Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the tallest and is the main peak that climbers aim to summit. Mawenzi is the second-highest peak and is known for its rugged and dramatic rocky cliffs, while Shira is the oldest cone and has a broad plateau.

Kilimanjaro is known for its breathtaking beauty and unique ecological zones that change as climbers ascend the mountain. The lower slopes are covered with dense rainforests, which give way to moorland characterized by heather and grasses. Above the moorland, the landscape transitions into an alpine desert, with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. Finally, the summit is a snow-capped peak that is often hidden in clouds, with glaciers and ice fields covering the summit plateau.

Kilimanjaro is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including endemic species such as the Kilimanjaro tree hyrax and the Kilimanjaro shrew. The mountain also serves as an important catchment area, providing water to local communities and supporting diverse ecosystems.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging endeavor that requires proper acclimatization, physical fitness, and determination. Reaching the summit is a rewarding and awe-inspiring achievement, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and an incredible sense of accomplishment. Climbers must be prepared for changing weather conditions, altitude sickness, and other challenges associated with high-altitude trekking. Proper planning, preparation, and Hobnail’s experienced guides are essential for a safe and successful climb of Kilimanjaro.

With its stunning scenery, unique ecological zones, and iconic status as Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro offers an unforgettable adventure for those who dare to conquer its majestic summit. Standing atop the “Roof of Africa” is an accomplishment that will be cherished for a lifetime, and the challenges and rewards of the journey are what make it a truly remarkable experience. So, lace up your boots, pack your gear, and embark on an extraordinary expedition to Kilimanjaro, knowing that you’re in good hands with Hobnail.

Hobnail’s team in Tanzania is a qualified partner of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) Partner for Responsible Travel Program. This means that we voluntarily participate with, and are closely and independently scrutinized by, KPAP’s monitoring activities every climbing season to ensure that our hard-working mountain crew are treated properly and have appropriate working conditions. With Hobnail, you can be sure that you are climbing with an ethical and conscious outfitter.

The exploitation and mistreatment of mountain crew can be a troubling challenge in the climbing industry. These unethical practices mean that porters may:

• Receive less than the minimum salary set by the Kilimanjaro National Park stakeholders
• Pay a bribe to be selected for a climb
• Not receive the full amount of tip intended for them
• Be given only one meal a day
• Sleep in overcrowded tents
• Carry weight exceeding the park regulations of 20kgs

On the other hand, we provide plenty of food for the crew to eat, proper tents with adequate sleeping space, and check the gear of the crew before each climb to make sure they have the proper kit. We also provide hospital and health care for crew members who are sick or injured on the mountain. Our porters are paid more than cheaper companies (nearly 3 times as much) and are expected to carry not more than the weight regulation, which means that the appropriate number of porters are used for each climb. This costs a little more but makes for a better – and much safer – climbing experience for everyone.

Cost is always an important factor in choosing a climbing company. Sadly, the reality is that the lower the costs, the higher the probability that an outfitter is not adhering to fair and ethical standards. As a result, well-meaning individuals and organizations inadvertently become part of the exploitation of these hard-working men and women on the mountain.

Our climbing teams are highly motivated, geared up, and prepared to do everything in their power to help you reach the summit and we have a high success rate because of this. We believe that people come to Kilimanjaro to reach the summit, not just to be on the mountain for the least amount of money.

Climbers who are unfamiliar with these practices may unknowingly book with operators who misrepresent themselves to be fair and socially responsible. All local climbing companies operating on Kilimanjaro and Meru are invited to participate in KPAP/IMEC’s Partner Program at no cost. In a very competitive market with over 300 local operators offering Kilimanjaro treks, many companies falsely claim to be approved KPAP/IMEC Partners when only a small percent have been certified.

As an active and certified KPAP/IMEC Partner, KPAP independently monitors each climb we operate. They do this by selecting one of their porters to participate in each of our climbs and to score us on our ethical performance regarding porter welfare on the mountain.

Not only do we believe it is morally the correct choice to make as a business, but we feel it is important to educate the climbing community on these issues and how they can ensure that they are not unwillingly part of the abuse.

• Hobnail Trekking Co. long-sleeve trekking shirt and ball cap
• Custom Hobnail mobile app
• Lots of freebies
• Opportunities to get to know your fellow trekkers include an invitation to a WhatsApp group for your trek, group training hikes if trekkers live in proximity to each other, and other local social gatherings
• Three nights double occupancy (unless single occupancy is selected at time of registration) accommodation at a 4* hotel in Moshi (two nights prior to trek, one night after trek) 
• Breakfasts at hotel in Moshi
• Rundugai Village cultural immersion experience, including guide and village development fees
• Kikuletwa Hot Springs visits, including picnic lunch
  
• All Tanzanian taxes and levies
• Pre-trek meeting in Moshi to go over final details and check all gear to ensure safe climb 
• Transfers to/from Moshi and National Park Gate
• All Kilimanjaro National Park, Camping, and Rescue fees
• All meals during climb, including hot lunches on the  mountain where possible
• Resupply of fresh and nutritious food ingredients during the climb
• Portable Katadyn water filter
• Walk-in sleeping tent (double occupancy)
• Cot beds for tent
• Extra thick or extra sleeping pads for maximum comfort
• Sleeping bag, liner, and pillow for tent
• Portable Mountain Toilet (1 for every 5 trekkers)
• Dining tent for meals at camp
• Extra treats during the climb
• Group first aid kit
• Oxygen cylinder (1 for every 5 trekkers) and oximeter
• Local, English-speaking head mountain guide who holds Wilderness First Responder certification
• Assistant guide(s) (English-speaking) and cook(s) throughout the climb
• One female guide or porter (as available) per trek to support women in the industry in Tanzania
• Porter service throughout the climb
• Salary, insurance, food/lodging/travel for lead guide, assistant guide(s), cooks(s), and porter(s)
• Flying Doctor Emergency Medical Evacuation cover (15 days, covers Tanzania, Kenya, and Zanzibar) – does not take the place of your travel insurance
• Contribution to tree planting in the Kilimanjaro region; this effort to plant indigenous trees in the region helps to combat the effects of deforestation on the mountain
• Celebratory beer and soda with the entire team before leaving Kilimanjaro
• Luggage storage in Moshi
• Trekking certificate, documenting your accomplishment
• The company of new friends and the experience of a lifetime

• Travel insurance (see the Travel Insurance section on this page for details)
• International flights
• Tanzania visa ($100)
• Transfer to/from Tanzania International Airport and Moshi (we can arrange this for you)
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone, internet, drinks, and souvenirs/personal purchases
• Lunches and dinners while in Moshi
• Entry fees for sightseeing attractions in Moshi and surrounding areas, unless part of included tour
• Personal trekking equipment like hiking boots, clothing, etc. (arrangements can be made for trekkers to rent this equipment if needed/required)
• Tips/gratuities for mountain crew (a very important part of the custom on the mountain – we’ll give you guidance on this)
• Extra porter(s) for excess gear ($30/porter/day)
• Other tips in Moshi, including at the hotel (we’ll provide guidance on this, too)
• Any expenses incurred during rescue or evacuation that are not covered by insurance
• All extra expenses incurred in case of an early descent, including but not limited to additional gate transfers, food and accommodations in Moshi, etc.
• Covid-19 testing, if required

OK, here’s where we get serious. Hobnail requires that all trekkers purchase travel/medical insurance that covers them properly for all trekking activities.

There are a lot more details you need to know about travel insurance than we want to put in this limited space — including stuff about trip cancellations and what company we recommend — so when you’re ready, pop over to our Travel Insurance page.

We consider our treks to be adventures, not vacations. We’re not Hobnail Vacation Company, after all! Don’t get us wrong; we like vacations as much as the next person, but with our treks, you need to be physically and mentally ready. Here’s what we ask of you:

• You thoroughly read all the information we send you prior to departure.
• You get yourself an accountability partner and train properly. This doesn’t mean doing a few squats two weeks before departure.
• You familiarize yourself with your gear prior to leaving. Practice adjusting your backpack, filtering water if necessary, etc.
• If you purchase new boots, they are broken in well in advance of departure.
• When on trek, you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR GUIDE. His or her only concern is helping you achieve your goal safely and in good health, but this won’t happen unless you follow their advice. This includes – but is not limited to – food recommendations, speed of pace, when to sleep and when not to, when to walk and when to rest, when to turn around due to illness, etc.
• When on trek, you treat your guide and the locals you encounter with the utmost respect. We are guests in their country and very grateful to be there.

All of these things may seem like common sense — and they are — but we feel that we must mention them. Hobnail’s goal is to provide you with the best experience possible, and you have an important role in achieving that goal.