Trekking Safety

Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in the world that does not require technical gear or training. It is classified as a "Walk Up" mountain. So what makes Kilimanjaro such a challenge? It is the altitude. Specifically, the amount of oxygen your body takes in with each breath is less and less as the altitude increases. At the summit of Kilimanjaro, there is only half the oxygen being breathed in compared to at sea-level.

About two-thirds of all trekkers on Kilimanjaro feel ill affects of Altitude Sickness. The symptoms are nausea, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and mental confusion. This can be deadly and the confusion can lead your body to make wrong decisions. It is therefore important that you trek with a skilled and trained guide who is an expert in recognising the early symptoms of Altitude Sickness and who knows how to properly pace a trek to avoid complications. KiliFortune Expeditions has some of the most respected guides on Mt Kilimanjaro. While this does not guarantee that you will not have problems with Altitude Sickness, it gives you the best chance to reach the summit and return safely.

We require all participants on Mt Kilimanjaro treks to have health insurance that will be valid in Tanzania. This should include emergency evacuation and medical coverage. Since Mt Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, for insurance purposes it is classified as a hike of under 6,000m altitude.

Many climbers choose to use a drug Diamox which lessens the symptoms of Altitude Sickness. If you choose to use this, it is important that you tell your guide since the dangers will still be present but just the symptoms hidden. Diamox can be readily found in pharmacies in Moshi at a good price.

On the mountian your guide will give you daily medical checks, measuring your respiration, pulse rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood oxygen level.

Mountain Diet

It takes a lot of energy to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. Eating plenty of food and drinking a large amount of water (at least 3L/day) will be an important factor to your successful trek. But it is not only just the quantity of food, it must be food that can be converted into energy readily.

One of the side-effects of high altitude is loss of appitite and nausea. So the food must be easily digested and appealing. The mountain cooks at KiliFortune Expeditions are well trained to provide the meals that you need to be successful.

Typical breakfasts may include porrage, pancakes,eggs, sausages, bread/chappati, plantains, fruits, hot chocolate/coffee/tea. Other meals during the climb will have variety with various combinations of: soup, stew, rice, pasta, plantains, potatoes, chicken, beef, fresh vegetables, breads/chappati, fruits, hot chocolate/coffee/tea.

Most special diets can be catered to but be sure to let us know some days before the start of your climb. One person requesting a special diet will not affect the diet of others in the group.

Frequently Asked Quesions

Do I have to go through a tour company to climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes. Kilimanjaro National Park requires all people on the mountain to have a guide who is licensed by Mt Kilimanjaro National Park. The dangers of a Kilimanjaro trek are different than other mountains. It would be dangerous even with experienced Mt Everest mountaineers to lead a group on Kilimanjaro - unfortunately past incidences have proven this to be true.

What happens if one person in our group cannot complete the climb? Do we all have to turn back?
Even with a group of just 2 people there is an assistant guide. In larger groups there will be more assistant guides. These assistants are perfectly competent at leading the group. If someone needs to abandon the climb, either the guide or an assistant guide along with some porters will ensure that the disabled climber is cared for while the others continue on the trek.

If the climb is shortened because either of health/safety or if we are strong enough to complete the climb in fewer days, do we get refunded a portion of the climb fee?
No. Park fees are paid in advance and are non-refundable. Our arrangement with the mountain staff is for the number of days according to the scheduled itinerary. So unfortunately we cannot give a refund for a shortened climb. Be aware also, that you may have extra hotel days and meals that you would be responsible for if you return early.

If during the climb we find that we need an extra day on the mountain can we lengthen the climb itinerary?
Yes, if needed an extra day can be added while on the mountain. You would be responsible to pay for the extra day - approximately $300/person. But note that if you have scheduled a safari after the climb this may become a problem with the safari accommodations if the dates are changed with such short notice.

Will our guide be able to speak English?
Yes. Speaking English well is an important qualification for KiliFortune Expeditions Guides. If you are more comfortable with another language (German, Spanish, etc) let us know well in advance and we can make arrangements.

What are recommended tips for the mountain crew?
From past clients they have found that the following amounts are recommended for the crew:
Guide and Assistant Guides $20 - $25/day
Cook $15 - $20/day
Porters $10 - $15/day
Note that these amounts are total from your climb group for instance if you are part of a group of 5, the suggested guide tip would be $4 - $5/day from each climber. Tips can be in any currency that is exchangable in Tanzania. Used equipment such as hiking boots, walking poles, etc. are also welcome as a gratuity.