1. About Authentic Kilimanjaro
Authentic Kilimanjaro (authentickilimanjaro.com) is operated by Inspirations Africa as a specialist trekking platform connecting climbers with verified Kilimanjaro guides and operators. We facilitate discovery, communication, and secure payment, but the climb itself is delivered by the listed guide team and operator.
Booking Process & Confirmation
- Submitting a booking enquiry does not guarantee availability and does not constitute a binding contract.
- A booking is confirmed only when the operator issues written confirmation and the required deposit has been received.
- All prices are quoted in United States Dollars (USD) per person unless otherwise stated and are subject to change until a booking is confirmed.
- Prices may vary based on season, group size, accommodation type, and availability.
- We reserve the right to correct pricing errors before a booking is confirmed.
Payment Terms
- A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your climb booking.
- The remaining 70% balance is due no later than 45 days before the climb start date.
- Bookings made within 45 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
- Park fees (KINAPA fees) are included in the package price and are subject to change by the Kilimanjaro National Park authority. Any increases will be passed on at cost.
- Payments are processed securely via PesaPal and DPO Group payment gateways.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email. The following cancellation fees apply based on the notice period before the scheduled departure date:
- 60 or more days before departure: 25% cancellation fee (deposit forfeited).
- 30 to 59 days before departure: 50% of the total booking cost.
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total booking cost (no refund).
Certain elements of your booking, including but not limited to national park permits, gorilla trekking permits, internal flights, and special activity permits, may be non-refundable once issued by the relevant authority, regardless of the cancellation timing.
If we or the operator must cancel a booking due to circumstances within our control, you will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule at no additional cost.
Altitude Risk Acknowledgement
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro involves serious risks including acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which can be life-threatening. By booking a climb, you acknowledge the following:
- You understand that altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of age, fitness level, or prior climbing experience.
- You accept that ascending to altitudes above 5,000 metres carries inherent medical risks.
- You agree to immediately report any symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness) to your guide.
- You understand that your guide has absolute authority on safety decisions and may order an immediate descent if they determine you cannot safely continue. This decision is final and non-negotiable. No refund is provided for early descent due to medical reasons.
Fitness Requirements
- All climbers must complete and submit a medical declaration form before the trek.
- Climbers with pre-existing conditions (heart disease, respiratory illness, epilepsy, severe asthma, recent surgery) must provide written clearance from a licensed physician.
- While no specific fitness test is required, we strongly recommend a training programme of at least 8-12 weeks before your climb, focusing on cardiovascular endurance and hill walking.
- The minimum recommended age for climbing Kilimanjaro is 10 years. Climbers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Mandatory Rescue Insurance
Emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory for all climbers. Your policy must explicitly cover:
- Emergency helicopter evacuation from high altitude
- Medical treatment and hospitalisation in Tanzania
- Repatriation to your home country if required
Standard travel insurance policies may not cover high-altitude trekking above 4,000 metres. Please verify your policy covers trekking to 5,895 metres (the summit of Kilimanjaro). We may refuse to allow you to start the climb without proof of adequate evacuation cover.
Porter Policy
We adhere to the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) guidelines:
- All porters are paid fair wages above the KINAPA minimum.
- Porter loads are limited to 20 kg per porter (excluding their personal belongings).
- Adequate food, shelter, and clothing are provided for all crew members.
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks are not included in the package price and are at the climber's discretion. A tipping guideline is provided before departure.
Gear Requirements
We provide group camping equipment (tents, dining tent, toilet tent, sleeping mats). Personal gear including hiking boots, layered clothing, sleeping bag, and headlamp is your responsibility. A detailed packing list is provided upon booking confirmation. Inadequate personal gear may result in your guide's decision to prevent or halt your climb for safety reasons.
Climber Responsibilities
- Valid passport and Tanzanian visa are required.
- Yellow Fever certificate may be required depending on your country of origin.
- You must arrive at the agreed meeting point in Moshi or Arusha at the confirmed date and time. Late arrivals may result in a shortened itinerary without refund.
- You must follow all KINAPA regulations and instructions of your guide team at all times.
- The consumption of alcohol on the mountain is strongly discouraged and prohibited above 4,000 metres.
Limitation of Liability
Inspirations Africa acts as an intermediary connecting travellers with independent tour operators. We exercise due diligence in vetting all operators on our platform, including verification of business registration, licences, insurance, and safety standards.
However, we are not liable for:
- The actions, omissions, or negligence of third-party tour operators, accommodation providers, transport companies, or activity providers.
- Any loss, damage, injury, illness, delay, or death arising directly or indirectly from the safari or travel experience.
- Force majeure events including but not limited to natural disasters, epidemics, civil unrest, government actions, strikes, or adverse weather conditions.
Our total financial liability is limited to the platform facilitation fee. The tour operator carries their own professional liability and vehicle insurance.
Privacy & Data Protection
We collect and process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By making a booking, you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information as necessary to fulfil the booking and provide our services. Your data may be shared with the relevant tour operator and payment provider to complete your booking.
We do not sell personal data to third parties. For full details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania. Any disputes arising from or in connection with these terms shall be resolved through arbitration in Arusha, Tanzania, in accordance with the Arbitration Act of Tanzania. The language of arbitration shall be English.
Amendments
We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be effective upon publication on this website. It is your responsibility to review these terms periodically. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any updated terms.
Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or requests relating to these Terms and Conditions, please contact:
Inspirations Africa
Arusha, Tanzania
Email: info@authentickilimanjaro.com
Phone: +255 750 000 000