Planning your trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro involves many details, and one important consideration is your arrival time. If you’re taking the popular Delta/KLM flight from Amsterdam, you’ll likely land at Kilimanjaro International Airport around 8 PM. By the time you clear customs, collect your luggage and take the 45-minute drive to your lodge, it’s likely you won’t settle in until around 10 PM or later.
Is it okay to arrive the night before the climb?
While it is possible to start your climb the next day, there are a few important factors to consider:
1. Missing the Pre-Climb Briefing
Our team holds a pre-climb briefing the evening before your climb. This session is crucial for covering important details, last-minute checks, and answering any questions you might have. If you arrive at 10 PM, you will miss this briefing. Although we can provide an abbreviated version the next morning, it won’t be as thorough as the full briefing.
2. Limited Time to Rest and Recover
After a long international flight, your body may be fatigued. Landing late in the evening doesn’t leave much time for rest before your early morning start. Kilimanjaro is a demanding trek, and it’s essential to begin your journey well-rested and acclimated to the time zone.
3. Potential for Delayed or Missing Luggage
Arriving just before your climb gives little room for error if your luggage is delayed or misplaced. This could leave you scrambling to gather essential gear at the last minute, adding unnecessary stress to your adventure.
4. Adjusting to Altitude
Spending an extra day at the lodge gives your body more time to adjust to the altitude. Even at the base of Kilimanjaro, the elevation is significant, and this extra day can help your body acclimate, potentially improving your chances of success on the mountain. Arusha’s elevation is 4,600 feet.
Our Recommendation
To ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your Kilimanjaro climb, we highly recommend arriving at least one day early. This extra time allows you to:
- Attend the full pre-climb briefing.
- Rest and recover from your flight.
- Handle any issues with delayed or missing luggage.
- Begin your trek fully prepared, both mentally and physically.
While it may be tempting to arrive the night before to maximize your time in Tanzania, taking this small step to arrive a day early can make a big difference in the overall success and enjoyment of your Kilimanjaro experience.
