Climbers have a choice between three different "comfort" levels when climbing Mt Kilimanjaro:
1. Standard
2. Semi Deluxe
3. Deluxe
The quality of guides are the same at each level. What differs is the amount of equipment and materials taken up the mountain with the climbing party. On Mt Kilimanjaro, everything is carried up and down by porters. Because there is a limit on how much weight each porter can carry, more porters are needed when more weight is taken up the mountain, which increases the cost of the climb accordingly.
Generally speaking, we recommend the Semi Deluxe level for most climbers. It is the right level of comfort for most people and when spending a week at high altitudes, it is great to have at least a few comforts, such as a nice 3 inch mattress and private toilet. Here is an in-depth look at each level:
1. Standard Level: Some climbers opt for a scaled-down climb in terms of equipment, while still maintaining the same quality in guiding leadership, food and overall professionalism as found in the other packages. For these climbs, we omit the toilet tent(s), portable flush toilet(s) and some climb equipment. We also replace the large backed chairs with arm rests and side tables for smaller, more simple chairs. These changes result in reducing the amount of weight needed to be carried up and down the mountain, therefore porter requirements are reduced. Included in this level is a tent to sleep in (with a foam pad for added comfort), as well as a mess tent with table and chairs to eat in. This level is the lowest price, but it does not compromise on safety.
2. Semi Deluxe Level: This level includes a few "luxury" amenities such as a portable flush toilet, better chairs/dining table than the standard level, a 2 inch mattress, as well as a larger weight allowance for each climber. Fresh pressed coffee is also available. All in all, we highly recommended this level.
3. Deluxe Level: This level includes larger backed chairs, a 3 inch mattress, fresh hand towels provided before each meal etc, plus extra safety equipment such as pulse oximeters, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) heart saving device, hyperbaric chamber and satellite phone (on Rongai Route). On this level, meals include specialty foods like dried fruits, chocolates, cheeses, homemade cookies and breads. This is the most comfortable, all-inclusive level on the mountain and is the level to choose if you are looking to climb with some extra comforts.
Please note that regardless of which level you officially climb under, below is a table of optional extras that can be included in any climbing package.
