The Rongai, Lemosho, and Machame routes are camping routes that take longer and are considered more scenic than the Marangu. On the Marangu route you will be staying in huts as opposed to camping, and you hike up and down the same path. The Rongai route takes you up the north side of the mountain and you descend down the Marangu route. The Lemosho and the Machame routes traverse the mountain and descends down the Mweka route.

The Rongai route entails 6 days on the mountain while the Machame route has two options, a 6-day hike and a 7-day hike. For those that need extra time to adjust to the altitude, the Lemosho route is best, with 8 days total on the mountain. The Marangu route is the shortest route at a total of 5 days on the mountain. If you are concerned about altitude sickness, it is best to go with a minimum 6-day hike, give yourself enough time to acclimatize.

Yes. If you attempt to climb Kilimanjaro without the proper training you may not enjoy the trek as much as you would have with adequate training. The best way to train for Kilimanjaro is to strap a pack on your back and go hiking as much as possible. By doing so your feet and joints will become accustomed to the constant walking you will face on the trek. Also be sure to hit the gym!

On the Marangu route, trekkers stay in huts. Each hut has a dining room for eating as well as separate bathroom facilities (can be flush toilets or pit latrines). There is no electricity in the huts. On the Rongai, Machame and Lemosho routes, trekkers camp all the way up! For these routes G Adventures travellers receive a private mess tent and they are shared pit latrines. Trekkers on all routes are given a hot water bowl to wash their hands and faces.

On the first day you are responsible to bring your own water but beyond that, water is provided on all routes. Water is taken from the mountain streams, boiled and treated to make safe to drink.

You will not be responsible to carry your luggage up Kilimanjaro. The porters can carry approximately 30lbs (15kg) of your luggage; the rest can be stored safely at the hotel. You will only be responsible to carry your day pack with the essential and personal items you need to have with you at all times.

The mountain guides have to attend certified courses that are offered by Tanzania National Parks before they get their Mountain Guide Licenses. A Porters Association also selects the porters; they will carry an identification card allowing them to carry your belongings, and assist you up the mountain.

A limited supply of equipment is available to rent directly from your Moshi hotel, however the quality varies. Please let your CEO know at the welcome meeting. Whenever possible you should endeavour to bring your own clothing and equipment. There are shops and locals offering these services to you as well. It is best to come outfitted but if necessary here are the prices (USD): Balaclava ($5), Camel bag ($15), Chamber ($200), Crampons ($40), Day pack ($30), Down jacket ($20), Duffel bag ($6), Fleece pants ($6), Fleece top/sweater ($5), Gaiters ($10), Gloves ($6), Gloves - Finger ($10), Gloves - Finger Liner ($5), Goggles - SKI ($15), Head Torch ($15), Mobile Toilet ($236), Oxygen ($118), Poncho ($20), Rain jacket or poncho ($12), Rain jacket / windproof ($15), Rucksack cover ($10), Scarf or neck warmer ($5), Sleeping bag (-25 to -35°C, $40; please let your booking agent know in advance), Summit Jacket ($20), Summit socks ($5), Sunglasses ($10), Sweater ($10), Thermal top ($10), Thermal underwear ($10), Walking poles ($12 for two), Walking trouser ($15), Warm hat ($15), Water Bottle ($15), Windproof rain pants ($15). These rates are subject to change and are only a guideline.

Yes you can. If you are in any physical danger or suffer from altitude sickness the porters will be able to assist you down the mountain.

Temperatures vary considerably with altitude and time of day. On the plains surrounding Kilimanjaro the average temperature is about 30°C. At 3000m frosts can be encountered at night while daytime temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. Nighttime temperatures on the summit can be well below freezing especially with the strong winds at times.

Hypothermia is a condition where the body becomes dangerously cold. It can be caused by brief exposure to extreme cold, or by prolonged exposure to mild cold. Hypothermia occurs when a person's deep-core body temperature drops below 35 degrees celsius (95 degrees farenheit). It is the lowered temperature of the organs inside the body that is important - an ordinary thermometer cannot measure this. The person may not actually feel cold but if they stay in a cold environment and do little or nothing to keep warm, then they may run the risk of becoming hypothermic or becoming ill with bronchitis or pneumonia. Both are cold-related illnesses. Danger signs to watch out for: drowsiness; very cold skin on parts of the body normally covered (e.g., stomach or armpits); slurred or incoherent speech; absence of complaint about feeling cold, even in a bitterly cold environment.

The highest altitude reaches 5895m.

During the trek it is likely that all climbers will experience at least some form of mild altitude sickness. It is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air at an increased altitude. There are many different symptoms but the most common are headaches, light-headedness, nausea, loss of appetite, tingling in the toes and fingers, and a mild swell of ankles and fingers. These mild forms are not serious and will normally disappear within 48 hours. Please visit your physician for any preventative medications.

How to prevent altitude sickness: 1) Stay hydrated (drink at least 4-6 liters per day). 2) Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and depressant drugs. 3) “Don’t go up until symptoms go down” (ensure you are properly acclimatized before going higher). 4) Maintain a good work/rest cycle before your trip. 5) Listen to your body and avoid heavy exercise the first day or two. 6) Take your time using the "Pole pole" (go slowly) pace. 7) Walk high sleep low (take an afternoon stroll further up before descending to sleep, provided you have no symptoms). Six factors that affect altitude illness are the rate of ascent, altitude attained, length of exposure, level of exertion, hydration and diet, and inherent physiological susceptibility.

Absolutely, so precautions are required. About 55% of the earth's protective atmosphere is below an altitude of 5000m. Far less ultraviolet light is being filtered out, making the sun's rays much more powerful, which could result in severe sun burning of the skin. It is strongly recommended to use a 20+ sun protection cream at lower altitudes, and a total block cream above an altitude of 3000m. It is also important to wear dark sun glasses preferably with side panels above 4000m in daytime and essential when walking through snow or ice. Snow blindness can be very painful, and will require your eyes to be bandaged for at least 24 hours.

Tipping is an expected and highly appreciated component of your Mt. Kilimanjaro trek and a direct way to have a positive economic impact. The total number of porters will be confirmed at the gate (normally 2-3 per hiker). Upon completion of your climb, tips should be placed in a group envelope and handed to the Lead Guide at the final meal, preferably with the total amount announced in front of the group. A popular method is to contribute 10% of the total cost of your trek towards tips. Suggested amounts based on trip length are: 5 days ($200-250), 6 days ($225-275), and 7 days ($250-300). If paying individually per day, use this guideline: Chief Guide ($10-15), Assistant Guide ($8-10), Cook ($7-$10), Porter ($5-8). Gifts in addition are also appreciated. These are mere guidelines, and you may alter them based on performance or trek difficulty.