Cheap Flights to Kilimanjaro

What is the best way to get around Kilimanjaro?

Return flights to Kilimanjaro

There are no direct flights to Kilimanjaro from New Zealand. The quickest way to get to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is to fly from Auckland. You can get a one-stop flight with an average journey time of 32 hours.

Arriving at Kilimanjaro

Before your flights to Kilimanjaro arrive, you'll need to organise a transfer to your hotel. Most travellers stay at Arusha. However, if you're planning to climb the mountain, it's a good idea to stay in Moshi, which is a 45-minute drive from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). The easiest way to get to your accommodation is to book a transfer service. Otherwise, there are always taxi drivers waiting to meet all flights to Kilimanjaro.

What is the cost of visiting Kilimanjaro?

Pre-arrival travel costs for Kilimanjaro

Before boarding your flights, those planning on summiting the mountain will you need to make sure they have the necessary hiking equipment. Plus all visitors to Tanzania will need to get their yellow fever vaccination. Keep your vaccination papers on you as your flights to Kilimanjaro land; those without a vaccination won’t be permitted entry into Tanzania. The approximate cost of gear necessary for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro can run between $500 to $1,500 USD (up to $2,200 NZD). A yellow fever vaccination and the associated GP appointment might cost around $110 NZD.

Your doctor may also recommend you travel with other medication, including malaria tablets. The cost of malaria tablets vary by brand, and a prescription can cost up to $150 NZD.

Cost of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

If you're buying return flights to Kilimanjaro to summit the Rooftop of Africa, you need to have a licenced guide. The easiest way to organise a trek is through a reputable tour operator. Look to budget around $1,800 USD ($2,747 NZD) for a seven- to eight-day trip up the mountain. Some packages will include Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) transfers, pre- and post-climb accommodation, and camping and trekking equipment.

Tipping

Another cost to think about on top of your airfare to Kilimanjaro is tipping. Climbers are expected to tip their guide, porters and the cook. The average tipping amount is about $20 to $25 USD ($30.53 to $38.16 NZD) for guides and $10 to $15 USD ($15.26 to $22.90 NZD) for porters and cooks.

What should I pack for Kilimanjaro?

Toilet paper

You need to bring toilet paper if you're planning to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro. Keep it inside a plastic bag to keep it dry. If you have room in your budget, it's a good idea to pack a tent toilet in the luggage you take aboard your flights to Kilimanjaro. It can save you time at the campsite as there are usually long lines for the public toilets on the mountain.

Clothing

When you start at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro, weather conditions are hot and humid. However, as you climb, warmer clothes are required as the temperatures begin to drop. Pack moisture-wicking clothing for your flights to Kilimanjaro as it will absorb your sweat and keep you dry. Climbers are permitted a maximum of 15kgs for the ascent, so it can be worth investing in quality items that are lightweight and will keep you warm as the altitude increases.

Rain gear

Weather is unpredictable on the mountain, and being prepared for all conditions is essential for all visitors. Don’t depart on your flights to Kilimanjaro without quality rain gear items, including a waterproof jacket, hiking shoes and a rain cover for your backpack.

What should I know before visiting Kilimanjaro?

Training before your trip to Kilimanjaro

While Kilimanjaro is considered among the easiest of the world’s Seven Summits to conquer, climbers still need to train before departing on their flights to Kilimanjaro. Some common ways to train include leg strength, core strength, and practice hikes across various terrains. To prepare yourself for the weight of your pack, it can also be wise to use a weighted backpack on any training hikes. Another trick to help with the high altitude is to throw in a full HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions a few times a week. It will help prepare your lungs for the lower oxygen levels.

What is the best time to visit Kilimanjaro?

If you're buying tickets to Kilimanjaro to summit the mountain, you need to plan your trip around the two trekking seasons. From January to February, the weather is warm and you'll have good visibility. It's one of the best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. June to October is another good period weather-wise, but it is the busier of the two climbing seasons. It is popular with European and North American climbers, and the routes tend to be more crowded as a result. Prepare for cooler temperatures if you’re climbing in June to October.