Cheetah and air baloon in Serengeti National Park
18-day adventure

Ultimate Tanzania

Tanzania
  • Kandoo Multi-activity
  • Kandoo Trekking
  • Kandoo Summits
  • Kandoo Ultimate
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Code: TZUT

18 days
Challenging
Emissions 758 kg/pers.
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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.

On this ultimate 18 day adventure we have combined our four favourite Tanzanian experiences to create a once in a lifetime trip. Beginning with summitting Africa's tallest mountain, here we follow the Machame route. The climb begins at Machame Gate in dense rainforest. Traverse the southern side of the mountain to Barranco via Lava Tower, and climb the Great Barranco Wall on your way to Barafu Camp. After reaching the summit, you will descend by the Mweka trail, finishing at Mweka Gate.

Following your climb, amazing game viewing opportunities are to be had visiting Tanzania’s most popular national parks. Lake Manyara, the Olduvai Gorge, the Serengeti, where an early morning balloon ride gives an incredibly, unique perspective on the majestic savannah, the Ngorongoro crater and finally the Tarangire.

Safari complete, a much earned rest is the perfect way to end the trip. Hop on a flight over to Zanzibar where four days of relaxation on picture postcard, turquoise beaches await you. Luxuriate in the idyllic, beach front Villa Kiva or explore the island; stroll through the local, traditional fishing villages or join a diving trip.

Trip highlights

  • Summit Africa's tallest mountain via the Machame route
  • Take a balloon ride over the Serengeti
  • Relax on the shores of Zanzibar for the perfect end to the trip
  • Fully carbon offset

Experiences

  • Kandoo Multi-activity
    Canyoning in Munduk district, Bali
    Kandoo Adventures' trips with different activities to enjoy each day
  • Kandoo Trekking
    Small group hiking in the Wadu Rum desert
    Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes
  • Kandoo Summits
    Climbers on the summit of Island Peak
    Head to the top of a real mountain summit for a real sense of achievement
  • Kandoo Ultimate
    Ultimate Tanzania Safari
    The ultimate way to experience your chosen destination. Adventure, culture and discovery in one epic trip.

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Itinerary

  • 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
  • Day 2

    From Machame Gate to Machame Camp

    Transfer from your hotel to Machame Gate for registration. Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent along the forest trail to Machame Camp at 3000m. We will stay here overnight.

    • Transport: Private transfer
    • Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
    • Ascent: 1200 m
    • Max. altitude: 3000 m
    • Accomodation: Camping
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Day 3

    Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

    After breakfast we start walking, leaving the rainforest behind, and continue our ascent, crossing a small valley and up to a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather. Our route now turns west into a river gorge until we reach Shira Cave Camp. It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.

    • Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
    • Ascent: 850 m
    • Max. altitude: 3850 m
    • Accomodation: Camping
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Please note

The details in this programme are regularly updated but unforeseeable and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. In order to provide the adventure which is best suited to your demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the itinerary may be made. For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation at any time if your technical level or fitness is deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to those around you. Under no circumstances would this give rise to a refund or compensation.

Details

Trip information

Difficulty

The Machame route is considered relatively tough. Depending on your level of fitness, you will be trekking for 6-7 hours nearly every day, at increasingly higher altitude.  For the summit ascent, you will need to be prepared for a whopping 12-15 hours on your feet! Climbing up for 6-8 hours and descending back down for 6-7 hours.  Arriving in great physical condition and with a tough mental "Kandoo" attitude will be your key to success!


Novice climbers are sometimes nervous about how they will cope  with the Great Barranco Wall, but this is just a short scramble that is really not that tricky - you will be helped by your guide every step of the way. One stride around a rock outcrop is the most precarious part you will experience. Thousands of climbers safely travel this route each year, let alone the Kilimanjaro porters carrying heavy loads.


The rest of this trip doesn't require you to be in peak fitness as in the safari vehicles you will be sat down and your time in Zanzibar can be spent as relaxed as you please.

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 trip is absolutely vital, especially when conditions on the climb 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!


This trip is full board whilst on your trek and safari, however there is only breakfast provided whilst in Moshi, Arusha and on Zanzibar. At these locations it is up to you to find places to eat for your lunchtime and evening meals. 

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. After your safari you will stay the night in Arusha before flying out to Zanzibar the following day. 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.


During your safari you will stay in comfortable safari lodges in spectacular locations. Rooms will be either double or twin with en-suite facilities and your stay will be on a full board basis. 

For our 4 nights on the island of Zanzibar we stay in beautiful, beachfront hotel accommodation. Please note, our prices are based on twin share accommodation but we understand many people will prefer a private room while they are at the beach. If you would like to upgrade to a private room, it is essential you request this as soon as possible as availability is very limited.

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.

Safari vehicles

Whilst on safari you will be travelling in one of our comfortable Kandoo Adventures safari vehicles. Each 4x4 vehicle has a "pop top" roof to provide excellent views of the incredible wildlife.

 

The different National Parks – Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro – may look close on a map, but there is a considerable amount of driving between each location. Approximate driving times are listed below. While this gives you the opportunity to see more of the Tanzania countryside – look out for Maasai villages beside the road, children tending their herds of goats and cattle, and road-side markets – you will not see any game during these transit times.

 

  • Moshi to Lake Manyara - 4 hours
  • Arusha to Tarangire - 2.5 hours
  • Tarangire to Ngorongoro - 3 hours
  • Ngorongoro to Serengeti - 4 hours
  • Lake Manyara to Serengeti - 5 hours

Luggage

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS BAG WEIGHT
Domestic flights in Tanzania operate a 23kg main bag allowance on their flights. 

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 trip. 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 guests choose to fly into Nairobi via Kenyan Airways or British Airways. These flights are only available departing from Heathrow in London. Guests 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, guests 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.

We provide your flight between JRO and ZNZ, however you will need to arrange your flights from Zanzibar at the end of your trip. We find the best way to arrange your return flight is by transferring to Dar Es Salaam for your flight home. Vayama operates flights between Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam.

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 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.


Please also be aware that the Government of Zanzibar has introduced mandatory inbound travel insurance for all travellers arriving on the island.

The charge is $44 and must be paid by all new arrivals even if you already have travel insurance in place. The new charge will come into effect from the 1st September 2024.  

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.


For your safari guide we recommend a tip of US$20-30 per day (this is per group, not per person.) Many of the safari lodges operate a shared tip system, and there will be a box in the reception area where you can leave a tip for all staff. Check the information packs in your room as some lodges will specifically ask you not to tip individual staff members.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 3)
  • Short sleeved shirt/tshirt – lightweight, moisture wicking (x3)
  • 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
  • Swimming costume - for Zanzibar

 

LEGs

  • Leggings – thermal or fleece base layer (x1)
  • Shorts - lightweight, breathable for Zanzibar 
  • Trekking trousers – light or medium weight (x2) – convertible trousers work well
  • Lightweight trousers for safari - linen trousers are breathable and stay cool in the heat
  • 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)
  • Sandals for safari/Zanzibar

ON SAFARI

Wear something cool and comfortable, as you will be in the vehicle for several hours each day and it will be very warm in the parks, and on the drive between the parks. The vehicles are not air conditioned, although the pop-top will be open when you are in the parks. Avoid wearing dark blue or black, as these colours attract tsetse flies. Long sleeved shirts and trousers are advisable for evenings when mosquitoes are most active.


IN ZANZIBAR
This will depend on your choice of activity whilst in Zanzibar, however we recommend light, breathable clothing that is loose fitting and beachwear. If you haven't brought sandals for campsites on your trek then you may wish to bring some for Zanzibar. Light coloured clothes, and long sleeved shirts and trousers, are advisable for evenings when mosquitoes are most active. 

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)

ZANZIBAR
  • Beach towel
  • Snorkel and fins (optional, can be rented in Zanzibar)
  • Diving gear (if wishing to join a dive)
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Dates & prices

From To Price Availability Book Enquire
24/01/2025 10/02/2025 £5,299 $6,795
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21/02/2025 10/03/2025 £5,299 $6,795
Available
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20/06/2025 07/07/2025 £5,299 $6,795
Available
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04/07/2025 21/07/2025 £5,299 $6,795
Guaranteed
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03/08/2025 20/08/2025 £5,299 $6,795
Available
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05/09/2025 22/09/2025 £5,299 $6,795
Available
Book now Enquire now

Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

Contact us

Price includes

  • All accommodation included in itinerary
  • Transfers to and from the mountain
  • National Park entry, camping, climbing and rescue fees
  • A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climber is 4:1 in open groups)
  • All meals and drinking water on the mountain
  • A private portable toilet – no long drops for you!
  • High quality mess and sleeping tents with a comfortable foam mattress
  • Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
  • A certificate documenting your summit ascent
  • Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
  • Full board accommodation at safari lodges as per itinerary
  • Balloon safari in the Serengeti
  • Exclusive use of 4WD safari vehicle and English speaking driver guide
  • All Park fees and Crater fees
  • Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
  • Bottled mineral water while on game drives
  • 4 nights accommodation in Zanzibar
  • Domestic flight one-way from JRO to ZNZ
  • Prices are based on 2 people sharing

Price does not include

  • International flights and visas
  • Tips for your guides and crew
  • Personal items
  • Travel insurance (you must be insured, and specifically for treks up to 6000m)
  • Your personal trekking gear
  • Your personal medicines or prescriptions
  • Snacks on the mountain
  • Meals and drinks in Moshi, Arusha and Zanzibar
  • Drinks of choice at safari lodges
  • Extra excursions / services available at safari lodges
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone calls & snacks
  • Deviation from the safari itinerary provided
  • Tips and gratuities for guide and lodge staff
  • Activities in Zanzibar
  • Infrastructure tax Zanzibar
  • Mandatory travel insurance in Zanzibar ($44 to be paid on arrival) 

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