Questions & Answers
How much equipment will I take with me?
You are expected to carry your own daypack, which will sustain you until you reach camp at the end of the day's hike. You do not need to carry your own personal duffel bag – a porter will carry this bag for you. This bag will hold personal items you won't need during the day's hike (e.g., a change of clothes, personal hygiene items, shoes, etc.). Since the weight limit per porter is 15 kg, a surcharge of USD 100 will be charged if you require an additional porter due to excess baggage. The large duffel bag will be carried from camp to camp each day. Your bag will already be in your tent before you arrive at camp at the end of the day's hike. How you pack your personal duffel bag for the day's hike is up to you. Discover Luki Journeys' essential gear list for Kilimanjaro day hikes – carefully compiled with insider knowledge to help you prepare perfectly for your adventure! The equipment list is available for purchase and is included in all Luki Journeys Kilimanjaro tours. Luki Journeys Equipment List
What if I am slower than other hikers?
This is a common, but completely unfounded, concern. Walking slowly is very important for your body—not only is it gentler, but it also has a positive effect on acclimatization to altitude. Statistics show that slow hikers have a higher success rate than fast summiteers. Enjoy the scenery and walk slowly. The Zara Tours mountain guides will constantly remind you to walk slowly with the words "Pole Pole." Plenty of time is available each day for the daily stages. A generous time buffer is always planned for all daily stages, so you never feel rushed. The Zara Tours mountain teams will endeavor to adapt to the individual pace of the hikers and, if necessary, will split the group to accommodate each hiker's needs. Rest assured that the Zara Tours team will do everything possible to make the hike safe and enjoyable.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Some climbers may not be able to reach the summit. This is not necessarily due to the climbers' fitness. The weather in this area is unpredictable and, in rare cases, may require you to abort your summit climb. The safety of climbers is our top priority at all times, so instructions from the experienced mountain crew must be followed at all times! If the Zara Tours mountain guides deem it unsafe for a climber to continue, the affected climbers (or the entire group) will be transferred to the most suitable camp. The Zara Tours guides are familiar with the network of shortcuts to quickly bring climbers to safety and are well trained to act quickly and calmly in critical situations.
What are the accommodations like on the mountain?
On the Marangu Route, there are simple, functionally furnished mountain huts. The huts for the first two nights each sleep four people. From the third night onwards, you will sleep in larger huts with bunk beds. On all other routes, you will sleep in three-person dome-style mountain tents. These tents are occupied by a maximum of two climbers. The tents meet modern standards and have a bedroom and a separate vestibule. In the tent, you are protected from the elements. The tent will be set up and taken down for you every day. Your porter will carry the tent. There are public restrooms at every campsite. We recommend booking a private chemical toilet as an upgrade option. This toilet is much more hygienic and private. Every morning, all climbers are provided with hot water for washing, and soap is also provided. There are no showers on the mountain. You will eat either in your tent or in a dining tent.
Is there cell phone reception or internet on the mountain?
There is cell phone reception in some areas on Kilimanjaro, especially at lower altitudes and near the huts on the popular routes. However, reception becomes less reliable with increasing altitude and is often sporadic or non-existent at higher altitudes. Some providers also offer local SIM cards, which may provide better reception in certain areas.
Is the climb very strenuous?
Yes, Kilimanjaro is a challenging and strenuous climb, primarily due to its altitude. Although the mountain is technically considered a "hiking peak" and requires no special climbing equipment or skills, the physical demands are high. The biggest challenge is altitude sickness, as the summit is nearly 6,000 meters above sea level. The trek requires good physical fitness, stamina, and mental strength. Daily hikes can last several hours, and the weather can vary dramatically, from warm temperatures at the base to icy conditions at the summit. Good preparation, the right equipment, and adequate acclimatization are crucial for a successful and safe climb.
Are there also German-speaking mountain guides?
Yes, Luki Journeys / Zara Tours has English-speaking guides available to accompany you on your Kilimanjaro climb. These guides are not only experienced and well-trained, but also thoroughly familiar with the local conditions and challenges of the mountain. They will provide you with comprehensive support throughout the entire tour, ensuring you understand the route, feel safe, and have the best possible experience. With English-speaking guidance, you can be sure that no important information is missed and that you are always optimally prepared.
Is there an equipment list?
Yes, Luki Journeys offers a specially compiled gear list available for purchase to every client. For anyone booking a Kilimanjaro tour through Luki Journeys, this list is even included! This list is absolutely invaluable and contains everything you need for a successful and safe climb of Kilimanjaro. It has been carefully compiled to ensure you are fully equipped—from the right clothing to essential items. With this list, you can play it safe and fully enjoy your trek.
Does Luki Journeys offer consultations?
How certain is it that I will reach the summit?
Summit success depends on several factors. Firstly, good physical fitness and health are essential. Another important factor to consider is altitude sickness. This illness can manifest itself with headaches, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, etc. In extreme cases, if the first warning signs are ignored or suppressed, it can lead to serious problems – therefore, good communication with experienced guides is absolutely essential. Preventing altitude sickness is virtually impossible, but we can also provide you with some tips for this, which we will of course provide you with. Generally speaking, if you follow all the tips, choose the right route, travel at the right time, and are well prepared, the chances of summit success are approximately 90%.