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Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance  

*Extreme Activity Pack Required*

Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft) above sea level, is the highest mountain on the African continent. It is one of the Seven Summits – the highest mountain peaks of each of the seven continents – that requires no technical climbing skills since all of its trekking routes are pure hiking paths.

Of Mount Kilimanjaro’s seven official trekking routes, Machame is thought to be the most scenic and therefore the most popular. It can be done in six or seven days. The Rongai is considered the easiest and uses different ascent and descent routes for added variety. The Marangu is another easier route but it tends to be busy, uses the same ascent and descent routes. The accommodation is in shared huts with other climbers.

It is no longer possible to make the climb Kilimanjaro independently. All trekkers need to be accompanied by a registered guide and pay entrance park fees. We recommend that you book with a reputable UK-based tour company who will be able to provide all travel arrangements, camping equipment, and a full support team. 

Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance

Staying safe and well

If you are planning to trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro you need to ensure that you have a good level of fitness and are properly equipped. While the climb is not as challenging as the high peaks of the Himalayas or Andes, high altitude, low temperatures, and high winds make this a difficult and potentially dangerous trek. Altitude sickness is the commonest reason for those failing to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak, and can strike even the most experienced of trekkers, so it is essential that you plan to allow a minimum of five nights for the climb allowing you to slowly increase your acclimatisation time.

Malaria is not a risk while you are on the mountain as there are no mosquitoes above 1,800m, but you are at risk before and after your climb so we recommend you take the anti-malarial medication in advance of your travel. 

When to go

Optimum climbing conditions occur between December and February, and from July to September. The busiest season on the mountain coincides with summer holiday period in Europe and N. America. April, May and November are the wettest months and so not ideal for trekking. December is becoming a popular month, despite being very cold on the summit. Snow cover on the mountain is highest between November and May.

 

The importance of Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for any journey but is particularly important when undertaking potentially hazardous activities such as trekking in remote regions where medical facilities or assistance may not be close at hand. You’ll enjoy your adventure better with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have the right travel insurance cover in place for climbing Kilimanjaro should a mishap occur. This can be anything from lost or stolen luggage to a full helicopter rescue off a mountain.

For trekking, you need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for altitude. Most standard policies provide cover for walking up to a maximum of 2,500 metres.

Big Cat Travel Insurance’s Extreme Activity Pack covers any altitude above 4,600 metres and is suited to the most challenging of mountain treks, such as Kilimanjaro (nearly 6,000 metres at its summit), Aconcagua, and Mont Blanc.

Please note that for trekking in Nepal, the Nepal Trekking Pack add-on will need to be included. A 7,000m altitude limit is applied to this.

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FAQs

Yes. Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 metres, which is above the altitude covered by many standard travel insurance policies. To be insured for the climb, you must add our Extreme Activity Pack to your travel insurance.


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Yes. Big Cat Travel Insurance covers trekking on Mount Kilimanjaro when you purchase the required Extreme Activity Pack before you travel.


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Our standard trekking cover applies up to 4,600 metres. As Mount Kilimanjaro reaches 5,895 metres, you must purchase the Extreme Activity Pack to be covered for the trek to the summit.


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Yes. If you suffer an illness or injury during your insured trek and a medically necessary helicopter evacuation is required, your policy covers emergency evacuation costs.


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Yes. Your travel insurance continues for the remainder of your insured trip, allowing you to enjoy a safari in Tanzania or relax in Zanzibar after completing your Kilimanjaro trek, provided your activities are covered by your policy.


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If you are unable to continue your trek because of illness or injury, your policy covers eligible emergency medical treatment and other insured benefits that apply to your circumstances, helping you receive the care you need.



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Yes. Your policy includes cover for baggage and personal effects. You can also add optional valuables cover if you are travelling with expensive gadgets or other high-value personal items.


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Yes. Whether you choose the Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Northern Circuit or Umbwe route, cover is based on the activity and altitude rather than the route itself. As all routes reach the summit, the Extreme Activity Pack is required.


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Yes. If you have already left the UK, you can purchase our Already Travelling Insurance, provided you meet the eligibility requirements. A 48-hour waiting period applies to most claims.


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Yes. You can add optional Natural Disaster Cover to your Big Cat Travel Insurance policy for additional protection if certain unforeseen events, such as earthquakes, floods, wildfires, hurricanes or volcanic eruptions, disrupt your trip. Cover limits depend on your chosen policy level, and the event must not have been known or foreseeable when the cover was purchased. Please refer to the policy wording for full terms and exclusions.


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Big Cat Travel Insurance is a trading name of Flynow.com Ltd (registration No.FRN 1022075) who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You may check this on the Financial Services register at www.fca.org.uk or by contacting them on (0) 800 111 6768. © 2026 Big Cat Travel Insurance Services.  All rights reserved.