Mount Kilimanjaro Tipping Guidelines | Kilipeak Adventure
What is Kilimanjaro tipping?
Tipping on Kilimanjaro is customary, but NOT obligatory. It is a small gesture showing your regard and gratitude for the hard work put up by the mountain crew including the tour guide, porters, etc. in making your Climbing of Mount Kilimanjaroa definitive success.
The Kilimanjaro tipping ceremony
The Kilimanjaro tipping ceremony is an important and fun custom that happens on the last night on the mountain. Amidst song and dance, climbers give their mountain crew tips and these are an important source of supplementary income. Your mountain crew is the team that accompanies you throughout your Kilimanjaro climb; it consists of a lead guide, assistant guides, a cook, and porters.
How big is a Kilimanjaro mountain crew?
The size of your Kilimanjaro crew depends on how many climbers are in your group. The more people in a group, the more porters and guides that are required. Kilimanjaro climbing groups generally vary from two to 18 people. Although also solo travelers book for a special occasion
Tipping on Kilimanjaro – the breakdown looks like this.
So we’ve mentioned that a Kilimanjaro mountain crew consists of guides, assistant guides, porters, helper porters, and a cook. Below we explain their duties and how many are needed per climb group.
Lead guide – The overall trek leader, responsible for everyone’s health and safety
Assistant guides – They lead you safely and efficiently up the mountain, answer your questions, and monitor your health
Cook – Prepare all your food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks)
Porters – They carry food, camping equipment, and everyone’s personal belongings, set up and strike camp, and take on various other duties
Helping porters – They work as porters but each has an additional duty such as serving as your waiter, washing dishes, or servicing the toilet tent.
If you’re wondering why each trekker needs crew numbers, you won’t be the first! But the reason for this is that everything you need for your five to nine days on the mountain must be carried there and back. We’re talking:
Food, crockery, and cooking equipment
Chairs and tables
Sleeping tents, a mess tent, and a toilet tent
Sleeping bags and sleeping mats
Medical supplies
Personal belongings
That’s an awful lot of stuff needing to be carried! And each Kilimanjaro porter is only allowed to carry a maximum of 20 kg (excluding their own personal gear).
How much should I be tipping?
It can be tricky to work out an exact amount to set aside for tipping early on in the planning phase, as you don’t yet know how many climbers will be in your group, and therefore how large your mountain crew will be. But a good rule of thumb is to set aside 15% of your climb price for tipping.
With that ballpark figure in mind, we now explain the norms for tipping amounts and how to work out an average tipping amount based on your group’s size.
A good rule of thumb: plan to tip around 15% of your climb price.
How much should I be tipping on Kilimanjaro?
In keeping with industry recommendations for tipping, we suggest that as a group you tip each type of Kilimanjaro crewmember the following amount:
Mount Kilimanjaro Tipping Guidelines | Kilipeak Adventure
Tipping amounts are as follows. These numbers are per group, not per climber.
Per Lead guide
US$20-30 per day
Per assistant guide
US$15-25 per day
Per cook
US$ 15-$25 per day
Per porter
US$10 per day
Please ask your lead guide to indicate who is a helping porter and who is a porter. If you have a large mountain crew, it might just be about asking the number of helping porters and the number of porters, as you might not get to meet each one individually.
Tipping on Kilimanjaro – when and who do you pay your tip to?
A climber gives tips to the mountain crew during the tipping ceremony it is customary to pay tips individually in separate envelopes at the end of a climb. Unless advised otherwise. So for those wondering How Much Tip on the End of Kilimanjaro Trek, it definitely varies from the number of guides and porters and also how satisfied you were with their services. Sometimes the tipping ceremony takes place at the last camp; just ask your lead guide if you’d like to know when exactly to expect the tipping ceremony.
What currency should I use?
Mostly Tipping on Kilimanjaro is done through US dollars or Tanzanian Shilling. It is suggested that you draw dollars before you start traveling. If you are wondering How Much Cash to Take to Kilimanjaro, you can take advice from our travel experts before the trip and they will guide you accordingly.
Your tipping money needs to go up and down Kilimanjaro with you, ready for the tipping ceremony at the end of the trip!
What to Pack for Your Safari
Packing for your first safari to Tanzania can be a bit daunting. What do you bring? What don’t you need? Below you’ll find Kilipeak Adventure Company recommended a list of things to bring along with you when you’re on safari. A day pack
While there is plenty of room in our safari vehicles for your larger suitcase, it’s always handy to have a more manageable bag that you can have with you in the vehicle. A warm sweater or light fleece
Nights and mornings in East Africa can be cold, so it’s always good to have something a little warmer to throw on until the sun warms the plains up. A windbreaker or waterproof jacket
You never know when there’s going to be a sudden squall or downpour, so packing a lightweight rain jacket is a good idea.
While you’ll be safe and dry inside your safari vehicle, a rain jacket is a good option for when you’re getting about camp. Walking shoes or boots
Much of your safari takes place within your safari vehicle, but you’ll need a comfortable pair of shoes or hiking boots for walking to your lodges, snapping photos from the picnic spot, or if you’ve added any walking safaris to your itinerary.
Even in the car, you’ll want a pair of comfortable shoes that cover your skin to prevent sunburn and insect bites. A long sleeve dress shirt and trousers
Perfect for both sun protection and to ward off hungry mosquitoes, a long sleeve shirt and trousers are also a good option for a cold morning or evening.
If you’re staying in nicer lodges, you’ll also want these handy for dinner and drinks at the end of a long day. Sunglasses
The sun in East Africa can be quite intense, so sunglasses are a good protective measure and have the benefit of reducing glare while you’re game-viewing. Hat
Sun protection should be a priority while you’re on safari. While your vehicle provides shade, having the top up for game-viewing means you’ll be exposed to the elements.
A good hat is a great way to avoid nasty burns or heatstroke. Sunscreen and lip balm
Another valuable precaution against the often harsh equatorial sun, sunscreen, and lip balm will protect you where your clothes don’t. Insect repellent
Mosquitoes and tsetse flies are both capable of carrying diseases and their bites can be quite irritating or painful. Tsetse flies can deliver a particularly nasty sting.
A good insect repellent is a good way to ward off these blood-thirsty little guys. Camera
It goes without saying that you’re going to want a camera for your safari adventure. While in some cases your smartphone will be enough to snap a shot, a camera with a good zoom lens is the perfect companion. Binoculars Kilipeak Adventure vehicles come standard with a single pair of binoculars that you can share with your driver, but having your own pair is a good way to ensure you don’t miss a second of the action.
You don’t need an expensive pair. Even a travel-sized pair of binoculars is sufficient for game-viewing. Batteries and/or charger for your camera
You don’t want to be midway through a day on safari and suddenly run out of battery for your camera.
Our vehicles come standard with in-car charging stations, but it’s always a good idea to travel with an additional battery.
Additional SD cards are also a good idea to ensure you don’t need to stop deleting photos. A flashlight or headlamp
The wilderness can be pretty dark, so a headlamp or flashlight can be essential when moving about camp after dark.
Many lodges provide these, but those staying in budget camps will want to bring their own. Guide books
You don’t need a hefty Lonely Planet for your safari, but having a wilderness guidebook is a good way to build a ‘to-do list’ for your trip. Your driver is a font of knowledge when it comes to animal, bird, and plant life too. Don’t hesitate to ask questions! Phone and charger
Whether it’s to stay in touch, to share your photos, or just so you can snap pictures on the fly – bringing along your smartphone is a good idea.
Savvy travelers may wish to purchase a local SIM card, but many hotels have WiFi.
While on safari in Tanzania, our vehicles also come with WiFi, although this is dependent on location. A good book
You’ll rarely find yourself without something to see while on safari, but there is going to be some downtime.
Whether it’s the drive to or from the airport or just a lazy night at your lodge, having a good book (or a Kindle) on hand is a great way to pass the time. Tissues/Wet Wipes
While all national parks and lodges have toilet facilities available, there’s no telling when nature might call and you’ll need to make use of the famous ‘bush toilet’.
Having a packet of tissues or wet wipes in your pack is always a good idea.
Kilimanjaro is the highlight of most visitors’ experiences in Tanzania. Few mountains can claim the grandeur, the breathtaking views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Masaai Steppe, that belongs to Kilimanjaro. Hiking on the ‘rooftop of Africa’ — the highest point on the continent at 5896 meters — is the adventure of a lifetime, especially because, if paced well, everyone from seasoned trekkers to first-time enthusiasts can scale the snowy peak. For more information, see the ‘Mountain Climbing‘section under ‘Things to Do.
Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don’t even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa.
Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 meters – to an imperious 5,895 meters (19,336 feet).
Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing, and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates.
And their memories.
But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.
Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias.
Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent. About Kilimanjaro National Park
Size: 1668 sq km 641 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi. Getting there
128 km (80 miles) from Arusha.
About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport. What to do
Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes.
Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches.
Trout fishing.
Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes. When to go
Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.
Accommodation
Huts and campsites on the mountain.
Several hotels and campsites outside the park in the village of Marangu and the town of Moshi.
More info on accommodation NOTE:
Climb slowly to increase your acclimatization time and maximize your chances of reaching the summit.
To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain. NOTE 2: NEW RATES FOR PORTERS AND GUIDES The year 2020 2021 Porters USD 10 per day Cooks USD 15 per day Guides USD 20 per day
Due to Mount Kilimanjaro’s proximity to the equator, this region does not experience extremes of winter or summer weather. Instead, Kilimanjaro has wet seasons (rainy) and dry seasons (not rainy).
Kilimanjaro has four seasons: the short rainy season, long rainy season, short dry season, and long dry season.
The best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro is during either of the dry seasons. January and February constitute the short dry season with clear skies in the morning and evening but during the day clouds may appear along with brief showers. July through October constitutes the long dry season. These are the best months to visit generally speaking.
However, if you don’t mind the possibility of a little rain and clouds, you can book your trip for the transitional months of June, December, and mid-March. These are considered good times to climb.
The short rainy season occurs during the month of November. The long rainy season goes from the middle of March to the beginning of June. We do not recommend trekking during these times due to wet conditions and visibility may be low due to heavy clouds. But for experienced backpackers who have endured such conditions before, it is a possible option to avoid the crowds. It is very quiet. You may very well be the only party at a campsite.
Packing List for Kilimanjaro Climb
It is very important to have the right gear when climbing Kilimanjaro. During your expedition, you may encounter many different types of weather and a wide range of temperatures. The gear you bring must be able to withstand these variables. The link below is our recommended gear list. You are required to bring all necessary items for your climb. Note that some gear may be rented from our store in Tanzania. View the Packing List
Fitness and Training to Climb Kilimanjaro
A question we get asked a lot is ‘how fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro? Fitness and training are other important step in your Kilimanjaro preparation. How you train is a significant factor in how you will fare on your Kilimanjaro climb. Most of our clients have never hiked for so many consecutive days at such high elevations. Therefore we urge you to be in the best shape of your life. Obviously, it is not easy to climb the tallest mountain in Africa. Although the trekking is at a slow pace and most hiking days end in the mid-afternoon, the combination of physical activity, poor sleep, diminished appetite, dehydration, weather, and altitude are working against you. As you make the push to the summit, your endurance will be tested.
We recommend starting training at least two months before your departure date, though – the earlier the better. You may require more or less depending on your current fitness and your hiking acumen. Note that hiking should be the foundation of your training and is far more important than other types of activity such as running or weightlifting.
In conclusion – the Kilimanjaro training plan
Climbing Kilimanjaro is an incredible experience and, with a Kilimanjaro training plan, can be achieved by most, regardless of age or physical condition. Once you have your cardiovascular system up and running then all you need is a positive attitude and a willingness to push yourself.
More important than this is allowing your body to acclimatize to the altitude. More often than not, climbers will not reach the summit due to altitude issues. If you have any questions about the Kilimanjaro training plan just email us and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro?
A beginner can climb Mount Kilimanjaro if they are prepared to make the climb. Beginners should be sure to train adequately and take extra time to ensure that they are ready before attempting to conquer the mountain.
Can smokers climb Kilimanjaro?
Smokers can climb the mountain. However, it’s important to remember that lung capacity can be hindered by smoking, so extra training might be necessary. Smoking and climbing Kilimanjaro does pose a small risk, but when managed properly, shouldn’t hinder the experience.
How hard is Kilimanjaro Hike?
Kilimanjaro is quite difficult to hike. This is mainly due to its short climb time that doesn’t allow for the body to smoothly and easily adjust to the rising altitude.
Entry Requirements to Tanzania?
A passport and visa are required to travel to Tanzania for most citizens, including nationals from the United States of America, the United Kingdom and other European Union countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
The passport must be valid for 6 months after the intended length of stay.
Visas can be obtained prior to departure from the Tanzanian embassy or at points of entry into Tanzania, including Kilimanjaro Airport. The visa cost for US citizens is $100 and $50 for others. Obtaining a Visa at Kilimanjaro Airport is a relatively simple process. When you arrive, as you enter the airport there will be two lines. The line on the right is for people purchasing a visa. The line straight ahead is for people who have a visa. To get your visa, fill out the visa application, show them your passport and pay the fee. You will stand in three lines in total to get through immigration control or for more information visit Tanzania Immigration.
Medications and Vaccinations
The following vaccinations are commonly advised by general medical practitioners and are best administered when detailed below but, again, they are not required by Tanzanian border authorities to be evidenced as having been administered. The list of recommended vaccinations for East African travel is updated regularly by the WHO. Your local healthcare practice will usually have an up-to-date list. Please consult them, if you subscribe to the practice of obtaining vaccines.
Yellow Fever (required if entering Tanzania from an ‘infected area’)
Typhoid
Hepatitis A
Rabies
Kilipeak Adventure we strongly recommend that you bring:
Diamox, an FDA approved prescription used to prevent and treat altitude sickness
Ciprofloxacin, a powerful anti-diarrhea medication
Doxycycline, Mefloquine or another anti-malarial drug, designed to prevent or cure malaria
Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to treat headaches (do not use aspirin, which thins the blood)
Having these four medications in your kit covers you for the most common medical conditions experienced on the mountain.
It is prudent for every client to have a medical check-up to see whether he or she have any medical conditions that increase the risks of trekking at high altitude. The minimum age of participants of our climbs is 12 years old. All clients 65 years of age or older are required to bring a doctor’s certificate stating they are fit to climb Kilimanjaro.
Do you Have Age Restriction?
The minimum age of participants of our climbs is 12years old. All clients 65 years of age or older are required to bring a doctor’s certificate stating they are fit to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients traveling with Kilipeak Adventure. You must have a valid travel insurance policy in order to participate in our climbs. Travel insurance should cover high altitude trekking (not mountaineering) up to 6,000 meters, medical and repatriation costs. Therefore it is very important that you acquire travel insurance. Kilipeak Adventure we recommend the travel insurance by World Nomad which has good coverage at an affordable price
Do I Need to Exchange Money to Tanzanian Shillings?
U.S. Dollars are accepted in Tanzania. Therefore, it is not necessary to exchange into Tanzanian Shillings. However, if you plan to make many small purchases, you will get a better deal by using local currency because vendors will round up if you pay in dollars.
Expeditions Guides
Our Kilimanjaro Head and Assistant guides are Wilderness First Responder Certified (WFR), are licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park, have significant experience climbing Kilimanjaro, and speak English fluently and professionally trained to take you safely to Uhuru peak, and back. Our Head guides have experience of 50-100+ successful summits and work with a handpicked crew of experienced Assistant guides, Cooks, and Porters. Their strong, genuine, and friendly characters combined with their passion for Kilimanjaro contribute to the quality of experience, link to Kilimanjaro culture, and provide that extra motivation, when needed during the expedition, to reach the summit and come back safely.
Porters
Kilimanjaro porters are the heart and soul of the mountain. There are few experiences as humbling as being passed by porters on a climb. They carry food, water, and equipment to ensure a comfortable climb and an increased summit success rate. They are certainly among the hardest working men in Tanzania and we make sure they are rewarded properly for their efforts. Kilipeak Adventure’s porters receive $15/person/day, which is the highest salary level and un-preceded in the history of Kilimanjaro expeditions. We are proud of this fact and know that this is a fair amount, agreed upon by our staff, for the hard work done!
Tipping in Tanzania
Tipping your Kilimanjaro and safari staff is customary, though not obligatory. These tipping guidelines are intended to assist you in determining a proper tip amount for your guides and porters. The total number of staff depends on how many climbers are at the party, which route, and how many days you are on the mountain. We will communicate the number of staff to you before your trip so you can prepare the tips. Note that the figures below constitute an appropriate tip for good service. It is perfectly acceptable to give less or more than these figures. READ MORE
Tipping on Safari
The general guideline for tipping during the safari is between $20-$25 per person per day to your driver and cook for camping safari $15-$20 per person per day. However, this is just a rough figure you may tip less or more.
Where Do the Trips begin?
Our trips begin in Arusha is a town situated at the foot of Mount Meru, Tanzania. Or Moshi is a town located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): The most convenient way to travel to Tanzania is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (Airport Code: JRO). Kilipeak Adventure provides a pick-up from the airport to your hotel. Local contact numbers and details on how to meet up with our staff will be distributed upon booking.
Arusha Airport (ARK): Arusha has a small airport in the city. Therefore, flights into and out of this airport are very limited. If you are coming from Zanzibar this may be an option for you.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO): Some clients choose to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya. From Nairobi, you can take a daily shuttle bus to Arusha or Moshi for an estimated cost of 45 USD. The ride is about 6-7 hours. We recommend using Riverside Shuttle from Nairobi to Arusha or Moshi.
Mount Kilimanjaro Routes
Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, and Umbwe are the routes we choose from depending on your preferences, time, and experience. We highly recommend the Machame route for 7 days or the Lemosho route for 8-9 days. Both routes allow great acclimatizing opportunities, the highest chances of summit success, and the varied scenery of the mountain each day boosting motivation.
Trip Planner – Our Gift to You!
Designing your perfect African Adventure and bringing your dream to life has a lot of moving pieces. Our unique Kilimanjaro Climb Planner and Checklist makes sure you remember everything!
Kilimanjaro Packing List | Best Gear for Kilimanjaro Trip
Now that you’ve made the decision to climb the highest peak in Africa, it’s time to prepare. We know that planning a Kilimanjaro packing list can seem a daunting task, so we’ve made it as easy as possible for you by putting together an extensive packing guide that you can follow! If you pack everything in our list, you can rest assured you’ll be fine on your Kilimanjaro trek.
During a day on Kilimanjaro, the temperatures can easily range from the high 20’s (centigrade) right down at night to -15c. To cope with this huge range in temperature your clothing and kit strategy needs to be based around combining lots of thin layers that you build up and take off as the weather demands.
Please note that Tanzania is implementing a ban on the use of single-use plastic bags on 1st June 2019. Please ensure that none of the items in your luggage are packed in plastic bags – if you are looking to separate items in your bag, please consider re-usable ‘packing cubes’. Please also be aware that disposable plastic bottles are not permitted on Kilimanjaro National park.
Kilimanjaro National Park operates an absolutely strict limit of 15kg per porter for your main equipment bag, which includes your sleeping bag. 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 check unnecessary take items and leave them at the hotel or we can arrange for an extra porter on the briefing time.
Kilimanjaro Packing List | Best Gear for Kilimanjaro Trip see below
Solid Hiking Boots– Boots should have high ankle support with a solid Vibram®, or equivalent, sole. Gore Tex®, or other waterproofing, is recommended to have for wet days as well as added insulation. Be sure to break your boots in at least 4 WEEKS prior to departure. Additionally, bring a spare set of laces.
SunGlasses – Your sunglasses should have 100% UV protection and should reduce glare as well as visible light. The frames should be lightweight with a wrap-around design for enhanced grip and staying power. Additionally, side shields are recommended to block peripheral light.
Day Pack – The most important things to look for if you need to purchase one are size (30L is good), hydration pack compatibility, hip, and chest straps, internal frame, good padding on shoulder straps, and water bottle holders.
Water/Windproof Jacket – Your water/windproof jacket is your outer water-repellent layer. Gore-Tex, seam-sealed is recommended as well as a hood for added warmth.
Water/Windproof Pants – Your water/windproof pants will be worn on summit day as well as on rainy afternoons. These pants are essential for warmth and should be Gore-Tex lined and have lower leg zips.
Water/Windproof Mittens or Gloves – These are used for extreme temperatures and primarily worn on summit day. Be sure your gloves or mittens have a wrist cord as well as a reinforced palm to maintain grip during wet conditions. A removable liner is essential for drying, washing, and replacing.
2 large duffel bags – One we will leave at the hotel in Arusha to store non-essential gear when on the mountain (such as clean clothes for changing when off the mountain and for onward travel) and the other for carriage by the porters when on the mountain.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT THE ESSENTIALS
Look for items that will add less volume to your overall pack. We will be using porters to carry our equipment however they are limited in the amount each can carry. Heavy synthetic materials will be very limiting and could cause issues when packing up for the hike.
2 pairs of synthetic warm weather trekking socks – These socks are for trekking in the warmest part of the day since they are made of a Coolmax® fabric. What is Coolmax®? – CoolMax® wicks moisture dries quickly and breathes well, keeping your feet dry and preventing blisters.
4 pairs heavier synthetic or wool blend socks – Your wool socks are ideal for around camp when the temperature drops as well as on cold mornings. Merino wool is very comfortable and dries quickly with fewer odors than synthetic blends.
2 pairs long underwear top – This will be your base layer for colder mornings, evenings, and days where the temperature drops considerably. The material is lightweight, tight-fitting, moisture-wicking, and comfortable.
2 pairs long underwear bottom – This will be your bottom base layer for colder mornings, evenings, and days when the temperature drops considerably. The material is lightweight, tight-fitting, moisture-wicking, and comfortable.
Warm pants – These pants are ideal for evenings around the camp and cold days on the trail. Typically made of lightweight fleece and Wind Pro material, these pants should offer the added warmth in case of cold nights or high winds on the summit.
Fleece Top – This Polartec® 200 weight top will provide added warmth during the evenings as well as on a cold morning starts. Please look for fleece material and stay away from cotton sweatshirts. Ideally, this item is worn over the thermal base layer and underneath your water/windproof jacket.
2 pairsof Shorts/Pants for Hiking- These convertible shorts/pants will be what we hike in every day. They should be of a lightweight, quick-drying nylon material. Some come with UPF protection and mosquito protection.
2 pairs of long or short sleeve shirts for the trail – Your trekking shirt is what we should wear early in the climb in warmer climates. The shirt is moisture-wicking, lightweight, and designed for multi-day hikes.
Mid-Layer Top – This shirt is a long sleeve version of the one provided above. The long sleeve trail shirt offers added warmth, more protection from the sun, and an additional layer for evenings and early morning starts.
Warm Hat – This fleece or wool hat is ideal for evenings and will be valuable in the event of cold weather and temperatures on the summit. The hat should be tight-fitting with minimal loose ends.
Lightweight Gloves – Fleece gloves are essential. Look for gloves that are Polartec® 200 weight with leather reinforced palm. For more protection windproofing is available and will add an extra layer of warmth.
Balaclava – The balaclava provides added warmth on summit day and colder evenings. The balaclava should be of synthetic or wool material, lightweight, and close-fitting.
Sun hat – Your sun hat should be worn at the lower camps and should provide ample coverage for the face. A full brimmed hat is good for added shade and increased sun protection. Additionally, a neck scarf should also be considered to protect the back of the neck”.
Waterproof breathable Gaiters – Your gaiters should be lightweight and durable. Look for Gore-Tex lined with the ability to fit over your boots. Velcro or adjustable sides for easy access is recommended.
Down Jacket – 800 fill down jacket will add much need warmth for cold evenings as well as the added layers for summit day. Down is recommended for its compressibility and is comfortable around camp in the early nights on the climb. Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, Marmot, and North Face are brands the guides wear.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS:
Head Lamp- Petzl® and Black Diamond® make several models of small and efficient headlamps. Look for ones that have multiple lighting levels, LED bulbs, and uses AAA batteries.
* Please bring at least 3 sets of spare batteries to ensure ample lighting on your summit attempt.
Camp shoes (Teva, Crocs, Sandals) – These are great for around camp after a long day on the trail. These can also be used for creek crossings that may be higher than the boot. Flip flops work well in warmer climates but are not as effective during cold nights.
Hydrator – Hydrators are ideal when hiking for several hours because they enable you to drink slowly and frequently. 2-3 liters is a good size and should fit easily into your pack. All Camelbaks® come with a bite valve, or on/off switch, as well as a large access port for filling. You must bring a NEOPRENE SLEEVE for the hose to prevent freezing.
Bug Spray – DEET-based products work well and we find that the spray-on versions last longer and are less messy. 4-6 ounce repellents that are perspiration and splash resistant are great.
Sun Screen – 30 SPF or higher is recommended as well as waterproof and sweatproof. 8 ounces will be plenty and we typically carry one with 45+ SPF for our faces and a 30 SPF for other exposed areas. Banana Boat, REI, Kinesis, and All-Terrain are good options.
2 wide mount water bottle – A 1-liter water bottle is essential for hydrating at lunch, around the camp, and refilling throughout the day. Stay away from glass and heavy metals and look for lexan® for durability.
* For males, a third water bottle should be considered for use as a potty at night and must be labeled accordingly.
Pillow– A Thermarest® pillow that compresses down or folds into itself is ideal. A good benchmark for size and weight is 18 X 14 inches and 9 ounces total.
Dry Bag – A 20 liter + dry bag is great for ensuring your personal items are safe in case of rain. Cameras, wallets, money, and any other valuables can be kept dry at all times.
Pack Cover – The pack cover is an additional item we recommend everyone carry in case we encounter heavy rains. The pack cover should have a drawstring cord and elastic edges to fit firmly over your bag. A 40-liter cover will work well on any day pack.
Trekking Poles – Collapsible poles are great for steep downhill terrain and assistance up the hill. If you have knee problems they reduce the impact on your joints by 20-30%. A nice soft foam grip will help prevent blisters and the poles with an aluminum shaft are durable and lightweight.
Camp Towel – the camp towel should be of a polyester-nylon blend that dries quickly and compacts tightly in your pack. The large (50 X 27 inches) is a good size and can be used to wash up at the end of the day. Stay away from the house or beach towels.
Kilimanjaro Packing List | Best Gear for Kilimanjaro Trip
optional items:
Camera
Paperback book
Journal with pen or pencil
Person First Aid Kiband, moleskin or second skin, Ibuprofen, Aspirin)
Hand sanitizer
Sani-wipes
Hand & feet warmers (2X) – Gel/ air activated are best
Bandanna
Cell phone (with solar charger e.g. solar monkey charger) since you tri and quad-band phones work on Kilimanjaro
Flavored chocolate/energy bars for snacks
A supply or rehydrate sachets
2 extra garbage bags for waterproofing and separating dirty laundry
Earplugs
iPod or MP3 player
Pocket knife
Water-flavoring to mask the iodine taste in the purified water
Our safari vehicles with the hatched roof provide shade against the sunny African wilderness; They are extended body with roomy seats to stretch your legs. Cars are also fitted with fridges, charge sockets, and VHF radio for communication with the base office. Each car is custom-designed with an extra-large photographic roof hatch, extra dust proofing, comfortable seats with seat belts, first aid kits, binoculars, a selection of field guides, and a cooler stocked with bottles of clean water supplied by Kilipeak Adventure Company at no additional cost.
Every safari vehicle carries a maximum of six passengers so that every passenger is guaranteed a window seat and access to the photographic roof hatch at all times during the safari. Every safari vehicle is serviced after each safari.
A vehicle is only as good as the driver and our drivers are excellent. Driver guides are all trained naturalists who have more than five years of experience with us. They know their way around the parks and are skilled at spotting and identifying wildlife. They are also trained to prepare delicious picnic lunches in the bush so that you can maximize your game viewing opportunities.
Game viewing from the vehicle is one of the core activities of a wildlife safari. Drives are conducted in the morning and evening, but depending on the time of year and weather conditions may extend throughout the day. It is often best to head out for a game drive very early after a quick cup of coffee and a muffin, returning later for a leisurely breakfast. Alternatively, a camp breakfast could be followed by a long morning game scouting drive with a picnic carried along and eaten whenever the opportunity presents itself.
All our vehicles:
are clean and well maintained
are checked before going on a trip to be in top condition
are well equipped to fulfill the demands of the group and trip
are extremely strong off-road vehicles
are especially good in poor road conditions
have radio connection for easy communication
bottled water
field guides, road maps and one pair of binoculars
have first aid kit
are customize for your comfort and safety
are specially modified for safaris
have pop-up roof for best viewing of wildlife
space for luggage (one big bag per person + small backpack)
storage space for food and camping equipment
have well trained drivers for all kind of situation
knowledgeable, experienced and friendly drivers
have driver that go through constant up to date training
Evening game drives are generally very rewarding, and it is during these times that we expect the best light for photography and enjoying the ever magnificent African bush scenery.
Online Payment Methods
ABOUT US
Kilipeak Adventure specialized in tailor-made and custom-made tour programs. Our team of experts is experienced in arranging and planning wildlife safaris, special trips for couples, family, honeymoons and professional groups.
Kilipeak Adventure specialized in tailor-made and custom-made tour programs. Our team of experts is experienced in arranging and planning wildlife safaris, special trips for couples, family, honeymoons and professional groups.
