Overview
The Lemosho route takes us from the Forest, Big tree, Shira Plateau to the rarely visited Moir Hut, onwards to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. We ascend the Great Barranco Wall, a challenging and exhilarating rock scramble and approach Uhuru Summit from Barafu or Kossovo Camp and the ridge that abuts the Southeast Valley. The climb from Barafu offers incredible views of Mawenzi Peak and Kilimanjaro’s remnant volcanic cone.
After stopping for our summit photos, we continue past the summit and stop to the West of the summit to view the magnificent vistas of the Western Breach and Shira Plateau before descending down.
Itinerary
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport a member of our staff will be at holding a Chief's Tour . You will then be transferred to your hotel a kilele Lodge for overnight.
Today’s Status
Hiking Time:4-5 hours
Total Distance:7 km
Starting Altitude: 1981m (6890ft)
Final Altitude:2780m (9222ft)
After breakfast we travel by 4wd to Londrossi gate where you will meet your guides and mountain crew. We take care of all national park formalities, registering all climbers and weighing all duffle bags to ensure the load carried by each porter does not exceed the mandatory 20kgs limit.
Depending on your program and weather conditions we may take lunch at the gate.
After completing the registration process at Londrossi Gate we drive for 11kms along narrow dirt roads through pine plantations, gradually climbing to the Lemosho Glades where we begin our trek.
We hike uphill for 3 hours through the thick and undisturbed montane forest where you may hear the calls of many exotic birds and if we are lucky we may see blue monkeys and hear the grunting calls of the magnificent black colobus monkeys with their long “cape” of white hair and a flowing white tail.
Our camp tonight is in the forest zone, where podocarpus (African yellow-wood), hagenia and hypericum (St John’s wort) dominate. In the evening you may hear the unmistakable shrieking call of the tree hyrax.
Today’s Status
Hiking Time:7 hours
Total Distance:12 km
Starting Altitude:2780m (9222ft)
Final Altitude:3511m (11520ft)
Environment: Montane Forest – Moorland
Today is a long day over narrow tracks that weave in and out of the ridges as we ascend.
Along the way we will admire trees such as the giant heather and erica and as we gain altitude we will encounter the unique giant levelia and giant groundsel (senecio kilimanjari).
There is no hurry to reach Shira Camp and our mantra “pole pole” (Swakili: “slowly slowly”) resonates in our ears ensuring our bodies adjust to the altitude gain and to take in the magnificent views of Kilimanjaro.
The Shira Plateau is one of the highest in the world with an average height of 3810m and extends for about 13 kms to the west of Kilimanjaro. The Shira Plateau is a caldera, a collapsed volcanic crater. We might even spot a herd of eland in the distance, or startle a grey duiker near camp.
Today’s Status
Hiking Time:5-6 hours
Total Distance:9 km
Starting Altitude:3511m (11520ft)
Final Altitude:4175m (13700ft)
Environment: Alpine Desert
Today we trek steadily northwards through the heather and into the barren high altitude desert towards the natural landmark called Shark’s Tooth. We gain altitude slowly and continue to acclimatize.We walk up a ridge and into a valley, which we then ascend to camp, arriving in time for lunch. We are now in the high desert zone, where only hardy everlastings and small senecios survive, and we are just below the Lent Group, a collection of massive volcanic dykes.
Immediately above us is a huge circular bowl, created by glaciers, and there are numbers of lava tube caves in the cliffs at the uppermost edge. Above that is the Kibo Massif and the Northern Ice Field. Below we have extensive views of the Shira Plateau, a giant sloping depression, where we can see much of the area we have walked recently.
Today’s Status
Hiking Time:5-6 hours
Total Distance:6 km
Starting Altitude: 4175 (1300 ft)
Final Altitude:4642m (15230ft)
Environment: Alpine Desert
We descend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4530m) for lunch. Those who feel up to it can undertake and optional rock scramble (non-technical) to the top of Lava Tower where you will have spectacular panoramic vistas of the Karanga Valley below, Shira Plateau and the spectacular Western Breach above.
From Lava Tower, we descend steeply for 2 hours down more than 600m into the Great Barranco Valley. This descent affords fantastic views and some great photo opportunities of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.
You will also feel the clear benefits of this acclimatization day as we lose altitude. Barranco Camp is set on a col (flat area) enclosed on three sides by the Breach Wall and the Kibo Massif itself. Hanging glaciers shimmer in the sunshine above amidst the eerie landscape of plants such as the giant groundsels, and the uniquely endemic giant lobelia.
This is definitely the toughest day so far, but incredibly beautiful.
Today’s Status
Hiking Time:6-7 hours
Total Distance:9 km
Starting Altitude: 4039m (13250ft)
Final Altitude:4600m (15200ft)
Environment: Alpine Desert
Today we undertake the Great Barranco Wall – an imposing face above Barranco camp. A steady climb up the eastern wall takes us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some breathtaking views of the Heim Glacier and Mt.Kilimanjaro depending upon the weather and any cloud cover. Our trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, Our trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. Here the temperature will grow colder as we follow the trail climbing through this barren and dry landscape up to the Barafu camp.
Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice”, and the camping area is on a ridge in a narrow and exposed flat area. Here there are ever-present powerful winds blowing down from the mountain peaks.
Our campsite at 4600m offers spectacular views of the nearby peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. In preparation for your final ascent tonight, you will familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark, and prepare your equipment and thermal clothing for the summit attempt. Sleep will be difficult, though you will to retire to your tents after dinner to rest for the 1385m final ascent to the roof of Africa.
We will rise early to leave camp at around 12am and after a warm drink and a light snack, you will begin the most difficult though most rewarding day of the trek – your hike to the roof of Africa.
After approximately 6 hours of slow but strenuous hiking, you will reach the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5685m. At this point we stop to rest, eat lunch and take in the views over the clouds. From Stella Point the trail is normally snow-covered, and every step of the two-hour final ascent to Uhuru peak is challenging.
Passing alongside the iridescent blue Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers we reach Elveda Point (5882) we can see Uhuru Peak now only minutes away. The roof of Africa is within your grasp.
Arriving at the summit you feel a huge sense of elation and accomplishment you have done it, you have made it to the highest point in Africa. We spend as much time as you need to appreciate your accomplishment, as this is a day to remember for the rest of your life! The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions and temperature.
We start back down the same trail, and descend to Barafu camp. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and remove some of your many layers of clothing as the day begins to heat up. We head down the rock and scree path into the moorland zone, reaching the forest, and eventually arriving at Mweka Camp in the early afternoon where a hot shower and meal awaits. Today is the longest, and the most mentally and physically challenging of the trek. But a life changing day that will stay with you forever, as you conquered the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Today’s Status
Hiking Time:5-6 hours
Total Distance:13.5 km
Starting Altitude: 3819m (15530ft)
Final Altitude:1652m (5420ft)
Environment: Montane (rain) Forest
Today your legs will be further tested as the trail descends steeply through the lush Mweka rain forest.
The trail is steep in places and the going slippery if wet. The route follows the crest of a broad ridge separating two river valleys until it meets with a road that leads us for the last 40 mins to the Mweka Park Gates where we stop for a well deserved picnic lunch where successful hikers will receive their summit certificates (gold for Uhuru Peale, Green for Stella point) from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Post celebrations, we are taken by either private bus or Jeep to your hotel in Arusha.
Depart Tanzania or continue your dream with amazing safari extensions
For trekkers not continuing with a safari we provide transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport or bus station for your onward journey.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Transfer to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- 2 nights for hotels in Moshi. Before and after climb.
- Transfer to and from park gates
- Park fees for you and all your climb crew
- All government taxes as required
- Services of Siafu Travel porters, guides, cooks
- All meals prepared while on the mountain. Breakfast, Hot lunch/picnic lunch and dinner
- Purified drinking water throughout to keep you hydrated
- All weather Water proof tents
- 2 inches foam mattress
- Dinning tents
- Comfortable portable dining chairs and tables
- Kitchen tent and all equipments for mountain food preparations
- Private toilet tent (Optional)
The Trip Cost Excludes
- International flights fares
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for you climb crew
- Laundry services
- Rental gear
Our trekkers’ vital signs, oxygen saturation’s, general health and well-being are monitored, recorded and assessed each day.
Be confident in the knowledge that our guides are medically trained as Wilderness First Respondents ready to respond to any emergency should it arise.
We use only the best equipment to ensure you receive the very highest standard of medical and safety care.
Jaribu has partnered with AMREF Flying Doctors, our medical consultants and evacuation specialists. AMREF Flying Doctors picks up where travel medical insurance leaves off and provides the finest international medical response, emergency evacuation and field rescue should one of our trekkers become injured.
Pulse-oximeter: carried by the head guide as a diagnostic tool and measure of acclimatization
Hyperbaric chamber: a pressure altitude chamber also known as a Gamow bag
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) heart saving device
Oxygen kits: for emergency use only, not to supplement climbing
Medical stretcher: to assist with evacuation should the need ever arise and specifically designed to be used in the event of a helicopter extraction/ evacuation
Comprehensive medical /first aid kits: carried by your guides to assist with any medical emergencies that may arise
Mobile phones: carried by the head guide and all assistant guides, for daily communications with our base in Arusha
VHF 2-way radios: to facilitate communication between the guides
Satellite phone: carried by the head guide for emergencies only.
Our guides have many years experience climbing Kilimanjaro in order to receive their KINAPA National Park license. They are all well trained Wilderness First Responders well capable of assisting you in case of injury or emergency. They are competent in the use of all our medical equipment, oxygen, pressure altitude chamber and stretcher and immediately able to facilitate emergency contact using our Thuraya satellite phone with the Chief’s Tours base in case of an emergency. Guides are trained specifically for both determining when and if an evacuation is necessary and how to properly carry out the evacuation.
The weather on any high altitude mountain can be changeable and unpredictable and Kilimanjaro is no exception. Just because it is the dry season there is no guarantee that you will not see rain! From our experience on Kilimanjaro, the following provides a general outline of annual weather conditions. January to March is warmer with only the occasional brief shower. It is often quieter than the other peak season of June to October which coincides with the main school holidays in Europe and Australia. April and May are the rainy months and generally avoided though trekkers will find greatly reduced traffic on all routes. During these months we generally undertake Kilimanjaro climbs via the Machame and Rongai routes. June to October are also good months to climb though a little colder than January to March. This is the main high season and therefore busier than at other times. Generally June and October are considered slightly quieter than July and September.
November is the time of the short rains and again is generally avoided as it is also starting to get cold. We undertake climbs via the Machame route during this period. December: the short November rains have subsided and it is now getting clearer and warmer. It is more likely that you will experience snow at this time of year. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro during the full moon is an amazing experience as the benefit of a full moon is vast for fantastic night sky views.
Equatorial to arctic conditions are present on Mt Kilimanjaro and temperatures vary widely; it may be in the 20-32C range in the rain forest and -20C nearer the summit. Above the rainforest and tree line, most days range between 0-20 C, however the weather often changes dramatically without warning, so you must always be prepared for four seasons in the one day including, rain, snow or a sudden hailstorm therefore making it very important to carry your waterproof shell at all times.
The most flexible way of adjusting to the ever changing conditions as you trek higher is the layering of several thin articles of clothing to which you can add or remove as the conditions dictate.
We offer the more scenic and natural traverses of Kilimanjaro including the Lemosho, Western Breach, Crater, Rongai and The Grand Traverse where the trails are much more scenic and fewer trekkers. These less crowded routes allow the best possible time for acclimatization, a sense of isolation and superb panoramic vistas. Our itineraries offer the best possible opportunity to summit.
Our trek sizes are intentionally small with a maximum of 12 climbers (average 6-8) on any of our climbs. This allows us to offer a personalized trekking experience and ensures appropriate attention for every trekker.
We cater to any size family group and arrange private treks to suit your needs. Our private commercial groups though cater to any size group and are tailored to suit the organizations specific needs and client numbers.
Chief’s Tours guides are trained to respond calmly and act quickly under all circumstances and will accompany you down the mountain or to the nearest lower camp as required.
Our guides know the mountain exceptionally well and its detailed network of shortcuts to get you off the mountain quickly and safely.
At no point do we rush our trek. We like to take in the views and enjoy the experience. Inevitably some trekkers are slower than others, though with our client to guide ratio we are able to support you all the way.
Our mantra ‘”pole pole” (Swahili: “slowly slowly”) resonates in our ears ensuring our trekkers have ample time to enjoy the experience.
The majority of trekking on Kilimanjaro is done in the morning, when the weather tends to be at its best. The length of trekking for the day is determined by the route you have chosen. On shorter days you will reach camp and have a cooked lunch there. On longer days you will take a packed lunch. Spare time in the afternoon can be used for rest or for an additional acclimatization walk.
06:00 to 06:15 Wake up call.
Hot drinks and hot washing water are delivered to your tent. Pack your gear before breakfast.
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 to 08:30 Depart camp
12:00 Lunch
16:00 Afternoon tea, comprising of drinks and snacks.
18:30 Main meal.
20:00 Most clients are usually quite tired and go to bed early, perhaps reading for a while before hopefully drifting off to sleep. Others will choose the communal mess tent to stay up later, play card games and share stories.
he training program below is intended to give trekkers suggestions on how they need to get themselves prepared for Mt Kilimanjaro and is based on our experience trekking the mountain. It is all about getting fit before the climb
The best and perhaps only exercise you need to do is to hike. After all, that is what you will be doing on Kilimanjaro. Ideally, you should try to hike as much as possible on hills or mountains to condition your legs for the trails of Mt Kilimanjaro. Undertaking day hikes is superb training. For those who do not have access to trails, but have membership to a gym, training on a stair machine provides a quality leg workout.
If you have no access to walking trails or a gym, then try to walk as much as you can, with extended walks on the weekends or whenever possible.
2 We strongly recommend that you start training for your adventure at least two months prior to departure.
3 If you’ve never hiked before, start with shorter time intervals, a slower pace, with no weight (in your daypack) then gradually increase the above as your fitness level improves. On Mt Kilimanjaro, you will walk slowly for prolonged periods, and carry probably no more than 5-6kgs in your daypack.
Therefore, in your training, it is better to increase the time interval/distance and keep a slow pace than to shorten the time interval/distance and increase the pace. Try to train three times a week, for at least one hour per session, at a minimum. If you can do day hikes for four to six hours, with moderate elevation changes (460m, 1500ft) while carrying a 6kg pack, or if you can walk on a stairmaster for 1-2 hours, at 30 steps per minute while carrying a 6kg pack, then you’re probably ready for the real thing.
4 Your longest / hardest workouts should be performed two to four weeks before your departure. For the last two weeks, you should taper off your training and in the final days; rest so that your body has time to recover before your actual climb. In addition to walking/hiking, you can also supplement your training with exercises such as running or cycling, which will increase your aerobic capacity.
5 It is essential that during your Kilimanjaro training, you wear the boots that you intend to trek with so that they are sufficiently broken-in (to prevent blisters).
Additionally, you should wear the day pack you intend to carry so your shoulders/back and hips get used to the points of contact and weight (to minimize chafing and soreness).
6 Lastly, physical training is just one part of getting in shape. Use your Kilimanjaro adventure as motivation to change your lifestyle if it is unhealthy. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Drink more water. Reduce or stop drinking or smoking. Get eight hours of sleep per night. Most of all enjoy life as your Kilimanjaro adventure is just around the corner.
We cater for different dietary requirements and full vegetarian menus can be provided on request.
At Trekil Eco Expeditions, we have tried to choose food items that are not too difficult to digest at high altitude. The Mountain Cuisine menu for all our climbs are specially prepared to provide a balanced diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, plenty of protein and carbohydrates combined with a high liquid content.
Our cooks have undergone extensive training and we review our menus to offer options that best meet the dietary needs of our clients. Our cooks have all received training in best practice hygiene practices to ensure your meals are prepared to the highest standards.
Our goal is to provide a warm, comfortable dining environment to encourage trekkers to eat and drink more.
Unless the weather is especially fine, breakfast and dinner are served in the communal mess tent with very comfortable folding chairs and tables, illuminated by bright LED lights.
We also cater for different dietary requirements and full vegetarian menus can be provided on request.
Please do let us know if you have any particular dietary requirements or considerations.
As we trek to the highest camp prior to summiting, experience has shown us that trekkers generally do not feel like eating solid food and for these occasions we like to prepare a good broth that is both tasty and easily digestible.
We also recommend you bring some of your favorite treats as they will seem more palatable.
In our experience the most common mistake that trekkers make it to pack too much camp gear. You need to be ruthless and really stick to your essential gear list. Packing too much gear makes it a burden for you to transport and can be expensive in excess baggage fees. If you don’t want to own or carry lots of gear around then we offer a comprehensive range of the best quality mountain clothing and accessories for rental
we recommend that you dress in layers. Days on the mountain can be sunny and pleasant, but it often clouds over and gets very cold in the afternoons. Nights at the higher elevations will be near freezing or lower. The final stages of the ascent will be extremely cold, especially if there is wind. Weather can vary greatly through the day and dramatic changes occur anytime. You should be prepared for all weather conditions, and it is very important to have the proper clothing. Polypropylene is an effective lightweight under layer and works better than either wool or cotton. Avoid wearing cotton next to the skin as it does not retain heat very well and when it is wet (from perspiration) it will draw warmth from your body. Layering yourself in polypropylene, pile, down, and a rainproof shell works best.
Your Essential Documents:
Make copies of critical documents including your passport front pages, Tanzanian visa, airline tickets/schedule, yellow fever inoculation and travelers cheque numbers. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage
Visa
Airline tickets, $USD Cash, travelers cheques, credit cards
Medical Evacuation/rescue insurance
Trip and cancellation insurance
Yellow Fever vaccination record
Camera-check temperature ratings, batteries to be kept stored warmly as they will degrade quickly in the extreme cold. Recommend keep batteries with you in a warm bag and then in your sleeping bag.
Your Lower Body:
Quick Dry Hiking Shorts: One pair. Good for hiking in good weather at lower elevations on Kilimanjaro
Long thermal Bottoms: One pair. Wool or synthetic. Keeps your legs warm when the temperature drops.
Wool, Bunting or Pile Pants: One pair that fit loosely and are comfortable. These are essential to be worn over the long john bottoms.
Rain Pants: Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been “seam sealed” to prevent ingress of water.
Wind Pants: (optional if you have Gortex rain pants.) One pair. These are used often on the mountain for protection against wind. They should be breathable material and roomy enough to fit comfortably over wool or pile pants.
Tights: Lycra or polypropylene are comfortable to hike in, provide good warmth on cool misty days, dry fast and prevent sunburn.
Undergarments: Enough for the duration of the trek. ExOfficio market a quality brand that dries fast.
Your Upper Body:
Upper Body Layers: Cotton is to be avoided! For climbing Kilimanjaro we recommend you have three warm layers for the upper body. Items must be made of wool, synthetic or pile. Make sure all layers fit comfortably over each other and offer very good insulation. A good combination is a long underwear top, a sweater, and a pile jacket or heavy wool shirt.
T-Shirts: Two T-shirts, that you don’t mind getting dirty while on the mountain. Synthetic is best.
Hooded waterproof jacket: Afternoon showers are common on Kilimanjaro. Hooded good quality, waterproof and breathable Gortex that has been “seam sealed” to prevent ingress of water.
Wind Shirt: (optional if you have Gortex rain gear) A nylon wind shell (not waterproof), roomy enough to fit comfortably over all upper body layers. Gortex is good for both this wind shirt and for the rain coat.
Poncho: (Optional) Quick and handy protection for your body and rucksack. Poor protection however in wind driven rain.
Gloves or Mittens: Warm, moisture-winking thermal jersey fleece with high-loft pile. We suggest layering your gloves, lighter material gloves for mild cold and hand protection against sunburn, supplemented with a thicker glove or mitt for higher altitude and summit days offers superb warmth for your hands. We recommend Outdoor Research Gloves.
Your Head and Face
Pile or Wool hat: Balaclava type that covers the ears is recommended.
Shade Hat: Legionnaires and Visor hats with good brims are essential for protection from the equatorial sun.
Sunglasses: Essential for eye protection at altitude where UV exposure is very high. Recommend optical category 1, guaranteeing 100% protection against UVA, B and C rays. Julbo glasses are the best quality and also available in prescription lenses.
Sunscreen: Complete sun block with a SPF protection factor of 30 or more. Cover all exposed skin to avoid sunburn.
Lip Balm: With SPF rating of 15 or more. Your lips will become very dry so liberal and regular application of balm is advised.
Bandanas: Tied around neck they offer great sun protection.
Your Hydration:
Water Bottle: Two, one-liter wide-mouthed plastic bottles at least. Nalgene. (Camelbacks are not recommended as their hoses and spouts freeze, crack, and leak at high altitudes)
Water Treatment: We provide filtered water using Katadyn Expedition filters. We also have iodine tablets for emergencies. No need to bring either.• Water Flavouring: Gatoraid or your favorite mixes as they are not readily available in Tanzania. These help make bland water more palatable.
Your Gear Day-pack:
Frame-less Climbing day-pack (15 – 20 cu. liters) that you will carry the items you want during the climbing day (extra clothing layers, rain gear, water bottles, snacks, camera, etc.). Your daypack should hang from both shoulders and have a waist belt. Daypacks have side pouches are great for storing water bottles. Climbing packs are superior to ordinary backpacks as they are designed for comfortable weight distribution for a long day of hiking.
Pack Cover: Can be a commercial pack cover or as simple as a plastic bag as long as its waterproof when hiking in the rain. Alternatively a large plastic bag can be used to line the inside of your daypack and Ziploc bags to protect important items.
Plastic Bags: Several and very useful for double bag your sleeping bag and clothes on the mountain should we encounter rain.
Your Personal Health and Comfort:
Ear plugs for noisy tent companions
Towel: Small microfiber towel, lightweight and quick-drying.
Baby wipes/Towelettes: Such as “Handi Wipes” for general hygiene.
Hand Sanitizer:
Toilet paper: Soft/gentle variety for emergencies
Toiletries: Bring enough for entire trip. Keep simple and light. Few toiletries are available in Tanzania. Bring enough for all your needs.
Spare Glasses: Glasses, contacts, solution (take contacts out each night to prevent blurred vision)
Flashlight and/or Headlamp: Good quality LED for around camp and summit day. Ensure you have spare rechargeable batteries. Keep wrapped and warm to avoid degradation! Nighttime in your sleeping bag.
Pocket Knife: Simple Swiss Army type with scissors.
Trekking Treats: Energy bars, favorite snacks and comfort food. Recommended as an essential accessory by all trekkers as altitude is gained and food less palatable.
Hot Drink Mixes: If you prefer non-caffeinated drinks and herbal teas you will need to bring you own as they are not readily available.
Your Personal First Aid Items:
Carry any essential medicines onto the plane in the event of lost luggage
Mosquito repellent: required for lowland regions e.g., Moshi/Arusha.
Aspirin, ibuprofen, or panadol/tylenol for mild aches, pain, headache, or fever. Ibuprofen is also an anti‐inflammatory.
Moleskin, Second Skin blister pads, moleskin and Body glide lubricant are effective against blisters.
Bandaids for cuts and scrapes
Immodium to close your bowels, decrease diarrhea and cramping
Moisturizing cream for the dry mountain air. Thick gel for your nasal cavities is important and and often overlooked. Lucas pawpaw cream recommended in Australia.
Your Optional Items:
Please note that on the mountain you will have no access to electricity for shavers, hair dryers, etc. We advise you bring charger for charging smaller items like mobile phones, iPod etc..
Electricity adapter to power your personal equipment at the hotel. Tanzania uses three pin square plugs.
Urine bottle (for use at night in your tent)
Thin rope and clothes pins or safety pins for a clothesline and other jobs
Money belt/neck pouch
Small mirror
Spare insoles (fitted to your boots)
Neck gaiter (scarf)
Binoculars
Reading material (paperbacks only, please!) Electronic readers
Tablet, iPad for recording your daily journal and use as your alarm clock.
Antibiotics: speak with your health practitioner for recommendations.
Chief’s Tours Porters are treated fairly with respect and dignity, well clothed, provided with all meals on the mountain and paid a decent living wage that surpasses the majority of companies offering treks on Kilimanjaro. Guides and porters want to work for Chief’s Tours and their excitement, enthusiasm and commitment to the company flow into the way they perform their duties, interact with customers and portray a quality, positive company image
Guaranteed Payments, Chief’s Tours Porters are guaranteed full wages even Porters descend down before finishing the trip
Extra training like English speaking programs,Environmental caring, causes are provide to Porters during the low season where is not busy on the Mountain
Chief’s Tours Porters carry not more than 20 KG
Chief’s Tours Poretrs are being assisted with medical care just incase of injuring or becoming sick while on the mountain with clients
Chief’s Tours Porters are given their wages on time no delaying
Chief’s Tours porters are provided with comfortable custom –designed sleeping tents while on the mountain.
We pride ourselves on offering our employees the highest living wages of any trekking company. By way of comparison our guides and porters are paid a good wage by local standards. A seven-day Kilimanjaro porter wage is equivalent to nearly three weeks wage for work in Arusha or Moshi. However, Kilimanjaro has a deeply entrenched tipping culture that involves all mountain operators and their crew. Hence, tipping is seen as a customary practice.
Please note that these guidelines and approximate figures are intended to assist you in making a choice. You should not feel obliged in any way to tip, or be pressured by any member of staff to do so. It is perfectly acceptable to give more or less than these figures dependent upon your level of satisfaction of service delivery.
Your generous tip has a significant and lasting impact upon improving the quality of life for our Tanzanian partners, providing additional food for their less fortunate extended family members, school fees and clothing and equipment for their children’s education. Additional benefits include saving funds to set up their own small businesses thus enabling self-sufficiency. You should view your tip as a donation to their future.
Tipping Distribution Guideline
The following are a guide as to the daily rates the group as a whole tip each crew member per day ($USD).
Head guides $30-35
Safari guides $25-30
Head cook $25-30
Assistant guide $25-30
Summit porter $10-15
Camping crew $10-15
General porters $8-10per day per porter
To extrapolate, a general porter will receive $5 per day for each day of the trek, i.e. general porter on a 7 day trek-$5×7=$35 shared by the trekking group. If you have 10 porters then the combined tip for the general porters would be $350 divided among all the trekkers in the group. The same calculation methodology applies for all support crew until you end up with a total tipping figure for all members of the crew.
Trekkers may find it advantageous if a member of their team holds a doctorate in advanced mathematics due to the seemingly complicated tipping process.
The tipping ceremony
At the final camp, team members will nominate a person to take charge of the tipping process. Tips will be collected from all members of the group and pooled together. Ultimately Tanzanian shillings are best though most guests will travel with $USD. A combination of both is graciously accepted.
We advocate undertaking the formal tipping ceremony and distributing your tips on the last day of your expedition at the National Park gate. Handing each team member his or her tip will instill great pride in a job well done.
Your head guide will call all the crew together at the Park gate and the nominated spokesperson will say a few words on behalf of the group. This will be translated to Kiswahili by the head guide.
The nominated person will then distribute the tips direct by hand to each crew member as per the agreed amounts outlined above.
In reply, it is usual that a member of the crew will express their gratitude and the team will sing a traditional song of congratulation for the teams success on the expedition.
