Before You Go

    Everything you need to know before, and after your climb

    Pre-Climb Itinerary

    We strongly recommend arriving at least 2 days before your climb starts. Jet lag, altitude adjustment, and a proper gear check all need time.

    Day –2

    Arrive in Tanzania

    • Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
    • Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha (~45 min)
    • Settle in, hydrate well and rest after your flight
    • Enjoy dinner at the hotel, most serve excellent local food
    Day –1

    Explore & Prepare

    • Meet your operator for a pre-climb briefing and gear check
    • Explore Moshi town, coffee shops, markets, local crafts
    • Buy any last-minute supplies (snacks, water purification, batteries)
    • Pack your daypack and duffel bag, leave valuables at the hotel
    • Early dinner and early to bed!
    Day 0

    Climb Day!

    • Hearty breakfast at your hotel
    • Transfer to the gate (varies by route: Machame, Lemosho, etc.)
    • Registration, final gear weighing, and group introductions
    • Your adventure begins - pole pole!

    Recommended Hotels & Lodges

    Most climbers stay in Moshi (closest to the mountain) or Arusha (better for safari combos). Your operator may include accommodation, check what's in your package.

    Post-Climb Itinerary

    Don't fly home the same day you descend! Give yourself at least 1–2 days to recover, celebrate, and soak it all in.

    Day +0

    Descent & Celebration

    • Descend to the final gate, legs will be wobbly, heart will be full
    • Tipping ceremony with your crew (a genuinely emotional moment)
    • Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi
    • Hot shower which will be the best one of your life
    • Celebratory dinner with your group!
    Day +1

    Rest & Recover

    • Sleep in - you've earned it
    • Gentle walk around town if you feel up to it
    • Treat yourself to a massage (many hotels offer them)
    • Reflect, journal, upload photos on actual Wi-Fi
    Day +2

    Explore or Depart

    • Optional safari day trip to Arusha National Park or Tarangire
    • Visit a coffee plantation tour near Moshi
    • Or simply relax by the pool with a Kilimanjaro lager
    • Transfer to JRO for your flight home

    What If You Don't Summit?

    Let's address this honestly: not everyone makes it to Uhuru Peak. Success rates vary from 65% to 90% depending on the route and duration. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness or experience.

    If your guide decides you need to descend, they're saving your life. It's not a failure, it's a responsible decision. Many climbers reach Stella Point (5,756m) or Gilman's Point (5,681m) and receive certificates for those achievements too.

    Post-Climb Recovery

    Rest your legs

    Expect sore quads and knees for 3–5 days. Gentle walking is fine, but avoid intense exercise for at least a week.

    Hydrate aggressively

    Your body is still recovering from altitude dehydration. Aim for 3+ litres a day for the first few days.

    Eat well

    Your appetite will come roaring back. Embrace it, your body needs the calories to repair.

    Sleep

    You probably haven't slept well for a week. Catch up. Naps are not optional, they're medicinal.

    Watch for delayed symptoms

    Minor headaches, fatigue and swollen hands/feet can persist for a few days. If anything worries you, see a doctor.

    Celebrate properly

    You climbed the highest freestanding mountain on Earth. Tell everyone. Buy the t-shirt. Frame the certificate.

    Responsible Tourism & Carbon Footprint

    Kilimanjaro's glaciers are retreating. The mountain's ecosystem is fragile. As climbers, we have a responsibility to minimise our impact and support the communities that make this experience possible.