Deciding whether or not to climb Kilimanjaro should not be a question for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. The question should be ‘when will I climb Kilimanjaro?’ Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest “walkable” mountain on the planet. It can be summited by anyone who is in fairly decent shape and has hiking experience. If you go with Peak Planet, you will be in good hands with our expert guides and porters and we will make your climb as pleasant as possible.
Where Do I Start?
First of all, you’ll want to find an experienced and safe operator. There are hundreds of operators on the Mountain, but only a handful are actually reputable.
Just to give you an idea of what is reputable, here is what we offer at Peak Planet:
- Daily health checks of climbers including pulse and oxygen saturation readings
- Wilderness First Responder certified and IFREMMONT trained guides
- Kilimanjaro SAR evacuation insurance
- Satellite, real-time tracking of trekking parties
- Heavy-duty mountaineering tents for sleeping and dining in lieu of locally made tents
- Inflatable sleeping pads in lieu of locally made foam pads
- Three hot meals a day instead of boxed lunches
- Membership in Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) – an independent organization that monitors trekking companies and verifies that porters are treated ethically
- Airport pickup and drop off
- Private toilet tents
Budget operators do not offer any of these amenities. They do not focus on safety and their equipment is often used, handmade, damaged and inadequate for high altitude trekking.
Most of all, make sure your operator is going to be there when you arrive. They may take your money and run. If you choose to go with a budget operator, get trip insurance or you may be out several thousands of dollars.
Now that I have chosen an Operator, what’s next?
Fill out any required forms and make a deposit. With Peak Planet a 20% deposit secures your climb dates. Once your trip is booked and confirmed, you need to book your flights, obtain trip insurance and send in your client information forms.
In addition, you will also need to start training and gathering gear. Here is what we recommend for training: https://peakplanet.com/climb-preparation/#train
Here is the gear we recommend: https://peakplanet.com/dress-mount-kilimanjaro/ and how to pack: https://peakplanet.com/how-should-i-pack-for-kilimanjaro/
We also rent synthetic jackets, sleeping bags, ALTOX and trekking poles: https://peakplanet.com/rental-gear/
As your departure day approaches
Make sure you have everything booked, airport pickups, flights, extra lodging, safari, trip insurance and someone is watching your dog. Contact your operator if you have any questions. Many questions can be answered here: https://peakplanet.com/faqs/
If you chose Peak Planet, we are with you every step of the way. Contact us by phone: (480) 463-4058 or email: info@peakplanet.com with any questions about your trip prior to leaving for Tanzania.
En route to Tanzania
Peak Planet’s office is 10 hours behind Tanzania, if you have any issues while you are on your way, please contact Moshi directly at +255 753 896962 or +255 769 079525. Once in Tanzania, the number changes to +255 0753 896962 or +255 0769 079525. We recommend downloading WhatsApp and saving these numbers in your contact list. You can use it to text us.
If you are coming from the U.S. we recommend applying for your visa in advance. This will alleviate having to stand in the potentially two-hour-long line at JRO. If you don’t obtain your visa before your trip please hurry to the visa line and hand them $100 USD and your passport. They will place the visa in your passport. Once through customs, you will proceed to the baggage claim area. Let our driver know immediately if your bags are delayed or lost. When you leave the baggage claim area you will exit the building toward the parking lot. Our driver will be there with a sign reading “Peak Planet” please look for him. You will be taken to your lodging for the night.
Finally, you will be picked up the next morning between 7-7:30 AM to start your Kilimanjaro climb. That is if you didn’t book a flight recovery day (recommended in case of flight delays or delayed luggage) or a safari before the climb,
