Get all your questions answered!
We know you have lots of questions! So let’s answer them for you. If you still have questions, please get in touch with us and we’ll be sure to answer you as soon as we can! Or email us at findjoy@joytrekking.com
General Questions
Our expertise is, and always will be, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. That’s not to say we’re not experts in other areas of Tanzania, but when you book through us, you can feel confident that you’re getting the best service, at the best price, with your safety and success at the top of our mind.
Whilst we may be a new company, we have been climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for decades. Some of our Guides and Porters have climbed the mountain over 1,000 times in their career.
Our office is based in Arusha, Tanzania. We are proud to be a locally run and operated business. By choosing JoyTrekking you are booking directly with the people that will take you on your trip. There is no middle-man. Because of this, we are able to tailor your trips specifically to your needs, answer all of your questions and you are not paying for any unnecessary fees and “go-between” charges.
We accept most international credit cards and PayPal. We will never ask for bank transfers. All of our tours are paid for online through a secure payment system. This is to protect both yourself and JoyTrekking.
We can’t wait to hear from you! There are a number of ways you can get in touch with us.
Do you use What’s App? So do we! You can text us on +255 769 770 199
You can email us at findjoy@joytrekking.com
Or you can use our form to get in touch with us
We ask for a non-refundable deposit when booking and then two additional payments 3 months and 1 month in advance of your trip (these are non-refundable, that being said, please get in touch with us because we may be able to refund these costs). This is so that we can ensure all of your accommodation, transfers, park fees, tents, salaries, etc are covered and paid for before you arrive.
This ensures a smooth process and you can rest assured knowing that we won’t be asking you for additional payments when you arrive in Tanzania.
The only additional things to consider are payment for tips, food and beverages and any add-ons you might like us to arrange before and after the climb, such as massages, day trips to Chemka Hot Springs, Materuni Falls, tours of Moshi or Arusha, etc.
Whilst we’re sad that you need to cancel your trip, we understand that situations change. We cannot refund your deposit, however, if you need to change the date of your trip, please get in touch with us, because we may be able to put you on a trip later in the year, depending on when you let us know of your change of plans.
You are warmly welcome in Tanzania anytime.
We suggest purchasing a SimCard either an eSim before you arrive in Tanzania (your phone will need to be unlocked), or a SimCard that can be purchased either at the airport when you arrive, or in Moshi or Arusha. When we pick you up at the airport, we can give you some options, just ask!
We do recommend you get travel insurance before your trip and especially if you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. We suggest you do your own research on this, as coverage changes depending on which country you are departing from.
JoyTrekking was created with our community in mind. We are committed to lifting up those around us. We do this by paying our staff above minimum wage, paying for furthering their education, working with past clients to help distribute funds that they may want to donate to our staff. We also donate our time and a percentage of each trip to local orphanages.
Mount Kilimanjaro area is our home and our livelihoods. So we are committed to ensuring it’s still here for our future generations. We do this by actively collecting trash left by other climbers during our hikes. We also…
“We do not inherit the Earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children.”
Read more about our commitment to our community and the environment.
Questions about Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
There are no showers on Mount Kilimanjaro, however, if you would like to upgrade we can arrange for one to be available. Please get in touch with us for pricing.
The two main climbing seasons on Kilimanjaro are July-August-September and January-February. The weather during these months is ideal for climbing.
April-May and November is the rainy season. While there are fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, be prepared for a significantly different experience.
Heavy rainfall can turn trails into muddy bogs, making them slippery and treacherous. The constant drizzle can also dampen your spirits and make it difficult to enjoy the scenery. Additionally, the summit is often shrouded in clouds, reducing your chances of experiencing those breathtaking panoramic views.
We suggest a minimum age of 16 and a maximum age of 80, but these are just recommendations, please get in touch with us if you have questions!
Yes and no! There are certain areas in some camps that have internet access, you will know where they are because usually there are a few people congregated on the top of a rock! Mostly don’t expect to have too much access though, which we think is part of the charm of the mountain, being disconnected with the world!
On the final evening of your climb, we will give you a list of the Porters and Guides and what their responsibilities were during your trip. This is your opportunity to ensure that the people that made your trip so special are compensated for their hard work.
On the final morning before our descent to the gate, it is our tradition to have a “Tipping Ceremony”, it’s a special time for all of us to say thanks to you for making our trip memorable as well as an opportunity for you to give thanks to our team. Each crew member’s name is called out, along with how much they have been given by you. That way, everything is open and transparent leaving no misunderstandings about who got what and equally, you will know that the money you are leaving for the Porters and the Guides will go directly to them and not to JoyTrekking Tours & Safaris.
We suggest bringing $300-$400 per climber which will be distributed between the Porters and Guides.
Yes we do! You can download it here.