TREK DIFFICULTY
Difficult | Level 3
TREK DURATION
8 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
19,341 ft
TREK STARTS FROM
Moshi, Africa
Trek to the Roof of Africa
Kilimanjaro needs no introduction. It gives you the unique experience of standing on top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
At Indiahikes we are taking the Machame route to the top. This route has the right mix of adventure and dramatic changes in scenery.
It is hard to comprehend the changes in scenery that happen over 6 days. You are looking at the free-standing mountain standing out of the plains on Day 1. You trek through cultivated fields, rain forests, moorlands, and suddenly alpine deserts full of rock and scree. Beyond that arctic snowfields and glaciers. It is too dramatic, frankly.
On this trek, you have a strong local Tanzanian flavour added to your Indiahikes Experience as well. Our local partners are residents of the villages that surround the mountain. They are going to fill you with stories, culture, and food of the region.
“This trek must be done not only to experience the Kilimanjaro trek but also to experience the wilderness and culture of Africa. Even before and after the trek, you get to witness one of the most unique wildlife landscapes in the world,” says Arjun Majumdar, founder, and CEO of Indiahikes. “You must spend time in the Serengeti National Park or the wonder of Ngorongoro crater. If time permits, visit some of the old towns. The beaches of Tanzania have crystal clear waters as well!” adds Arjun.
The best part is that it is one of the seven summits that does not require technical expertise or any mountaineering knowledge. On the other hand, we admit it's challenging. You climb to 19,341 ft and trek 60 km in 6 days. Being supremely fit is a basic criterion to do this trek.
Quick Itinerary
A route map of the Kilimanjaro trek
Day 1
Meet the team at Moshi
Drive Distance: 42 km | Duration: 1 hour | Pick up point on request for Indiahikes trekkers: Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, and leave for Hotel Leopard in Moshi. Your pick-up from the airport costs extra which you have to pay the driver directly. The accommodation on Day 1 is included in the trek fee.
Note: You will meet our team in the evening. Be ready for the briefing by the trek leader and mountain guides on this day. It is better to reach Moshi a day prior to Day 1. This ensures you have enough time to rest before starting on the trek the next day.
Day 2
Drive from Hotel Leopard to Machame Gate. Trek to Machame Camp
Drive Distance: 31 km | Duration: 55 minutes | Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 7 hours | Altitude Gain: 5,950 ft to 9,902 ft
The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about an hour. The process for permits takes about an hour for a group of 15 trekkers.
Day 3
Trek from Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Trek Distance: 5 km | Duration: 6 hours | Altitude Gain: 9,860 ft to 12,570 ft
Day 4
Trek from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Trek Distance: 9.50 km | Duration: 8 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 12,570 ft to 13,060 ft via 15,160 ft
Day 5
Trek from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via Karanga Camp
Trek Distance: 8 km | Duration: 10 hours | Altitude Gain: 13,060 ft to 15,330 ft via 13,195 ft
Day 6
Trek from Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp via Uhuru Peak
Trek Distance: 16.50 km | Duration: 14 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 15,330 ft to 10,090 ft via 19,341 ft
Day 7
Trek from Mweka Camp to Mweka Village. Drive back to Hotel Leopard in Moshi
Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Loss: 10,090 ft to 5,380 ft
Drive Distance: 24 km | Duration: 1 hour
Our vehicle will pick you up at Mweka Village to drive you back to Hotel Leopard in Moshi.
Day 8
Depart from Hotel Leopard in Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drive Distance: 42 km | Duration: 1 hour | Drop off point for Indiahikes trekkers: Kilimanjaro International Airport
Today is the day you bid adieu to Tanzania and head back to the airport. If you plan to explore Tanzania further, our local coordinator will help you plan you're itinerary after Day 8.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤ Mandatory Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry original documents (Passport, Visa, Covid Vaccination Certificate) for entry inside the Kilimanjaro National Park. Keep a watch on the Visa site for any changes in the law on things to be carried inside the state. Along with this, you need to carry the medical certificate and disclaimer form for the trek.
➤Stay facility: In Moshi, your stay will be arranged in a hotel. On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a tent
➤Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: You may leave behind the luggage that you won't need on the trek at your hotel, near the reception. There will not be any specific cloakroom facility with lockers.
A route map of the Kilimanjaro trek
PRO-TIPS
Book flexible flight tickets
You are going on an International trek, where there are several unpredictable factors. It's best to book flexible flight tickets, which you can reschedule if required. These are available for a small added cost with most travel companies.
Alternative Flying Options for Indians
If the flight cost to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania is on the higher side, you can think of an alternative journey to take. Fly to Nairobi from Ahmedabad and then take a bus to Moshi.
After a lot of research, we have concluded that flying to Nairobi from Ahmedabad or Mumbai will cut your travel costs by half. From Nairobi, you need to take a 7-hour bus to Moshi.
This option can be cheaper as compared to flying directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) from any of the metro cities in India.
However, you'll need to have a Visa for Kenya as well as Tanzania in this case. So calculate the cost including this and then decide.
Applying for Visa
Getting a Visa for Tanzania is very simple. You can apply for the E-Visa Immigration Online portal. Once filled, it takes about 7-10 days to get the approval. Also, Tanzanian immigration officials allow you to get your Tanzanian visa on arrival (VOA) for Indians.
What We Love About the Kilimanjaro Trek
Know Your Trek
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a high altitude trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Kilimanjaro trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Day 1: Meet the team at Hotel Leopard in Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. If you want our team to help with the transport for additional charges, you can opt for this. You will be picked up from the airport and taken to Hotel Leopard in Moshi, which is about an hour away.
Note: It is better to reach Moshi a day prior to Day 1. This ensures you have enough time to rest after the long flight journey before starting your trek the next day. There are a few nice international backpackers options that you can consider - WeTravel Hostel or Climbers Home are two such recommendations which are close to Hotel Leopard.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is a tourist hub, which is located in the city centre. Once you leave the airport roadway, you will take the right from the airport to head to Moshi. Taking a left will lead you to Arusha, which is the starting point of the famous safaris in Tanzania and home to Mount Meru, the sibling of Mount Kilimanjaro and the second-highest peak.
Once you take the right, you will pass through a couple of villages and towns such as Kwasadala and Weru Weru. Take a seat on the left-hand side if possible to get a first look at the gorgeous Mount Kilimanjaro, when the weather is clear. It stays with you till you reach Moshi township almost an hour later.
You’ll also get to see the neighbouring Mawenzi Peak from Moshi.
As you arrive at the hotel, it is time to put your Swahili speaking skills to the test. Greet the people you meet by using a few phrases you learned in the beginning. They are extremely warm and friendly. They are always ready to lend you a hand, should you need help.
Spend the day exploring Moshi and don’t forget to try their national dish – Ugali (Maize Flour Cake) - accompanied by Maharage (Beans Stew) at any of the restaurants nearby.
You will meet our team in the evening. Be ready for the briefing by the trek leader and mountain guides on this day.
Day 2: Drive from Hotel Leopard to Machame Gate. Trek to Machame Camp
Drive Duration: 55 minutes | Trek Duration: 7 hours | Trek Distance: 11 km
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 3,950 ft (5,950 ft to 9,900 ft)
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until you reach Machame Camp.
The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about an hour. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will pass through the cultivations of Banana, Coffee and many root crops.
The Machame Gate lies about 2 km away from the village, on the south-western foot of Kilimanjaro. The gate is guarded by armed personnel of TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks). They only allow pre-registered tour operators and trekkers to pass once the backpacks are checked and weighed by the authorities. The entire process of registering the names and following the formalities can take about 2-3 hours.
Once this is complete, your trek starts by taking a well-made forest route that leads into the tropical rainforest. After an hour into the forest, you are on a trail which is approximately 4.5 ft wide, leaving behind the wider man-made road. Depending on which season you’re trekking in, the trail will be either wet and slippery or dry and muddy.
Giant trees are surrounded entirely around you as you trek through some lovely sections. Spot some giant ferns and pretty flowers like the luminous orange-red Kilimanjaro Impatiens, which are found only on Kilimanjaro when you are trekking.
About 2 hours of trek later, you’ll arrive at the lunch spot where you’ll have your packed lunch. Rest and recover while you have lunch inside the forest, and continue on the trail that becomes narrower and steeper, winding its way through large trees. You’ll hear the screams of the primates frequently. If you are lucky, you may spot a few Colobus Monkeys swinging about on tall trees. You are sure to miss this setting of the rainforest zone once you cross the next day until the last day of the trek.
The landscape is covered by trees that are almost two metres in diameter, with roots the size of houses. It looks as if the jungle wants to take over the path, which becomes evident as you scramble over roots and trees.
As you trek for about an hour, the scenery changes from damp rainforest into a foggy moorland zone filled with moss-covered Erica heather. One can compare this surreal landscape to the moorlands seen in the “Lord of the Rings” films. These are also called Spanish Beard Moss.
In about 11 km and close to 7 hours of climbing through the forest, you reach the Machame Camp where you’ll rest for the day.
Day 3: Trek from Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Trek Distance: 5 km
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 2,710 ft (9,900 ft to 12,570 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult. Leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
Though today’s trek is not long. It can get challenging as you have to navigate through rocky and steep sections. Exercise caution in exposed areas with deep ravines, and always be firm-footed.
Wake up to a clear view of the snow-covered summit of Kilimanjaro, and continue north-east in the heather zone towards Shira 2 Camp. Soon, the trail becomes steeper and passes through the tall Erica trees on either side of a narrow ridge.
The narrow trail is filled with large boulders and unique rock formations. You’ll either walk or scramble over them. The lava rocks are slippery when wet. Be careful when you hop, skip and jump.
Look back to see the trail you took to reach this point. On a clear day, you’ll see the Machame Camp, all the way to the Machame village in the valley.
Notice the vegetation slowly decreasing, as you trek past black rocks and lava sand on the trail. Carefully navigate the deep gorge along an exposed rock wall as you move forward.
A series of undulating trails later, you take the path that goes northwest through open ground. Around you, occasional Groundsels, Erica Arborea/Tree Heather and Lobelias dot the landscape. Head straight in the west direction on the Shira Plateau towards Shira 2 or New Shira campsite, past the Shira caves.
Once you reach Shira 2 Camp, your day comes to an end. If the weather is good, you’ll get to see Mount Meru, which is about 60 km to the west.
Take a walk in the later part of the evening towards the Shira Cave. You need to enter your name at the forest check post to visit. Later after coming back, just sit back and witness the magic of the alpenglow on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 4: Trek from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Duration: 8 hours
Altitude Gain and Loss: ⇗ 2,590 ft; ⇘ 2,100 ft (12,570 ft to 13,060 ft via 15,160 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult. Continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.
Today is very beneficial in acclimatising you to the altitude. Even though you gain an altitude of over 2,500 ft, you will descend and camp just about 500 ft above the previous day’s altitude. Ascending to a higher altitude and then resting at a lower altitude will help in getting your body acclimatised better.
Your day begins with a panoramic view of Mt Meru, overlooking the valleys between Moshi and Arusha. You can even see the snow-white Kibo Peak if the weather is good.
After a hearty breakfast, continue on the trail towards the Lava Tower. Turn back to see Mt. Meru looming behind and getting smaller. You’ll walk in a desert of black lava sand and many huge boulders that resemble alien rocks from a distant world. You’ll spot a few man-made cairns too along the way.
It is so quiet here that all you hear is the whistling of the wind and your pulse racing. Almost 3 hours later you’ll arrive at the Lava Tower, a 300-foot high lava rock formation. This is your highest point for the day, at 15,160 ft.
From this point onwards, mild symptoms of altitude sickness like lightheadedness may creep in. It is normal as you have gained much altitude in a short period. Take it slow and stick to a very easy pace. The symptoms will ease out as your body acclimatises to the altitude and thin air.
Have a quick lunch before you have a good long descent. Altitude sickness symptoms should subside as you descend towards Barranco Camp from here. You’ll notice the black desert slowly turning into heath and moorland as you approach the Barranco Valley.
Giant Tree Groundsels rise to 30 ft all around you in a grassy landscape. It almost feels like you are walking in some alien land here. The underneath of these groundsels has some cotton-like texture which usually collects water from the air. You’ll also find Everlastings and Lobelias spread across the valley.
About 8 hours into the trek, you have reached today’s goal. Barranco Camp is located on exposed ground, just 5 km below Kibo Peak. The Great Barranco Wall rises across the campsite.
Cold wind blows over Barranco Camp once the sun sets below the western horizon. Brace yourselves for a cold night of below-freezing temperatures, and head to bed early. Get as much sleep as possible as this is the last night to get a good rest before the summit push the following night.
Day 5: Trek from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via Karanga Camp
Duration: 10 hours
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 2,170 ft (13,060 ft to 15,230 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult. Start the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900-foot cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, cross a series of hills and valleys until you descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads to Karanga Camp. You will have your hot lunch at Karanga. After lunch, leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut.
Today’s trek is difficult. The strenuous climb combined with high elevation will test your endurance.
Start the day early. Since Barranco Camp is where trekkers from the Lemosho, Machame, and Umbwe routes converge, there are chances of having a traffic jam while climbing the Great Barranco Wall. An early start will ensure you are over the Barranco Wall and reach Barafu Camp with enough time to rest before your summit push.
The initial 30 minutes are the most strenuous when you start pushing yourself up the Great Barranco Wall through rocks and ledges, scrambling on all fours. It will easily take you about 2 hours to come up the wall. During your brief breaks while climbing, look back at the entire Barranco Valley below you.
Mt Meru still rises above the clouds far ahead of the forested hills of the Umbwe route. It is breathtaking to see the lush green ridges of Kilimanjaro from this point.
Once you are up the wall, a stony plateau with a spectacular view of Kibo awaits you. You’ll see the three south-facing glaciers of Kibo – Heim, Kersten, and Decken – much better and much closer than any other point on the trek.
A series of steep descents and ascents continues for the next 3-4 hours until you descend to Karanga Camp. Have your lunch here and much-needed rest after a tiresome trek. While you rest, don’t forget to catch a view of the grand Rebmann Glacier on the south-eastern slopes of Kibo.
Barafu Camp is only about 3-4 hours from here. After a good lunch, make your way through rocky terrain. Moorland scenery slowly turns into a rocky, inhospitable stone desert with millions of black and grey blocks of stone. The landscape is dominated by lava rocks and gravel.
On top of the natural rocks, man-made cairns of different shapes and sizes add to the otherworldly feeling while walking through this landscape.
Barafu Camp is located on uneven, hard ground where you’ll rest and recover for your big night ahead. Take in as many calories as you can before catching some sleep, because you are going to need all the energy to climb to the summit.
Tomorrow (at midnight, to be precise or even slightly earlier), you’ll start the summit push to Uhuru Peak.
Day 6: Trek from Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp or Millenium Camp via Uhuru Peak
Duration: 14 hours
Altitude Gain and Loss: ⇗ 4,011 ft; ⇘ 9,251 ft (15,330 ft to 10,090 ft via 19,341 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult. Start the summit push at midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging section of the trek. Near Stella Point, you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Descend from Uhuru Peak, and continue straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees. In the evening, enjoy the last dinner on Mount Kilimanjaro and a well-earned sleep.
Start your trek around midnight after a hot, wholesome meal which is your source of energy for the longest day of the trek. Though Uhuru Peak is just 5 km away, the relentless ascent of 4,000 ft at extreme altitude, bearing bitter-cold temperatures makes the climb the hardest of all trek days combined.
It is a straight ascent on the ridge filled with ice and scree. During other seasons, you will have dry dusty lava sand to navigate. Since you start the trek in the dark, exercise caution and be surefooted at all times.
Important Note: There are high chances for even the fittest trekker to show signs of AMS. If your body is not doing good or showing symptoms of AMS, then it is very important for you to take the call of descending down. Going up and gaining altitude is a bad choice. It can even be life-threating and taking a risk which you should not.
As you climb up, one step at a time, you’ll start seeing daylight approaching from the eastern horizon, on your right. You should be at Stella Point, the first contact of the Kibo crater rim in time for sunrise.
Spend some time here taking a breather and waiting for the sun to come up. After a hard climb, the sunrise that you see takes away your breath and the scenery stays etched in your mind for years to come. The colours in the sky change from jet black to a beautiful fiery red and turn into a Tangerine Orange. This sight will take you back the memory lane of why you are here and taking up this trek.
From Stella Point, the tremendous Rebmann Glacier stands tall on your left. You’ll see different colours of sun rays passing through the glacier before the sun is too high.
Walk on the crater rim for another kilometre to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent. A few signboards at the Peak congratulate you on your tough journey to the top of Africa.
Click invaluable pictures and take in the scenery around you with a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
If you reach Uhuru Peak early, make your way to the Reusch Ash Pit, which is the tip of the volcano before you start the descent from Stella Point.
Note: Plan your trek to Reusch Ash Pit only if you have enough time on hand, and only if your Trek Leader allows you to go ahead, based on the weather conditions. You would have already been exhausted by this point in time. It easily takes more than 2 hours to go to the pit and be back.
Start the descent early as exposing yourself to harsh weather conditions above 19,000 ft can be extremely dangerous. Return along the crater rim, back to Stella Point and downhill past the gigantic Rebmann Glacier. You’ll start seeing the route that you had taken in the dark.
About 4 hours of descent through the same dusty and rocky terrain brings you to Barafu Camp. Have your lunch here and get some much-needed rest before heading further down to either the Mweka Camp or Millenium Camp.
As you descend to Mweka Camp, you’ll notice the landscape changing from the desert full of rock, sand and gravel, to heath and moorlands filled with grass and bushes. You feel good to be back amidst the lush green setting.
Almost 6 hours after the start from Barafu Camp, you finally reach Mweka Camp where you will end the most tiresome day of your trek. Have a hearty dinner and retire on your last camping night on Mount Kilimanjaro.
If your trek leader plans on not heading all the way down to Mweka Camp, then you have a new campsite called Millenium Camp. This campsite is much better in terms of views and for the trekkers' experience. However, it would be at a higher altitude (12,450 feet). This also means descending about 2,000 feet more to reach Mweka Gate the next day.
Note: This call is usually taken depending on how the team is fairing (in terms of physical, morale and dynamics of what is better considering the entire group)
Day 7: Trek from Mweka Camp to Mweka Village. Drive back to Moshi
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Drive Duration: 1 hour
Altitude Loss: ⇘ 4,710 (10,090 ft to 5,380 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. On the last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, continue for another hour to Mweka Village. Our vehicle will pick you up at Mweka Village to drive you back to Hotel Leopard in Moshi.
The long and hard trekking days are behind you. After the much-needed rest, get ready to descend through well-laid out forest trails and wooden bridges over gushing streams that originate from the glaciers of Kilimanjaro.
As you make your way down, you’ll start hearing animal voices and the sounds of hornbillls echoing through the rainforest. It feels as if you hadn’t heard the sound for ages. In a couple of hours, you’ll start seeing children gathering firewood for their homes. This is the sign that Mweka Gate is not so far away.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you need to enter the details of your climb along with your registered guide in a records book. Collect your summit certificates and make your way to Mweka Village, which is 2 km away.
Your pick-up vehicle will be waiting at the village which will take you to Moshi. Your trek to Mount Kilimanjaro with Indiahikes ends here.
Upon arrival in Moshi and post your debriefing, you are free to roam around and carry on with your plans of either visiting the Safari or the sandy beaches of Zanzibar to make the most out of your visit to Tanzania.
Day 8: Return from Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Today is the day you bid adieu to Tanzania and head back to the airport.
If you plan to explore Tanzania further, our local coordinator will help you plan you're itinerary after Day 8.
Head over to the "How to Reach" and "Nearby Places to Visit" sections to plan an extended itinerary after your trek to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Difficult | Level 3
Suitable for Experienced Trekkers
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider a number of factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather, etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
Here, we rate Mount Kilimanjaro as a ‘difficult level 3’ trek. It is a very high altitude trek that takes you beyond 19,000 ft. The trek climbs rapidly and your safety depends a lot on the preparation you put in for the trek.
The trek is long and strenuous. Having prior experience trekking in the high altitudes helps in accustoming you to hardship. Having know-how about Acute Mountain Sickness, HAPE and HACE greatly help in dealing with altitude issues you may face on the trek.
Safety on the Kilimanjaro Trek
Amongst our very high altitude treks (treks that go over 15,000 feet), the Kilimanjaro trek poses a certain amount of risk. There are tricky sections throughout as you walk on slippery, muddy, rocky, bouldery, scree-laden terrain on all days of the trek.
Being a very high altitude trek, the Kilimanjaro trek does have some sections you need to be careful about. We discuss them here:
1. Forced ascents on all days of the trek, except Day 7
Unlike any of our high altitude treks, the Kilimanjaro trek has heavy ascents on all days, except the last day. This puts tremendous pressure on your body and there is not enough time to acclimatise.
Without prior high altitude trek experience, acclimatising to these rough conditions is quite impossible. Having done a couple of very high altitude treks is the only way to summit Mount Kilimanjaro without getting hit by altitude sickness.
We strongly advise you to go on a preventive course of Diamox from the day you start the trek, till the day you descend to Mweka Village.
2. Rocks, boulders, and scree above 12,500 ft
After Shira 2 Camp, you’ll have to navigate your way through rough terrain till you reach Uhuru Peak and come down to the rainforest zone. Every day poses the risk of slips and falls if you are not careful with foot placement and balance.
While a pair of trekking poles come in handy, it ultimately depends on how nimble and surefooted you are when negotiating these tricky sections.
3. The climb to Uhuru Peak
Undoubtedly the most difficult part of the trek is the strenuous ascent to Uhuru Peak. What makes it so tricky is the fact that you’ll start the trek in pitch dark, and navigate the notoriously scree-laden and icy terrain using only your headlamps.
Add to that the steep ascent of 4,000 ft in just 5 km, and the combination is a sure-shot recipe for trouble. Be extremely careful during the ascent and follow the instructions of your Indiahikes Trek Leader on how to navigate the notoriously tricky terrain.
4. The descent from Stella Point to Mweka Camp
Soon after the ascent to Uhuru Peak, you’ll start your descent from Stella Point, all the way to Mweka Camp. And this is a whopping 10,000 ft of a relentless, steep descent.
The steep ascent would have knocked the wind out of you already. On top of that, you must descend so deep into the rainforest in one shot.
If your body, especially your legs is not properly trained for Mount Kilimanjaro, you are going to struggle throughout the trek. Hence, preparation is key to successfully summiting the mountain with very less or no injuries.
Mount Kilimanjaro climbs very rapidly. The trek takes you to the top of the African continent.
You gain about 14,000 ft and descend 14,000 ft in just five days. This rapid increase in altitude along with the strain of the trek makes trekkers very susceptible to AMS, HAPE, and HACE.
In case you feel sick or not at ease, do not ignore it or take it lightly. Attend to your uneasiness and take curative measures. Check oxygen levels, go on a curative course of Diamox, drink water, and rest. If you do not feel normal after a few hours or overnight, do not proceed further on the trek.
Safety Advice: As the Mount Kilimanjaro trek has a high risk of AMS, HAPE, and HACE, understand these forms of altitude sickness, their causes, signs, and symptoms well before stepping foot on the trek. Going on a preventive course of Diamox before you start the trek, and continuing it till you descend to the last camp greatly helps in dealing with high altitude sickness.
While on the trek if you experience any symptoms of AMS even in the slightest start taking steps to treat the sickness.
Here’s a Complete Guide to Acute Mountain Sickness, HAPE and HACE:
1. What Is Altitude Sickness? A Quick Look At AMS, HAPE And HACE
2. How To Treat Altitude Sickness – AMS, HAPE, & HACE
3. How To Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), HAPE and HACE
4. 3 Life-Saving Drugs You MUST Have To Tackle Altitude Sickness – AMS, HAPE and HACE
Weather plays a big role in your safety on the trek. Here are some of the weather-related issues that can play an important role in your Kilimanjaro trek.
At altitudes above 12,000 ft, snowfall can happen anytime. A spell of rain on the lower slopes almost usually leads to light or heavy snow in the upper regions.
It can rain or snow abruptly at any time at such high altitudes. A rainfall or snowfall that lasts more than an hour can change your trek plans. Rain can flood the rainforest trails or make them too slushy to walk safely on. Some normal sections can become very slippery.
On the Kilimanjaro trek, snowfall is a distinct possibility after Shira 2 Camp. Especially in April and May or towards the end of October. Snowfall can obstruct previously made paths. This means fresh tracks have to be cut on the snow.
Emergency Exits: Medical Emergencies can strike on any trek. The key to dealing with them lies in knowing your exit points. Know how to get out and reach the nearest hospital quickly.
On the Kilimanjaro trek, your best bet is to descend to Machame Gate if you have not crossed the Great Barranco Wall. If you are deep inside the trek, after Karanga, your only option is to descend to Mweka Gate. It easily takes a day.
Closest Hospitals: In case of a medical emergency, the closest hospital is the Machame Hospital in Machame Village, if you’re descending from Machame Gate or the Kibosho Hospital in Mweka Village. If you need serious medical attention, head to Moshi for better facilities.
Due to Mount Kilimanjaro's proximity to the equator, this region does not experience the extremes of winter and summer weather, but rather dry and wet seasons. Therefore, the best time to climb Kilimanjaro tends to be the warmest and driest months.
The primary issue is safety, as the risks associated with climbing increase significantly when the weather is foul. The effects of rain, mud, snow, ice, and cold can be very strenuous on the body. Correspondingly, your chances of a successful summit also increase significantly with nice weather.
On Mount Kilimanjaro, the most favourable months to trek would be July, August, September, and October. Some trekkers prefer to do the trek in January and February as these are the warmest months of the year.
The period of March to May is the rainy period where clouds tend to pile up and over the summit, dropping snow on top and rain at the base. Visibility can be limited by the cold cover end when no rain falls. The cold and dry season starts from June to the end of July.
Mount Kilimanjaro in July, August and September
July and August are the coldest months in Kilimanjaro. Barring the cold, these months are ideal to do the trek as the chances of rainfall/snowfall are less, and there is no cloud cover. September is also a month that tends to be cool and has clear days.
This means you will get crystal clear views of the mountain and its surroundings, while having a favourable terrain to trek, without the mud and slush during rains. Usually, a dripping cloud belt girdles the mountain above the forest and moorland.
These months are also the busiest when lots of trekkers flock to Mount Kilimanjaro. The summit can be totally clear and the successful trekker looks down on a vast sea of clouds with distant mountain peas poking through like islands.
The minimum temperature is -20 °C at the summit, and the maximum temperature is 21 °C at the start of the trek in these months.
Mount Kilimanjaro in October to December
October to February is the shorter rainy period. It often has thunderstorms that pass over the mountains, dropping rain as they go. Typically, the clouds disappear in the evening leaving the nights and mornings clear with excellent visibility.
Mount Kilimanjaro in January, February
January and February are usually dry, warm and clear with brief rainshowers. These months are also considered to be good months for trekkers to climb Kilimanjaro.
The minimum temperature is -15 °C at the summit, and the maximum temperature is 26 °C at the start of the trek in these months.
Flying to Moshi
If you’re flying from India to Kilimanjaro International Airport, the best way to reach is to book your flights from Delhi. In our experience, we have noticed that international flights from Delhi are a lot cheaper than flying directly from other metro cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Mumbai.
If Delhi is not your hometown, choose to fly or travel domestically to Delhi and fly out to Kilimanjaro from there. Plan to reach Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in the first half of Day 1 of your trek itinerary. Reaching any earlier than this is not recommended. But if you do reach a day earlier, the cost of travel and accommodation on that day is not covered by Indiahikes.
Once you reach Kilimanjaro International Airport, your transfer to Hotel Leopard in Moshi and back is arranged by Indiahikes. You do not have to pay extra for your travel and accommodation on Day 1.
Returning from Moshi
After your trek ends at Mweka Village, you are free to roam around Tanzania upon reaching Moshi.
If you have enough time on hand, and if you prefer to travel locally, there are local buses (dala dalas), auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks), and motorbike taxis (Boda Bodas) available to travel locally. Since the locals speak the Swahili language, your language will be put to test if you’re planning to travel locally.
Dala Dalas will take you around the city or intercity only. Normal buses are available if you want to travel long distances, say to Dar-es-Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, and a major tourist hub. The journey will cost you US$ 15 (35,000 Tanzanian Shillings). The same bus journey to a nearby destination, say Arusha will cost you US$ 2.
You can try taking a Boda Boda to travel around Moshi if you are adventurous. Remember, it is quite risky, and you’ll have to ask the rider to slow down frequently.
Note: The National Currency of Tanzania is Tanzanian Shillings (INR 1 is approximately 30.50 Tanzanian Shillings). It is the most widely accepted currency in local restaurants and public transport buses/vans. It is recommended that you transact in Tanzanian Shillings when travelling locally.
If you are short on time, you can ask our local coordinator to make the travel arrangements for you by letting them know your itinerary. They will be obliged to do so.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original Passport. This is required by the National Park authorities for your identification.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport. This is required by the National Park authorities for your identification.
- Medical and Disclaimer certificate. There are two sections to this. One is to be filled by a practicing doctor and the second is filled by you. The disclaimer certificate is a legal requirement.
Download the PDF, read carefully, print it back to back, and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during the registration at the base camp. This is a requirement by both the forest department and Indiahikes – Download the PDF
Note: Please carry the above document with you. The document needs to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed, and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp. Please print these back-to-back on two sheets. Do not print separately and help in reducing paper usage.
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet. Please note there might not be any no facility to get printouts and photocopies at Machame.
1. Trekking Shoes:
Mount Kilimanjaro trek requires sturdy trekking shoes, good grip, ankle support, and can handle snow. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.
| Buying Tip: The Trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.
2. Backpack:
For a trek like Kilimanjaro, you need a 50-60 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support, and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.
| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon, and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from.
3. Clothes:
Wearing layers is the mantra in the mountains. Layers give you maximum protection from all elements. And when the weather changes in the mountains (as it happens every few hours), you take off or put on layers as required.
Base Layer:
3 T-shirts:
Wear one T-shirt and carry two. Carry full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared). These prevent your arms and neck from getting sunburnt. In the rarified air on the trek, especially at high altitudes, UV rays can burn you in no time.
Dry-fit T-shirts quickly dry your sweat, they are easy to wash and in case of a rainy day, they dry quicker. Round neck T-shirts are ok, but collared ones are better.
| Buying Tip: You can get dry-fit T-shirts from Decathlon. Also, stores like Reliance Trends and Max have dry-fit T-shirts. They don’t usually cost much.
| Cotton or Synthetic? As Indians, we love cotton. Down in the plains when the heat is blistering 40 °C it makes sense to wear cotton. But it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet. In the mountains, where it is cooler, synthetic is what you wear. They wick sweat rapidly and keep you dry. (But they do tend to smell quickly, so carry a roll-on deodorant with you.)
| Pro Tip: If you are extra susceptible to cold, you could get a set of thermal inners. In our experience, wearing two T-shirts over another works as a better thermal. And they save you weight and space since you’re already carrying them.
3 Insulation Layers:
The highest altitude you reach on this trek is 13,200 ft. At these altitudes, it can get cold even in the middle of summer. You will need at least 3 insulation layers for this trek.
You will need 2 light fleece layers and 1 full-sleeve light sweater. Do not get your grandma-stitched sweaters, which can be very heavy. You need sweaters and fleece jackets that can fold into compact rolls.
1 Outer Layer:
A padded jacket serves the purpose here. You don’t need a water-resistant material. But you need an outer padded jacket that keeps the wind and cold out. Ensure your padded jacket has a hood as well.
| Do you need a down/feather jacket? Not really. A regular padded/shell jacket will do. This video here will help you to learn more about the difference.
Note: Down/feather jackets are not available these days. Many jackets masquerade as down/feather jackets. They are essentially fine polyester-filled jackets. They mimic the function of a down jacket but are usually expensive.
Two Trek Pants:
Two pairs of trek pants should suffice for this trek. Wear one pair and carry two just in case it rains. Trek pants with zippered cut-offs at the thighs are very suitable for treks. Also, choose quick-dry pants over cotton. They dry up soon in case of small stream crossings/rain.
| Buying Tip: Go for pants with zippered pockets. They come in handy to keep your phone, handkerchief, or pocket snacks.
| Track Pants or Trek Pants? Stretchable track pants make a good backup and can double up as your thermal bottoms. But track pants are not trekking pants -- so don’t use them as your main outerwear. Keep them only as a backup.
Mandatory Accessories, without these too you won’t be able to do the trek.
These accessories are mandatory. Don’t go to Mount Kilimanjaro without them. Trekkers generally put off purchasing / borrowing the accessories for the last minute. We suggest the opposite. Start gathering these accessories first.
1. Sunglasses:
Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. On a trek like Kilimanjaro, expect to walk on long stretches of snow. A small overexposure to direct sunlight on snow can lead to snow blindness (about a half hour’s exposure). That’s because fallen snow is like thousands of mirrors that reflect direct UV rays. So you need sunglasses with UV protection.
| Tip: Try getting sunglasses that wrap around instead of those that have openings on the side. Even peripheral UV ray exposure is not a good idea.
Wear sunglasses if the trekking day is bright and sunny (on open sections, meadows). On a snowy section, you must never take off your sunglasses until the section has been fully crossed.
| If you wear spectacles: If you wear spectacles, you can get oversized sunglasses that you wear over your regular glasses (available at Decathlon). If that is cumbersome, photochromic lenses work equally well. Here’s a quick guide on managing sunglasses with spectacles.
| Contact lens users: If you use contact lenses, you can use them on the trek too. The lens solution will not freeze. You will also not face any problems in changing your lens in your tent. Just carry enough cleaning solution with you to clean your fingers well. Wear your sunglasses over your contact lens.
2. Sun Cap:
A sun cap is mandatory. Trekking without a sun cap can lead to headaches, sunstrokes, quick dehydration, and a sharp drop in trekking performance.
| Tip: In the mountains, the general rule is to keep your head covered at all times. During the day a sun cap protects you from the harsh rays of the sun (it is doubly stronger with naked UV rays). A sun cap keeps your body temperature in balance. In the evening/early morning, the reverse is true. Your head loses your body heat quickly. A woollen cap prevents heat from dissipating from your head.
| Pro Tip: Sun caps with flaps are a blessing for trekkers. They cut out almost all UV leaks. They prevent sunburns in every possible way. They are a lot more effective than sunscreen lotion. A wide-brimmed sports hat also helps to prevent sunburn in a big way.
3. Synthetic Hand Gloves:
On a trek like Kilimanjaro, you are going to be handling snow quite a bit. If you're trekking in early July You’ll need gloves to grip something or to steady yourself in snow. You also want the gloves to keep you warm.
Get synthetic hand gloves that have waterproofing on the outside and a padded lining on the inside. If you find the combination difficult to get (not likely), wear a tight-fitting fleece hand glove inside a synthetic hand glove. Hand gloves are mandatory on this trek. These are also very useful when it rains to keep your hands dry and warm.
4. Woollen Cap or Balaclava:
Ensure these cover your ears. In the cold mountains, you lose maximum heat from your head, not from your hands, feet or the rest of your body. This is why you need to keep your head protected, especially when the sun is down. Early mornings, late evenings, and a cold trekking day are when you must use your woollen cap.
Your ears are sensitive too, so a woollen head cap that covers your ears is essential. A balaclava is a modern version of the woollen cap. It covers your ears, neck and parts of your face as well. Do not get a woollen cap that only covers your head.
5. Socks (3 Pairs):
Apart from two sports socks, take a pair of woollen socks. Sports socks give you cushioning plus warmth. Again the mantra is to wear synthetic socks or at least a synthetic blend. Cotton socks soak in water and sweat. They are very hard to dry. As for woollen socks, they help you to keep warm and snug at night. If you cannot get woollen socks, wearing two sports socks serves the purpose as well.
6. Headlamp:
Trekkers are often confused about whether they need to get a headlamp or a handheld torch. You need to get a headlamp because it leaves your hands free to do other activities. On the Kilimanjaro trek, you’ll need your hands free to wash dishes and hold your trek poles.
| Buying Tip: Ensure your headlamp covers a wider area and is not too focused as a single beam. On a trek, your headlamp must help you see around you as much as ahead of you.
7. Trekking Pole (A Pair):
Trekking poles give you stability and balance. They reduce your energy consumption by almost 40%. On the Mount Kilimanjaro trek, there are steep ascents and descents. A pair of trekking poles will make the difference between a comfortable and a strenuous trek. In India, we tend to use a single trekking pole. However, two trekking poles give you greater stability and balance. They also increase your walking pace.
8. Rainwear:
On a trek, the weather can change quickly. A bright sunny day can turn into a downpour in a matter of minutes. Carry a poncho or a rain jacket to tackle this. A poncho is a big rain cover with openings for your arms and your head. It is extremely effective because it covers both you and your backpack. It is extremely light and weighs next to nothing.
Rain jackets are more streamlined and less cumbersome but weigh more. Rain pants are not required. Dry fit trek pants dry quickly even if soaking wet.
9. Rain cover for your backpack:
Backpacks are your life. You carry all your dry clothes and your warm gear in your backpack. Your backpack must stay dry at all times. Modern backpacks usually come with built-in rain covers. If your backpack does not have a rain cover, ensure you get a rain cover by either (a) buying a rain cover or (b) or cutting a large plastic sheet to the size of your backpack. You can roll the plastic sheet around your backpack and keep it in place with a string or elastic.
| Pro Tip: It's good practice to compartmentalise your clothes, accessories, and other things in plastic covers inside your backpack. That way, even if it rains and your backpack gets wet, your things are water-proof inside the backpack.
10. Daypack (20-30 ltrs, optional):
Some trekkers opt to offload their bags to a porter on the Kilimanjaro trek. While we do not encourage this practice, in case you opt for offloading, then carrying a daypack is mandatory. In your daypack, you carry essentials like water bottles, rainwear, emergency medicines, a headlamp, some snacks and a warm layer. Your main backpack that carries most of your equipment is accessible only at the campsites.
A day pack is a smaller backpack that is usually of 20-30 ltr capacity. Laptop bags are not daypacks. Do not get them.
Other Mandatory Requirements
1. A Toilet Kit:
Keep your toilet kit light. Carry just the basics -- toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, toilet tissue roll, a small moisturiser, lip balm, and a roll-on deodorant. You will not be able to have a bath on the trek, so don’t overload on soaps and shampoos.
| Pro Tip: Carry miniature-sized items. You will not need more than that. If you’re travelling in a group, share one toothpaste for all.
Avoid getting large toilet rolls. The smallest size roll is more than enough for a trek like Kilimanjaro.
| For Women: If you are likely to have your periods on your trek date, don’t worry about it. You can use your pads, tampons or menstrual cups on the trek. There will be toilet tents where you can get changed. Make sure you carry ziplock bags to bring back your menstrual waste. Don’t leave behind any waste in the mountains. Watch this video to learn how to dispose of your sanitary waste.
2. Cutlery:
Carry a lunch box, a mug, and a spoon. Your lunch box must be leakproof. You are expected to wash your cutlery. Trekkers often expect Indiahikes to wash their cutlery. When you allow Indiahikes to wash your cutlery, your cutlery becomes part of a mass washing system. You immediately invite germs, and bacteria to settle on your cutlery. The incidence of stomach disorders rises exponentially.
| Pro Tip: Carry stainless steel cutlery. Avoid fancy high-grade plastic cutlery. Stainless steel cutlery is infinitely easier to wash in cold water. Grease is easier to remove and hygiene is at its highest. Watch this video on why steel cutlery is better than plastic.
3. Two 1 Litre Bottles or a 2 Litre Hydration Pack:
Mount Kilimanjaro has long walking days. You need to carry two one-litre water bottles to keep yourself hydrated over the distance. If you are used to a hydration pack, then that is ok too. If one among the two bottles is a lightweight thermos, then that helps you to store warm water on a really cold day or for late evenings and early mornings.
4. Plastic Covers:
Carry 3-4 old plastic covers to keep your used clothes. You could use them even for wet clothes. Re-use old plastic bags for this and do not buy new ones.
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have complete knowledge about them.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Mweka Gate. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Kilimanjaro trek.
- Dexamethasone (1 Strip): This is part of the Life Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your Trek Leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- Nifedipine (5 tablets): Again part of the Life-Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your Trek Leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a Combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our Trek Leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 10 km in under 60 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start jogging at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot run 10 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to run 10 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 10 km in less than 60 mins.
- You must be able to run 10 km in 60 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.
Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.
Strength training tips:
How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Why fitness matters:
Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek.
At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking.
You can climb any month of the year. At lower elevations, April, May, and November are quite wet while March and June are transitional months. August and September are the coldest and driest months. January, February, July, August, September, and October are all popular climbing months.
We can measure each day in walking hours rather than kilometres. Most days, other than the summit day, will begin with breakfast around 6:30 AM and departure at 7.00 AM. You will walk four to five hours with a break for lunch followed by another hour or two of trekking in the afternoon. These days are not long or difficult and you will be advised to walk pole, pole (Swahili for slowly, slowly).
Most groups will start for the summit on the ascent day from around 11.00 PM to midnight, depending on the perceived fitness of the group, the weather, and the route. The pre-dawn hours are ideal to start the ascent to the summit as it is cold but also calm and clear. It is rare to find cloudy weather at the summit at dawn any time of year and at dawn, you have the best view.
On the other hand, if you leave early in the morning, it could be very windy and the ascent becomes more difficult. The ascent day is long, so it is better to start early and walk slowly. It can take up to 15 hours to reach the summit and descend to the camp for that night.
You will have enough drinkable water during the trek. To keep your body functioning normally, we recommend you bring two bottles and use tablets to purify water if you’re not comfortable drinking natural water. We use the traditional boiling method to purify water at the camps and is safe for drinking.
Yes, you will have to obtain your Visa in advance or on arrival in Tanzania at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. If you’re obtaining Visa on arrival, it will cost you US$ 50 for citizens of all nationalities except for Americans, which cost US$ 100.
The best thing when travelling is to have a Forex Card from your bank if you are travelling abroad. It works very similarly to a Debit Card and you can withdraw the local currency with minimal charges.
Also, it is better to withdraw one big chunk instead of multiple withdrawals from the ATMs.
Most of the expenses will be done in Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). Right from the stay, travel, food, souvenirs and major local expenditure will take place using this currency. Between 1,00,000 TSH to 1,50,000 TSH is good for a two-day budget to stay, food and expenditure.
If you are planning to travel post your trek to a Safari, then USD will work.
Why Trekking With Indiahikes Is Different
People have always told us that trekking with us is different. That it is not just about the trek.
In fact, our trekkers go as far as to tell us that it is a life-changing experience. They feel a renewed sense of confidence, they feel more inclined towards sustainable living, and they even feel independent enough to trek on their own. As our founder, Arjun Majumdar, says, "It's almost like seeing two different people before and after the trek."
This is what makes trekking with Indiahikes different. The experience is designed in such a way that it has a deep impact on trekkers. Our Trek Leaders are trained in experience facilitation, to ensure that trekkers take the best out of being in the outdoors. This is why trekkers love trekking with Indiahikes.
Green Trails
Leaving mountains better than we find them
At Indiahikes, we focus on bringing in new practices that can reduce our impact on the environment. This is done through constant R&D. Once these new practices are implemented we focus on achieving the results consistently on all our treks. You will see this as part of our G6 practices.
Golden 1: Green Sweep - Clean the trail of visible litter. We have collected more than 1,00,000 kgs of waste since 2016.
Golden 2: Segregation At Source - Segregate all waste collected so that we do not add all this waste to the landfill. We have diverted 50% of the waste from landfill through segregation
Golden 3: Food Composting - All our kitchen waste is composted into useful humus for the mountain soil. All food waste is either eaten by mules or composted at source.
Golden 4: Biotoilets - All our human waste is composted at source through our specially designed dry toilet pits.
Golden 5: Water efficient dispenser - We have reduced our waste used per trekker by 70% through specially designed water dispenser systems.
Golden 6: Save energy - We use solar panels for our energy use at our campsites. We are also in the process of redesigning our stove and menu to reduce the amount of gas used on our treks.
Do not be surprised to see a few of these elements of Eco Bags and the process of Segregation coming up on the trails of Kilimanjaro Trek because of our presence.
Our trekkers are a big part of us keeping our promise to leave the mountains better than we found them.
- Indiahikes trekkers do not carry anything that can harm the environment - be it wet wipes, or any packaged food on the trek. In fact they practice a zero waste trek.
- Indiahikes trekkers do not buy any packaged food in the dhabas on the trek - they do not take part in feeding the demand for packaged food
- Indiahikes trekkers clean the trails of waste using the eco bag as part of the Green Sweep Initiattive
- Indiaihikes trekkers carry their own backpack on the trek. They do not offload unless absolutely necessary
- Indiahikes trekkers do not pee/poop near any water source
- Indiahikes trekkers do not stray away from the marked trail
Trekkers who sign up with us pledge to follow these practices. When you sign up with us, you do too.
Everything you do on a trek creates an impact. The trail you trek on, the water you use, the waste you generate, how you poop, how you cook, what you eat — everything has an impact. The higher the impact, the greater the damage to the environment.
Yet, when done sustainably, trekking is one of the most environment-friendly sports.
When you trek with Indiahikes, you trek to leave the mountains better than we found them. This is part of our Green Trails promise.
Kilimanjaro Videos
Listen to what trekkers have to share about Kilimanjaro Trek
Travel Hacks
Know how to manage your Money
The best thing when travelling is to have a Forex Card from your bank if you are travelling abroad. It works very similarly to a Debit Card and you can withdraw the local currency with minimal charges.
Also, it is better to withdraw one big chunk instead of multiple withdrawals from the ATMs.
Most of the expenses will be done in Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). Right from the stay, travel, food, souvenirs and major local expenditure will take place using this currency. Between 1,00,000 TSH to 1,50,000 TSH is good for a two-day budget to stay, food and expenditure.
If you are planning to travel post your trek to a Safari, then USD will work.
Nearby Places to Visit after your Kilimanjaro Trek
Tanzania offers multiple options if you are planning to travel post your trek.
1. Materuni Waterfalls: Materuni waterfalls, also known as Nambe (meaning ‘first-born’ in Swahili) waterfalls are located just 15 km from Moshi. It is named so because it is the first waterfall that drops down from the slopes of Kilimanjaro. This is good for a day visit and also for getting a short experience into the coffee culture and trying out the local cuisine.
2. Chemka (Kikuletwa) Hotsprings: After a hard trek like Kilimanjaro, dipping into the hot springs just an hour away from Moshi is rejuvenating! This hidden gem in Moshi has crystal clear water. You can see the bottom of this natural pool just by standing on the ladder.
3. Safaris inside National Parks: There are more than 16 national parks in Tanzania. Home to the Great Migration, Serengeti is one of the famous national parks to go on Safaris. This 15,000 sq km park is full of wildlife. Wildebeest, Lions, Cheetahs, and Leopards call Serengeti their home.
Prior reservation is necessary to visit most of these national parks.
If you find Serengeti to be expensive, then going at least to the Ngorongoro crater is something we would recommend. It is almost like watching National Geographic or Animal Planet Live.
4. Lake Chala: Lake Chala or Challa is a crater lake bordering Tanzania and Kenya. It is 50 km away from Moshi. It is a 4-kilometre-wide lake with a depth of more than 300 ft. The lake is fed by the underground springs from Mount Kilimanjaro.
5. Zanzibar Archipelago: Zanzibar is an archipelago in Tanzania, off the coast of East Africa. The white sand beaches and many islands are perfect to relax after your trek.
Reaching Serengeti is a long journey of about 480 km. Likewise, you’ll have to travel 600 km from Moshi to reach Zanzibar.
So consider these options if you’re planning to stay in Tanzania for at least 3-4 days or more after your trek.
Must Have Food in Tanzania
With meat being a high consumption in the country, a lot of people ask about the options for Vegetarians.
The good thing is there is plenty of options for Vegetarians and even Vegans to enjoy. A lot of these dishes are very similar to Indian dishes and seem very familiar, almost like our cousins. Many of the vegetables and fruits are common to our land.
Here are some of the local veg food that you must try:
Maharagwe (Rice with kidney beans in Coconut milk, similar to our Rajma Chawal)
Ugali (Stiff maize flour porridge, similar to Upma)
Chips Mayai (French Fries with Egg/Omelette)
A few words to know
We have put together a few Swahili words and phrases that are fun to learn. Try interacting with the locals with these:
Jambo – Hello
Jina langu ni… – My name is...
Habari yako? – How are you?
Powa - All good
Tafadhali – Please
Asante – Thank you
Choo – Toilet
Nimechoka – I’m tired
Kitamu! – Tasty!
Habari Za Asubuhi (Pronounced as Asuboy) - Good morning
Lala Salama – Good night
Kwa heri – Goodbye (to one person)
Kwa herini – Goodbye (to more than one person)
Other Treks Like Mount Kilimanjaro
9 Days
.
Difficult | Level 3
Warwan Valley Trek
8 Days
.
Difficult | Level 3
Bali Pass Trek
7 Days
.
Difficult | Level 1
PANGARCHULLA PEAK TREK
Warwan Valley Trek
The Most Adventurous Trek in Kashmir
9 Days
Difficult | Level 3
Bali Pass Trek
A Grand Pass Crossing High on Adventure
8 Days
Difficult | Level 3
PANGARCHULLA PEAK TR...
A Challenging Summit Climb High on Adventure
7 Days
Difficult | Level 1
Sign up for our much loved Weekly Mailer
We have terrific trekking tips, trek updates and trek talks to look forward to