Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, a warm hat, gloves, a sleeping bag, and a daypack. Trekking poles, headlamps, and sunglasses are also recommended. Check out our Packing List  and feel free to Contact Us  with any specific questions about equipment or gear.

Trekkers will experience various climates during a Kilimanjaro trek, including:
Rainforest

• Montane Forest
• Moorlands
• Alpine Desert
• Arctic Conditions at the summit

Therefore, you should be pack for all types of weather and temperatures. At the base of Kilimanjaro (often the first day of trekking) it will likely be

around 20-30°C (68-86°F) and you may encounter light showers. As you ascend, temperatures will drop. At higher altitudes, especially at night, it can fall to -7 to -29°C (20 to -20°F), and you may encounter glaciers and snow for the final summit.Be prepared for both warm and freezing conditions.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro and Meru is during the dry seasons, either from late June to October or January to March.

For Ol Doinyo Lengai, the dry season is ideal, but the main consideration is a new eruption. The volcano is estimated to erupt every 20-40 years, but the area is under constant rese

There is very limited cell phone coverage on Kilimanjaro. You may get a signal at lower altitudes, but it becomes unreliable higher up. Guides use satellite phones to communicate in case of emergencies.

Mount Kilimanjaro is known as the “most walkable mountain in the world” because of its accessibility. While you do need to be in relatively good physical health, many beginners and elderly climbers have successfully made it to the top by being strategic when planning the route and number of days of their trek.

A Kilimanjaro Climb involves trekking for 4 hours or more, and the final ascent is 5-6 hours of trekking at a high altitude. This requires good cardiovascular health, but this feat is also realized every day by plenty of tourists who would probably not label themselves as athletes, just determined hikers  who want to fulfill their dream of reaching the top of Africa’s highest mountain.

Essential gear includes warm clothing, a good pair of hiking boots, a sleeping bag, and a headlamp. See a more complete packing list here.  For Kilimanjaro, altitude sickness prevention is a good idea, talk to your doctor about using Diamox. 

Rent Gear in Tanzania

There are arctic conditions atop Mount Kilimanjaro, and it is very cold and windy at the summit of Mt Meru, as well. If you are combining these climbs with a wildlife safari or beach vacation, you may not want to pack a heavy jacket, rain gear or winter hat. Fortunately, you don’t have to! You can rent these items on-location in Tanzania. The gear is in excellent condition and is a great option for first-time climbers who do not want to invest in equipment they may only use once or twice. This is a budget and eco-friendly option

Daily trekking hours vary depending on the route and altitude. Typically, you will hike for 4-7 hours a day, with summit day being the longest, often 10-14 hours of trekking. Adequate rest and acclimatization are essential for a successful climb.

While Kilimanjaro could be climbed in as little as 5 days, we do not suggest this, since it is only advised for experienced climbers with prior altitude acclimatization. We offer Kilimanjaro climbs from 6 – 8 days, on both Machame and Lemosho Routes. Teams interested in an additional acclimatization day can certainly be accommodated, as well. Extra acclimatization will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

Mount Meru is a 3 or 4 day climb. We suggest 4 days, as it gives more time for descent and includes a walking safari in Arusha National park at the end of the trek.

Ol Doinyo Lengai is climbed in a single night (10-12 hrs total), but due to the remoteness of the location, it is good to set aside 2 or 3 days and include a visit to stunning Lake Natron and have plenty of rest after climbing all night.

The primary mountains are Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain not only in Tanzania but in all of Africa, standing at 5,895 meters. The second-highest is Meru at 4,566 meters, and Ol Doinyo Lengai at 2,878 meters.

All of these mountains are technically volcanoes:

• Kilimanjaro            – an extinct volcano
• Meru                      – a dormant volcano (last eruption over 100 years ago)
• Ol Doinyo Lengai  – an active volcano that saw volcanic activity in 2017. 

For Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, no technical skills are required, though good physical fitness and preparation for altitude are essential. Be prepared to hike for several hours each day and participate in acclimatization hikes to help adapt to the high elevations.

Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai is very steep, while you don’t need any special gear beyond hiking boots and trekking poles, be prepared to scramble in a few places near the top and be very careful on the steep descent

Tanzania has banned the use of single-use plastic bags to protect the environment. Travelers are advised to avoid carrying plastic bags in their luggage. The exception being for resealable plastic bags used for hygiene items, or plastic compression bags.

We recommend using waterproof bags to hold clothing, especially if trekking during the rainy season. Reusable plastic bags are approved for use in Tanzania