The easiest way to reach African Environments is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located approximately one hour from our headquarters in Arusha. This is the main gateway for visitors climbing Kilimanjaro or exploring Northern Tanzania and is where our team will personally meet you on arrival.

Most international guests travel via Amsterdam with KLM, although excellent connections are also available through Doha (Qatar Airways), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), and Nairobi (Kenya Airways). If you are planning to combine your climb with a safari or beach extension, we are happy to advise on the most convenient routing.

Once you arrive, there's no need to worry about transfers or logistics. An African Environments representative will meet you at the airport, assist with your luggage, and transfer you directly to your accommodation in Arusha. This gives you time to relax, meet your guide, complete your equipment check, and prepare for your climb before entering Kilimanjaro National Park.

Most visitors require a Tourist Visa to enter Tanzania. For many nationalities, visas can either be obtained online before travel or purchased on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. As visa regulations and fees occasionally change, we recommend checking the latest requirements with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy or official government website before departure.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from Tanzania and should contain sufficient blank pages for immigration stamps. If you are travelling via another African country, different entry requirements may apply, particularly regarding Yellow Fever vaccination certificates.

Applying for your visa before travelling can often reduce waiting times at immigration after a long international flight. If you have any questions before departure, our team will be happy to advise you on current entry requirements.

Before travelling to Tanzania, we recommend consulting your doctor or a specialist travel clinic regarding vaccinations and any medications that may be appropriate for your itinerary. Advice varies depending on your home country, recent travel history, and personal medical circumstances.

A Yellow Fever vaccination is only required if you are arriving from, or have recently travelled through, a country where Yellow Fever is present. Malaria is not found on the upper slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro due to the altitude, although preventative medication may be recommended if you are spending time in Arusha or on safari before or after your climb.

Altitude is the greatest challenge on Kilimanjaro, and it affects every climber differently regardless of age or fitness. Our itineraries are designed to maximise acclimatisation wherever possible, while our guides conduct daily health checks using pulse oximeters and monitor every guest carefully throughout the expedition. Your safety will always be our highest priority.

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), although US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the tourism industry. We recommend bringing newer US Dollar notes (printed after 2009), as older notes are sometimes refused. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, although additional bank charges may apply.

ATMs are readily available in Arusha before your climb, allowing you to withdraw local currency if required. During your expedition there are no banking facilities, so any cash required for personal purchases or gratuities should be obtained beforehand.

Tipping forms an important part of the tourism industry in Tanzania and is greatly appreciated by mountain crews who work exceptionally hard to support every expedition. We will provide clear guidance on recommended gratuities before your climb to ensure they are distributed fairly amongst guides, cooks, and porters.

Mobile phone coverage is surprisingly good on many sections of Kilimanjaro, although signal strength varies with location and altitude. Charging facilities are generally unavailable on the mountain, so we recommend bringing a fully charged power bank if you wish to keep electronic devices powered throughout the climb.

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins in Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania and home to African Environments. Before heading onto the mountain, you'll have time to recover from your international flight, meet your climbing team, and complete a full equipment inspection to ensure you have everything required for a safe and comfortable expedition.

This preparation day is an important part of the experience. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing covering the route, daily routine, altitude, health monitoring, safety procedures, and what to expect during each stage of the climb. It is also the ideal opportunity to ask questions and make any last-minute adjustments to your equipment.

If you need to hire any specialist clothing or equipment, our rental store stocks quality items including sleeping bags, insulated jackets, walking poles, gaiters, waterproofs, and other essential mountain gear. Hiring equipment locally allows many guests to travel lighter while still having access to reliable, high-quality kit.

Preparing well before you travel will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable expedition. We recommend confirming that your passport is valid, arranging comprehensive travel insurance that includes high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation, and checking current visa and vaccination requirements well in advance of departure.

When packing, focus on lightweight clothing that can be layered to cope with Kilimanjaro's changing conditions. Temperatures can range from warm tropical weather at the base of the mountain to well below freezing on summit night, so good quality waterproofs and insulated clothing are essential. A detailed packing list will be provided after booking to help you prepare with confidence.

Finally, remember that climbing Kilimanjaro is not simply a physical challenge—it is an adventure to be enjoyed. Arrive well rested, keep an open mind, and trust your guides. For more than forty years, African Environments has helped climbers from around the world reach the Roof of Africa safely, responsibly, and with memories that last a lifetime.