Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about climbing Kilimanjaro, Tanzanian safaris, Zanzibar tours, and traveling with Team Raha.

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Climbing

The best times to climb are during the two dry seasons: January to March and June to October. These months offer the clearest skies and most stable weather, increasing your chances of a successful and enjoyable summit.
Kilimanjaro is a non-technical trek, meaning you don't need any mountaineering skills. However, it is a serious high-altitude challenge. The main difficulty is the altitude. You need to be in good physical condition and, most importantly, choose a route that allows for proper acclimatization.
You'll be amazed at the meals our mountain chefs prepare! We provide fresh, nutritious, and high-energy meals to keep you fueled. A typical day includes a hot breakfast, a packed or hot lunch, and a multi-course dinner. We can cater to all dietary requirements with advance notice.
The public toilets at the campsites can be very basic. For this reason, we provide private, portable toilets for our groups. They are set up inside a dedicated toilet tent at each campsite, cleaned daily.
Tipping is a customary and highly appreciated tradition on Kilimanjaro. We provide recommended tipping guidelines (typically $250-$350 USD per climber for the entire crew) and facilitate a transparent tipping ceremony at the end of the trek.
You don't need to buy everything. We provide tents, sleeping bags, and mats. You'll need good waterproof hiking boots, warm layers, a rain jacket, and a few essentials. Check our detailed gear list.
Altitude sickness is the biggest risk on Kilimanjaro. Our guides are trained to recognize symptoms early. We follow a climb high, sleep low strategy and carry pulse oximeters to monitor your oxygen levels daily.
We carry portable solar chargers and power banks. While we can't guarantee a full charge every day, you'll have opportunities to keep your devices powered for photos and communication.
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Booking & Payment

Simply click Book Now on any route page, choose your dates and group size, and submit the inquiry form. Our team will get back to you within 24 hours with availability, a detailed itinerary, and payment instructions.
No. We require a 30% deposit to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your trek start date. We accept bank transfers, mobile money (M-Pesa), and major credit cards.
We offer a full refund (minus a $100 admin fee) if you cancel 60+ days before departure. Between 30-59 days, you receive a 50% refund. Within 30 days, the deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred to a future trek.
Yes! Date changes are free if made 30+ days before departure, subject to availability. Within 30 days, a $50 rescheduling fee applies.
Yes! Groups of 5+ receive a 5% discount, and groups of 10+ receive 10% off. Private group bookings also get exclusive perks like a dedicated guide and customized meal plans.
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Safety & Health

While Kilimanjaro is a serious high-altitude trek, choosing an experienced operator dramatically reduces risk. Our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders, we carry emergency oxygen and full medical kits, and we have a 92% summit rate and a 100% safety record.
Our guides are trained to recognize and treat altitude-related illnesses early. If symptoms are mild, we adjust pace and provide medication. In serious cases, we initiate an immediate descent and coordinate evacuation.
Yes, absolutely. We require all climbers to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m), emergency helicopter evacuation, and trip cancellation.
You should be able to walk 6-8 hours a day for several consecutive days. We recommend starting a training program at least 2-3 months before your trek, including cardio, strength training, and hiking.
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Still Have Questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our team is happy to help with any questions about climbing Kilimanjaro, Tanzanian safaris, or Zanzibar tours.