We want you to feel prepared and ready for a successful trip with Kilimanjaro and Beyond. Below you will find information regarding travel requirements, necessary gear, physical training, and medical requirements.
But Most importantly, Enjoy this once in a lifetime experience!
Travel
Entering the Tanzania
Most of our adventurers fly into Kilimanjaro National Airport (JRO). At JRO one of our drivers will pick you up and transfer you to your lodge. Transfers and lodging is already included in your package. To allow for orientation and proper rest, it is advised to arrive by 1 pm the day before your adventure begins.
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For entry into Tanzania it is necessary for all travelers to have:
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A valid passport, at least six months prior to expiration
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A valid visa. Visas can be obtained at JRO for $100, payable in US dollars*
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At least two hours of your time spent in lines (efficiency is not the name of the game)​
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*Only applies to US citizens, Canadian, Australian, British and most European passport holders can also obtain visas upon arrival at the airport. The cost of a Tanzanian visa is $50, payable in US dollars.
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Requirements are subject to change, always confirm Tanzania's visa requirements for your country with your embassy.
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Travel Insurance
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Valid travel and medical insurance is required to participate in these trips. Insurance should cover high altitude trekking, medical and repatriation costs, trip cancellation and emergency evacuation. Clients must be able to provide proof of insurance to staff upon request.
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Travel Guard can be a good option for USA based clients.
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Airport Transfer
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To make your journey more secure and hassle free, Kilimanjaro and Beyond provides free airport shuttle service to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Tipping the driver is up to you, $1 or $2 per bag is fine.
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Gear
You are a busy person and you are preparing to climb the highest mountain in Africa, you amazing summit seeker. There is no need to research the equipment you will need to bring, we have already done it for you! Just download the gear list.
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When packing and dressing you should follow the layering principle. Layering is wearing multiple layers of clothing, often consisting of a base layer, mid layer, and outer shell. This will allow you to adjust your warmth level throughout the day and your adventure.
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We suggest you bring only the items listed, as over packing is the most common mistake climbers make. While you climb, any extra items, such as safari or travel items, can be safely stored at the hotel in a separate bag. Communal equipment, such as tents and food will be provided, but each climber must bring their own personal gear (we can help you with any gear rental in Moshi).
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Things to consider when packing:
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Everything for your hike should be placed into the duffel bag (aside from items in your day pack)
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Your duffel bag will be placed in a waterproof bag
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Our porters can carry a maximum of 33 lbs (15 kgs) of your personal belongings
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If you have weight in excess of 33 lbs (15 kgs) you must hire an additional porter. This should only happen on rare occasions, such as extensive photography equipment.
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Climbers should carry 3 to 4 liters of water. Due to past issues with littering (I know, can you believe it), plastic recyclable water bottles are not allowed. All water must be brought in Nalgene bottles, water bladders, or a similar device.
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Unfortunately checked luggage on airplanes can get lost or delayed. To prepare for this, wear or carry the items that are essential to your climb and safari. While most clothing, gear and equipment can be replaced in Tanzania prior to your climb, some items should not be replaced. A good example is your hiking boots. A different pair for the climb is likely to cause painful blistering (and we want you to have happy and healthy feet.)
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Kilimanjaro and Beyond recommends
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wearing one complete hiking outfit on the plane with:
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a long sleeve shirt
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hiking pants
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windbreaker or shell
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socks
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hiking boots
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use your day pack as your carry-on and pack it with:
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waterproof jacket and pants
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insulated jacket
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fleece pants
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snacks
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toiletries
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medications
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camera
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paperwork
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If your baggage is lost or delayed, please notify us and we will do our best to assist you in assembling the necessary gear and getting your gear to you on the mountain. We do our very best to avoid naked climbers.
training
Can you climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Yes you can! If you can hike for 6 hours at a steady incline you have a great chance of reaching the roof of Africa. That being said, high altitude conditions affect everyone differently. For example, not all marathon runners summit. You will only know how your body reacts when you are on the mountain. Because Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, attempting to summit it is a challenge that should not be under estimated. Training to be physically prepared for the trek will greatly increase your enjoyment and likelihood of summiting.
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If you want a specific training plan, many can be found online. Kilimanjaro and Beyond does not recommend any specific program, but we are happy to talk with you about our personal experiences and give suggestions.
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Medical
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Medical Check
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All climbers should have a medical check prior to attempting the mountain. Somethings to ask you doctor, include but are not limited to:
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if high altitude climbing is permissible for your age and health
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if your fitness level and health condition allow for the trek
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if you have any preexisting medical conditions that can cause problems
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if any of your medications can affect altitude acclimatization
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if Diamox can be taken with your existing prescription medicines
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Kilimanjaro and Beyond should be informed of an medical issues that could make climbing more dangerous before you book.
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Before the climb we will check your resting heart rate. At minimum, you must have a resting heart rate of under 100 beats per minute. The average resting heart rate is 60-80 beats per minute.
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Physical training is incredibly important, however genetics control your ability to adjust to changing oxygen levels. The only way to know how your body will react in an oxygen deprived atmosphere, is to actually be in one.
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Vaccinations and Preventive Medication
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To determine your necessary vaccinations and preventive medication, please consult the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tanzania and your physician. Kilimanjaro and Beyond's adventurers have found that Passport Health is helpful for identifying and receiving medical travel advice and immunizations.
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Food and Waterborne Diseases
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Unclean food and water is the primary cause of travelers' illness and diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits. Also, talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
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The following recommendations were taken from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tanzania:
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Eat:
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Food that is cooked and served hot
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Hard-cooked eggs
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Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
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Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat:
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Food served at room temperature
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Food from street vendors
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Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
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Raw or under cooked (rare) meat or fish
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Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
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Unpasteurized dairy products
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”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink:
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Bottled water that is sealed
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Water that has been disinfected
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Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
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Carbonated drinks
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Hot coffee or tea
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Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink:
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Tap or well water
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Ice made with tap or well water
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Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
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Unpasteurized milk
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