ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…
1. When is the best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?
It is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro throughout the year, however January, February and September are the best months, while June, July, August, October and December are also good.
2. Does climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro require technical skills?
Not at all. Any person in good physical condition can climb and reach the summit. You should be able to run for half an hour or more without feeling short of breath. No one with a sore throat, cold or breathing problems should go above 3000m. People with heart or lung problems should not attempt trekking the mountain without consulting their doctor. Being in the right mental state is important. Do not push yourself to go if your body is exhausted, or if you have extreme mountain sickness or more serious symptoms.
3. Are Park fees included in my tour cost?
Yes, both our Kilimanjaro and Safari prices include park fees and all other applicable fees and taxes.
4. Do your Tanzania trips include any transfers for those arriving in Nairobi, Kenya?
No, you can easily arrange the Nairobi-Arusha-Nairobi bus shuttle transfer for those arriving/departing from Nairobi.
Please be advised that the most convenient airport will be Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
5. Can children climb Kilimanjaro?
The minimum age limit set by the National Park Authorities for trekking to Uhuru Peak is 10 years of age.
6. What is the weather like on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Equatorial to arctic conditions are present on Kilimanjaro depending on the altitude. The range begins on the warm, dry plains with average temperatures of 86 F, then ascends through a wide belt of wet tropical forest and zones with generally decreasing temperatures and rainfall, to the summit where there is permanent ice and below freezing temperatures. The temperature at the top of the mountain gets as low as -25 deg celcius.
7. How long does it take to reach the summit?
Climbing through the Marangu route, one can reach the summit in 5 or 6 days, including a day and a half of descending. On the Machame, Lemosho, and other routes it is normal to reach the summit in 6 or 7 days including a day and a half of descending
8. What kind of climbing gear do I need?
You need to have the following items for your climb:
Boots, thermal underwear, warm clothes – top and pants, water/windproof pants and shell, socks (at least six pairs – to be changed at least once on the way up), winter hat/balaclava (cover head and ears), water bottle, gators (for wind and mud), gloves (water/wind proof), neck warmer or scarf, sunglasses, flash lights and batteries, walking stick, sleeping tent (for all other routes other than Marangu), sleeping bag and rain wear.
Please be advised that we provides sleeping tents, sleeping bag and mattresses on our climbs.
9. Can we leave excess luggage behind while trekking?
Yes, excess baggage can be left with our local office or at the hotel where it will be secure. Valuable items including cash should be specified.
10. How do I cope with change of altitude?
Oxygen in the air decreases as you ascend causing shortness of breath during exertion, along with increased ventilation and heart rate. To acclimatize/adapt to the altitude, pace your self by ascending slowly, avoiding exertion, and breathing regularly and deeply.
11. Are rescue facilities available?
Yes. However, only the Marangu route has a reliable, properly equipped rescue team. Rescue services on other routes are done by contacting the Park Headquarters which quickly sends a rescue team. The mountain rescue fees cover rescue services from the top to the base of the mountain.
12. What kind of accommodation is provided for the 2 nights included in the climbing package?
Accommodation for the climbing package is at a mid-class hotel that includes rooms with ensuite bathrooms, mosquitoes nets, a bar and a restaurant. It is located in a quiet neighborhood. For those who prefer something more luxurious, we can upgrade this to a five star hotel for an additional charge.
13. What kind of accommodation is available during a climb?
The Marangu route offers accommodation in dormitory style huts with beds and mattresses. For all other routes accommodation will be based on camping in established campsites. Since there are a very limited number of climbers allowed on the Marangu route at any given time, it is necessary to book your spot well in advance.
14. What’s the food like during the climb?
Our typical food on the mountain include:
- Breakfast: coffee, tea, porridge, fruits, fruit juice, scrambled eggs/omelet, sausage, toast, margarine, honey and jam.
- Lunch: hot tea, coffee, chips, sandwiches, biscuits, pancakes with honey or jam, and fruits.
- Dinner: soup, cooked meals (these include chicken/beef with rice, sliced fresh carrots and green beans, mashed potatoes), salads, fruits, and fruit juice, and a variety of hot drinks.
15. Do you accommodate people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! Our skilled cooks are happy to accommodate your dietary restrictions and/or allergies (such as Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher or Halal). Just let us know your preference at the time of booking.
16. Who prepares the food on the mountain?
Our cooks, also serving as porters, prepare food for you. They will also boil, filter, and refill your empty water bottles for you.
17. How is cooking undertaken on the mountain?
All our meals are prepared on portable kerosene and gas stoves. Our environmental low-impact policy prohibits us from using firewood on the mountain.
18. What about drinking water?
We recommend that you drink 4 – 5 liters of fluid each day, sipping fluids frequently. Water is best, but fruit juices are a good supplement. It is important that you carry your own water bottle at all times as dehydration is a significant issue and staying hydrated is key to your health and safety. The air is very dry above 3000m so avoid panting and try to breathe through your nose. Control sweating by wearing clothing that will wick away moisture and layer your garments. Monitor your urine: output should be at least 1.6 quarts per day and the urine should be clear.
19. Can we buy drinking water/soda on the Kilimanjaro climb?
Yes, drinking water and soda can be purchased on the mountain on the Marangu route only although it is much more expensive than in the town of Moshi or Arusha. We does, however, ensure that there will be enough water available to you on the mountain.
20. How many climbers will there be on the trek?
Our climbs take a minimum and maximum number of one and 15 climbers respectively. However, in most cases our average is four climbers with a maximum of 10.
21. How many guides, porters and cooks will be with us?
This depends on the number of people in your group. You will have one lead guide, with assistant guides (serving as porters) and porters (including skilled cooks). We guarantee enough porters for your luggage, food, and water.
22. Do you have luggage (weight/size/number) limitations on your climbs?
Unlike most other companies, we do not have luggage limitation on our climbs. We also provide free storage for items that you do not want to bring on the climb.
23. What if one of us gets sick and has to return?
In the event that one person gets sick and has to stay behind or return, he/she will be accompanied by one of the assistant guides while the other climbers continue.
24. Do you provide a free transfer if a climber has to return earlier than a scheduled day?
Unlike most other companies that charge about US$100, we provide a free transfer from the mountain to the hotel should a climber return earlier than planned.
25. What shots should I get?
For medical advice it is always best to consult your doctor. Please contact the Tanzania embassy in your country for any updated info on minimum requirements to get into Tanzania or Kenya, if any.
26. Can you include airfare?
Yes, we can. We have good working relationship with a wholesale travel agent who can assist with booking international flights at reasonable prices. Let us know so we can assist you further on this.
27. What additional costs can I expect when I travel with X-Trekkers?
Our land cost prices include almost everything. The only extra costs you will incur are tips for your guide, cooks and porters, some of the climbing gear and meals that are not listed on your itinerary.
28. How much is a good tip?
Please see our tipping guideline on the right inserts of this page.
29. Will I have a chance to interact with the local people of Tanzania?
Absolutely!
30. Is my payment going to help local African communities?
Yes! Our partner is a majority owned African company, and are able to help the local African communities. A percentage of your money goes to local projects that they support, including Nambere Primary School and the Comeca Environmental Organization.
31. Can I use credit card to pay for my climb?
We accept Visa and Master Card only. There is a surcharge of 4% if payment is online. No additional charge if pay at our shop in Novena Square.
32. What is the deposit amount to hold my space?
There is a required deposit of at least S$1500/person for Kilimanjaro trekking bookings.
33. What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
The following cancellation fees applies to all our tours:
- Cancellations received more than 90 days prior to departure: S$ 800 per person per tour or extension
- 89 – 60 days: S$ 1000 per person per tour or extension
- 59 – 30 days: 50% of tour price
- 29 – 15 days: 75% of tour price
- 14 days or less: 100% of tour price
35. What happens if you have to cancel our trip?
In the unlikely event that we must cancel a trip due to some reasons beyond our control, you will receive a full refund. Having said that we have never cancelled a trip!
36. Do you charge more in case other people cancel a trip?
Absolutely not! Once we receive your deposit, both price and departure are guaranteed.
If you have additional questions to those posted above, please email us via the form on Contact Us.