Preparing for Kilimanjaro
Everything you need to sort out before you reach the mountain — from your packing list and travel insurance to flights, visas, vaccinations and getting fit for the roof of Africa.
Packing list
Preparing for Kilimanjaro can be hectic, so we’ve carefully put together a packing list to use as you get ready for your bucket-list adventure.
Insurance
It’s advisable to check with your current provider to confirm whether your policy covers illness or accidents while traveling abroad. Often that coverage is already included. If not, we strongly recommend supplemental insurance to protect against unexpected expenses or emergency repatriation due to health issues or accidents.
Additional areas worth covering:
- Delayed luggage
- Hospitalization
- Mountain evacuation
- Accidental demise and repatriation of remains
Given the long gap between booking and departure, trip-cancellation cover can be worthwhile too. The insurer we recommend:
Covers trekking worldwide up to 6,500 m — including our Western Breach route.
Heli-evacuation
High-altitude medical
24/7 support
Flights
There are no direct flights connecting North America and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). In our experience, KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) offers the most convenient, time-efficient service, with frequent departures from the USA and Canada.
From the East Coast, KLM flights typically stop in Amsterdam for around two hours before continuing to JRO, usually arriving about 8:00 PM local time.
Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and others are also great options depending on where in the world you’re flying from.
Our most-recommended carrier to Kilimanjaro from North America.
Visas
Entry into Tanzania requires a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. It’s handled first-come, first-served and can take up to an hour; airport authorities will guide you through it.
You can also buy an E-Visa online before you travel. We recommend applying at least 30 days before your arrival date — there’s a chance an E-Visa isn’t approved in time, which would mean paying again in cash (USD) at the airport. Applying early avoids that.
Health & altitude
Immunizations
Climbing Kilimanjaro may call for certain vaccines, some of which can be mandatory for travel to Africa. For full guidance, consult the CDC and your own doctor about what you'll need from your home country. Tap the image for the CDC's Tanzania page.
Stomach & hygiene
To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal upset, a few simple precautions go a long way:
- Drink only bottled water and beverages
- Don't interact with local animals
- Avoid food from roadside vendors
Malaria
The malaria risk is relatively low in Arusha and the Kilimanjaro region but rises in coastal and humid areas. We still advise malaria prophylaxis during your stay in East Africa — consult your physician for the right medication.DEET repellent below 9,000 ft plus long sleeves and trousers are recommended. On the mountain itself mosquitoes are rarely an issue (we start climbs around 7,500–8,000 ft), so repellent is mainly for lower elevations and the rest of the country.
Acclimatization
Preparation includes acclimatization, starting with a 2-day stay in Arusha at 4,593 ft (1,400 m) to help those from sea level adjust. On the climb, our Head Guide regularly monitors your oxygen saturation and heart rate.Mild AMS symptoms — headaches, nausea, appetite loss, insomnia or discomfort — are common and manageable with hydration and medication like Diamox (consult your doctor first). Report any symptoms to the Head Guide immediately. In severe cases, descent or a Portable Altitude Chamber may be required. Safety is our top priority.
Physical fitness
Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb — no specialized gear or climbing experience required. But being in good physical condition is essential for a great experience and a successful summit.
We highly recommend a comprehensive medical check-up before your climb. Tell your doctor you intend to climb Kilimanjaro so they can advise you. For safety reasons, those with cardiovascular complications are strongly advised against attempting the climb.
If you’re not used to regular activity, start a fitness regimen at least six months ahead. A good plan might include:
- Regular walks — ideally in your hiking boots to break them in — covering at least 2 miles daily
- Hikes with varied elevation to build calf and leg strength, mimicking Kilimanjaro's terrain
- Treadmill sessions with adjustable inclines to simulate the mountain's gentle and steep slopes
Climbing Kilimanjaro is as much mental as physical — we like to say it’s 50% mental, 50% physical. With the right preparation and mindset, the Roof of Africa is an attainable dream.