Regulations on Kilimanjaro

Tourists are not allowed to climb on their own. A licensed guide must be hired to accompany all visitors on the mountain. Additionally, climbing Kilimanjaro can only legally be done by taking one of the pre-determined routes on the mountain.

Trekking parties consist of tourists accompanied by local staff; porters, chefs and the most important, the guide.

For an average of 15 people on a hike there will be no less than 45 support staff and probably more. The staff’s job is to bring your camping equipment up which includes tents, mess tents, tables, chairs and of course the toilet tent which are all highly necessary components of your trek.

There are restrictions to climb Kilimanjaro however, by National Park authority standards the minimum age one is allowed to climb Kilimanjaro is from 10 years.

There is no upper age limit on who can climb to Mt Kilimanjaro’s summit as many people in their 70’s and 80’s regularly take up the challenge and are successful in their accent. It certainly is advisable however that if you are over 60 a full medical check is a good idea before embarking on such an arduous challenge.

BELOW ARE THE PARK AUTHORITY’S POINTS TO REMEMBER ON MOUNTAIN CLIMBING:

• Climb slowly to increase your acclimatization time and maximize your chances of reaching the summit.
• Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.
• To listen to the guides and others who are familiar with the conditions here, follow their advice.
• Leave the park undisturbed by no leaving, or removing anything, animate or inanimate.
• If you meet problems, turn back, and use the same route that you and your party had taken up.
• A pulmonary case ought IMMEDIATELY to be brought down to lower altitudes.
• Follow the official routes/trails only, when you are walking in the forest. It is easy to get lost. Never go alone if it can be helped.
• Litter disfigures nature. Please ensure that everyone in party picks up, brings back, or disposes of it at places provided.
• Do not light, or cause a fire to be lighted. Be particularly careful of live lit cigarette butts.
• Stick to your plan, by doing so you will not inconvenience others in the huts.
• Always avoid a rescue by reading the regulations.
• Get ACCLIMATIZED by avoiding rapid ascent from low altitude to above 10,000. By doing so you may avoid MOUNTAIN SICKNESS, and prevent pulmonary edema.
• To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even more for the climb.
• Do not go above 13,000′ if you have a cold.
• When a rescue is required in your party, report immediately or send a clearly written note to the Parks Gate.

The fees required to enter and camp in the park are shown below along with the terms and conditions.