Planning a trip to Tanzania—especially to climb Mount Kilimanjaro—is an exciting adventure. Here’s a complete guide to everything you need to know before booking your trip:

🧭 1. Choosing the Right Time to Go
🔄 Best Seasons for Climbing Kilimanjaro:
January to early March (dry, warm, less crowded)

June to October (cooler, drier, busiest season)

🚫 Rainy Seasons to Avoid:
Late March to May (long rains)

November (short rains)

✈️ 2. Flights & Entry Requirements
✈️ Airports:
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha or Moshi.

Alternatively, Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Zanzibar (ZNZ) if combining with a beach safari.

📄 Visa:
Tourist Visa Required for most nationalities.

Obtain on arrival or online via Tanzania’s eVisa system.

Cost: ~$50 USD (U.S. citizens: $100 for a multiple-entry visa)

💉 Vaccinations:
Yellow Fever vaccination required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever (including layovers).

Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies, Malaria prophylaxis.

🏕️ 3. Choosing a Kilimanjaro Route
Each route varies in length, scenery, difficulty, and acclimatization.

Route Duration Difficulty Scenery Success Rate
Marangu 5–6 days Moderate Moderate Medium
Machame 6–7 days Challenging Excellent High
Lemosho 7–8 days Moderate Stunning Very High
Rongai 6–7 days Easier Remote High
Northern Circuit 8–9 days Longest Spectacular Highest

💡 Recommendation: Lemosho or Machame for first-timers due to good acclimatization.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 4. Choosing a Tour Operator
🔍 What to Look For:
Licensed and Kilimanjaro National Park–certified

Guides certified in Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

Ethical treatment of porters (KPAP members)

Good equipment (tents, food, oxygen, etc.)

Transparent pricing (avoid very cheap options)

💰 Cost: $1,500 – $4,000 USD (budget to luxury)

🧳 5. What to Pack
See previous message for full gear checklist.

Extras:

Cash for tips (~$250–$300 total)

Adapter plug (Type D or G)

Power bank or solar charger

🦁 6. Consider Add-ons (Before/After Climb)
Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara

Zanzibar: White sand beaches & historic Stone Town

Cultural tours: Maasai villages, coffee farms, local markets

🛡️ 7. Travel Insurance
Make sure your policy covers:

Altitude trekking (up to 6,000 meters)

Medical evacuation

Trip cancellation/interruption

Gear theft/loss

Providers: World Nomads, SafetyWing, IMG Global, Allianz

📱 8. Connectivity & SIM Cards
Local SIM: Airtel, Vodacom, Tigo (cheap and good coverage in towns)

Wi-Fi: Available in hotels/lodges, limited on mountain

Offline apps: Maps.me, Google Translate, Kindle/Spotify

💬 9. Language & Currency
Language: Swahili (basic phrases helpful), English widely spoken

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

USD accepted in tourist areas

Use cash; cards accepted only in high-end places

✅ Final Checklist Before Booking
Valid passport (6+ months)

Visa (check country-specific requirements)

Vaccinations/health check

Book reputable operator & flights

Buy or rent climbing gear

Get travel insurance

Budget for tips, gear, extras

Would you like:

Help comparing Kilimanjaro tour packages?

A downloadable pre-trip checklist PDF?

Info on adding a safari or Zanzibar after your climb?