Climb Mount Kilimanjaro & Wildlife Safari

The “Roof of Africa,” Mt Kilimanjaro is not only Africa’s highest peak at 19,341 ft (5,895 m), but also one of the world’s highest volcanoes and the world’s tallest walkable mountain. No climbing equipment is needed to reach the peak, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Climbers ascend through five different ecological zones, each with its unique flora and fauna. It’s the world’s highest free-standing mountain, offering a chance to climb from the equator to arctic conditions in a matter of days.

Hundreds of bird species and various animals live in the forests of the southern slopes and surrounding areas, including black and white colobus monkeys. It is also home to the Chagga people, who rely on its rich volcanic soil and bountiful supply of pure spring water for their agricultural livelihood.

Although positioned close to the equator, just 200 miles south (330 km), Mt Kilimanjaro is snow-capped, and its glaciers tower majestically over the savannah plains. It has three volcanic cones situated near the fault-line of two tectonic plates: Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo.

Kibo is the tallest and dormant, while the other two are extinct. It’s estimated that Shira’s peak once stood at least 16,000 ft (4,875 m) high before it collapsed to form what is known as the “Shira Plateau.” Kilimanjaro’s highest summit is Uhuru Peak, located on Kibo’s crater.

Porters, who carry all of your food and gear, are the heart and soul of your mountain experience. Without their strength, dedication and hard work, you would not be able to enjoy the magnificence of Kilimanjaro.

By choosing to climb with IMCS and our in-country partners Barking Zebra Tours, you ensure that the porters you work with on your climb have fair wages and ethical treatment of mountain crew.

Barking Zebra uses top of the line expedition equipment to ensure your comfort on the mountain. All guides have Wilderness First Responder training, and perform daily health checks with each individual in the group. Meals are planned for the right balance of protein, carbohydrate, and nutrients to support your climb.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging trek that requires good physical condition but doesn’t demand technical climbing skills. The main challenges are:

– Extended periods of uphill walking (6-8 hours daily)
– High altitude conditions (up to 19,341 ft/5,895m)
– Varying terrain and weather conditions
– Multiple consecutive days of physical exertion

Health Conditions to Consider and Discuss with Your Doctor

– Heart conditions
– Respiratory issues
– Joint problems
– High blood pressure
– Diabetes
– Previous altitude sickness

Remember: The better prepared you are physically, the more you’ll enjoy the experience and the higher your chances of reaching the summit. We can suggest a training regimen, and guide you on preparatory hikes in the Mount Washington Valley.

Visas: Tourists must obtain a one-year multiple entry visa for $100. Applicants can apply and pay online for an e-visa in advance of travel. If approved, the applicant will receive a “grant notice” via email which they present to the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the airport in Tanzania. U.S. citizens can also obtain a tourist visa upon arrival.

Tanzania Entry Requirements:

– Passport with at least one blank page and six months’ validity.
– Visitors must present a round-trip ticket and be prepared to demonstrate they have sufficient funds for their stay.
– Passports with the “X” gender marker are not accepted.

Visit the US Department of State travel page for Tanzania for more information.

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is not required from travelers from the US. It is required from all travelers arriving from countries where the disease is endemic, including 12+ hour airport transit and layovers. The Embassy of Tanzania has further information, including on waivers for this requirement.

Visit the CDC page for Tanzania for more information. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Deposit & Payments

– $1,500 non-refundable deposit / admin fee required to confirm booking
– Payments able to be made in installments
– Final payment due 90 days before departure date

Cancellations

We understand that life happens. However, the logistics involved in planning expeditions require a tremendous amount of administrative work and time.

– Any cancellation 120+ days prior to the first date of your expedition will be refunded in full, minus the non-refundable deposit
– If you cancel 120-90 days prior to the first day of your expedition you will be refunded 50% of the total, minus non-refundable deposit
– We are unable to refund if you cancel within 90 days of your trip
– No refunds will be given for unused hotel bookings due to schedule changes, late arrivals, etc.

IMCS reserves the right to cancel an expedition prior to the departure date. In the event that the expedition is canceled based solely on an internal administrative decision by IMCS, you will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable deposit.

We reserve the right to alter the climbing or safari route for safety/weather, and would substitute accommodations of similar standard if necessary. We will not compensate for unavoidable changes in the schedule.

IMCS Guides have the final authority on all safety decisions and reserve the right to terminate the climb for a multitude of reasons. This may include safety, weather, conditions encountered on the route, your personal level of fitness or ability, the abilities of your teammate(s) or any number of other circumstances. There is no guarantee that we will reach the summit. There are no refunds if the climb is terminated. Force majeure conditions apply. If we have to cancel the trip due to external factors, such as political upheaval, pandemics, terrorism, or cancellations imposed by foreign or domestic governments, we will not issue a refund.

Insurance

– Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory
– Must include: Emergency medical evacuation (minimum coverage $500,000); Trip cancellation; Mountain rescue; COVID-19 coverage
– Copy of insurance policy must be received 30 days before departure

Liability

– Limited to gross negligence
– IMCS is not liable for third-party services
– IMCS is not responsible for loss/damage of personal items
– Guests are responsible for their own actions and are liable for willful damage to property/equipment
– Guests must follow guide instructions

Marketing

– IMCS has the right to take and use photos/videos for marketing
– Client may opt out in writing

Personal responsibility

Clients are responsible for making all necessary preparations to ensure good health and physical conditioning for this expedition. Prior to departure, you are required to familiarize yourself with all pre-departure information and gather appropriate clothing and equipment for your climb.
Clients must maintain basic hygiene and treat both team members and local populations with respect. Guides retain the authority to remove any team member whose actions jeopardize the health or safety of others during the trip.