FAQ

At Rocky Africa, we are deeply committed to protecting the natural environment. We follow the “Trash In, Trash Out” (TITO) policy, meaning that everything we bring into the national parks, we also take out at the end of the trip. Our team members carry dedicated trash bags throughout the journey and ensure that no waste is left behind.

We provide reusable canvas bags for collecting non-biodegradable waste, available at camp or from your guide. Our guides and porters often collect litter left by others to keep the trails clean. We encourage all guests to join these efforts to preserve Tanzania’s wilderness for future generations.

The best times to climb are January–mid-March and mid-June–October, with dry weather and clear skies. April and May are warmer but wetter, while November–December bring short rains and occasional snow at higher elevations. Regardless of the season, weather can be unpredictable due to changing climate conditions.

Temperature by Altitude:
Forest Zone: 15–23°C (60–75°F)
Mid-Altitude: 10–18°C (50–65°F)
Moorland & Above: Freezing at night
Summit: -4°C day / -10°C night (25°F / 15°F)

We recommend routes that include at least 7 days on the mountain for proper acclimatization. Our 9–10 day itineraries have the highest success rates. Shorter 6-day routes (e.g., Umbwe or Rongai) are only advised for experienced climbers after assessment.

All guides are certified and monitor your performance and altitude adaptation. No technical gear like crampons or ice axes is needed. An optional crater overnight (18,800 ft / 5,730 m) can be included for a unique sunrise summit experience.

Rocky Africa Experience supplies all cooking and camping gear except for your sleeping bag and pad. Your personal items should not exceed 20 kg (44 lbs). Dress in layers: polypropylene base, fleece or down insulation, and waterproof shell.

Essential Gear Includes: Waterproof duffel bag, sleeping bag rated to -18°C (0°F), sleeping pad, day pack, hiking boots, rain pants, insulation layers, hats, gloves, sunglasses, socks, towel, headlamp, and trekking poles.

Bring energy snacks and sports drinks, a first aid kit (sunscreen, pain relief, antibiotics, and altitude medicine such as Diamox), and personal items such as toiletries, mirror, notebook, and a small rope for drying clothes.

We prioritize your safety through continuous health monitoring and professional preparedness:

• Oximeter Monitoring: Oxygen and heart rate checks twice daily.
• Hydration Monitoring: Guides track fluid intake/output.
• Emergency Oxygen: Carried for severe AMS cases.
• First Aid Kits: Always available and comprehensive.
• Expert Guides: Certified in Wilderness and High-Altitude First Aid.

Tipping shows appreciation for the crew’s hard work. While all staff receive fair wages, tips provide valuable support and motivation.

Recommended Tip: 10–12% of total climb cost (≈ $300–$500 per climber).

Distribution: Head guides: $30–40/day, Assistant guides/cooks: $20–30/day, Porters: $5–10/day. All tips are documented with “Tips Given” and “Tips Received” forms for transparency. KPAP also oversees fairness standards.

You can expect daily hikes of 5–13 km (3–8 miles), gaining 500 meters elevation and hiking 4–8 hours daily. Summit day begins around midnight for a 6–7 hour ascent and 5–6 hour descent.

Camping Gear: All provided except sleeping bag and pad (available for rent). Camps use quality Mountain Hardwear tents and dining equipment.

Power: Solar systems provide minimal charging capability. Bring only essential electronics.

Meals: Fresh, balanced, chef-prepared meals catering to dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free).

Toilets: Eco-friendly portable toilets with privacy tents. All waste handled responsibly.

Altitude Awareness: Gradual ascent and daily oxygen checks reduce AMS risk. Diamox or natural remedies may be used under guidance.

Training: Prepare 3–4 months ahead with aerobic and strength exercises, practice hikes, and proper footwear.

Depending on your chosen route, daily hiking distance and elevation gain vary. Expect to walk 5–13 km (3–8 miles) per day, climbing about 500 m (1,500 ft). Daily hiking times range from 4–8 hours.

The summit ascent (for those not overnighting in the crater) begins around midnight and takes 6–7 hours, followed by a 5–6 hour descent. Climbers are always accompanied by at least one guide and other team members for safety.

Camping is restricted to official Kilimanjaro campsites. Rocky Africa Experience uses less-traveled trails and quieter sites.

We provide all camping and cooking gear except sleeping bags and pads, which you may bring or rent. Rentals include Mountain Hardwear Lamina sleeping bags rated to 0°F and Therm-a-Rest Ridgerest SOlite foam pads. Trekking poles are also available upon request.

We use Mountain Hardwear Trango 3-person tents (shared by two climbers) and Trango 2-person tents for singles. Dining tents include Cabela’s Outback Lodge, Space Station domes, or locally crafted waterproof mess tents with collapsible tables and chairs.

Sleeping bag and pad rentals are available for $50 per set. Trekking poles can be rented for $10 per pair. Advance reservation and payment are required.

Portable solar power systems are used for lighting and limited charging of essential electronics in camp. Power is scarce at high altitudes—please bring minimal devices and enjoy the mountain’s peace and silence.

Rocky Africa Experience proudly collaborates with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), a Tanzanian NGO dedicated to fair treatment and improved working conditions for porters.

Items not needed on the climb—clothing, money, passports, electronics—are securely stored in hotel accommodations and returned after your climb. No cash is required on the mountain, including for tips. Keep a photocopy of your passport ID page for park entry.

Meals are freshly prepared by trained mountain chefs skilled in continental cuisine and hygiene. Fresh supplies arrive every three days. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.

Sample menus include oatmeal, eggs, toast, fresh fruits, soups, meats or fish, grains, and local vegetables. Afternoon tea offers cocoa, nuts, popcorn, or cookies.

Bring personal snacks such as trail mix, energy bars, hard candy, or chocolate—altitude may reduce your appetite.

Hydration is critical for acclimatization. Guides monitor water intake and provide clean filtered water. Bring electrolyte or flavored drink powders to encourage regular hydration.

Each camp is equipped with eco-friendly portable toilets in privacy tents using biodegradable Cleanwaste systems. Climbers relieve themselves off-trail, away from water sources. The lead guide carries a trowel for waste burial if necessary.

Climbing Kilimanjaro involves high altitude—rapid ascent can cause Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Our itineraries are designed for gradual altitude gain, maximizing acclimatization and summit success.

Guides are certified in Mountain First Aid. Oxygen saturation is monitored to assess adaptation to reduced air pressure. Common AMS symptoms include headache, fatigue, nausea, and lightheadedness. Severe conditions like HAPE and HACE require immediate descent and medical treatment.

Some climbers use Diamox (acetazolamide) under medical advice. Our lead guide, Emmanuel, also recommends homeopathic remedies via his Kilimanjaro Homeopathic Kit.

• Eat regular, nutritious meals
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Ascend slowly for acclimatization
• Sleep at least 8 hours
• Report any symptoms promptly
• Keep a positive attitude

Expect hot and humid conditions at lower altitudes (15–25°C / 60–75°F). Mid-altitudes are dry and mild (10–18°C / 50–65°F). At higher elevations, temperatures drop sharply—often below freezing at night.

Summit averages: -4°C (25°F) by day, -10°C (15°F) at night. Wind chill may lower temperatures to between -18°C and -12°C (0–10°F).

Start training several months before departure. Focus on aerobic activity (45–60 minutes, four times weekly) and leg strength via hiking, cycling, running, or stair climbing. Include loaded backpack hikes (5–7 kg / 10–15 lbs).

Fitness improves endurance but does not guarantee altitude adaptation. Enthusiasm, proper pacing, and preparation greatly increase success rates.

Medium-weight ankle-high boots with good support are recommended. Gaiters protect against cold, moisture, and scree.

Use a waterproof duffel bag (60–90 liters). If yours isn’t waterproof, use dry sacks for valuables. Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania. Roller bags are not suitable.

Your sleeping bag and pad are packed with your duffel into a large water-repellent canvas bag carried by porters.

Rocky Africa Experience groups range from 1–16 climbers. Open climbs are capped at 10 participants. Large private groups may qualify for discounts.

A minimum of two climbers confirms a climb. Solo climbers can join existing groups or pay a solo supplement for a private journey.

Private climbs are available for all group sizes. Small private groups may incur extra fees; large groups are generally private by default.

Single climbers can join confirmed groups and share accommodation with another climber of the same gender to avoid the single supplement. If no match is available, single tents or rooms may be provided.

Solo climbs (no other climbers joined) require a solo supplement. If additional climbers book later, this supplement is waived.

The Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) requires climbers to be at least 10 years old to ascend above 3,700 m (12,000 ft). There is no age limit for hikes below this altitude.

Summit ascents (excluding crater campers) begin around midnight for sunrise at Uhuru Peak. This timing offers clear skies and ideal views before the long return to camp.

Crater campers ascend to the crater rim the previous afternoon and reach the summit at sunrise the next morning (just 45 minutes from crater to summit). Daytime summit requests must be confirmed during booking for the entire group.

Following rock slides in 2006 and 2015, Rocky Africa Experience no longer guides climbs via the Western Breach due to safety concerns. All Lemosho Crater routes now ascend through Barafu to Stella Point and into the crater, adhering to KINAPA safety regulations.