Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates and their memories.

Galloping Safaris is one of the few specialist companies organizing high quality Kilimanjaro climbs. Several hundred-tour operators offer Kilimanjaro climbs. However, only a handful can be considered reputable. We are a local tour company so our prices are low; some of the highest most expensive companies consider it as cheap Kilimanjaro price. Don’t be surprised if we tell you we are offering a high-quality standard service than most of them. We communicate with you directly to customize your tour, which means you will not be paying commission to an overseas travel agent. Our private tours are on average 30-50% less expensive than group tours offered by many overseas tour companies.

Safety is our number one priority; we also treat our porters and guides very well as without them Kilimanjaro experience will not be the same! We are like a family!

We pledge to provide a strict standard of service on all of our climbs, including:

  • Professional, experienced guides

  • Fresh, healthy, nutritious food

  • High guide to client ratio of 1:2

  • Clean, purified drinking water

  • Hard working, team-oriented support staff

  • Fair wages to our employees

  • Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain hardware tents

  • Solid safety and crisis management procedures

  • Roomy dining tents with table and chairs

  • Emergency oxygen and medical kits (upon request)

WFR-CERTIFIED KILIMANJARO GUIDES

Not all certifications are created equal

When you’re scaling one of the Seven Summits, you need to trust your Kilimanjaro guide’s training.

That’s why Galloping Safaris goes further than other companies: all our head guides are certified by internationally-recognized Sentinel Outdoor Institute (SOI) as Wilderness First Responders. That’s more than an in-house training program: it’s the highest standard of guide training on Kilimanjaro.

Galloping Kilimanjaro guides are a cut above:

  • Fluent in English and Swahili
  • Each guide has 100-150+ professional summits of Kilimanjaro
  • Trained to use extensive emergency equipment, including Gamow bags, stretchers, oxygen, and life-saving medications
  • Trained in high-altitude evacuations.

ETHICAL TREATMENT OF KILIMANJARO PORTERS

Without them, your trek wouldn’t be possible.

Porters carry the majority of guest belongings and set up and break down each campsite. They are integral to every trip we run, and we deeply respect everything they do for our guests.

Unfortunately, poor treatment of porters is an epidemic on the mountain, where they’re regularly exploited by budget climbing outfits.

Galloping treats Kilimanjaro porters better:

We are member of Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP).

Signature provides one of the highest porter compensation packages in Tanzania.

With Galloping, porters earn top wages, bonuses, comprehensive benefits, medical care, advanced training, and additional educational opportunities.

Full wages are guaranteed, even if porters must descend early.

Galloping porters earn bonuses for each pound of trash left by other companies that they carry off the mountain.

Porters are provided with professional-grade all-weather uniforms.

Thomson ensures every porter has a hat, gloves, proper footwear, warm layers, and mountaineering glasses.

Porters are provided with mountaineering tents and closed-cell foam sleeping pads, as well as all meals on the mountain.

WHEN TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO

While weather in Tanzania changes seasonally, Kilimanjaro is so massive, it essentially creates its own weather patterns.

That means you can expect fairly consistent weather on Kilimanjaro year-round. No matter when you trek, plan around the following weather conditions:

It will be tropical in the foothills, with high humidity and temperatures in the high 70s-90s.

Conditions at the summit are arctic; nighttime temperatures often drop below zero.

Along the way, you will experience every temperature in between.

No matter when you climb you could encounter heavy rainfall or snow.

You should not climb in April, early May, or late November; weather on and off the mountain is too wet for comfortable treks.

The rest of Tanzania experiences cooler, drier weather in the dry season (late May through October); and warmer, wetter weather in the green season (December through March).

GEAR LIST RECOMMENDED

Top quality mountaineering clothing and equipment is an investment that will see you through years of adventures. It is wise to choose carefully, and not to skimp on quality. The companies and products you see listed below can serve as starting points of reference for you. Take this list to your local outdoor specialty shop.

Feel free to use this list as a reference as you prepare for your trip, but note that not all brands and models are current.

  • Footwear:

    Running shoes or lightweight trail shoes: For travel and easy walking.  Some days on the mountain you will hike in these shoes.  It is important to be able to change footwear to aid in prevention of blisters and other foot discomforts.

    Hiking boots: Leather with sturdy mid-sole and a Vibram sole. ½ or ¾ shank, boots should be warm and fit well over light and heavy sock combination.  Combination fabric and leather trail shoes that come over the ankle for support might also be acceptable.  Fit is much more important than brand.  Take time to select a pair that fits, and break them in well.

  • Gaiters:

    For mud in the forest and scree on summit day.  Short, simple gaiters are best, such as Outdoor Research’s Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters.

    Sport sandals: Excellent in camp during evenings and on Safari, open toe model that can be worn with socks (Teva).

  • Camp booties: Down or synthetic, optional luxury, any brand with thick foam soles.  Mountain Hard wear Chugach Booties are excellent.

  • Lightweight socks: Three pairs Synthetic/Wool Blend (Bridge dale, Patagonia, Smart wool).

  • Heavy socks: Three pairs Synthetic/Wool Blend (Smart wool, Bridge dale).

  • Clothing:

    It is very important that your clothing fits loosely and comfortably so you can layer your clothes appropriately. This is key for maintaining a comfortable body temperature.

  • Lightweight pants: One pair (any brand Supplex or “stretch woven” pant).

    Hiking shorts –One pair (any brand of Supplex short).  Will often be worn over lightweight long underwear bottoms.

  • Lightweight long underwear top: (Mountain Equipment Co-op)

    Mid-weight long underwear top: Zip T-neck design is good. Light colors are better for tops because they are cooler when hiking in direct sunlight and just as warm as dark colors when worn underneath other layers.  (Patagonia, North Face, Mountain Hardwear)

  • Briefs: Four pairs synthetic or cotton. Running shorts also work well for underwear.

    Short-sleeved shirts: Two synthetic; most nylon running shirts or athletic shirts work well. Shirt material should have vapor wicking capabilities. (North Face, Patagonia-Capilene)

  • Fleece or synthetic jacket: Polartec 100 or 200 is good. An even better alternative is a synthetic fill jacket made of Prim aloft or Polar guard ((Patagonia, North Face, and Mountain Hardwear)

    Synthetic-fill pants: such as Mountain Hard wear Chugach 3D Pant. Full side zips are recommended.  Fleece pants are an acceptable alternative, but they will be heavier, bulkier and not as versatile.

  • Down insulated jacket: Medium weight, hood is preferred, but not required. North Face Lhotse Jacket or Summit Jacket.

    Waterproof breathable jacket & pants: Such as Gore-Tex. Jacket must have hood. It is recommended that pants have full-length side zips. These garments should be large to fit over your other layers.

  • Head & Hand Gear

    Liner gloves: They should be lightweight and synthetic. (Patagonia Capilene)

  • Wind stopper fleece gloves: (Any brand of Wind stopper fleece)

    Mittens w/ pile liners: (Outdoor Research)

  • Bandana: Two to three traditional cotton styles. This is an important item with many uses, large sizes are best.

  • Sun hat: Any lightweight hat with a good brim or visor.

    Wool or fleece hat: Any brand of warm hat that can go over ears.

  • Balaclava: Should fit underneath your wool or fleece hat or be thick enough to be worn alone.

  • Accessories.

    Sunglasses #1: For high altitude. One pair of high quality 100%UV and 100%IR with a minimum of 80% light reduction, side shields such as those found on “glacier glasses” are not recommended, but size and shape of lens should offer maximum protection from bright light on snow.

    Sunglasses #2: One pair high quality 100%UV and 100%IR, for lower elevations, also as a backup. It is important to have a spare pair of sunglasses.

    Headlamp w/ spare bulb: AA or AAA battery powered (Petzl or Black Diamond)

    Spare Batteries: Bring plenty for reading in tents at night.

  • Camping Gear.

    Backpack: 3000 cubic inches or more, internal frame. Top opening mountaineer’s rucksack style is best.  Avoid large zipper openings and excessive outside pockets.  Larger packs are better than smaller, because they are easier to pack with cold hands and they distribute loads more effectively.

    Pack cover: A big enough size to fit over your backpack to protect from rain and dust.

    Sleeping bag: Minus 10F to 0F Down 700 fill minimum (Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, The North Face).

    Sleeping pad: Inflating, full-length (Therm-a-rest).

    Foam pad: (Ridgerest).

    Water bottles: Two1-liter, leak-proof wide-mouth (Nalgene Poly or Lexan bottles).

    Lightweight steel thermal bottle: One-liter size. Optional but very nice on the long summit day.  Water in Nalgene bottles will freeze unless kept next to the body; it is easier to stay hydrated with warm drinks at 19,000 ft.  (Zojirushi “Dura Bottle”, Nissan, Outdoors Research).

    Pee bottle: Optional. One 1-quart, leak-proof wide-mouth (Nalgene Poly or Lexan bottles).

    Pee funnel for women: Optional but highly recommended (Freshette).

    Pack towel: Small or medium size pack towel. Do not bring ‘terrycloth’ they are too bulky and difficult to dry. Bandanas work in a pinch. (Pack owl)

    Trekking poles: Useful for going up and down steep, muddy trails in the forest, and general trekking in the higher elevations.  Adjustable poles are best so that you can strap them on your pack when not in use.  Remove the ski baskets; you will use them for walking. (Leki 3-section, Black Diamond).

    Swiss army knife: Remember not to leave in carry-on bags for any international or domestic flight.  Scissors are probably the most useful features; you will seldom need the knife blade.

  • Medical & Personal.

    Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher, non-oily (Dermatone or Terrapin)

    Lip screen: SPF 30 or higher (any brand)

    Toiletry kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, skin lotion, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, soap, comb/brush, shave kit, (bring travel size bottles to keep your kit small).

    First-aid kit: Ibuprofen/Aspirin assorted Band-Aids, moleskin, Neosporin-type suave, small gauze pad, roll of adhesive tape, tweezers, and safety pins. Include any prescription travel meds that might be prescribed by your doctor (antibiotics, Diamox, sleep aids).

    Large trash compactor bags: For waterproofing some items inside your duffel.

    Zip-loc bags: These are always useful.

    Baby wipes

    Earplugs: Very useful for sleeping in tents and lodges. Available in most hardware stores.

    Water purification tablets: Such as Potable Aqua brand iodine tablets. You will be given plenty of purified water during your trek, but one bottle of backup purification tablets is always a good idea for your travels. They are especially useful in hotels on your way to Nepal. You should not drink untreated tap water anywhere in Asia and bottled water in some rare cases might not be available.

  • Travel Items.

    River Dry Bag: 115-liter size. This will be the bag carried by porters on the mountain.  (Cascades Design Boundary Bag, Cabela’s, North Face, Mountain Hard wear)

    Large expedition duffel bag: For flying to Africa with your dry bag and other belongings.  Will be stored at you hotel in Arusha while you are on the Mountain and again while you are on safari. (“Burro Bag” North Face Expedition Duffel, XL).  Hockey bags also work.

    Small travel bag: Important. Your duffel bag will stay in Arusha while you are on safari.  You will take this small bag in the Land Rover for nights while you are away on safari. (Wild Things “Carry On”, North Face, Eagle Creek).

    Nylon stuff sacks: Two or three, for organizing, light colors preferable for labeling.

    Clothes for safari: Two or three changes depending on the length of safari.  Comfortable travel clothes.  Days are dusty, cool in the mornings, warm in the middle of the day.  At the end of the day we return to our lodge where you will shower and change for a nice dinner.

  • Lightweight travel jacket: Simple wind-shirt or light fleece.  Average evening temperatures in Arusha, Tanzania and Nairobi is in the 40’s F (5 – 8 C) in July and August.  December and February are warmer, but evenings and mornings at higher altitudes on safari are always a little cool.

    Workout clothes and/or bathing suit: Simple and versatile, for hotels.

    Passport belt/pouch

    Book(s)

    Journal

  • Binoculars: Optional. High quality, 8×32 or 10×42. Great for safari

    Camera, lenses, and video camera: Bigger lenses and cameras for safari can be stored in Arusha if you prefer.

    Film and/or memory cards for digital cameras: Bring plenty, as well as plenty of camera batteries.  Film is expensive in East Africa, and memory cards are generally not available.  Be sure to keep film in your carry-on luggage, in clear zip-loc bags so that it can be inspected.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

What to know about Altitude Sickness while climbing Kilimanjaro?

If you are planning to Climb Kilimanjaro, we highly recommend reading our altitude sickness (Acute mountain sickness guide) to be familiar what it is, its cause and prevention.

The definition of altitude Sickness (Acute mountain sickness)

It is an illness that ranges from a mild headache and weariness to a life-threatening build-up of fluid in the lungs or brain at high altitudes. Acute altitude sickness is the mildest and most common form. Because more people are traveling to areas of high elevation like climbing Kilimanjaro.

High Altitude: 1500 – 3500 m (5000 – 11500 ft)

Very High Altitude: 3500 – 5500 m (11500 – 18000 ft)

Extreme Altitude: above 5500 m (18000 ft)

Altitude Sickness Causes

Altitude sickness symptoms occur when the rate of ascent into higher altitudes is too quickly that the body doesn’t get time to acclimatize. Altitude sickness generally develops at elevations higher than 8,000 feet (about 2,400 meters) above sea level and when the rate of ascent exceeds 1,000 feet (300 meters) per day.

The following actions can trigger altitude sickness:

Ascending too quickly (rapidly)

Overexertion within 24 hours of ascent

Inadequate fluid intake

Hypothermia

Consumption of alcohol or other sedatives

One way to avoid altitude sickness is allowing the body to get used to the altitude slowly (Acclimatization)

Acclimatization is the process by which the body adjusts to high altitudes.

The goal of acclimatization is to increase ventilation (breathing) to compensate for lower oxygen content in the air.

To compensate for this extra ventilation, blood needs to have a lower ph. In response, the kidneys excrete bicarbonate into the urine, which in turn lowers the body’s pH to accommodate for this extra respiratory effort.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS SYMPTOMS.

Acute altitude sickness may be associated with any combination of the following symptoms:

Fatigue

Headache

Dizziness

Insomnia

Shortness of breath during exertion

Nausea

Decreased appetite

Swelling of extremities

Social withdrawal

People with acute altitude sickness often attribute their symptoms to other causes such as an uncomfortable bed, bad food, or a hangover. However, it is important to recognize that these symptoms may indicate a high-altitude illness which is High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) fluid buildup in the lungs, an advanced form of acute altitude sickness, causes the following progression of symptoms:

Shortness of breath at rest

Gurgling respirations

Wet cough with frothy sputum

Possible fever

Respiratory failure

Onset of HAPE can be gradual or sudden. HAPE typically occurs after more than one day spent at high altitude.

High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is fluid buildup in the brain. It can begin with confusion.

A person developing HACE begins having trouble keeping up with the group.

Next, walking and coordination become impaired.

As the brain continues to swell, lethargy and then coma will develop.

If left untreated, HACE will ultimately result in death.

Both HAPE and HACE are potentially fatal but are thankfully extremely rare during a well-planned Kilimanjaro climb.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS TREATMENT

Delay further ascent until symptoms improve.

Rest and stay warm.

Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for headache. (Ask your doctor for subscription)

Do not use sleeping pills or other central nervous system depressants to treat insomnia because they can suppress breathing.

If symptoms continue, do not travel any higher.

In cases of HAPE or HACE, immediate descent is a necessary life-saving measure (2,000 – 4,000 feet [610-1,220 meters]). Anyone suffering from HAPE or HACE must be evacuated to a medical facility for proper follow-up treatment.

ACCLIMATIZATION

Acclimatization is the process in which an individual organism adjusts to a gradual change in its environment.

So, while your climbing Kilimanjaro your body undergoes a process of trying to adapt the altitude transformation.

So, physiologically, what happens during acclimatization is, as you ascend higher into the atmosphere, there is less atmospheric pressure pushing all the air molecules together, so oxygen molecules become few and far between.

What to do to Acclimatize and prevent altitude sickness while climbing Kilimanjaro

Walk Slowly (pole pole) 

When you climb Kilimanjaro, you will hear the phrase ‘Pole, pole’. This means ‘slowly, slowly’ in Swahili. The best way for your body to adapt to altitude is to move really slowly. This allows the intelligent body to adapt to the effects of altitude on Kilimanjaro. The higher you climb the higher the altitude and the harder it takes your body to cope up with its environment.

Hydration

Drinking allot helps and its renown to be one of the BEST methods while dealing with acclimatization. We recommend at least drinking 4-5 Liters of water a day while climbing Kilimanjaro. It is usually good to keep an eye on your urine; if it gets too dark, you need to drink more.

Climb high sleep low

Another practice is “Climb high; sleep low.” What this means is that you should do day hikes that gain significant altitude, s and then return to sleep and recuperate at lower altitudes.

Avoid tobacco and alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. These depressants further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of the symptoms.

Eat nutritious rich food

Eat a high carbohydrate diet (more than 70% of your calories from carbohydrates) while at altitude.

In case you notice altitude symptoms 

If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude illness, don’t go higher until symptoms decrease. (in fact you should go to a lower elevation until you feel better)

Preventive Medications

Diamox (Acetazolamide) allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing the symptoms caused by poor oxygenation. This is especially helpful at night when respiratory drive is decreased. Since it takes a while for Diamox to have an effect, it is advisable to start taking it at least 24 hours before you go to altitude and continue for at least five days at higher altitude. While taking Diamox Possible side effects may occur and they include tingling of the lips and finger tips, blurring of vision, and alteration of taste. The side effect subsides when the drug is stopped.

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND Contacting your physician for a prescription. Since Diamox is a sulfonamide drug, people who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take Diamox. Diamox has also been known to cause severe allergic reactions to people with no previous history of Diamox or sulfa allergies.

Dexamethasone (a steroid) is a prescription drug that decreases brain and other swelling reversing the effects of AMS. Dosage is typically 4 mg twice a day for a few days starting with the ascent. This prevents most symptoms of altitude illness.

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND Contacting physician for prescription because of possible serious side effects. It may be combined with Diamox. No other medications have been proven valuable for preventing AMS.

FOOD AND DINING

At the end of a long day’s climb, you’ll want to relax, unwind, and refuel for the next day’s challenges.

Re-energize mind and body in a warm, solar-lit dining tent, and enjoy hearty gourmet meals every day:

  • Fresh, organic ingredients are resupplied throughout the entire trek.
  • Nutritionist-designed meals include an optimal balance of complex carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
  • Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and kosher diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
  • Unlimited purified drinking water provided daily.
  • Chefs are trained in hygienic food preparation and allergy safety.
  • Custom dining tents and comfy chairs included on every trek.
  • Eco-friendly solar lighting brightens your meals.