Best Kilimanjaro Tours

1. Reputable Companies

XPATS International Travel 🇹🇿

XPATS International Travel is a local tour operator that has garnered an outstanding average performance review of 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor, Trustpilot and Facebook. The team consists of local residents, who have an intimate knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro and are dedicated to ensuring the safety and comfort of both climbers and support crew. XPATS International Travel offers comprehensive services, including airport transits, pre and post-trek accommodations, as well as camping and dining equipment such as tables, chairs, sleeping tents, mess tents, dining utensils and mattresses.

Altezza Travel 🇷🇺

Altezza Travel is a foreign tourism company established by two Russian brothers, Alexander and Dimitri, who settled in Tanzania in 2016. The tourism company provides comfortable accommodations, before and after the trek, as well as quality hiking equipment and dining items. Altezza Travel has expertise that extends beyond arranging successful climbs, which has earned them a perfect 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings.

G Adventures 🇨🇦

G Adventures is a well-established Canadian travel agency that offers a variety of experiences, outsourced to trusted local outfitters. Their performance on Kilimanjaro has earned the agency an average Kilimanjaro review rating of 5/5 on TripAdvisor and TourRadar. The travel agency provides meals and accommodations however, you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bags, pads and hiking gear.

2. Summit Height And Climbing Gains

Mount Kilimanjaro has an elevation height of nearly 5,895m (19,341ft), with an average elevation gain of about 580m (1,902ft) per day, on the 8-day Lemosho route, which poses a higher risk of altitude sickness compared to other mountains of similar height. A general rule of thumb is to ascend no more than 500m per day since exceeding this limit often increases the potential for altitude sickness. Long trails on Kilimanjaro closely approach this threshold, providing ample recovery time for acclimatization to help prevent the onset of altitude-induced illnesses such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

3. Hiking Gear

Successfully navigating the five distinct ecoregions of Africa, during a Kilimanjaro climb, requires equipping yourself with specialized hiking gear designed to handle diverse montane environments and possible wet conditions. Below are three essential items not to be overlooked as you prepare your Kilimanjaro packing list for the expedition.

A Pair of Hiking Boots

Lightweight and breathable synthetic 4-season hiking boots, with waterproof capabilities and softer materials, enable natural foot movement, especially during challenging sections like the Western Breach or the Barranco Wall, which involves scrambling and precise footwork. These boots have become the preferred option for traversing Kilimanjaro’s diverse conditions, including variable temperatures, wind and moisture, in contrast to traditional footwear like leather boots. More importantly, their quicker adaptation with minimal break-in time makes them ideal for hikers with limited trekking experience.

Down Jacket

A goose-down jacket is often a much better outerwear option than a duck-down jacket since it provides more insulation, particularly at a 9:1 ratio of down to feathers. You should always expect very cold summit night conditions, regardless of the time of year, so get an 800-fill power and a 200-300g of fill weight. This combination ensures that you’ll stay comfortably warm, light and well-protected from Kilimanjaro’s challenging weather conditions.

Fiber-Filled Sleeping Bag

When there’s a significant amount of moisture in the air, there is a concern that down insulation can lose its loft and potentially become damp. Down feathers are highly effective insulators when dry, as they trap air and create a warm barrier. On the other hand, synthetic fiber-filled sleeping bags are more moisture-resistant and maintain their insulation when wet. They are a better choice for damp or humid conditions, including rainy environments.

4. Additional Adventures For The Holiday

Apart from cultural tours, an African safari or a Zanzibar beach holiday are two sought-after travel activities for those looking to extend their adventures beyond climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. An African safari allows the chance to observe the continent’s incredible wildlife in their natural habitats, while a Zanzibar beach vacation offers a serene retreat to picturesque shores, inviting travelers to unwind and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the archipelago.

5. Getting To Kilimanjaro

The most convenient means of reaching Mount Kilimanjaro is by flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport. From this point, easy access to either the Kilimanjaro region or the nearby Arusha region is available, both serving as primary gateways to the mountain. Notably, numerous reputable tour operators, specializing in Kilimanjaro expeditions, have established offices in these regions, making it easy to start your Kilimanjaro trek with their guidance and support.

Travel to the Kilimanjaro Region

Tour companies usually offer airport pick-up and drop-off services, ensuring a seamless transition from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Alternatively, for those who opt to arrange their transportation, a straightforward option is to take a taxi from the airport to the Kilimanjaro region. The cost of this taxi ride typically remains within a reasonable range, usually not exceeding $50.

Travel to the Arusha Region

Just like reaching the Kilimanjaro region, travelers can readily reach the Arusha region by taking a taxi from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Alternatively, for those seeking to minimize travel time and enhance convenience, opting for a connecting flight to the Arusha region can also be a viable means of transportation.