What permits are required?
Visa & vaccination information
To climb the Lemosho route on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, you don’t need a separate permit like some other famous hikes (for example, the Inca Trail in Peru). Instead, the rules are simpler but still strict. You can only climb Mount Kilimanjaro, including the Lemosho route, with a licensed tour operator. They handle all the permissions for you.
Here’s what you need to know:
Climbing Rules
You must book your trip through a licensed guide or tour company.
There’s no set number of permits given out each season, but tour operators manage how many people can go on the mountain at once.
Groups are usually small, about 10-15 people, and come with a local team including guides, porters, and cooks.
Age Limits
The youngest age allowed is 10 years old.
There’s no maximum age—people in their 70s and 80s have reached the top! But if you’re over 60, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor first to make sure you’re fit for the climb.
Visa & Vaccines
Tanzania Visa
You can’t get a visa when you arrive in Tanzania. You must apply for it before you travel.
Almost everyone needs a visa, and it costs around US$50 for most people. It lasts up to three months.
Check your country’s travel advice before booking to confirm the details.
Travel Insurance
Almost all tour operators require you to have travel insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro.
Your insurance must cover:
Medical costs (including if you need to be flown home).
Expensive items like cameras or phones.
Tell your insurance company exactly what you’ll be doing, like climbing to the summit. If you don’t, they might not pay if something goes wrong.
Read the small print carefully! Some credit card insurance might work, but check if it meets the tour operator’s rules.
Health and Vaccinations
You need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Tanzania, and you must show proof (like a health card) when you arrive.
Talk to your doctor 6-8 weeks before your trip to get this sorted.
Malaria is a risk in lower areas of Tanzania, but less so above 2,000 meters on the mountain. Ask your doctor about ways to protect yourself.
Other suggested vaccines include Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Rabies, and Polio—but these aren’t required. Confirm with your doctor.
| Vaccination | Recommended | Obligatory |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow fever | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hepatitis A | ✓ | ✗ |
| Tetanus | ✓ | ✗ |
| Typhoid | ✓ | ✗ |
| Rabies | ✓ | ✗ |
| Polio | ✓ | ✗ |