Kilimanjaro has its own airport. There are half a dozen main airlines that serve Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). They include KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. OUR ADVICE: It’s a good idea to aim to be in Tanzania at least 24 hours prior to the start of your trek. This is particularly true if you’re coming from North America or Australia. Giving yourself 24 hours before the trek allows you time to rest, relax, and recover from the flight. What’s more, it also gives you time to prepare properly for your expedition. While we don’t book flights, we can and do help our climbers choose the best flights for their schedule and budget if requested. Often, for example, a flight may appear cheap but may arrive at 4 O’clock in the morning, necessitating another night in a hotel room – which may wipe out any savings made. We’ll help you choose the best flight for you. .

In fact, reaching the summit of Africa’s tallest peak doesn’t necessarily require exceptional fitness. The primary obstacle preventing individuals from reaching the top is altitude sickness, which occurs when the body struggles to acclimate to the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations. Whether or not you experience altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro is largely unrelated to your fitness level. Nevertheless, the ultimate ascent to the summit is unquestionably a challenge of endurance. The journey involves a 6-8 hour climb to the peak from the base camp, amid extremely cold conditions, followed by a lengthy descent to the final camp on the mountain. OUR ADVICE: While reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro doesn’t require top-tier fitness, engaging in an aerobic exercise routine before your trek can significantly enhance your overall experience. Activities like swimming, jogging, and cycling contribute to increased confidence in your fitness level. Interestingly, a lack of confidence often plays a more crucial role in individuals failing to summit Africa’s highest peak than their actual fitness levels. For optimal preparation, consider undertaking a hike in your home country, preferably a multi-day trek with overnight camping. This not only serves as excellent practice for Kilimanjaro but also adds an enjoyable dimension to your training. Addressing altitude sickness presents different considerations. Physical exercise alone may not be a preventive measure, but acclimatizing to similar elevations beforehand, such as by visiting a high-altitude location, can be beneficial. Additionally, embarking on a 3-4 day trek up Mount Meru, Kilimanjaro’s smaller counterpart serves as an ideal warm-up for the main ascent. Another option involves taking Diamox, a reputed drug known for its effectiveness in preventing altitude sickness. .

The mountain is open year-round, with two main trekking seasons: January to March and June to October, corresponding to the dry periods. Despite occasional downpours, January-March is recommended for a quieter experience and more scenic beauty due to snow. March and October are favored for climbing, offering good, dry weather and fewer crowds. The January-March season coincides with the wildebeest migration, providing additional attractions for those planning a safari afterward. Climbing during rainy seasons (April-May, November-December) isn’t all bad, as it doesn’t rain continuously, and the mountain is peaceful.