Getting around — Kilimanjaro

The Kilimanjaro region revolves around the two towns of Moshi and Arusha, and JRO international airport located between them.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the natural entry point, 50 km from Moshi and 60 km from Arusha. Direct or connecting flights from London and Paris (KLM via Amsterdam, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Qatar Airways via Doha, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis), in 13-15 hours total travel with a single connection. Return fares Paris-JRO: €600-800 low season (March-May), €900-1,400 high season (July-August, December).

From the airport to Moshi: operator shuttle (included in trek packages), taxi (40-60 USD), shared shuttle bus Riverside Shuttle (20-30 USD, 1h15). To Arusha: taxi (50-70 USD), shuttle bus (25-35 USD).

For the climb, logistics is fully handled by the chosen operator. This includes: - Return transfers Moshi ↔ park entry gate (Machame, Lemosho Londorossi, Marangu, Rongai, etc.) - Permits and park fees (140 USD/day, around 700-1,100 USD for a 5-8 day trek) - Certified guides (1 main guide + 1-2 assistants depending on group size), porters (3-4 per trekker, including 1 for the personal bag limited to 15 kg), high-altitude cook - 2-3 person tents (except Marangu, hut dormitories), foam mattresses, kitchen kit, food for the entire duration - Filtered drinking water at all camps (3-4 L/day), hot meals morning/noon/evening - Medical support: pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen bottle, evacuation possibility by stretcher then 4x4

Altitude trek insurance covering evacuation from the summit and repatriation is essential. Many standard travel insurances exclude altitude sports above 4,000 m — check imperatively before departure. The KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) is an organisation that monitors porter working conditions: imperatively favour referenced operators (Tusker Trail, Altezza Travel, Climbing Kilimanjaro, Kandoo Adventures, Zara Tours), which guarantee decent wages, equipment, and a maximum load of 15 kg per porter.