52 Reasons Why Altezza Is the Gold Standard for Kilimanjaro Expeditions
Reading time: ~20 minutes. These 20 minutes could be one of the most important investments in your safety on the mountain and in your overall Kilimanjaro experience.
Our expeditions are not the cheapest. And for good reason.
The price you pay reflects what truly matters: safety, reliability, and professionalism.
Yes, there are lower-cost operators on Kilimanjaro. But reduced prices almost always mean reduced safety standards, poor organization, and little accountability.
At Altezza, we provide the best value on Kilimanjaro by delivering the highest level of expertise and care where it counts most. It’s unlikely you will find another Kilimanjaro operator who would meet even 25% of the standards listed here.
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Empathy is the Foundation of What We Do
The key principle
Empathy isn’t a word we put on a poster. It’s the core of Altezza’s identity.
This principle shapes everything: how we design policies, how we train our teams, how we communicate with our guests, and how we respond when challenges arise on the mountain.
From the very first stage of hiring, we select guides not only for their skills, but also for their heart. Skills can be taught, empathy can’t. We hire those who naturally put others first, in addition to being true Kilimanjaro professionals.
When you climb with us, you can trust that we will act with professionalism and humanity. In any difficult situation, you will never face it alone.
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Altezza is the Largest Kilimanjaro Operator
Expertise & Experience
Some travelers believe smaller companies offer a more personal touch. But on high-altitude expeditions like Kilimanjaro, scale matters — especially when it comes to safety and complex logistics.
As the largest operator on the mountain, we invest in resources that smaller businesses simply cannot provide.
Our guides and cooks receive comprehensive training, with external experts brought in regularly.
Dedicated departments handle medical logistics, team briefings, porter welfare, and data management.
We use custom software to track dietary needs and create personalized meal plans for every guest, ensuring complete oversight of supplies, food quality, and expedition preparation.
More than 25,000 climbers have summited with us. Along the way, we’ve refined every aspect of our expeditions for your maximum safety and comfort.
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Organizational Structure
Organisation
3. We are a local company
Altezza is based in Moshi, at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. We don’t have offices abroad, and 99% of our team live and work in Tanzania. Choosing us means avoiding unnecessary markups while directly supporting the local economy and creating jobs where they matter most.
4. Two hotels in Moshi
Because we own and operate two hotels in Moshi (the starting point for all Kilimanjaro climbs), every part of your journey is under our care — from the moment you land in Tanzania until you depart from the country.
Comfort, cleanliness, and service are held to the same high standards as our expeditions, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
5. Private vehicle fleet
We operate a fleet of more than 60 well-maintained vehicles, supported by a modern garage, an in-house service center, and a team of professional drivers handling all transfers. By owning and maintaining our own vehicles instead of using rentals, we ensure every transfer is punctual and safe.All our transfer vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking and speed limit controls, capped at 80 km/h (50 mph). We monitor location and driving behavior in real time, giving you peace of mind on every journey. It is worth noting that Tanzania ranks relatively high worldwide in terms of road fatalities. That’s why our efforts to ensure road safety are not just a minor detail but an essential measure.
6. Secure luggage and valuables storage
We provide free luggage storage during your climb. For valuables such as cash, laptops, and passports, we provide secure storage with printed inventory receipts.Our facility is protected with 24/7 CCTV, armed security, fire-proof doors, biometric access, and insurance coverage of up to $600,000.You can focus on your climb, knowing your belongings are fully protected.
7. $3M public liability insurance
Altezza is fully insured with $3 million in public liability coverage by Lloyd’s of London (UK). This protects both our clients and staff, ensuring accountability at the highest level.By investing in liability insurance, we guarantee that your expedition is fully protected with legal and financial coverage.
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Award-Winning Tour Operator
Recognition
For the second consecutive year, Altezza Travel has been named Tanzania's Leading Tour Operator by the World Travel Awards. This continued recognition reflects steady performance, consistent quality, and the trust of the global travel community.
Tanzania’s Leading Tour Operator - 2024 & 2025
Tanzania’s Leading Tour Operator - 2024 & 2025
The World Travel Awards recognize excellence across the global travel industry. In 2024 and 2025, we were named Tanzania's Leading Tour Operator. These awards reflect the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our entire team in delivering high-quality travel experiences across Tanzania.
Tanzania’s Leading Destination Management Company - 2024
This award highlights Altezza’s expertise in managing every aspect of travel across Tanzania — from expedition planning and logistics to personalized guest care. It reflects the trust that travelers and international partners place in us to deliver seamless, reliable, and truly memorable experiences.
Being ranked #1 on TripAdvisor recognizes Altezza Travel as Tanzania’s highest-rated Kilimanjaro and safari operator, based on thousands of verified guest reviews. It’s a reflection of the trust travelers place in us and the consistent excellence of our expeditions.
Each year, Tripadvisor recognizes the top 10% of travel businesses worldwide based on customer reviews. Altezza Travel is honored to receive the Travelers’ Choice Award for 2025 – and proud to be ranked as the #1 company on TripAdvisor for vacations in Tanzania. This award reflects the trust and satisfaction of thousands of our guests.
Altezza is the largest taxpayer in the Kilimanjaro region, paying more than $1.2 million in taxes annually.
This isn’t just a statistic — it reflects our commitment to full transparency and compliance with Tanzanian law.We pay all of our taxes in Tanzania and do not operate in the grey zone or channel profits abroad. That means your expedition with Altezza directly supports local schools, infrastructure, healthcare, and community development.
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KPAP-Registered Operator
Responsibility
Support Ethical Treatment
Of Kilimanjaro Porters
Altezza is a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP).
Porters are the backbone of every Kilimanjaro expedition. Unfortunately, porter exploitation remains common on Kilimanjaro. This is why KPAP was established to promote fair and ethical treatment of climbing crews.KPAP independently audits all our expeditions to ensure fair wages, proper gear, nutritious meals, and safe working conditions for every porter. We also provide full medical coverage for our teams, including treatment and helicopter evacuation when needed. By climbing with Altezza, you support transparent and ethical labor standards on Kilimanjaro.
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Certified B Corporation
Transparency & accountability
What is a B Corp?
Certified B Corps are for-profit companies independently vetted by the non-profit B Lab. They must meet rigorous standards in:
Social & environmental performance
Operational transparency
Accountability to all stakeholders (not just shareholders)
To earn the certification, a company must score 80+ on the B Impact Assessment, make a legal commitment to stakeholder governance, and publish its full impact profile publicly.
Why it matters:
As a certified B Corp, Altezza is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on people, communities, and the environment — not just profit. We’re committed to ethical tourism, local empowerment, and environmental responsibility. We do not partner with companies that promote hunting, animal exploitation, or other ethically questionable activities. Our compliance and impact are verified through independent audits every three years.
Results and support:
For you, this means verified standards you can trust, travel that supports local jobs and communities, and a company committed to long-term responsibility.
Supporters of the B Corp include Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, former U.S. Presidents Al Gore and Bill Clinton, Nobel Prize–winning economist Robert Shiller, and business leaders like Richard Branson of Virgin and Paul Polman of Unilever.
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TraveLife & UN Tourism Member
Sustainability & credibility
13. Travelife Certified
Altezza is Travelife Certified, a recognition earned through independent audits. It means our efforts to reduce waste, minimize our environmental footprint, source local ingredients for our restaurants and mountain kitchens, and invest in local communities are verified, not just promised.
14. UN Tourism Affiliate Member
By joining UN Tourism, we’ve committed to working with a global community to keep travel fair and sustainable. For us, it’s about protecting Kilimanjaro and supporting the people who call it home.
15. UIAA Sustainability Partner
Altezza Travel is an official sustainability partner of the UIAA — the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation, which sets global safety and environmental standards for mountain tourism. We are proud to be the only mountain operator in the world currently recognized by the UIAA under this partnership.
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Comprehensive Medical Kits
Expeditions & Safety
We go far beyond the basics to ensure the safety of every expedition member.
Every Altezza expedition is equipped with a comprehensive medical kit containing everything from common remedies for headaches, nausea, and allergies to specialized high-altitude medications for HAPE/HACE, EpiPens, asthma inhalers, tourniquets, and hemostatic dressings.Our commitment is simple: to be ready for anything so that you can climb with confidence. All of this is supported by certified guides trained in high-altitude first aid.
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Supplemental Oxygen Systems
Expeditions & Safety
17. Unlimited oxygen
If you show even mild signs of altitude sickness, we’ll provide supplemental oxygen without hesitation. We always keep our expeditions fully stocked, so you’ll always have as much as you need, for as long as necessary.
18. The largest and most advanced oxygen tanks on Kilimanjaro
Our 4-liter carbon-fiber cylinders are both lighter and more efficient than standard metal ones. They’re easier for guides to carry at high altitude and release oxygen only on the inhale, providing up to 8–12 hours of steady flow — around five times longer than the tanks typically used on Kilimanjaro. Together, these features ensure a safer, more reliable climb for you and your team.
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Reliable Communication & Location Tracking
Expeditions & Safety
19. Satellite phone on every expedition
Only with Altezza
We equip every expedition with a satellite phone. This ensures reliable communication and safety at any point on the mountain. Satellite phones are vital for coordinating rescues and maintaining contact with helicopter crews when needed.
20. GPS Tracking on Every Expedition
Only with Altezza
Every climb includes real-time GPS tracking, allowing your family and friends to easily follow your journey through a shareable link.
21
The Best Gear Rental Shop in Tanzania
Expeditions & Preparation
We operate the largest and most advanced gear rental facility in Tanzania.
Top international brands, the highest standards
Only with Altezza
With the capacity to outfit up to 400 climbers simultaneously, we ensure every expedition departs with the right gear in good condition. All of our equipment is bought directly from The North Face, Red Fox, Marmot, Black Diamond, and other world-class brands. We regularly restock our warehouse with brand-new gear.
If your luggage is delayed, we provide the equipment for free
About 2% of luggage arriving in Tanzania is delayed or lost in transit, but even if that happens, your climb won’t be affected. We have the largest gear warehouse in the country, and if your equipment doesn’t arrive, we’ll provide everything you need at no extra cost.
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Meticulous Preparation of Each Expedition
Expeditions & Preparation
22. Preparation without compromise
Every climb is prepared with strict protocols and attention to detail. Dedicated teams handle medical supplies, oxygen systems, and expedition logistics. Before departure, all checklists, meal plans, and routes are verified, and our in-house paramedic reviews each climber’s medical history.Before the expedition, we hold a detailed briefing with each climber. Our team checks your personal gear, walks you through every stage of the route, and answers all questions to ensure you’re fully prepared for the ascent.
23. Full gear check before every expedition
Two days before each climb, we run a complete inspection of all expedition and staff equipment. This ensures every porter, guide, and crew member is properly outfitted.On Kilimanjaro, it’s not unusual to see porters attempting the climb in flip-flops or jeans. With Altezza, you can be certain every member of your team has reliable, professional gear.Additionally, we inspect all expeditions gear such as tents and sleeping bags to ensure it’s in good shape.
24. Professionally managed gear & supplies
All our storage facilities are organized with electronic inventory systems. Nothing is forgotten, misplaced, or packed at the last minute. From oxygen tanks to tent pegs, we track every single item.
25. Every guide follows pre-climb checklists
Each expedition leader works with a series of checklists covering every aspect of the climb, from food and equipment to medical supplies and individual guest details. This ensures that all preparations are completed with precision and nothing is left to chance.
26. All dietary needs are welcome — at no extra charge
We cater to all dietary preferences and restrictions at no extra charge. Whether vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, halal, or allergy-sensitive, our chefs prepare delicious and safe meals.
Options available:
Regular
Vegetarian
Gluten Free
Lactose Free
Halal
Custom
27. No hidden fees
Our pricing is fully transparent from the start. You will never encounter surprise charges or additional costs during your trip. Everything listed in your itinerary is covered in the price you receive.The only thing not included? Tips.
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In-house Medical Expertise, 24/7
Safety
On-staff WFR instructor & paramedic
Only with Altezza
We are the only Kilimanjaro operator with a full-time Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Instructor and a UK-certified paramedic on staff — available 24/7 to support every expedition.
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29. All Our Guides are WFR Certified
Safety
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification
the gold standard in high-altitude
first aid and emergency response.
100% of our guides hold this certification. Your guide is trained to recognize altitude sickness early and respond with proven, life-saving protocols when needed. Altezza runs regular in-house WFR training courses to keep our mountain team’s skills up to date.
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Safety First
Safety
30. A comprehensive approach to high-altitude safety
The Kilimanjaro climbing industry remains poorly regulated, and not all operators follow proper safety standards. Some expeditions are led by unqualified guides and lack clear medical protocols for detecting and preventing altitude sickness. Combined with overly short itineraries that do not allow for safe acclimatization, this often leads to avoidable emergencies on the mountain.At Altezza, we do things differently. Our strict safety protocols cover every aspect of the expedition — from equipment inspections and medical kit preparation to emergency communication and evacuation procedures. Each of our mountain guides is fully trained and equipped to recognize, prevent, and treat the early signs of altitude sickness, ensuring your safety on every step of Kilimanjaro.
31. Medical check-ups every morning and evening
At Altezza, every climber has a personal medical record for the entire expedition. Twice a day, our guides conduct health checks, measuring vitals such as oxygen saturation, pulse, and blood pressure, and recording the results, as well as your subjective well-being, to track your condition at altitude. This system allows us to detect the earliest signs of altitude sickness and respond immediately, ensuring your safety at every stage of the climb.
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We Take Care of Our Team
Team Matters
32. Comfortable tents for the whole team
Altezza Travel porters sleep in tents that match the comfort level of those used by clients. Proper rest and well-being matter for every member of the expedition.
33. We ensure safety for our staff
We perform two full medical check-ups for the entire mountain crew during the expedition. Safety isn’t just for clients, it’s for everyone who makes the climb possible.
34. Health check-ups for the kitchen staff
All our cooks and waiters undergo annual medical check-ups and hold valid health certificates. They are tested for infectious diseases and fully vaccinated.
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The Highest Salaries on Kilimanjaro
Best Team
Altezza pays the highest salaries on Kilimanjaro.
This policy allows us to attract and retain the most skilled guides, porters, and support staff.Well-paid teams are motivated, experienced, and committed — and that directly translates into better safety, better service, and a better climbing experience for you.
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Discovery Center & Education
Education
Kilimanjaro Discovery Center
Altezza established Tanzania’s first private Discovery Center focused on the heritage of Mount Kilimanjaro — its climbing history, culture, wildlife, and people. The center was built primarily for our 3,000 mountain porters from rural communities, offering them an opportunity to learn about the mountain’s geography, geology, wildlife, and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Porter education
We invest in our porters’ growth through ongoing training, education workshops, and career programs. Many advance from porter to summit assistant to assistant guide and eventually to full guide, gaining skills, confidence, and long-term opportunities in Tanzania’s tourism industry. The porter facility at our mountain base provides access to educational resources, training materials, and informative exhibits that encourage continuous learning and career growth.
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We Help Everyone on The Mountain
Safety
Our guides follow a strict protocol: help anyone in need on the mountain, not just our clients.
We never leave anyone behind
If anyone is in trouble, we act by providing oxygen, medication, food, and support to other climbers and crews whenever needed.
Every week, we assist porters from other companies.
Every few weeks, we step in to help clients of other operators. On some occasions, even our cooks have provided meals to sick climbers from other groups after food poisoning incidents.
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Helicopter Support
Safety
Immediate response when it’s needed most
Only with Altezza
We operate our own hangar at Moshi Airport and work directly with all licensed helicopter companies serving Kilimanjaro. This ensures fast, coordinated medical evacuations with immediate access whenever air assistance is required.
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First Aid Center Project at Barranco Camp
Safety Initiative
In November 2025, Altezza will launch a pilot project at Barranco Camp: a fully equipped First Aid Center available to all climbers and crews on the mountain. This initiative is designed to raise safety standards across Kilimanjaro, offering immediate medical support to anyone, regardless of their company, at one of the busiest camps on the mountain.
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Over 25,000 Climbers With Zero Fatalities.
Safety
Zero fatalities in 11 years
Over the past decade, we’ve never lost a single client or porter.This isn’t luck. It’s the result of strict safety standards, medical readiness, and a culture of care at every level.
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Individual Support When It Matters Most
Summit Support
1:1 Support on summit day
one support team member per climber
On summit night, each climber is paired with a specially trained team member who speaks English and has basic medical training. They are there to provide physical and mental support through the most demanding part of the climb.
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Group Structure
Expeditions & Comfort
What Are the Groups Like?
Average group size:
10–15 climbers
Gender mix:
~55% men, ~45% women
Women-only groups available
Some argue that smaller groups of 3–6 offer a more personal experience. In practice, they often limit your opportunities to connect.Our groups average 10–12 climbers, with 15 as the maximum. This size is intentional: it brings together travelers from the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, Argentina, and many other countries. Each person adds a new story, culture, and perspective. Many of our climbers say joining a group was the best decision they made — the friendships they formed on Kilimanjaro turned into lasting connections and even future adventures together.Larger groups also mean more guides. The group’s pace will never hold you back — whether you want to hike faster or take your time, a guide will always walk with you at your own speed.
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Our Equipment & Tents
Expeditions & Comfort
43. High-quality equipment
We invest in professional, mountain-grade equipment for every expedition. From tents and oxygen systems to medical supplies and rental gear, everything is maintained to strict standards and regularly inspected.
44. Tents built for comfort and safety
We use regular expedition tents for most climbs — reliable, weather-tested, and designed for the mountain environment.
For premium expeditions (and as an upgrade option in classic climbs), we provide our own walk-in tents.
For years, these tents have been used on Kilimanjaro and proven to be stable, well-insulated, and spacious. With continuous refinement and feedback from our climbers, they’ve become a trusted standard for comfort and reliability on the mountain.
When you travel with us, part of your climb directly funds conservation and social projects like these.
Your journey becomes more than just a personal achievement — it’s also a contribution to protecting Tanzania’s wildlife and ecosystems.
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Research Projects on Kilimanjaro
Research
Altezza is actively involved in scientific research projects on Kilimanjaro.
We support studies on local ecosystems, rare species, and the impact of tourism on the mountain environment. Recently, our team discovered Africa’s highest-altitude frog colony and located the wreckage of an aircraft that had been lost on Kilimanjaro’s slopes for nearly 70 years. By contributing to research, we help preserve Kilimanjaro for future generations and ensure that conservation is integrated with responsible tourism.
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Firefighting Efforts on Kilimanjaro
Environmental Protection
47. We help protect Kilimanjaro
In 2020 and 2022, major wildfires burned thousands of hectares on Kilimanjaro.During those fires, more than 200 of our guides, porters, and managers joined park rangers and volunteers to dig firebreaks and help protect camps and trails.
48. Firefighting containers
Altezza has equipped Kilimanjaro National Park with firefighting containers.Each unit is stocked with water tanks and essential tools, ready for immediate use. These containers are accessible to rangers, local communities, and expedition teams, enabling a quick response to wildfires — a growing threat exacerbated by climate change and human activity.By funding and maintaining this initiative, we directly contribute to the long-term protection of Kilimanjaro’s fragile ecosystem.
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Altezza Academy
Software & Education
We run the Altezza Academy — a training program for the next generation of Tanzanian tourism professionals.
Through workshops, courses, and hands-on practice, we equip local youth with skills that empower them to build careers in the tourism sector.At the Academy, we train guides, drivers, and porters, helping them learn a new career or master new skills, including first aid, high-altitude medicine, navigation, leadership, and emergency response.
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In-house Software For Your Convenience
Software & Tech
Our own custom software, built for your safety and comfort.
Our in-house IT department developed a custom system that tracks every important detail of your expedition — from dietary preferences to medical conditions and allergies.This automation ensures your mountain crew is always fully informed and prepared, long before your climb begins.
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Medical Briefings Before Every Climb
Climb Preparation
We take your safety very seriously
Before each expedition, our paramedic Philip Swart and the local medical team brief all guides using your health and dietary data.They review every climber’s medical notes, risks, and dietary needs — so your safety is carefully planned, not left to improvisation.
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You’re Never Alone with Altezza
Organizational Structure
We do everything possible to ensure your comfort and safety in the mountains, and we’re confident that no one does it better. But life can be unpredictable, and what truly matters is knowing that whatever happens, we’ll always be there to help.If your insurance company refuses to authorize a helicopter evacuation in a critical situation, we’ll cover the cost ourselves. If you fall ill and can’t fly home right away, we’ll offer you a complimentary stay at one of our hotels whenever we have available rooms. With Altezza, you’ll never be left to face a difficult situation on your own, not even after your expedition is over.People trust us because we care for them like family. There are no fine-print conditions or empty promises, only genuine responsibility and care for every person who travels with us.
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