination is not essential if you are arriving directly in Tanzania. You do need it though if you plan to arrive through any country that is subject to yellow fever. Simply stopping over at an airport in an affected country should not require vaccination, but leaving the airport even briefly would make it necessary
Sometimes Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis B: This illness is spread via contact with blood or bodily fluids. It is many, many times more virulent than HIV/AIDS. Some 8% of the population of Tanzania are believed to carry the virus.
- Rabies: Rabies is spread via contact between the saliva of any infected animal and an open wound (including bites, but also licking existing wounds). Rabies is fatal unless treated, and treatment of an unvaccinated rabies patient can be very difficult in many parts of Tanzania.
- Tuberculosis: TB is generally contracted through inhaling airborne sputum.
- Cholera: Cholera is spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
- Measles: This disease is spread through inhaling sputum.
Insurance
Climbing a mountain as high as Kilimanjaro does have dangers. You should ensure that you have good insurance to cover these risks. It is a condition of booking to climb Kilimanjaro that you have medical and accident insurance.
Your insurance must cover helicopter evacuation if it becomes necessary. It should also cover the costs of getting home should you miss your scheduled flight due to accident, injury, illness or simple bad luck.
Your insurance must specifically include cover you to climb up to 6000m.
Your insurance should also protect against the standard travel dangers, including: baggage delay, loss of personal items etc.
We recommend the global supplier of travel insurance, World Nomads. Make sure to add 'hiking up to 6,000m' on check out and be sure to read the small print carefully for any policy you are considering. Different policies provide different levels of cover, so make sure you understand what is and is not included in your policy.
Sorry but we are not insurance experts so we do not review policies.
Your insurance must cover helicopter evacuation if it becomes necessary. It should also cover the costs of getting home should you miss your scheduled flight due to accident, injury, illness or simple bad luck.
Your insurance must specifically include cover you to climb up to 6000m.
Your insurance should also protect against the standard travel dangers, including: baggage delay, loss of personal items etc.
We recommend the global supplier of travel insurance, World Nomads. Make sure to add 'hiking up to 6,000m' on check out and be sure to read the small print carefully for any policy you are considering. Different policies provide different levels of cover, so make sure you understand what is and is not included in your policy.
Sorry but we are not insurance experts so we do not review policies.
Health
Malaria and Mosquitoes
The entire Kilimanjaro region is the home of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and you are at risk of contracting malaria at least until you climb above 3000 metres. Above that, mosquitoes can not survive. A bout of malaria can ruin your entire trip and end your climb early, so it is best to protect yourself.
Your doctor can prescribe anti-malarial medications, but we also recommend wearing long sleeves and trousers, as well as using a good mosquito repellent that contains DEET the entire time you are below 3000 metres.
Avoiding diarrhoea
Make sure that your hygiene is as good as possible to avoid picking up a stomach upset. Needless to say, a bout of diarrhoea can make a week-long strenuous ascent unpleasant or even impossible.
On the climb itself, we make sure that your food is pure and uncontaminated, and that all of your water is treated with WaterGuard purification tablets. Before your trek, though, you will have to protect yourself.
Make sure you follow these simple rules at all times:
If you are not absolutely certain water is pure, do not drink it.
Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, and before eating or handling food of any kind.
Do not eat raw vegetables or salads. Cooked, preferably boiled veggies only.
Avoid any cold drinks, and ice of any kind.
Water from sealed bottles is generally fine, as are fizzy drinks, wine and beer. Hot tea and coffee are good, as they have just been boiled.
If you do get diarrhoea, the most important thing you can do is to stay hydrated. The best thing to drink is a rehydration solution like Dioralyte. Read more about dehydration below.
Over the counter medicines like Immodium (or anything containing loperamide) are only for short term, mild diarrhoea. Some doctors recommend taking a single, 500mg dose of Ciprofxin, or any ciprofloxacin antibiotic in an emergency situation. This is a prescription medicine, and you should discuss it with your doctor before your trip.
Preventing dehydration
Even if you avoid diarrhoea, you can easily become dehydrated at high altitudes. The lower air pressure forces you to breathe more quickly and deeply, and you lose a lot of water through your lungs. You will also be exerting yourself, and sweating.
The upshot is, as you might expect, that you will have to drink more water. You need to drink at least 3 litres of fluids every day while climbing. Even when you don't feel thirsty you have to drink this amount as a minimum - preferably more. This is particularly important on the final day when you attempt the summit and could mean the difference between success or failure.
On summit night you should drink at least half a litre (preferably a whole litre) before you set off. We will also supply you with 2 litres of water to fill your own water bottles or hydration bladder. Make sure it does not freeze! Wrapping the bottles in thick socks or otherwise insulating them is usually enough.
Stay on the look-out for signs of dehydration in yourself and your fellow climbers. The most common symptoms include thirst, dry lips, nose or mouth, headache and feeling fatigued or lethargic. If you think you may be dehydrated, there are two ways to tell:
The colour of your urine. Clear or light straw-coloured urine means you are probably not dehydrated. Yellow or orange wee means you have not been drinking enough, and you need to up your fluid intake quickly.
Pinch or press firmly on an area of exposed skin. If it does not spring back instantly, or stays pale and bloodless for more than a second or two, you are probably dehydrated.
Remember to keep drinking on the way down the mountain, as well.
Sunburn and UV Protection
While a high climb is hardly a day at the seaside, you will be vulnerable to sunburn if not properly protected. The thin atmosphere at high altitudes blocks much less UV radiation, even on cloudy days.
The three most important things you can do to avoid sunburn are:
Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to your face, nose and ears at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun, and reapply regularly. High SPF lip balm is also a must.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, nose and ears.
Wear UV-protective sunglasses, category 2-4.
At higher altitudes the sun's rays are intensified and even on a cloudy day they can penetrate through and still burn you. And do not forget that the sun is at its strongest between 10:00-14:00 hours each day.
Eating well
Many climbers experience loss of appetite at high altitudes. This is a real problem, as you will be burning an extra 2000 or more calories a day, and not replacing them can cause real problems, especially when you attempt the summit.
Just like staying hydrated, you have to eat heartily even if you are not hungry. Meals heavy in carbohydrates are best, because they are easier to digest at high altitudes and provide long-term energy.
The summit ascent is different. You will not have a big, heavy meal which might slow you down on the most intensive part of the climb, but rather a light snack and a hot drink. It is important to keep plenty of small snacks with you on this leg, as you will have to keep your energy levels high. Also, make sure they do not freeze – so keep them in pockets underneath your jacket, or in an insulated bag like your daypack.
Summit snacks should be chosen carefully. Take a favourite treat to make it easier to eat when you do not feel hungry, but avoid anything with honey or syrup, or anything chewy as they are likely to freeze tooth-crackingly solid above 5000 metres. Chocolate, nuts and seeds, biscuits, savoury snacks and boiled sweets are generally better choices.
Body temperature
Every mountain has its own climate, and Kilimanjaro has several different weather zones at different heights and on different faces of the mountain. Conditions change quickly, and you will be moving between zones as well. A hot and dry day can be followed immediately by snow or rain. Wearing a layered outfit is generally the wisest way to make sure you stay healthy and reasonably comfortable in all conditions.
Above all, make sure to wear warm, wind-and water-proof, breathable clothing on your climb. Get high quality gear too, as this is definitely the real thing. Storms, high winds and freezing temperatures must be expected, and poor quality equipment will fail.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), hypobaropathy and soroche, is an illness caused by exposure to the low air pressure, especially low partial pressure of oxygen, which many climbers experience at high altitudes.
AMS is caused by exerting yourself at high altitudes, especially if you have not been properly acclimatised. It is most common at altitudes above 2400 metres. Kilimanjaro is nearly 6000m above sea level. At this height, the air pressure (and the amount of oxygen it contains) is less than half that at sea level, and has been said to be comparable to working with only one lung.
AMS can be serious, especially as it can be debilitating, and it generally occurs far from places where medical treatment can be easily administered.
Not everyone suffers from AMS, of course, and it is very difficult to predict who is or is not vulnerable to it. Generally speaking, a fit person is less vulnerable than an unfit person, because their cardiovascular system can operate at low pressures longer without as much strain. Even so, anyone can be vulnerable at altitudes above 3500 metres, no matter their fitness level, if they have not spent some time getting used to the low atmospheric pressures first.
Avoiding Altitude Sickness
1. Walk high, sleep low. It is best to gradually climb higher each day, then descend lower to sleep. This lets you gradually become accustomed to lower pressures, and then recover somewhat overnight.
2. Slow and steady. You need to keep your respiration rate low enough to maintain a normal conversation. If you are panting or breathing hard, you must slow down. Overworking your heart and lungs substantially increases your chance of becoming ill.
3. Drink much more water than you think you need. Proper hydration helps acclimatisation dramatically. You need to drink at least three litres each day. As dehydration presents many of the same symptoms as altitude sickness, your chances of being allowed to continue are best if you stay hydrated.
4. Diamox. The general consensus of the research is that Diamox is helpful in avoiding AMS. We use it when climbing Kilimanjaro. We recommend you google Diamox and its effects yourself. It is a prescription drug, and you should consult with your doctor before taking it.
The entire Kilimanjaro region is the home of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and you are at risk of contracting malaria at least until you climb above 3000 metres. Above that, mosquitoes can not survive. A bout of malaria can ruin your entire trip and end your climb early, so it is best to protect yourself.
Your doctor can prescribe anti-malarial medications, but we also recommend wearing long sleeves and trousers, as well as using a good mosquito repellent that contains DEET the entire time you are below 3000 metres.
Avoiding diarrhoea
Make sure that your hygiene is as good as possible to avoid picking up a stomach upset. Needless to say, a bout of diarrhoea can make a week-long strenuous ascent unpleasant or even impossible.
On the climb itself, we make sure that your food is pure and uncontaminated, and that all of your water is treated with WaterGuard purification tablets. Before your trek, though, you will have to protect yourself.
Make sure you follow these simple rules at all times:
If you are not absolutely certain water is pure, do not drink it.
Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, and before eating or handling food of any kind.
Do not eat raw vegetables or salads. Cooked, preferably boiled veggies only.
Avoid any cold drinks, and ice of any kind.
Water from sealed bottles is generally fine, as are fizzy drinks, wine and beer. Hot tea and coffee are good, as they have just been boiled.
If you do get diarrhoea, the most important thing you can do is to stay hydrated. The best thing to drink is a rehydration solution like Dioralyte. Read more about dehydration below.
Over the counter medicines like Immodium (or anything containing loperamide) are only for short term, mild diarrhoea. Some doctors recommend taking a single, 500mg dose of Ciprofxin, or any ciprofloxacin antibiotic in an emergency situation. This is a prescription medicine, and you should discuss it with your doctor before your trip.
Preventing dehydration
Even if you avoid diarrhoea, you can easily become dehydrated at high altitudes. The lower air pressure forces you to breathe more quickly and deeply, and you lose a lot of water through your lungs. You will also be exerting yourself, and sweating.
The upshot is, as you might expect, that you will have to drink more water. You need to drink at least 3 litres of fluids every day while climbing. Even when you don't feel thirsty you have to drink this amount as a minimum - preferably more. This is particularly important on the final day when you attempt the summit and could mean the difference between success or failure.
On summit night you should drink at least half a litre (preferably a whole litre) before you set off. We will also supply you with 2 litres of water to fill your own water bottles or hydration bladder. Make sure it does not freeze! Wrapping the bottles in thick socks or otherwise insulating them is usually enough.
Stay on the look-out for signs of dehydration in yourself and your fellow climbers. The most common symptoms include thirst, dry lips, nose or mouth, headache and feeling fatigued or lethargic. If you think you may be dehydrated, there are two ways to tell:
The colour of your urine. Clear or light straw-coloured urine means you are probably not dehydrated. Yellow or orange wee means you have not been drinking enough, and you need to up your fluid intake quickly.
Pinch or press firmly on an area of exposed skin. If it does not spring back instantly, or stays pale and bloodless for more than a second or two, you are probably dehydrated.
Remember to keep drinking on the way down the mountain, as well.
Sunburn and UV Protection
While a high climb is hardly a day at the seaside, you will be vulnerable to sunburn if not properly protected. The thin atmosphere at high altitudes blocks much less UV radiation, even on cloudy days.
The three most important things you can do to avoid sunburn are:
Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to your face, nose and ears at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun, and reapply regularly. High SPF lip balm is also a must.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, nose and ears.
Wear UV-protective sunglasses, category 2-4.
At higher altitudes the sun's rays are intensified and even on a cloudy day they can penetrate through and still burn you. And do not forget that the sun is at its strongest between 10:00-14:00 hours each day.
Eating well
Many climbers experience loss of appetite at high altitudes. This is a real problem, as you will be burning an extra 2000 or more calories a day, and not replacing them can cause real problems, especially when you attempt the summit.
Just like staying hydrated, you have to eat heartily even if you are not hungry. Meals heavy in carbohydrates are best, because they are easier to digest at high altitudes and provide long-term energy.
The summit ascent is different. You will not have a big, heavy meal which might slow you down on the most intensive part of the climb, but rather a light snack and a hot drink. It is important to keep plenty of small snacks with you on this leg, as you will have to keep your energy levels high. Also, make sure they do not freeze – so keep them in pockets underneath your jacket, or in an insulated bag like your daypack.
Summit snacks should be chosen carefully. Take a favourite treat to make it easier to eat when you do not feel hungry, but avoid anything with honey or syrup, or anything chewy as they are likely to freeze tooth-crackingly solid above 5000 metres. Chocolate, nuts and seeds, biscuits, savoury snacks and boiled sweets are generally better choices.
Body temperature
Every mountain has its own climate, and Kilimanjaro has several different weather zones at different heights and on different faces of the mountain. Conditions change quickly, and you will be moving between zones as well. A hot and dry day can be followed immediately by snow or rain. Wearing a layered outfit is generally the wisest way to make sure you stay healthy and reasonably comfortable in all conditions.
Above all, make sure to wear warm, wind-and water-proof, breathable clothing on your climb. Get high quality gear too, as this is definitely the real thing. Storms, high winds and freezing temperatures must be expected, and poor quality equipment will fail.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), hypobaropathy and soroche, is an illness caused by exposure to the low air pressure, especially low partial pressure of oxygen, which many climbers experience at high altitudes.
AMS is caused by exerting yourself at high altitudes, especially if you have not been properly acclimatised. It is most common at altitudes above 2400 metres. Kilimanjaro is nearly 6000m above sea level. At this height, the air pressure (and the amount of oxygen it contains) is less than half that at sea level, and has been said to be comparable to working with only one lung.
AMS can be serious, especially as it can be debilitating, and it generally occurs far from places where medical treatment can be easily administered.
Not everyone suffers from AMS, of course, and it is very difficult to predict who is or is not vulnerable to it. Generally speaking, a fit person is less vulnerable than an unfit person, because their cardiovascular system can operate at low pressures longer without as much strain. Even so, anyone can be vulnerable at altitudes above 3500 metres, no matter their fitness level, if they have not spent some time getting used to the low atmospheric pressures first.
Avoiding Altitude Sickness
1. Walk high, sleep low. It is best to gradually climb higher each day, then descend lower to sleep. This lets you gradually become accustomed to lower pressures, and then recover somewhat overnight.
2. Slow and steady. You need to keep your respiration rate low enough to maintain a normal conversation. If you are panting or breathing hard, you must slow down. Overworking your heart and lungs substantially increases your chance of becoming ill.
3. Drink much more water than you think you need. Proper hydration helps acclimatisation dramatically. You need to drink at least three litres each day. As dehydration presents many of the same symptoms as altitude sickness, your chances of being allowed to continue are best if you stay hydrated.
4. Diamox. The general consensus of the research is that Diamox is helpful in avoiding AMS. We use it when climbing Kilimanjaro. We recommend you google Diamox and its effects yourself. It is a prescription drug, and you should consult with your doctor before taking it.
Medication
Your guide carries a first aid kit at all times but we recommend you carry the following items:
- Painkillers
- Anti-inflammatory tablets/gel
- Second Skin Elastoplast (to prevent blisters)/ bandages
- Sunscreen for lips and skin
- After sun cream (for sunburn)
- Any personal medication
Equipment & clothing
Equipment supplied by Kandoo Adventures
- A 3-man tent per two people
- Mattresses
- Dining tent including tables
chairs and eating utensils
- A toilet for the private use
of your group
RENTAL EQUIPMENT
If you’ve
decided to rent gear, then below is a list of equipment available. Just let our
team know what you’d like to hire at your Pre-Climb Briefing. All payments
are made locally in US Dollars (cash only).
- Four
Season Mountain Hardwear Lamina -30 Sleeping Bags -$50 per climb
- Trekking
Poles - $20 per climb
These items must be packed in
your main equipment bag. They should not be attached to the outside, as we are
not responsible if items fall off when the bags are being carried up the
mountain. The sleeping bags weigh approximately 2.6kg each
Clothing to bring
HEADGEAR
- Warm beanie style hat –
knitted or fleece
- Neck gaiter or scarf. It can
get dusty on the upper reaches and a scarf or balaclava comes in useful
for keeping dust out and can double as a warm layer for your neck / face!
- Sun hat – preferably
wide-brimmed for protection
- Sunglasses – high UV
protection
UPPER
BODY
- Thermal or fleece base layer
(x1)
- Long sleeve shirt/tshirt –
light or medium weight, moisture wicking (x 2)
- Short sleeved shirt/tshirt –
lightweight, moisture wicking (x2)
- Fleece or soft shell jacket
(x1)
- Insulated jacket – down or
primaloft
- Lightweight water/windproof
hard shell outer jacket
- Poncho – if trekking close
to the rainy season
- Gloves – lightweight, fleece
or quick drying fabric
- Gloves or mittens –
heavyweight, insulated, preferably water resistant
LEGS
·
Leggings
– thermal or fleece base layer (x1)
·
Trekking
trousers – light or medium weight (x2) – convertible trousers work well
·
Waterproof
hard shell trousers – ski pants work fine
·
Gaiters –
optional but it can be muddy in the rainforest and dusty higher up
FEET
- Trekking boots – mid weight
with good ankle support
- Training shoe or similar –
to wear around camp
- Mid-weight trekking socks (x5
pairs)
- Breathable, high-wicking
liner socks (x3 pairs)
- Thermal trekking socks for
summit night (x1 pair)
Equipment to bring
- Small Rucksack or Daypack
(30-40 litres) to carry water and personal items
- Waterproof duffle bag
(approx 80-100 litres) – max weight when full should be 15kg. This weight
restriction includes your sleeping bag, whether you brought one with you
or rented one from us. Your duffle will be carried by your porter
- Sleeping bag (4 season or
-20 Deg C) and compression sack
- Insulated sleeping mat
(optional) – we provide a comfortable foam mattress but many people like
the additional comfort and warmth of a Thermarest sleeping mat
- Trekking poles
- Water bottle or hydration
bag – must be able to carry 3.0L of water. Wide-mouthed bottle (minimum
1.0L) is required for summit night
- Headlamp (plus extra
batteries)
OTHER ACCESSORIES
- Sunscreen and lip balm -
high SPF
- Toiletries, including wet
wipes and hand sanitiser – please carry all rubbish back off the mountain
- Camera and spare batteries
- Personal medication and
first aid kit
- Personal snacks and energy
bars – dried fruit and nuts are also a good source of energy
- Isotonic drink powder /
energy drink powder to mix in with your water. This improves flavour and
helps replace electrolytes
- Microfibre towel for wiping
hands and face each day
- Ear plugs, if you are a
light sleeper
- Pee bottle, if you prefer
not leaving the tent at night
- Dry bag (only required if
your main duffle bag is not waterproof)
Dates & prices
| From | To | Price | Availability | Book | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/01/2025 | 24/01/2025 | £2,999 $3,749 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 11/02/2025 | 21/02/2025 | £2,999 $3,749 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 04/03/2025 | 14/03/2025 | £2,999 $3,749 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 10/06/2025 | 20/06/2025 | £2,999 $3,749 |
Guaranteed
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 01/07/2025 | 11/07/2025 | £2,999 $3,749 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 15/07/2025 | 25/07/2025 | £2,999 $3,749 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 11/08/2025 | 21/08/2025 | £2,999 $3,749 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 26/08/2025 | 05/09/2025 | £2,999 $3,749 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 09/09/2025 | 19/09/2025 | £2,999 $3,749 |
Guaranteed
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 07/10/2025 | 17/10/2025 | £2,999 $3,749 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 17/12/2025 | 27/12/2025 | £2,999 $3,749 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 13/01/2026 | 23/01/2026 | £3,049 $3,899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 10/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 | £3,049 $3,899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 03/03/2026 | 13/03/2026 | £3,049 $3,899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 09/06/2026 | 19/06/2026 | £3,049 $3,899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 23/06/2026 | 03/07/2026 | £3,049 $3,899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 14/07/2026 | 24/07/2026 | £3,049 $3,899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 11/08/2026 | 21/08/2026 | £3,049 $3,899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 25/08/2026 | 04/09/2026 | £3,049 $3,899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 08/09/2026 | 18/09/2026 | £3,049 $3,899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 06/10/2026 | 16/10/2026 | £3,049 $3,899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 17/12/2026 | 27/12/2026 | £3,049 $3,899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!
Contact usPrice includes
- Hotel accommodation before
and after your climb
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to and from the
mountain
- National Park entry,
camping, climbing and rescue fees
- A fully supported climb (average
ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
- All meals and drinking water
on the mountain
- A clean and private portable
toilet (no long drops for you!)
- High quality dining tent and
sleeping tents with comfortable foam mattress
- Access to emergency oxygen and
first aid kit
- A certificate documenting
your summit ascent
Price does not include
- International flights and
visas
- Tips for your guide and crew
- Travel insurance (you must
be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
- Your personal trekking gear
- Snacks on the mountain
- Meals and drinks not on the
mountain
Options
- Additional hotel nights before or after your climb
- Single supplement
Extensions
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