Airports, Hotels, Tents, Food & Drink, Daily structure, Guide to Success, Prepare for Summit, Tips for Crew

Ditch the Jet Lag, We've Got Your Arusha Ride! ️

Fresh off the plane and ready to conquer Kili? Look no further than Hike Talk Stay Adventures for your Kilimanjaro Airport transfer! Our awesome team will be waiting for you at Arrivals, brandishing a sign that screams "Hike Talk Stay Adventures" (and your name, of course!) like a beacon of adventure.

Your comfy ride to Arusha takes about an hour (unless the President is passing through!), the perfect time to unwind and soak in the stunning scenery (Tanzania is gorgeous, trust us!). Once you reach your hotel (we recommend The Maridadi, 3 stars or Kilimanjaro Wonders 4 stars), we'll schedule your pre-trek briefing for that evening or the morning depending on your arrival date and time. That's where you'll meet your amazing lead guide, who'll double-check your gear and give you the lowdown on the epic route ahead. If gear is deemed not sufficient, we will take you to rent gear from local outfits for small fees or if you are missing some items, you will be able to rent them for the duration of the trip for a few dollars per day! ️

Don't worry about that return flight either! When your adventure's over, we'll whisk you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport in plenty of time to catch your next dream destination. Just let us know the details, and we'll handle the rest.

Just touched down at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)? Buckle up, because your Kilimanjaro adventure starts now! A friendly face from the Hike Talk Stay Adventures team will whisk you away to the luxurious Maridadi Hotel or Kilimanjaro Wonders in Arusha (we're talking comfy beds, relaxing tubs, and post-climb massage bliss!).

https://themaridadihotel.com/

Bonus: This Moshi haven is only 45 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from Arusha's vibrant town center.

Rest Up & Get Ready to Conquer: The day before your climb, meet your awesome Kilimanjaro guides for a briefing. They'll answer all your burning questions and check your gear to ensure you're summit-ready. Feeling adventurous? Explore Arusha National Park (home to Africa's second-highest peak, Mt. Meru!) with an armed ranger on a guided walk. Or, hit Arusha town for some last-minute shopping and a delicious Tanzanian meal or to get a power extension to charge your phone.

Here's a breakdown of essential aspects to ensure a smooth and successful climb:

Mount Kilimanjaro Airports and Hotels: Your adventure begins in Tanzania. Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) near Moshi is the main gateway and the nearest airport to the various entrances where you will start your Mount Kilimanjaro Trek. Hike Talk Stay can arrange pre- and post-climb stays at comfortable hotels in Moshi, where you can acclimatize, gear up, and unwind after your summit push.

Tents or Huts on Mount Kilimanjaro for me?:  Hike Talk Stay offers two options: camping or utilizing mountain huts (one route has this option). Camping provides a more immersive experience, while huts offer pre-built structures with basic amenities often shared with 5-7 other trekkers. The choice depends on your preference – discuss it with your Hike Talk Stay Adventures advisor for the best fit.

Food and Drink:  Staying fueled is crucial. Hike Talk Stay provides delicious and nutritious meals prepared by experienced Chefs. Expect a balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrates, protein, and fresh fruits. Hydration is paramount – always carry a refillable water bottle and listen to your guides' advice on staying adequately hydrated (usually 3-5 liters per day). You should definitely consider bringing your favorite salty and sugary snacks and hydration powders. All water is purified with tablets and then run through a carbon filter and can be boiled for those with a Sulfa allergy. You will likely drink between 3-5 liters per day. We will also provide water for washing up in the morning and afternoon after arrival at each campsite. This water is heated for you.

Daily Structure:  Expect a well-defined daily routine on the mountain. Early mornings for breakfast are followed by gradual ascents with rest stops for acclimatization. We will often stop for a tea break on the trek. Lunch is typically a packed affair enjoyed once you reach your campsite for the day. Evenings involve dinner prepared by expert cooks (for campers) or settling into huts or tents, enjoying dinner, and essential pre-sleep preparations in addition to health checks for all trekkers. Hike Talk Stay guides will ensure a well-paced schedule that prioritizes safety and summit success.

Your Guide to Success:  Hike Talk Stay boasts a team of highly experienced and certified guides. They are experts in Kilimanjaro's terrain, possess first-aid certifications, and understand the importance of proper backcountry dining. Trust their guidance; they are there to ensure your safety, enjoyment, and ultimately, summit glory. They may ask what medications you are taking, doses, and even check your oxygen levels, heart rate, and check your lungs for fluid to be 100% sure they catch HAPE or HACE before they have an impact on you.

Pole, Pole (Slowly, Slowly in Swahili) – Our Secret Weapon:

This Swahili mantra from your awesome guides isn't a joke. Think of Kilimanjaro as a wise old elephant – respect its pace, and it'll reward you with breathtaking views. Slow and steady wins the race (and the bragging rights)!

Hydration Hacks:

Imagine this: You're cruising through stunning scenery, feeling energized and ready to tackle the day. That's the power of proper hydration! We'll keep you stocked with 3-4 liters of water daily, plus remind you to chug extra at breakfast and dinner. (Bonus tip: a "pee bottle" is your nighttime BFF – trust us, you'll thank us later!)

Fitness for Fun, Not Just for Show:

Coming in prepped is like having a secret summit weapon. The better shape you're in, the more you'll enjoy the trek – it's all about conquering the mountain, not letting it conquer you. Think epic views, not epic struggles!

Gear Up Like a Pro:

Packing smart is Kilimanjaro 101. We'll help you create a killer gear list, and here's the golden rule: Test it before you trek it!  No summit-day surprises – make sure your headlamp shines as bright as your smile and those new boots feel like comfy slippers (on a mountain, of course). Make sure your boots are broken in and your 4 or 5 bottom layers for summit night are tried, tested, comfortable. Same with your upper body layers including jackets.

Hike Talk Stay – Your Kilimanjaro Sherpas:

We're not just throwing you into the wild. Our certified guides are Kilimanjaro rockstars, ready to navigate the terrain, share local wisdom, and keep you safe and sound. They'll be your mountain mentors, cheering you on with singing and dancing and ensuring your summit success is legendary!

Pro Tip: After you conquer Kili, the friendly Maridadi or Kilimanjaro Wonders staff will even clean your muddy boots and launder your gear, so you can focus on reliving your epic adventure! You can also find a local massage to reward yourself after that somewhat painful descent. It usually off to Safari or Zanzibar to continue the fun with family and friends. Ask us for more information on complete packages.