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Climbing Kilimanjaro: Everything a Beginner Needs to Know

Climbing Kilimanjaro: Everything a Beginner Needs to Know

UPDATED 2024

Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide

Kilimanjaro towers at 5,895 m/19,340 ft above sea level. It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the "Roof of Africa".

Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular travel attractions on the continent. Over 40,000 people visit it every year. It's an incredibly beautiful trek where climbers don't require technical climbing skills. To reach the summit, one needs only a healthy average fitness level.

We wrote this guide to help travelers prepare for their once-in-a-lifetime Kilimanjaro adventure. All the recommendations below are the results of our 10+ years of Kilimanjaro experience. Over this time we at Altezza Travel have organized climbing Kilimanjaro tours for over 20,000 people.

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What to pack?
Altezza Travel will provide essential group equipment, including tents, mattresses, tables, chairs, first aid kits, and oxygen tanks. However, you are responsible for bringing your own personal gear, such as clothing and footwear, or renting it upon arrival. Although Kilimanjaro is near the equator, expect cold temperatures starting from the second day of your adventure. Our detailed Kilimanjaro Packing List provides a complete overview of everything you'll need for the journey.
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Our Climb Schedule for 2024-2025

We offer Kilimanjaro Group Tours almost every day. If you have specific vacation dates and can't find a suitable group for your climb, please contact our managers. We may consider starting a new open group beginning on the dates you suggest. To sign up for a trip, we require a $100 deposit only.

Routes and Maps

Machame Route
Mount Kilimanjaro Map
Machame Route Kilimanjaro Map Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Map Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Map Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Map Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Map Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Map
Machame Route
The Machame hiking trail is the second most popular on Kilimanjaro. It starts in the tropical rainforest on the southern slope of the mountain. Beginners should choose the seven-day option for a better acclimatization profile. Many of the Altezza's group climbs go via the Machame Route.
Lemosho Route
Starting on Kilimanjaro's western side, the Lemosho Route has a remote trailhead. One of the key highlights is the famous Shira Plateau and the Cathedral Peak (3,962m/13,000 feet). The latter is the highest point of Kili's western slope. Lemosho offers the finest acclimatization on Kilimanjaro. Our experts believe it to be the best climbing Kilimanjaro route for group and individual treks. Or at the very least one of the best.
Marangu Route
Marangu traverses the eastern slope of Kilimanjaro. Chosen by over 30% of the hikers who climbed Kilimanjaro in 2023, it is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Hikers on all other routes spend their nights in tents. But on Marangu, they sleep in shared wooden huts (4-10 people in each). These huts are great for climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy season. Also, it is the only route that follows the same trail for ascent and descent.
Rongai Route
Rongai is the only route on the northern side of the mountain, close to the Kenyan border. The trail goes through a beautiful forest of pine trees. Fewer people go there, making it a great choice to climb Kilimanjaro anytime. The descent follows the eastern Marangu route. This allows the hikers to enjoy the spectacular views of eastern Kilimanjaro.
Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is more challenging than the other ones because it follows a steeper trail in the beginning. We recommend it to those in good physical shape. Besides, it takes the climbers to higher camps faster than other routes. So having prior acclimatization before the climb is advisable. Like Machame, it passes through a beautiful rainforest. You can see colobuses and blue monkeys there.
Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the western slope, this trail goes around the cone, going up to the summit from the west. Descent is through the southern slope. This wonderful route gives trekkers a four-faced view of the mountain. However, it skips some key attractions, such as Dendrosenecio plants or the Barranco Wall.

Kilimanjaro Itinerary

Planning to climb Kilimanjaro? Explore our beginner-friendly 12-day package, which includes a seven-day climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. After the expedition, unwind with a two-day safari in the stunning Tarangire and Ngorongoro national parks. This comprehensive itinerary is ideal for experiencing all of Tanzania’s top attractions and includes days for arrival and departure, as well as a rest day.
Check this sample Kilimanjaro itinerary
Check this sample Kilimanjaro itinerary
Lemosho Route 7-day program Beginner-friendly

Facts to know before your Kilimanjaro hike

A drawing of a climber on Kilimanjaro
Height
19,340 ft/5,895 m
Peaks
Kibo, Mawenzi, Shira
Trekking Distance
42 miles (70km) | Lemosho Route
Required Skills
Average fitness level
Climate zones
Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic
First Climb
1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller
Kilimanjaro Routes
Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Marangu, Umbwe
Conservation status
Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987
Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths
6-9 days
Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths
Average Climb Cost
$2,750
Average Climb Cost
Kilimanjaro Success Rate
98%
Kilimanjaro Success Rate

Overview of the Climb by Altezza Travel

Climbing Kilimanjaro | Altezza Travel Expedition

What to expect on Kilimanjaro?

A typical day on Kilimanjaro begins early, around 6:30 to 7:00 AM. Our porters will greet you with a fresh cup of tea or coffee, delivered right to your tent. Afterward, you’ll have time for your morning routine, with warm water prepared by our team for washing up and cleaning your teeth at the campsite.

Around 7:30 to 8:00 AM, you'll be invited to breakfast by our staff. Once fueled up, the day’s trek to the next camp begins. This journey usually takes between 4 to 6 hours. Our support team will arrive at the camp ahead of you, ensuring lunch is ready upon your arrival.

After lunch and a bit of rest, your guides will suggest a short acclimatization hike—a brief, hour-long walk designed to help your body adjust to the altitude. We highly recommend you join, as these exercises are key to preparing for the ultimate challenge: reaching the summit.

Upon returning from the acclimatization hike, you’ll have some downtime before dinner, which will be served around 7:00. The evening is yours to relax, chat with fellow climbers, and take in the breathtaking surroundings. Before bedtime, there will be a mandatory health check to ensure everyone is adapting well. Lights out is usually between 9:00 and 10:00 PM.

This routine is followed almost every day, except for the night of the summit attempt.

The video above gives you a glimpse into what an expedition with Altezza Travel looks like. We hope it inspires you to embark on this adventure with us!

How long does it take to climb the mountain?

The time it takes to climb Kilimanjaro depends on the route chosen. Most expeditions last 6 to 8 days. An experienced hiker with prior acclimatization usually climbs Kilimanjaro through an accelerated 5-day program. If you stay overnight in the crater, Kilimanjaro climbs can take 9 days or longer.

Among the Seven Summits, the Kilimanjaro trek is one of the shortest. For example, climbing Mount Everest takes 6-9 weeks, Denali and Aconcagua- 2-3 weeks. Climbing Kilimanjaro takes about one week only.

Additionally, for those who only have a couple of days and want to get a taste of Kilimanjaro, it's possible to go on a Kilimanjaro Day Hike.

When is the best time to climb it?

Late December to early March and mid-June to late October are the best times for a Kilimanjaro climb. This is when the Kilimanjaro weather is nearly ideal.

Although other months have rain, it doesn't mean there are constant heavy showers. Typically, rains begin in the latter half of the day. This allows trekkers a significant window of clear weather every day during the rainy season. There are also days without any rain. Altezza offers discounted climbs during the wet season.

You may read more about the seasons of Kilimanjaro.

How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is moderately challenging but achievable for the average person. With a reputable climbing operator and sufficient time for acclimatization, reaching the summit is possible for most climbers.

Can a beginner climb it?

Yes, Kilimanjaro is accessible to beginners with little or no trekking experience. With some prior training and a good climbing tour, your chances of conquering Kilimanjaro will be very high.

Expert Opinion

Kilimanjaro is one of the most accessible summits for beginners. This expedition is moderately challenging, doesn't require special skills, and is suitable even for first-time climbers.

Yet, do not underestimate Kilimanjaro: 5,895 meters (19,340 ft) is a serious height. Poor acclimatization can cause high-altitude sickness. Sadly, tragedies happen each year. The primary cause is choosing low-cost operators. They use substandard equipment, while their unqualified guides lack first aid and emergency management skills.

Cyril Altezza
Cyril Altezza
Travel Expert|Tanzania

Popular questions about Kilimanjaro

How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

As of 2024, a comfortable and safe 7-day group climb costs about $2600-2800. A shorter 5-6-day adventure or a season-discounted trip comes at $2100-2400. This amount includes the park entrance fees, which make up about 40% of the total trip cost.

Any trekking companies offering below this amount should warrant caution. You may get low-quality guidance and bad equipment. Such climbing Kilimanjaro tours often lack medical kits and oxygen tanks, putting your safety at risk.

Also, low prices always correlate with the mistreatment of porters. None of those operators is a member of the KPAP. The crews of budget operators are often underpaid and poorly fed, putting their and hikers' safety at risk. Read more about how much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro in our detailed blog post.

Where is Mount Kilimanjaro located?

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is in northern Tanzania, East Africa. It is just three degrees south of the equator. While some of the most iconic panoramic shots of Mt. Kilimanjaro have been captured from the Kenyan side, all trailheads lie in Tanzania. Therefore, tourists can only climb Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The closest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Many Kilimanjaro expeditions begin in Moshi, the capital of the same region.

How do I get to Mt Kilimanjaro?

Fly directly to Kilimanjaro

The most convenient option is to fly directly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. From there, it's just a few hours by car to the base of Africa's highest peak. Flights to this airport are offered by major airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, and Swiss International Air Lines. We highly recommend this direct-flight option as it gives you more time to recover from your journey and rest before the climb.

Through Dar es Salaam and local flight to Kilimanjaro 

Another option is to fly into Dar es Salaam on an international flight and then take a local flight to Kilimanjaro. While this might initially seem cheaper, it's important to consider the additional cost of the flight to Kilimanjaro and the baggage limitations on local airlines, which often come with extra fees for overweight luggage.

Through Nairobi and overland ride to Kilimanjaro 

Finally, you can fly into Nairobi, Kenya, and then take a bus to Tanzania. This option might offer the lowest airfare, but keep in mind the added costs of a Kenyan transit visa ($21) and the transfer to Moshi ($45). If there are no delays at the border, the bus journey takes about six hours.

How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro?

Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, stands tall at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Yet, this doesn't mean you'll be starting your climb from the very base. Most hotels near Kilimanjaro are at an altitude of 700-1,000 meters above sea level. The trailheads begin at elevations of 1,600 meters and above.

Due to its altitude, Mt Kilimanjaro is among the few places in East Africa to see snow. The snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro is truly a sight to behold!

Can you climb Mount Kilimanjaro without a guide?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is subject to the regulations of the Kilimanjaro National Park. The official rules dictate that a local guide must accompany all hikers. Rangers at the park will not permit entry to anyone without a professional Kilimanjaro guide.

Also, venturing up to the Roof of Africa solo involves certain risks. During the summit night in the peak zone, one may succumb to altitude sickness or get injured. If needed, the guides will assist with evacuations and other emergencies.

Finally, climbing Kilimanjaro is more than merely a physical challenge. On this journey, you will learn about Kilimanjaro's plants, animals, history, and traditions. The guides will also share vibrant stories of the communities living in the shadow of the mountain.

How high are the park fees on Kilimanjaro?

Anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro should keep the park entrance fees in mind. As of today, they come at $154 per day per hiker. This amount includes several types of fees:

  • 'Conservation fees' are for staying in the National Park and enjoying its nature.
  • 'Camping fees', or 'hut fees' on the Marangu route. - The fees for pitching the tents or sleeping in the Marangu wooden cabins during the climb.

  • 'Crew fees' - there is a small charge for each crew member entering the National Park to support you on the trek.

  • 'Rescue fee' - this is a sort of mandatory 'insurance' payment. The hikers pay it to use the Kilimanjaro rescue cars. Please keep in mind that this is not a substitute for a real insurance package.

Don't worry about the park fees when planning your trip. Tour operators include them in the overall price of climbing Kilimanjaro and we will pay them to the park authorities on your behalf. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Altezza you can be sure that we will take care of every detail.

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Preparing and training

How should I train for the climb?

Maintaining a reasonable level of fitness is crucial to climb Kilimanjaro. However, summiting Kilimanjaro doesn't require athletic prowess. A healthy average would be adequate. As a guideline, we suggest assessing whether you can comfortably hike 8-10 km (5-6.2 mi). If you can do it, then you are fit enough to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

A great exercise for hiking Kilimanjaro is running. Keep training until you can confidently jog 4-5 km (2.5 - 3.1 miles). Good training programs are available at the Nike Running Club app.

Swimming is an excellent complement. Swimming strengthens your entire body and improves your heart and lung endurance. This makes it a great addition to running. The first primarily focuses on leg endurance. Swimming takes it further by engaging the arms, core, and legs at the same time. Water buoyancy is also good for people who want to protect their joints while exercising.

Finally, it is great if you have any rural areas nearby with rough hiking trails. Aim for longer ones, ideally in the 10-15 km (6-10 mi) range. Remember, most of the Kilimanjaro hike will be uphill. So, training over longer distances in the countryside will prepare you for the climb to the Roof of Africa.

For more details, check out our Kilimanjaro Training Plan to help build your stamina and fitness. Also, take a look at our Kilimanjaro Packing List to make sure you have the right gear for the climb.


When are the rainy and the dry seasons in Tanzania?

Tanzania has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The short rainy season begins in early November and lasts until late December. It is followed by the dry season, which lasts until mid-March. Then the season of long rains begins, ending in mid-June.

You should consider the northern slopes to climb Kilimanjaro during the rainy season. According to the data we received from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority, this part of the mountain receives five times less rainfall. Good Kilimanjaro routes to choose from are Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Marangu.

One should also remember that the period from June to October in East Africa is marked by cold nights. At the high altitudes of Kilimanjaro, the nights will be pretty chilly. Make sure you have everything from our packing list.

What is the food like on a Kilimanjaro climb?

On a Kilimanjaro trek with Altezza Travel, every climber receives a balanced diet designed specifically for the mountain environment. Our specialized menu is rich in calories and carbs to provide you with ample energy necessary for successfully climbing Kilimanjaro.

For breakfast, we serve porridge, pancakes, fruit, eggs, sausages, and toast with jam. Lunch or dinner options include delicious soups like butternut, tomato, leek, vegetable, and beef, potato dishes, spaghetti, chicken, stews, fresh vegetable salads, and avocado. All meal courses are served with delicious sauces and dressing. For dessert, we have mangoes, bananas, pineapple, and oranges. They give you important vitamins and minerals. Coffee and tea are always available in the camp.

We also have extended meal plans for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free climbers. We will do our best to accommodate other diets also.

Throughout the climb, your group will frequently pause for tea with biscuits. Nonetheless, climbing Kilimanjaro demands considerable energy. Hence, we recommend you bring snacks such as energy bars, dried fruits, and high-calorie treats. It's preferable to purchase these at home. There might be a much broader variety of such products available in your country compared to Tanzania.

What is the best day to start a Mount Kilimanjaro trek?

At Altezza Travel, we've conducted an in-depth analysis and examined the data from January 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023. We looked at the records of over 40,000 climbers.

Our findings revealed that starting your climb on a Wednesday or Thursday reduces the crowds you will encounter. There are almost twice fewer climbers starting on these days compared to the rest of the week.

Additionally, we discovered that the Rongai route has eight times fewer climbers than the popular Machame route. Thus, by climbing Kilimanjaro on Thursday and opting for the Rongai route, you'll encounter nearly 16 times fewer people on your climb to Uhuru Peak.

Our Guides

50+ expert Kilimanjaro guides work for Altezza Travel

Our lead guides have a lot of experience across all Kilimanjaro routes. All are certified as Wilderness First Responders. They are a great company to climb Kilimanjaro with.

Abraham Kipokola
Abraham Kipokola
Mt Kilimanjaro guide
10+ years of Experience
Wilderness First Responder
Baraka Ayo
Baraka Ayo
Mt Kilimanjaro guide
7+ years of Experience
Wilderness First Responder
Stanley Minja
Stanley Minja
Mt Kilimanjaro guide
8+ years of Experience
Wilderness First Responder

Professional Guiding Crew

Our Kilimanjaro guides are what sets Altezza apart. They are the reason why world-famous organizations trust their Kilimanjaro journeys to us. Nimsdai, Wings of Kilimanjaro, Red Bull athletes, and Fortune 500 top managers, among many others, climb with Altezza. Our crew members have improved their skills by attending workshops in the Himalayas. They learned from the best in the industry and continue to do so.

Hiking Routes

Questions about safety

Can you recommend a reliable travel insurance?

Altezza Travel recommends Global Rescue, known for reliable reimbursements. Your coverage should include three important things. These are high-altitude hiking up to 6000 meters, helicopter evacuation, and medical services.

Are there any tips for the best acclimatization for climbing Kilimanjaro?

In order to acclimate and summit successfully, we recommend following these simple rules:

Hike slowly. Your body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Keeping a moderate pace when climbing Kilimanjaro will help to produce more red cells. Those are used to transport more oxygen to the vitals and to increase the breathing rate. Our mountain team will be monitoring your pace and will help you to adjust it if needed.

Drink 3-4 liters of water a day. Staying properly hydrated is essential. Water will be provided by our crew along the trek.

Join our acclimatization hikes. Each day, our guiding crew will lead short hikes from the camp to higher ground and then back again. These hikes usually last no more than 2 hours. They help a lot with getting used to the altitude. We suggest everyone takes part.

If you have time, consider climbing Mount Meru before your Kilimanjaro trip. Those close to South America will have many options for similar hikes. For example, on the Inca Trail. Hiking other lower mountains around the world can also be fantastic preparation for this climb. It will help you get used to higher altitudes, preparing you for the Kilimanjaro journey.

Lastly, if you choose routes that are seven days or longer, your body will have more time to adjust. This will improve your chances of reaching the summit.

What is the best route for acclimatization?

Among the best routes for acclimatization profile are Lemosho, Machame, and Rongai. Consider them, or other itineraries with seven days and more.

How many extra acclimatization days should I take?

On the seven-day Machame route climb, you won't need any extra acclimatization days. Equally good options are Rongai and Lemosho. These are the main routes we use for most of our trips. However, if you think you're not very physically fit, you may add one or two days for extra rest.

Do you need oxygen systems to climb Kilimanjaro?

At the summit of Kilimanjaro, the level of oxygen in the air is roughly half of what it is at sea level. Most climbers can reach Uhuru Peak without using extra oxygen.

Yet, to be on the safe side, we take precautions. On our expeditions, we always have plenty of oxygen tanks. The cost of this service is included in the price of the climb.

We have 300+ oxygen tanks ready for our expeditions, more than all other operators combined. In the unlikely scenario that your group needs additional oxygen, we will send it from our base. The neighboring Altezza groups on the mountain are also ready to share theirs. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with us is always safe.

Do I need to take a medical kit with me?

During climbing Kilimanjaro expeditions, Altezza Travel teams carry comprehensive medical kits. On the hikes, we use smaller tactical kits. They contain everything needed to treat injuries, scratches or twisted limbs. Our camp's larger medical kits have medicines for common problems on a Kilimanjaro climb. Such as for nausea, headaches, vomiting, and stomach issues. Those include medications for nausea, headaches, vomiting, and stomach issues, etc. Also, we have lots of oxygen ready to help you prevent altitude sickness when first symptoms arise. Also, we have lots of oxygen ready to help you prevent altitude sickness when first symptoms arise.

The situation is different if you take any prescription medication. It's best to take it with you on your Tanzania trip.

What is the death rate on Kilimanjaro?

Compared to most other high-altitude mountains, Kilimanjaro has a relatively low death rate across its seven routes. Out of the approximately 50,000 hikers who attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro each year, only 3 to 5 fatalities occur. The main causes of these deaths are brain and lung problems due to high altitude and heart attacks. Park authorities say this happens because hikers ignore acclimatization. The main causes of these deaths are brain and lung problems due to high altitude and heart attacks. Park authorities say this happens because hikers ignore acclimatization.

The mortality rate for Kilimanjaro porters is notably higher. Each year, 20-25 porters die while being a part of a Kilimanjaro crew. The most common reason is pneumonia, caused by a lack of proper gear or shoddy tents. Responsibility for this largely lies with super-budget trek operators.

To end the mistreatment of porters, always choose a KPAP-registered company when climbing Kilimanjaro. This organization makes sure that operators treat their crew fairly by paying good wages and providing everything they need for safe working conditions on Kilimanjaro. You may learn more in our video about our involvement in the KPAP work.

In the 10 years that Altezza Travel has been operating, we've guided over 20,000 climbers to the summit. We haven't had a single fatality. In addition, we are a proud member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and regularly donate funds to them.

Why the summit of Kilimanjaro is called Uhuru Peak?

The highest peak of Kilimanjaro was named Uhuru Peak to celebrate Tanzania's independence from Britain in 1961. "Uhuru," means "freedom" in Swahili.

Can I go on a safari after I climbed Kilimanjaro?

Tanzania offers renowned destinations for all kinds of African adventures. The most popular spots include Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Planning a safari before or after your climb is undoubtedly a great idea. We have a fleet of new safari vehicles and a crew of highly professional driver-guides who will make your safari truly unforgettable!

Why Choose Altezza Travel?

Altezza Travel is a Tanzania-registered tour operator. We live, work, and pay taxes in this country only. Our commitment to Tanzania extends to impactful social responsibility initiatives. We regularly plant trees on Kilimanjaro, fight bushfires, protect wildlife on the mountain, and invest in the local communities. Read more about our company's social and environmental mission on this page.

We are also the largest tourism employer in Kilimanjaro. There are over 300 people in our office and hotel teams. Our Kilimanjaro crew is 1700+ people strong and keeps increasing every year. We are proud to attract the best talent in the region by offering the best working conditions and pay.

Feel free to contact our team for comprehensive advice about Kilimanjaro. We are here for you.

See you in Tanzania!

Updates from Mount Kilimanjaro

Altezza Travel runs 15% of all expeditions on Kilimanjaro

Sharmin Natasha Durant
Sharmin Natasha Durant
Summit at: 10 November 2024
Eva Baur
Eva Baur
Summit at: 09 November 2024
Erich Clifford Hoelze
Erich Clifford Hoelze
Summit at: 08 November 2024
21 Comment
Altezza Travel
Justin
15 Oct 2024
Thank you for your well-structured guide. Very useful and really easy to read.
Altezza Travel
Shawn
02 Oct 2024
Wow, what an informative guide! There's everything I need to know for planning my Kilimanjaro expedition, thanks!
Altezza Travel
Chelsea
19 Sep 2024
Hi! Why is there such a wide range of prices for the same routes between different agencies?
Altezza Travel
Altezza Travel
19 Sep 2024

Hi! If you look at the reliable climbing operators in Tanzania, there is not a big difference in price—around $200-300 USD only. Cheap companies that sell at very low prices often exploit local people, pay very low salaries, economize on food, neglect safety, and avoid paying taxes, so it is best to avoid them. Companies located in the US or UK sell at a high margin to cover the operational costs of their offices abroad. In contrast, the prices of Altezza Travel are fair and provide great value.

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Peter J
Peter J
/ Nov 2024
There's a reason they have so many 5 star reviews...
We booked the 7 day Lemosho route with a 5 day Safari after the hike. Altezza was fantastic in every way. When we arrived our entire group's baggage was lost. Altezza rented our missing gear at no cost and took care of getting our baggage once it finally arrived. On the mountain, the guides were highly professional and very experienced. It seemed like our lead guide, Abraham, knew and was friendly with all the other guides on the mountain - probably doesn't hurt he has led over 350 groups in his career. The other guides (Tumaini, Beltram, and Eric) were also great at keeping spirits up and the group moving along (pole pole). They had medication if needed, and nobody went anywhere close to hungry on the trip (there was a daily mid hike tea). We had rain and the guides and porters dried everything out. We really couldn't have asked for a better crew to help us up the mountain. For the safari, our driver Yasin had over 10 years experience guiding. He was friendly and regularly able to spot animals from a distance that made all of us wonder how he saw them - it was like a magic trick. We always felt safe with him driving, and seeing the Big 5 was a highlight of the trip. While I have only done the one trip with Altezza I would book with them again in a heartbeat and would highly recommend them to anyone looking to go on a safari or hike Kilimanjaro. More water - more fire!
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Nicole Z
Nicole Z
/ Nov 2024
Bucket list - check! Amazing people - check! Experience of a lifetime - check!
I'd definitely recommend Altezza and the Umbwe tour I did. Where do I begin...the team was always super responsive and helpful with all of the silly questions I had prior to my trip. Pick up from the airport was provided - if you can, get your visa before you arrive. You can get it at the airport, however you'll wait for quite a while. I think it took me approx. 1-1.5 hours. The hotel, the staff and the food we stayed at for the first and last night was good. Breakfast and 2 bottles of water per room is included and our hotel also had a pool where you could watch monkey jumping from tree to tree :-) If you're planning to go somewhere after your hike, don't worry, you can leave extra luggage at the Altezza office. I felt very safe and welcome all trip long. Our guide Victor and his team took very good care of us. We had medical checks twice a day to ensure the altitude wasn't getting at us. The team feeds you really well with breakfast, lunch and dinner and lots of tea and water. We all brought some nuts, protein bars, chocolates, etc. from home as snacks. At the end of our trip we tipped our guide (who then split it with all porters and the other guides). I had the experience of a lifetime and can only recommend Altezza and the Umbwe tour to anyone!
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