1. Which route should I climb?

Pick the route that best suits your skill level, desire, time frame, and budget. We avoid organizing climbs on the highly trafficked, poor quality routes. We prefer the quieter, lesser traveled camping routes of Rongai, Shira and the new Northern Circuit. Our trips have varied durations, from as little as eight days to as many as eleven days, and moderate to high difficulty ratings. These are the best routes on the mountain, and offer a great chance of enjoying Kilimanjaro and reaching the summit.

2. Can you explain the route difficulty ratings?

The difficulty ratings are based on several factors: elevation gains/losses, distance, grade and trail time. Shira and Northern are rated as highly difficult because the routes go up and down, have steeper climbs, and have longer trail times. General camping fatigue is also a consideration. However, it is important to note that longer itineraries have a positive affect on altitude acclimatization, which is the reason behind Shira and Northern Circuit having higher summit success rates than Rongai.

3. What is included on your trips? What is not included?

Our Kilimanjaro climbs include all park fees, guides and porters, tents, meals and water on the mountain, transportation to and from the trail head, and two nights hotel accommodation. Our climbs do not include airfare, staff tips, or personal gear. You are also responsible for getting to our starting points either in Marangu or Arusha, although private transfers to these points can be pre-booked with us.

4. Why are other companies' prices higher/lower?

We are a mid-range company, providing a high standard of service for a good price. Luxury operators charge prices much higher than ours for things you do not need, while budget operators charge prices lower than ours and leave out things you do need. We are one of the few specialist companies operating on Kilimanjaro and we have built a solid reputation as one of the best on the mountain. We will gladly put our standard of service and our client satisfaction ratings against any of our competitors. 90% of the operators out there do not even come close, while the others will charge you far higher prices for the same level of service.

5. What is appropriate for staff tips?

When you compare our prices with other operators, be sure to factor in the cost of tips. Some operators charge less but then underpay their staff which results in their guides and porters demanding large tips to make up for low (or no) wages. But because we pay our staff a good wage (in fact, one of the highest on the mountain), our tipping guidelines are significantly lower, sometimes less than half of what other companies recommend. These tipping guidelines below are intended to assist you. You should not feel obligated in any way to tip, or to be pressured by any staff member to do so. It is perfectly acceptable to give more or less than these figures.

6. How are tips distributed to staff?

It is best to collect the tip money from all members of the group into a 'pot' and then have one member say a word of thanks and distribute the tips. It is fairest to tip each staff member individually. Before the climb, you will be given a sheet detailing the names of the guides and cook, and the number of other members of staff. The sheet will also give a guidelines of how to divide the 'pot' to give an appropriate tip to each staff member.

7. What are the lodge accommodations like before and after the climb, or on the safari?

We have chosen small, quiet, clean and comfortable lodges to serve as a relaxing complement to your climb. The websites of the accommodations are linked in our itineraries, and you are encouraged to visit them. The locations shown on the itineraries are fixed and part of the trip, and unfortunately we cannot honor requests for alternatives.

8. Can you arrange private climbs?

Yes. We can arrange private climbs on Kilimanjaro for parties of two or more. Private climbs can be done on the Rongai, Shira, Northern Circuit, Marangu, Lemosho, and Machame route. We also specialize in charity climbs and can accommodate nearly any group size. Please contact us at info@peakplanet.com for information, availability and pricing.

9. I have questions not addressed on the site. How can I contact you?

Please contact us at info@peakplanet.com.