Trekking - Frequently Asked Questions

Which route is best for me? This depends on your level of fitness and the time you've alotted for the climb. Marangu is the easiest route and also the shortest. The other routes are more arduous with the Unbwe route being the most difficult. As a happy medium, we would recommend Machame, Lemosho or Rongai. How should I physically prepare for my Climb? Kilimanjaro is considered by many to be the easiest high mountain to climb. However, the altitude of 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) is still extremely high and proper preparation is essential. It is helpful to engage in aerobic exercise a few times a week for two months prior to the climb. Also, it is absolutely essential that you understand the causes and symptoms of altitude sickness before beginning the trek. Be sure to read the Altitude Sickness Information page before planning your trip. What Is Your Success Rate for Summiting? Our success rates are phenomenal in relation to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top. Our success rate (reaching Uhuru Peak) is over 95% overall and over 98% on our 9-day Western Route. The average on the entire mountain is less than 50%. Our Kilimanjaro program is designed for success and safety, which is purely a factor of dedication, experience, and a commitment to providing the best services. How Fit Do I Need to Be? Though many deem Kilimanjaro "easily accessible", it is the most underestimated mountain in the world. The trails themselves do not require technical mountaineering skill, yet the effects of altitude consistently turn back many trekkers from Kibo's upper slopes. Altitude sickness is an ambiguous phenomenon, and it is nearly impossible to predict how and when it will affect you. You don't need to be an athlete to climb this mountain, but you certainly need determination and willpower. You'll also need to commit yourself to a physical training regimen. We recommend a varied physical routine to include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (not necessarily at high altitude), simply to familiarize your body with the rigors and nuances of being on the trail. Generally, all things constant, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. What if I can’t make it to the Top? There are many wonders on Kilimanjaro, and the experience is rewarding even for those who never reach the top. If one or more members of a group decide they cannot continue, or if a guide deems it unsafe for an individual (or a group) to continue, they are escorted (laterally or downward) to the most convenient campsite or hut. Our guides intimately know the network of shortcuts to escort climbers to safety, and they are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstance. How Qualified Are Eco Tours' Guides? Each of Eco Tours' guides has summiting Mount Kilimanjaro over 100 times and over 8 years of experience. They receive lots of training from us on a regular basis. Their English is excellent, and their knowledge of the flora and fauna is remarkable. When you trek with Karibu’s, you can count on having the best-trained guides on the mountain who lead trips with passion and confidence. How Far Do We Hike Each Day? On most days, you will hike about 10 km (6.2 miles). In order to adjust to the change in elevation, you will be hiking the day's distance at a slow pace. Why do we make the Final Ascent to Uhuru at Midnight? The final ascent to Uhuru is made at night because of the weather patterns on Kilimanjaro. Clouds begin to roll in almost every day at 10am. If you summit during the day, you run the risk of being caught in snow, hail or rainstorms. The midnight trek to the summit is designed to ensure your safety. You will also have the best views from the top at dawn. What Equipment Do I Need? There is no special mountaineering equipment needed. We provide mountain tents along with closed-cell foam mattress pads. There are many items you'll need to bring, but most people find they already own the majority of the items on the packing list. If you have cold weather/snow gear and hiking clothes, then you'll have most of what you need. Please review our Packing List that explains what to bring on your climb. Can I rent equipment from Eco Tours for my climb? Eco Tours rents everything from headlamps to waterproof hiking boots. What Will the Porters Carry and what Will I Carry on the Climb? Porters will carry most of your luggage. You will carry a small day pack that contains your drinking water, rain gear, camera, lunch and a day energy snacks. How Many People Will Be in My Group? You will be accompanied by porters, guides, and assistant guides. You can expect a ratio of two guides for every two climbers, and three or four porters for every climber. We do not limit the number of climbers in a group. We treat each trip differently, but our goal remains the same - to provide the best possible service to ensure each group can safely enjoy their experience to the fullest. What Kind of Food Will I Eat? Meals are nutritious and calorific, prepared with the best quality foods and highest standards of hygiene. Breakfast and dinner are served in a large mess tent and lunches out in the open if the weather is nice. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. What Type of Baggage / Luggage Should I Take? Luggage should be kept to a minimum - 12 kg’s / 26 pounds per person packed in a soft duffel bag (15 kg's /30 pounds per person on Adventure Series safaris). Hard sided suitcases and soft-sided internal frame carry-on luggage are not acceptable. On your Climb the porter will carry your duffel bag with your gear.