• Connect with your mountain guides, porters and cooks on the way up the mountain. This trek would not be possible without them, and for many climbers, getting to know the team that helps them up the mountain is as valuable of a life experience as the climb itself.

• Trek through multiple, distinct climate zones. Starting in the mystical bushland and rainforest zones and ascending through moorland, Alpine desert and arctic zones.

• Look up at Mount Kilimanjaro in awe after your trek and remember your support team, the trek and challenges overcome and solidify memories you will never forget.

• Explore Arusha National Park at the foothills of the majestic Mount Meru and keep an eye out for zebras, giraffes, cape buffalo, black and white colobus monkeys, warthogs, bush buck and more than 300 species of beautiful birds. Conclude your safari experience with a couple of game drives in the lush Tarangire National Park, famous for large elephant herds and unique baobab trees.

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Settle into the hotel and meet mountain guides over dinner and get a good night sleep.

Overnight: Hotel in Arusha or Moshi

Day 2: Prepare for the trek

Meet your mountain guides and with them, review all of the gear you've brought for the climb. Head into town to visit a local market, tour a coffee farm and spend some time at Jobreas School, which Off Cape Experiences has helped support since the school was started in 2009 (a portion of the proceeds from your trip will help pay for the school’s new dormitory, tuition for children from local Chagga, Wambulu and Maasai tribes school supplies and teacher salaries.)

Overnight: Hotel in Arusha Moshi

Day 3: Trek Day 1, from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast, depart for Marangu Gate. Meet your porters, cooks and support team to start your Kilimanjaro trek! Walk along a narrow trail through the rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of the hike. Eat a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, the first day’s halfway point. After lunch, continue walking through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Maundi Crater. The views to the east over Taveta, Kenya, and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are stunning on a clear day, making the short hike well worth the effort. Mandara Hut is a series of A-frame style sleeping huts and a larger A-frame dining area. All of Marangu's huts have beds with mattresses. Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft) Elevation Gain: 915 meters, 3,000 feet.

Overnight: Mandara Hut, A-frame bunks

Day 4: Trek Day 2, from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After a hearty breakfast, leave Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro's forests for Horombo Hut. Most of the day's hike will be through Kilimanjaro's moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants. Eat a picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the weather is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Although quite busy, the Horombo Huts are considered to be the nicest on Kilimanjaro. The small, A-frame buildings can accommodate up to eight people each and provide lodging for hikers ascending, descending and acclimatizing. Horombo can accommodate up to 100 hikers and many more porters, cooks and guides. Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) Elevation Gain: 977 meters, 3,200 feet.

Overnight: Horombo Hut, A-frame bunks

Day 5: Trek Day 3, acclimatization hike

With your guides, we suggest hiking all the way to Mawenzi Hut for maximum acclimatization. The hike will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, and also reward you with magnificent views of Kibo. Return to Horombo for a late lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening chatting, playing cards and relaxing at Horombo. Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Mawenzi Hut (4,600m/15,100ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) Elevation Gain and Loss: 880 meters, 2,900 feet.

Overnight: Horombo Hut, A-frame bunks

Day 6: Trek Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Leave Horombo Hut after breakfast to hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro's upper altitudes. After hiking for about an hour, arrive at a small mountain stream called Maua River. After Maua, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear. Break for lunch at Middle Red Hill. After lunch, continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro's saddle. Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will see many stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Reach Kibo Hut around 3 p.m. to eat, rest and prepare for your midnight climb. Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters, 3,380 feet.

Overnight: Kibo Hut, dorm-style bunks

Day 7: Trek Day 5: Summit day!

Around midnight, depart for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! The hike begins with a demanding five-hour hike to Gillman's Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still quite difficult. The first major rest stop, William's Point, lies at 5,000 meters and is approximately a two hour hike from Kibo Hut. Continue for 30 minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman's Point (5,681 meters). The hike from Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos with your team of the spectacular sunrise at the peak before beginning the descent back to Horombo Hut. On the way down from the summit, marvel at magnificent views.. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain. Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet.

Overnight: Horombo Hut, A-frame bunks

Day 8: Trek Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. With likely rubbery legs from your climb, watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi/Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate as you await your official Mount Kilimanjaro summit certificate!  Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,299 feet.

Overnight: Hotel in Moshi

Day 9: Arusha National Park game drive

Sleep late after completing the climb. After lunch, depart for Arusha National Park for an evening game drive in search of zebras, giraffes, cape buffalo, black and white colobus monkeys, warthogs, bush buck and more than 300 bird species. Finish your day with a relaxing evening at the hotel or around town.

Overnight: Luxury tent camp

Day 10: Tarangire National Park game drive

Transfer to Tarangire National Park where you’ll experience another afternoon or evening game drive on the lookout for elephant herds, zebras, wildebeest, cape buffalo, numerous antelope species and famed baobab trees. Spend the night in a luxury tented camp where you’ll go to sleep to the sounds of the local wildlife.

Overnight: Luxury tent camp

Day 11: Morning game drive and departure

After breakfast, hop in a safari vehicle for one more game drive. Stop at the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre on your way to the airport to learn more about Tanzania’s native tribes before continuing to the airport for your flight home.

*Itinerary days and activities are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances or events. See full terms and conditions for more information.

Gear and clothing

• Backpack/duffle bag - large enough for all climbing gear and clothing (to be carried by porters). It should not exceed 15 kg/33 lbs. If bags are too heavy, items may have to be removed or you may choose to hire an additional porter. Recommended size 75 to 100L (The North Face or Patagonia duffels are what we use.)

• Day Backpack - 20 to 35L, with rain cover (large enough to carry your water, camera, raincoat, lunch pack, snacks and warm clothing on the climb)


• Sleeping Bag that packs down to small size - rated for least 0 to 20 degrees Celsius/30 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit


• Water Bottles and or CamelBak totaling 3 liters (this is important)

• Headlamp with two sets of extra batteries (you will need a fresh set for summit night)

• Waterproof, breathable and windproof jacket (outerwear) - be sure this fits comfortably over other clothing 

• Polar Fleece (middle layer)

• Sweatshirt/hoodie

• Light wool sweater

• Thermal Underwear - top and bottom (base layers)

• Socks - lightweight, quick-dry athletic socks for the majority of the trek - 2 thick pairs for the summit/cold weather, Thermal/Polertex/Smartwool - (try these on in your already broken-in hiking boots before you leave home!)

• Ski mittens or very warm gloves (waterproof)

• Hiking boots - light, comfortable and waterproof. Be sure to break them in before your trip so they are more comfortable and to avoid blisters!

• Long pair of durable pants/hiking pants - 2 pairs

• Underwear - 7-10 pairs


• T-Shirts - 4-6 pairs, quick-dry shirts made of Capilene or polypropylene are best, but cotton is fine
 (men: short sleeve shirts with collars for visiting villages or evening dining at the lodges)

• Shorts - 2-3 pairs (women: lightweight dress/skirt that covers knees for visiting villages, shoulders should also be covered also in villages. Long pants are also acceptable

• Swimsuit - 1-2, please be considerate of our more conservative hosts in some locations

• Hiking Shoes - Some people prefer to trek in hiking shoes for the first few days on the mountain, as they are lighter than hiking boots and then switch to boots in more rugged terrain. Shoes should be quick drying and have ankle support.

• Sandals and/or flip-flops - for around camp, when not hiking

• Toiletries/personal items

• Shampoo and soap - travel size (preferably with little or no fragrance because of bugs), you can find non-fragrance and biodegradable soap at natural food stores and outdoor adventure stores

• Non-fragrant deodorant

• Sunscreen/lip protection - SPF 30+ (the sun can be very strong on the mountain)

• Insect Repellant - 20% DEET

• Anti-itch cream

• Hand sanitizer


• Small personal First Aid kit (our guides will have comprehensive first aid kits on hand, but having a small personal kit is always helpful)

• Heavy duty garbage bags - 2, for packing wet and dirty clothes/shoes

• Ziploc or similar closing bags - a few in case you need them

Note: Leave expensive jewelry at home 

Optional Items

• Travel wallet that can be hidden under clothing

• Watch with an alarm

• Travel toilet paper


• Camera with an extra charged battery (3 or 4 days up the mountain, your battery will die and there won’t be anywhere to charge devices)

• Notebook and pen

• Deck of cards


• Music/headphones

• Reading material


• Power converter

• Hand/foot warmers for the summit day hike

• Pick up from Kilimanjaro airport and drop off after the tour

• 2-3 nights at Park View Inn or similar bed and breakfast in Arusha or Moshi

• Salary for mountain guides, cooks and porters

• All Kilimanjaro National Park entry/camping/rescue fees

• Depending on climbing route: alpine hut, camping equipment, sleeping tents, mess tent, table chair and sleeping mat

• Transportation from hotel to climbing gates

• Three meals a day while on the mountain

• Oxygen tank (though seldom needed)

• Drinking water

What's Not Included

• International or Domestic flight

• Personal climbing/trekking gear

• Tips for Guides, Cooks and Porters

• Travel/health Insurance 

• Alcoholic beverages

Do I need a passport to travel to Tanzania?

Yes! You must have a passport to travel internationally. When you book your trip with Off Cape Experiences, we ask that you submit a copy of your passport in part to verify whether it’ll be valid when you travel. To travel, your passport must be valid for at least six months after you return from your trip and has at least one (and probably more) empty pages. 

Renewing a passport can take four months so if it doesn’t meet the above criteria, start the process immediately. 

• Learn more about how to renew an existing passport.

• Learn more about how to apply for a first-time passport.

• Learn more about how to expedite your passport renewal.

Make copies of your passport and keep one in a safe place not with your passport. This will come in very handy if you misplace it and need to get a new one.

Do I need a visa for travel to Tanzania?

Yes! Get a visa before travel by clicking “New Application” and filling out the online application form. Learn more by visiting the U.S. State Department website. Getting a visa before traveling will shorten the arrival process at Kilimanjaro International Airport, but is not required.

If you plan to get your visa at the airport, you must have a crisp $100 bill printed after 2006. Older bills with imperfections may not be accepted.

Travelers from outside the U.S. with other passports should review entry requirements for your home country, or get in touch (link) and we’ll help you navigate this process.

What vaccines are required for travel to Tanzania?

None if traveling from the U.S. However, we recommend reviewing the CDC Traveler’s Health page for Tanzania, which recommends a number of vaccines, including childhood vaccines, COVID-19 and Typhoid. 

Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever. This does not include the U.S. See the list of countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

The CDC also recommends taking malaria prophylaxis. Please be sure to consult your doctor to decide what medicine is right for you. 

In addition to vaccines, if you take prescriptions, please bring enough for the duration of your trip. Obtaining your prescriptions in Tanzania is iffy at best. Some other prescription tips:

• Pack your prescriptions in their original, labeled containers. We suggest you pack them in your carry-on bag.

• Be sure to bring enough contact solution and personal hygiene products for the duration of your trip. Ear plugs are also a good idea to have on your flight.

• If you are prone to motion sickness be sure to pack non-drowsy Dramamine or an equivalent. We will be spending a lot of time in the safari vehicles while on game drives and roads can be quite bumpy.

• A personal First Aid kit is always a good idea to have on you when traveling abroad. 

Who will lead my group up the mountain?

The importance of having competent, high-quality guides cannot be overstated when it comes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Each group will have a Lead or Chief Guide as well as assistant guides, cooks and porters. 

All guides are licensed mountain guides and have either Wilderness First Responder or First Aid Training. 

Your porters will carry all of your gear, tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, food, water, cookware, gas, stoves, medical supplies, chairs and tables. 

They also arrive at each camp site long before the group to prepare for your arrival.  Your guides, porters and cooks have tough jobs and anyone who has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro will tell you that their strength, skill, stamina and grace are legendary. 

If I’m customizing my trek, which route should I choose?

There are six routes used to climb Kilimanjaro. Each has its own characteristics and offers a different perspective and challenge. 

The most popular route is the Marangu route, or “Coca Cola” route as it is also known, which attracts the majority of all visitors to Kilimanjaro. The Machame, or “Whiskey” route as it is known, is also a very popular route and as a result can also be very busy. These routes are typically completed in five to six days. 

The Lemosho and Shira routes approach Kibo from the west and offer a quieter approach because they’re less populated routes. The Rongai route approaches from the north and is also quieter. These three routes can be completed in six to eight days, which will assist with acclimatization and increase the chances of reaching the summit. 

Finally there is the Umbwe route, the shortest and most direct route to the summit. It is also the least popular and toughest of all the routes.

What are the main differences between the Rongai, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Marangu routes?

The Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame routes are camping routes that take longer and are considered more scenic than the Marangu. On the Marangu route you will be staying in huts as opposed to camping, and you hike up and down the same path.

The Rongai route takes you up the north side of the mountain and you descend down the Marangu route. The Lemosho, Shira and the Machame routes traverse the mountain and descends down the Mweka route.

Do I have to be extremely fit to take part in this trek?

The short answer is, it certainly helps! Do you have to be fit enough to run a marathon? No! But, if you attempt to climb Kilimanjaro and you are out of shape or without any training, you won’t enjoy the trek as much as you would have if you show up to the mountain in good shape. Remember, your fitness level can affect the group's strength as a whole. 

A few good ways to train for Kilimanjaro is to strap a pack on your back and go hiking or jogging to improve your stamina and cardio health. By doing so, your feet, mountain boots, joints and muscles will become accustomed to the constant walking you will face on the trek. It’s also recommended to hit the gym for a couple months beforehand and find the treadmill or elliptical. You won’t regret it!

What are the accommodations along the trail?

On the Marangu route, trekkers stay in A-frame huts. Each camp has a dining room for eating as well as separate bathroom facilities (flush toilets or pit latrines). There is no electricity in the huts.

On the rest of the routes, trekkers camp all the way up and there are shared pit latrines. Trekkers on all routes are given a hot water bowl to “wash up” before dinner. There aren’t any shower facilities on any of the routes.

Is drinking water provided during the trek?

On the first day, you’re responsible for your own water but beyond that, water is provided on all routes. Water is taken from fresh mountain streams, boiled and treated to make it safe to drink. It is recommended to drink at least three liters of water throughout the day, which will significantly increase the likelihood of good health as you ascend the mountain.

Do we carry our own packs on the mountain? If not, what is the weight the porters carry?

You will not be responsible for carrying your gear up the mountain. Your porters (aka guardian angels) can carry approximately 30lbs (15kg) of your gear. The rest can be stored safely at the hotel. You will only be responsible for carrying your day pack with the essential and personal items you need to have with you at all times. Please refer to the packing list provided to you.

What is the highest altitude we will hit on this trek?

The highest altitude reached 5,895 meters or 19,341feet!

Should I be worried about hypothermia?

It’s highly unlikely you’ll get hypothermia. Wearing adequate clothing, especially on the summit day, is important and will prevent you from experiencing any symptoms of hypothermia including drowsiness, cold skin on parts of the body that are covered like the stomach or armpits, slurred or incoherent speech or not feeling cold when in a bitterly cold environment. If you notice another member of your group experiencing any of these symptoms, alert your guides immediately.

Should I be worried about altitude sickness?

During the trek, it’s likely that climbers will experience at least some form of mild altitude sickness. It’s caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air at an increased altitude. There are many different symptoms but the most common are headaches, light-headedness, nausea, loss of appetite, tingling in the toes and fingers and mild swelling of ankles and fingers. These mild forms of altitude sickness are not serious and will normally disappear within 48 hours. You can visit your physician to determine if preventative medications are a good choice for you.

Should I be worried about mountain sickness?

At high altitude (above 3,500 meters/11,500 feet) there is a lower oxygen to air ratio and reduced atmospheric pressure can cause the body to undergo some fairly unpleasant changes. The most common complaint at altitude is acute mountain sickness (AMS). Less common are the complaints of high-altitude pulmonary edema and high-altitude cerebral edema (HAPE and HACE). AMS is the most common complaint on Mount Kilimanjaro. It occurs when the body is unable to acclimatize and suffers from a lack of oxygen. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue and insomnia. Most climbers suffer from a few of these symptoms, the most common being a headache and insomnia.

Should I be worried about high-altitude edema?

Edema (the buildup of fluid in various parts of the body) is caused by a rapid ascent to altitude without allowing the body to acclimatize. There is no known medication to either prevent or cure edema, the only preventative measure is a slow approach to altitude. There are two forms of edema that may strike at high altitude: high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Both forms of edema are very dangerous. Descent can “cure” the sufferer completely. However, returning to altitude causes a relapse and is not advised under any circumstances. 

Before your trip, please discuss bringing some or all of the following medication with your doctor:

• Diamox (acetazolamide) - helps prevent dehydration, tingling in fingers and toes, change in taste, loss of appetite, drowsiness. Diamox is a sulfa drug only available by prescription. Consult your physician before use and be sure to let your guides know if you are taking Diamox or any other altitude medications.

• Anti-diarrhea - stops/prevents diarrhea and prevents cramping

• Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen/Aspirin - cure headaches, fever and mild pain 

• Rehydration Salts - prevents dehydration, replace lost body fluids

• Sunblock - prevents sunburn

• Malaria pills - prevents Malaria

Diamox, a drug designed for glaucoma patients, in some cases can help prevent AMS (though there is still much medical debate as to its benefits). It is not a miracle drug and does not ensure prevention of AMS but can help with altitude acclimatization. 

How can I prevent altitude sickness?

1. Listen and communicate with your guides. They are professionals and know the ins and outs of life on the mountain.

2. Stay hydrated! Try to drink at least three liters of water per day. High altitudes, arid environments, wind and continuous movement are some contributing factors to dehydration. Your body requires much more water on the mountain than it would normally, so be sure to take sips frequently. Some people will require five to six liters per day!

3. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs including barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills.

4. “Don’t go up, until symptoms go down.” People acclimatize at different rates, so make sure that you properly acclimate before going higher. If you start to feel ill, be sure to let your guides know. They are used to this and will coach you along the way.

5. Before your trip, maintain a good work/rest cycle, avoid excessive work hours and last minute packing.

6. Take your time. Pace is a critical factor on all routes. "Pole pole" (go slowly) is the phrase of the day. Your guides will set the pace from the start. 

7. Walk high, sleep low: If you have enough energy when you reach camp, talk to your guides about taking an afternoon stroll further up the mountain before descending to sleep (though not if you have any symptoms of altitude sickness).

Six factors that affect the incidence and severity of altitude illness:

1. Rate of ascent

2. Altitude attained

3. Length of exposure

4. Level of exertion

5. Hydration and diet

6. Inherent physiological susceptibility

What will the weather be like? And When should we climb Kilimanjaro?

The short answer is, it depends! Below, we’ve outlined what to typically expect from the weather throughout the year. Always remember, you're on a mountain and the weather can change very quickly.

January to March (dry and quiet)

The weather in the first few months after the short rainy season is generally warm and dry. Away from the high season and relatively quiet, this is one of our favorite times to climb Kilimanjaro.

April and May (long rainy season)

The long rainy season in Tanzania normally occurs in April and May although it has become more unpredictable in recent years. If you don't mind the rain you can have the mountain pretty much to yourself. And bear in mind you can nearly always get a good discount in this period.

June to early November (dry but busy)

June to early November are the driest months for your Kilimanjaro climb and, particularly during August to October, the mountain is very busy. The shoulder months of June and July and early November are good compromises if a little rain doesn't deter you.

November to mid-December (short rainy season)

The short rainy season normally starts towards the back end of November and continues for 3-4 weeks. Generally, rain is less persistent than during the rainy months of April and May so this is a good time to be on the mountain without the crowds.

Will the effects of the sun be stronger on the mountain?

Absolutely, so precautions are required. About 55% of the earth's protective atmosphere is below an altitude of 5,000 meters. Far less ultraviolet light is being filtered out, making the sun's rays much more powerful, which could result in severe sunburn. It’s strongly recommended to use a SPF 20+ sun protection cream at lower altitudes, and a total block cream above an altitude of 3,000 meters. It’s also important to wear dark sunglasses preferably with side panels above 4,000 meters during the day and essential when walking through snow or ice. Snow blindness can be very painful, and will require your eyes to be bandaged for at least 24 hours.

Do I need to bring cash? How much? 

Cash is king in Tanzania. Some of the bigger tourist shops and hotels will take Visa and Mastercard, but other than that, it is best to plan on using cash wherever you go. 

Some additional info about cash and money:

• Bills printed after 2006 will receive the highest exchange rate. Bills that are old, wrinkled, torn or written on will likely be given a lower rate as well. 100s and 50s will also bring higher exchange rates than lower denomination bills.

• ATMs are available in the cities and some hotels. However, in Tanzania, the machine might be out of cash, the electricity may be out or you might be charged high fees to use it.

• Travelers Checks are not recommended as you will receive a lower rate of exchange and may not be able to exchange them once we leave town.

• Bargaining is acceptable when buying souvenirs in Tanzania. How much you want to push it is up to you. Ask yourself what you would pay for that item at home, compare the price and find somewhere in the middle that is reasonable for both parties. Remember to keep a smile on your face and always be polite. It’s a good thing when both sides of the deal are happy.

How much do you recommend we tip the porters and/or local guides?

Tipping is an expected and highly appreciated component of your Mount Kilimanjaro trek. It should be an expression of satisfaction with those who have assisted you throughout the expedition. Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to your guides, assistants, cooks and porters—as an important source of and supplement to their income.

Sometimes, you are not introduced to the porters at the gate because there is not enough time and when you arrive at the first hut or camp on day 1, the staff are busy and travelers are tired. On day 2 of the hike, travelers should have enough time to meet everyone when they arrive at the hut or camp.

Upon completion of your climb, it is ideal to have a tipping ceremony with the crew once all people and gear have safely reached the bottom of the mountain. Tips should be placed in a group envelope and a member of the climbing team can hand the envelope directly to the Lead Guide because there are many people to share the tips with. It is encouraged to announce the amount in front of the group to ensure each crew member knows the total amount or write the amounts intended on the envelope.

(Please note that these are only guidelines and tips can be based on personal opinion.)

If paying each crew member individually, you can use the following chart as a guideline:

Tipping guide in USD per group per day spent on the mountain: This usually ends up being around $200-$275 per climber.

• Per Chief Guide: USD $25 per day

• Per Assistant Guide: USD $15 per day

• Per Cook: USD $15 per day

• Per Porter: USD $10 per day

Does this seem like a lot to you? Ask yourself if you would make it up the mountain without your support team. The answer is always no. Forking over a couple hundred dollars to the good people that have just helped you accomplish a once-in-a-lifetime goal is a drop in the bucket in the big picture. Now is not the time to be stingy. 

Gifts in addition are also appreciated. For example, quality warm clothing or footwear that is in good working condition.

These are mere guidelines, and you may alter them if you feel, for example, a certain porter is deserving of more than his normal share, or if your trek was particularly difficult.

How do I prove to the world that I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro?

Not to worry! Upon successful completion of your climb, you reach the main park gate where you began your climb. You and your team will sign out from the mountain trails and receive an official certificate with your name, date of your climb and signatures from your head guide and National Park Authority of Tanzania!