You must have a guide to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether you opt for the full climb or a day hike, it’s mandatory to be accompanied by a licensed guide from a registered company. Guides play crucial roles in ensuring your safety and managing logistics such as paperwork, porters, food, and other essentials. Here, we address some commonly asked questions regarding this requirement.

Why Can’t You Climb Kilimanjaro Without a Guide?

Its main objective is to keep everybody safe and to minimize the risks involved in climbing Africa’s highest peak. So, unsupported treks on the mountain have not been allowed since 1991.

What Is the Role of the Guide?

Your guide will lead the journey at a relaxed pace, allowing ample time for photos and acclimatization. They are tasked with ensuring adherence to all park rules and regulations. During the summit, it’s essential to adhere strictly to established routes and utilize official campsites for overnight stays. Each trekker is required to sign in upon reaching the overnight camp, ensuring everyone on the mountain is always traceable.

While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is generally deemed manageable, altitude sickness can affect anyone. It is the guide’s duty to identify any individuals experiencing difficulty and arrange for a guided descent if required, separate from the main group.

What Other Support Crew Is There Apart From the Guide?

A typical Kilimanjaro ascent is backed by a team comprising at least one guide (with some companies offering one guide for every two clients), cooks, and numerous porters. Your tour company arranges this crew, handling paperwork, fee payments, equipment provision, and meal preparation.

Finding an operator willing to arrange a trip with only a guide might be challenging. However, a few companies offer expeditions with minimal support, necessitating participants to carry most, if not all, of their gear.