Kilimanjaro towers at 5895 metres and 19,341 feet above sea level. It is regarded as the world’s highest free-standing mountain and the “Roof of Africa”—the continent’s most popular travel attraction. It is a wonderful trek that requires no technical climbing skills. To reach the summit, one needs only a healthy average level of fitness. We created this guide to help travellers prepare for a lifetime Kilimanjaro adventure. 

Is Climbing Kilimanjaro Safe?

Hiking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is relatively safe when approached with absolute caution, proper preparation, and strict adherence to safety guidelines.

The altitude of the mountain presents inherent risk, leading to altitude-related illness like altitude sickness. Risks are rare, specifically among climbers who acclimatise efficiently and ascend at a reasonable pace. To ensure safety on Kilimanjaro, climbers should follow specific protocols. 

• * Choose a reputable Kilimanjaro Climbing operator, such as Migsam Safari, which features experienced guides who prioritise the well-being of their climbers.
• * Guides are all well-trained to recognise the symptoms of altitude sickness and provide necessary assistance or evacuation if required.
• * Climbers should familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of Kilimanjaro altitude sickness and prepare to descend if the symptoms worsen.
• * Climbers should always stay hydrated and well-nourished throughout the entire climb.

By adopting and taking these Kilimanjaro safety precautions and remaining mindful of personal limitations, climbers enjoy a safe and rewarding experience on Kilimanjaro.

Before the Kilimanjaro Climb

Apart from the cost of your climb, there are certain other costs involved in climbing Kilimanjaro that you are required to budget for.

Gear cost

Check the climbing Kilimanjaro gear list to see what you are required to bring with you. You already have some items in your closet, but if you have never hiked before, you will be starting from the beginning.

You can always avail the gears from Amazon while sales are on. Furthermore, renting a kit that you are unlikely to use again is a good idea for expensive items, such as sleeping bags or down jackets. 

Depending on what you already have and your skill at finding bargains, you will likely need to budget between USD 500 and USD 800 for good-quality trekking gear.

Medical Checkup & Vaccinations

When planning to hike on Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, all travellers are required to have a yellow fever certificate if they arrive from a country at risk of the disease. You are required to schedule an appointment at your local travel clinic or with your physician to determine the exact vaccinations you will need.

Travel Insurance cost

You require adequate travel insurance to cover you for all eventualities, including cancellation, lost luggage, and, most critically, medical evacuation and treatment in the event of an emergency on the mountain.

Your travel insurance needs to cover you for trekking to 6000 metres and emergency evacuation.

Tips for your Crew

Some people do question why you require leave tips for your crew if you have already paid for your climb. Once you witness how hard your team works, how they are up before dawn to cook and serve breakfast. 

How they do exactly break camp once you leave, then do it all over again in the afternoon, and go to bed much later than you, you will undoubtedly be happy to show your appreciation. We recommend tipping at the end of the climb, not during the expedition. 

How Much Does it Cost to Climb Kilimanjaro? 

Finally, with whom you climb is your final decision. We have provided sufficient information to make a critical choice and understand the associated costs. At Migsam Safaris, we have worked hard to reduce your costs for competitive Kilimanjaro climbs, without compromising on safety and comfort for all involved. We certainly recognise that without the dedication of our crew, we wouldn’t have lived within the mountain at all.