Open Group Climbs

We offer both open group and private group climbs. Most climbs that we do are through private climbs. While on the mountain, the climbs are nearly identical. We use the same guides, same equipment, same meals. The lone exception being that for open group climbs we do not automatially include private toilet tents (except for Grand Traverse route where they are required). These are available as an add on for open group climbs.

Private Climb

• Freedom of choice — You can start your climb and day of the year and any route that you choose.
• Control over itinerary — even the day before the climb you can make adjustments in start date, number of days and route. While on the mountain, if you are feeling strong, you can even with the approval of the guide, eliminate the acclimatization day (note that there cannot be a rebate for unused days since park fees are paid in advance). Or you can add an extra day while on the mountain if need be. Non standard options such as ascending via Western Breach, overnight at Crater Camp or daytime summits are available with private climbs only.
• Control of the group — You are in control of how many people are in the group and who is joining you. – Even if you request us to find others for your group, we will always consult you before allowing them to join.
• Discounted Groups — We offer discounts for both current Peace Corp volunteers, Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and their travel partners. This is done with private climbs only.

Open Group Climb

• Price — The open group climbs are the least expensive climbs that we offer. The only discounts that are possible on these climbs are park fees discounts that the government allows for expatriates having Tanzanian residence permits, East African citizens or youths under 16 years old.
• Social — Especially if you are traveling alone, this is a way to meet friends. Many times clients who have met on the mountain decide to go on safari or day trip together afterwards. Open Group Climbs include a welcome dinner.

Is opening up a private group to others the same as an open group climb? A: No. A private group climb will never be as inexpensive as an open group climb. If you have a private group and wish to open it up for others, the price will only be reduced if others join and the amount for the climb will never be the same as an open group climb. But, you will always be in control of the group. Before anyone is added, we would seek your appoval first.

How large are the open group climbs? A: The open groups have been averaging 5 – 7 climbers. We have no minimum or maximum number for the climbs. The number of climb staff varies according to the number of climbers. The largest open group climb that we have had so far has been 20 people. We have had some open group climbs with only one climber. We have not put an upper limit on the number of climbers because the participants have enjoyed the larger groups as much as the smaller groups.

We welcome any questions or further information requests.

Everything You Need to Know About Mountain Crew Tipping

How many crew members will be on my climb?

While we can confirm the number of guides, assistant guides, and chefs ahead of your trek, the exact number of porters is determined the morning of departure. Each porter carries a maximum of 20kg plus their own gear, and requires 3 meals a day and a mattress—all provided by Golden Path Expeditions (not all companies supply these).

• Small groups (1–4 climbers): ~4 porters per climber, plus one extra for private toilet tents.

• Larger groups (5+ climbers): ~3 porters per climber.

• Marangu route (huts): ~1 fewer porter per climber.

• Groups over 10 are considered two climbs by the national park, meaning 2 head guides, 2 cooks, etc., though the team remains together.

• Comfort upgrades such as higher-profile tents or mattress/cot enhancements may increase porter numbers.

Recommended Tipping Rates

Based on feedback from past guests, the following guidelines are suggested:

Tip calculation: Add guide, assistant/chef, and porter totals, then divide by the number of participants for a suggested per-person amount.

How and When to Tip

• Do not bring cash on the mountain. Tips are distributed after your climb at the Golden Path Expeditions office in Moshi.

• At the last camp, you will receive a crew list. Decide individually or as a group how much to tip.

• Tips can be recorded on paper and handed over at the gate or at the office upon return.

• Staff should never request tips directly or indirectly. If any crew member applies pressure or uses tactics to gain sympathy (e.g., exaggerating hardship, dressing poorly), notify our office immediately.

• For convenience, envelopes for each staff member are supplied. Golden Path staff can assist with ATM withdrawals if needed.

• Credit/debit card payments are not accepted due to Tanzanian VAT regulations.

Alternative Options

• If tipping is not your preference, you may allocate extra salary for the crew in advance. Staff will be informed before departure that their pay has been increased.

• Donating gear (walking poles, clothing, etc.) is encouraged through our office or KPAP, ensuring distribution is fair and supervised.

Guest Feedback from Tripadvisor

• “Tipping is an important part of the hiking economy. The transparency of the system enhanced our confidence in a well-run company.” – August 2023

• “There is a tipping ceremony at the end of the hike to ensure everyone receives their fair share. We tipped generously because we felt a strong connection to our crew.” – August 2023

Tipping Charts (USD)

Head Guides ($20–$30/day)

Assistant Guides & Chefs ($15–$20/day)

• 1 chef per 10 climbers; assistant guides scale with group size (2–4, 5–7, etc.).

• Tip totals per group range from $75–$1,080 depending on group size and climb duration.

Porters ($5–$7/day)

• Estimate 4 porters per climber for small groups, 3 for larger groups.

• Additional $3/day for special duties (tent master, waiter, toilet attendant).

• Summit day porters: additional $20/trip.

• Marangu route requires ~1 fewer porter per climber; private toilet tents require 1 extra porter.

Example: For a 7-day climb with 6 porters, suggested total tips range from $210–$294.

Summary

Tipping is voluntary, but strongly encouraged to support the incredible effort of your guides, porters, and chefs. Golden Path Expeditions ensures a transparent system, so you know your contribution is fair and meaningful.

Golden Path Expeditions – Kilimanjaro Mountain Packing List

Before your climb, we will go through a piece-by-piece equipment check with you. Any item you need can be rented at our shop. As a Golden Path client, you receive a 30% discount on rental items. To ensure availability, please notify us in advance if you plan to rent gear.

Equipment

• Sleeping Bag: Comfort rating 0°C (32°F) plus liner.

• Trekking Poles: Collapsible, adjustable.

• Headlamp: Bring extra batteries.

• Duffel Bag: Waterproof, 85L or larger, for porter transport.

• Daypack: 30–35L for personal gear during hikes.

Accessories

• Sunglasses or Goggles: Polarized, UV-protective.

• Backpack Cover: Waterproof.

• Water Bottles: 1–3 bottles (Nalgene, 32 oz.) to carry ~3L per day. Avoid storing all water in a Camelbak to prevent freezing or malfunction.

• Water Bladder (Camelbak): Optional 3L capacity.

• Towel: Lightweight, quick-dry (optional).

• Pee Bottle: Recommended to avoid leaving your tent at night (less necessary if using private toilet tents).

• Stuff Sacks/Dry Bags: Various sizes to keep gear dry and organized. Note: Disposable plastic bags are no longer allowed; zip-lock bags are acceptable.

Technical Clothing

• Waterproof Jacket/Poncho: Breathable, hooded.

• Insulated Jacket: Synthetic or down.

• Soft Jacket: Fleece or soft-shell.

• Long Sleeve Shirts: 2, lightweight, moisture-wicking.

• Short Sleeve Shirt: 1, lightweight, moisture-wicking.

• Waterproof Pants: Breathable; side zippers ideal.

• Hiking Pants: 2 pairs.

• Fleece Pants: 1 pair.

• Shorts: Optional.

• Long Underwear: Moisture-wicking.

• Underwear: 5 pairs, moisture-wicking.

• Sport Bra (women): 2.

Headwear

• Brimmed Hat: Sun/rain protection.

• Knit Hat: For warmth.

• Balaclava/Scarf/Buff

Handwear

• Gloves/Mittens: Warm, waterproof.

• Liner Gloves

Footwear

• Hiking Boots: Warm, waterproof, broken-in.

• Camp Shoes: Optional comfort footwear.

• Socks: 5 pairs wool or synthetic.

• Liner Socks: Optional, 5 pairs.

• Gaiters: Waterproof.

• Crampons: Only needed during heavy snow or ice (check with us for April–June treks).

Miscellaneous

Toiletries & Health

• Prescription medications (Diamox available locally if needed).

• Sunscreen (high SPF).

• Lip balm with UV protection.

• Insect repellent (DEET, non-pressurized) for lower altitudes.

• Personal first aid items (blisters, nausea, headaches).

• Hand sanitizer.

• Toilet paper (bring an extra roll).

• Wet/dry wipes (optional).

• Lightweight snacks, high-energy, high-calorie (optional).

• Electrolyte powders/tablets (optional).

• Camera/phone with extra batteries/memory cards (no charging available unless solar charger is used).

Documents (Do NOT take on the mountain)

• Passport

• Visa (available at JRO Airport upon arrival)

• Immunization papers (Yellow Fever only if from risk area)

• Insurance documents

• Emergency contacts

Equipment Provided by Golden Path Expeditions

• Sleeping tents (clients & staff)*

• Mess tent*

• Cooking tent*

• Sleeping mattress (clients & staff)*

• Folding table* & chairs*

• Cooking & dining utensils

• Cooking fuel

• Food & water purification tablets

• Emergency oxygen cylinders

• Portable stretcher

• First aid kit

• Walkie-talkie communication with our office (private channel)

*Items marked with an asterisk are not used for Marangu Route.

Meals on the Mountain

Proper nutrition is essential for a successful climb. On Kilimanjaro, your body requires high-energy, easily digestible meals to sustain you. Altitude can reduce appetite and sometimes cause nausea, so food must be appealing, easy on the stomach, and plentiful—sometimes climbers even need to encourage themselves to eat.

Typical breakfast options include:
Porridge, breads/chapati, plantains, pancakes, eggs, sausage, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and fresh fruit.

Lunch and dinner may include:
Pasta, rice, plantains, potatoes, vegetables, meats, soups or stews, bread, fruit, peanuts, and popcorn.

Our chefs are happy to accommodate special diets—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, food allergies, and other dietary restrictions—provided requests are made before departure.

Although food preservation is limited on the mountain, the cold temperatures help maintain freshness, and resupply is provided partway through the trek to ensure quality meals.

Guest experiences:

• “Our chef, Faustine, prepared restaurant-quality meals every day. Dietary restrictions were effortlessly handled. Even our birthday and summit celebrations included cakes! From the very first lunch at the gate, we knew we were in for an extraordinary culinary experience. Every meal had multiple courses—pancakes for breakfast, soups, and fresh fruits—perfectly fueling us for the climb. Amos and Juma’s encouragement made eating at high altitude enjoyable and motivating.” – October 2023

• “The guides and porters get a lot of recognition, but our waiters and chefs truly deserve praise. Amosi and Faustine quietly fueled our trek with incredible meals. Chef Fau’s crepes and pancakes were unforgettable, and Amosi made sure our water was always full, cheered us on, and even arranged extra mint tea from other groups. Their care went far beyond food—it kept morale high.” – October 2023

• “Tito, our chef, created meals better than anything I could cook at home, complete with a cake on the last night. Pancakes were my favorite, and my husband loved the pizza and leek soup.” – September 2023

• “Patrick made incredible meals daily, plus snacks. Golden Path emphasizes hot, nourishing meals three times a day, which kept us energized throughout the trek. On some occasions, we noticed travelers with other groups had only cold sandwiches—what a difference!” – August 2023

• “Food and water quality are taken seriously. I had plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and carbs, and experienced no stomach issues, which made the climb much less stressful. Attention to detail—from fresh, sealed pantry items to every condiment—was remarkable.” – February 2023

With Golden Path Expeditions, you can expect delicious, nourishing, and thoughtfully prepared meals that sustain your body, keep morale high, and make your climb an extraordinary experience.

Mountain Safety

Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain that can be climbed without technical skills or equipment, often referred to as a “walk-up” mountain. This does not make it easy—far from it. At the summit (5,895m / 19,341 ft), there is less than 50% of the oxygen available at sea level. The primary challenge is adjusting to the altitude, as ascending too quickly can overwhelm the body. Unlike technical climbs that progress slowly, Kilimanjaro allows faster ascents, which can increase the risk of altitude-related issues.

It is crucial to climb with experienced guides who monitor your health continuously. Golden Path Expeditions guides are trained Wilderness First Responders (WFR) and measure vital signs including respiration, pulse, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, body temperature, and blood sugar. They assess your condition throughout the trek simply by engaging in conversation, while also watching for subtle signs of altitude sickness. Honesty about your health is essential; all pre-existing conditions and medications must be disclosed before the climb. This does not usually disqualify you but ensures the guides can provide special attention where needed.

Golden Path Expeditions maintains a 98% success rate. Our goal is not just to reach the summit but to ensure 100% safety, guiding climbers carefully while maximizing their chance to summit.

Diamox

Approximately 75% of climbers experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Symptoms can include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, confusion, and irritability. Diamox is a medication that increases respiration and helps the body acclimatize. Its effectiveness varies per individual, and it cannot guarantee protection from AMS. Even elite athletes may need to descend early, while less fit or older climbers can succeed. The current Kilimanjaro age record is 88 years old.

If you choose to use Diamox, it is best purchased in Moshi at pharmacies where it is available in correct dosages and more affordable than abroad. Begin taking Diamox before your trek so guides can monitor for side effects. Specific guidance will be provided by your guide.

First Aid & Emergency Equipment

• First Aid Kit: Golden Path provides a fully stocked kit; climbers may bring personal items for blisters, sunburn, insect bites, stomach upset, diarrhea, and headaches.

• Stretcher: The National Park’s stretcher system can be rough and potentially dangerous. Golden Path provides portable stretchers if requested, carried by porters to safely evacuate climbers. This may add an extra porter to your climb.

• Oxygen: Emergency oxygen is available on all climbs. Guides are trained to administer oxygen correctly and only use it when needed.

• Gamow Bag: Optional add-on ($300), a portable compression chamber for severe AMS treatment. While quick descent is generally preferred, a Gamow Bag provides an additional safety option.

Guides & Safety Protocol

The experience and skill of our guides are central to your safety:

• Guides perform regular health checks, monitor acclimatization, and track hydration and nutrition.

• They provide constant supervision on technical or challenging terrain, including holding hands or arms to ensure safety.

• Golden Path guides are highly trained in emergency evacuation and first aid, ensuring every climber is cared for even if unable to continue.

Guest experiences:

• “Their medical knowledge is incredible. They took vitals and listened to my lungs with a stethoscope, which reassured me completely.” – Dec 2023

• “Professionalism and attention to safety were evident from day one. Prosper, our chief guide, has completed over 500 summits and ensured every concern was addressed immediately.” – Oct 2023

• “Daily health checks and careful monitoring of altitude difficulties gave us confidence. Food and hydration were carefully managed for energy and safety.” – Sept 2023

• “Guides and porters monitored acclimatization, hydration, and calorie intake, taking pulse oximeter readings twice daily and listening to our lungs. I felt fully supported physically and mentally.” – Dec 2022

Golden Path Expeditions prioritizes your health and safety above all, ensuring a secure, well-supported, and successful climb of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Training for Your Trek

During your Kilimanjaro trek, you will walk several kilometers each day. The longest day covers 17 km, though 11 km of that is downhill. Walking this distance at high altitude, carrying 3 liters of water and layers of clothing in a daypack, requires a reasonable level of fitness and healthy joints. While moderate fitness is sufficient for many people, the better your physical conditioning, the more enjoyable your climb will be. The current Kilimanjaro records range from 7 years old as the youngest summiteer to 88 years old as the oldest.

The key challenge is not just endurance but acclimatization to altitude. Even world-class athletes have had to descend early due to difficulty adjusting. The most effective preparation is hiking at some elevation before your trek. If high-altitude terrain is not accessible, arriving in Moshi a day or two early can help. Moshi sits at 900 m (2,952 ft), which provides a modest acclimatization benefit for travelers arriving from sea level.

Golden Path Expeditions offers additional opportunities for pre-trek acclimatization and experience:

• Half-day cultural tour to a village just outside the National Park, offering light hiking and a taste of local life (see our Coffee & Waterfalls Tour).

• Kilimanjaro Day Hike, ideal for those short on time, provides a sample of the mountain experience and a gentle acclimatization hike.

• Mt Meru climb (4,565 m / 14,980 ft), a four-day trek nearby, offers excellent preparation and a rewarding climb in its own right. Details will be available on our website soon.

Many climbers also choose to use Diamox to support acclimatization. See our Mountain Safety article for guidance on altitude preparation, medications, and health monitoring.

For best results, walk frequently in the months before your trek, building stamina and conditioning your joints. On the mountain, pace yourself slowly—VERY slowly—to conserve energy and optimize acclimatization. The more prepared your body is, the more you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the journey to the “Roof of Africa.”

Travel/Medical Insurance

For Mt Kilimanjaro climbs we require medical insurance coverage. You must be sure that this covers non technical trekking up to 6,000m.

Through experience, we find World Nomads to be a good provider (www.worldnomads.com). You can also consider using Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance (ripcordrescuetravelinsurance.com). Other companies that our clients commonly use include AIG, Priceline, I-Trek, Columbus Direct, Virgin and Simply Travel Insurance.

Q: Doesn’t Kilimanjaro National Park already charge a rescue fee? Doesn’t this provide coverage?
A: There is a mandatory fee of $20/climber (already included in your climb package price). This goes to maintenance of of rescue equipment such as wheeled rescue stretchers, not towards evacuation costs.

Q: Is there emergency airlift available?
A: Medical helicopter rescue service has been reinstated for Mt Kilimanjaro. This option is used only in the most dire circumstances.

Coffee Tour/Waterfalls Hike

We offer a very popular half day cultural/ acclimatization tour. This tour visits a small village just outside of Kilimanjaro National Park boundary. We will tour a small coffee farm and you will learn from a local guide about the cultivation and processing of coffee. You will also learn about the history and customs of the local Chagga tribe. There will be hiking at a waterfalls and even a chance for a swim if you like. The local women will prepare a lunch consisting of traditional Chagga foods. Included in this tour is private transportation, local fees and taxes, English speaking guide, lunch and drinking water. Good shoes for hiking are needed since to get to the waterfalls involves some steep terrain. Athletic shoes are ok, flip-flops or other shoes withouts much stability are not. There will be a chance for a short swim so a swimsuit underneath your clothes and a towel would be good items to bring. This trip offers some exercise after your long flight but not so much as to tire you out for the climb.

Prices (quoted in USD) 1 person participating: $120, 2 people: $81/person, 3 people: $69/person, 4+ people: $50/person

Some excerpts from our Tripadvisor Reviews about it…
“…We visited on a drizzly day but the muddy hike was well worth the reward of seeing this beautiful waterfall! Our guide, Noela, was patient and friendly as she helped us navigate the slippery track. Nothing could have prepared me for our visit to a local Chaga coffee farm to learn about how coffee is produced using traditional methods. You simply cannot call this a tour because it was a fully immersive experience! As a non-coffee drinker, I wasn’t even slightly excited about this part of the day, but oh my goodness! We learnt, we sang, we danced, we ate! This is the kind of positivity that everyone needs in their life!”

“…The day trip on the front end to the water fall and coffee farm was a perfect acclimatization day…”

“…Noelle gave a very thorough history on the coffee in Tanzania and showed us how to make it the traditional way over a fire. This coffee was absolutely amazing! We had lunch in the village which was equally as amazing and full of fresh ingredients. We then did the beautiful waterfall hike to help with acclimatization for our hike up Kilimanjaro the next day…”

“…the tour itself was way more than I expected. The coffee part was great – Emanuel went through the process for preparing the beans, and we drank the coffee that we made, and it was followed by a walk to a waterfall (which was honestly dream-like, seeing the water cascade down and the swifts flying around described the history of his area (coffee-growing during colonial times and the development of irrigation from the waterfall) and showed us many interesting plants and animals (chameleons on trees, the nice smell of lime and eucalyptus leaves, a rough leaf used as sandpaper, and, of course, coffee berries [sweet and delicious!]).”

“…The waterfall and coffee tour led by Noelle was a great time as well to see and take part in all of the steps to harvest and make a cup of coffee. The waterfall as well was an amazing sight to see and a good way to shake off the jet lag with some light acclimatization…”

“…We did a day trip to the Materuni village with a coffee plantation tour and a hike to the waterfall. This was our acclimatisation day, which seemed very helpful and a lot of fun. “

Mt Kilimanjaro Day Trip (non-summit)

We would pick you up in the morning and drive you to Marangu gate. From there you would walk through the rain-forest to Mandara Hut where you will stop to enjoy lunch. From there you can continue to Maundi Crater to enjoy the view before returning back to the Marangu gate where our vehicle will be waiting to return you back to Moshi. Included is private transportation to and from the mountain, all park entry fees and taxes, box lunch and drinking water and guide salary. Not included is guide tip.

Prices: (quoted in USD)
1 person participating: $220, 2 people: $180/person, 3 people: $172/person, 4 people: $166/person, 5+ people: $150/person