Kilimanjaro Trekking
Mount Kilimanjaro
Highest Free-Standing Mountain Above Sea Level
Overview
Towering high above Tanzania at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level and 4,900 m (16,100 ft) above its plateau base, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Mount Kenya is the second-highest peak in Africa, after Kilimanjaro, with a peak of (5,199 metres (17,057 feet).
Kilimanjaro is located in the northeast of Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. It lies around 140 kilometres south of Nairobi (the Kenyan capital), and 500 kilometres northeast of Dodoma, Tanzania’s capital.
It’s an incredibly beautiful trek where climbers don’t require technical climbing skills. To reach the summit, one needs only a healthy average fitness level; explore more about our beginners guide to climbing Kilimanjaro.
For many travelers to Africa, climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime challenge and we’re here to help travelers like you prepare for this trekking safari. The climb takes in muddy tropical rainforests, unique high-altitude plants and alpine meadows, moorlands and desert uplands before finally arriving at the glacier-coated summit.
But just how do you go about climbing Tanzania’s Mt Kilimanjaro and how fit do you have to be? We answer some of these common questions below.
The Main Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes
Kilimanjaro is a major hiking and trekking safari destination. There are seven (7) main Kilimanjaro trekking routes to Uhuru Peak, the mountain’s highest point. Although not as technically challenging as similar mountains, the prominence of Kilimanjaro poses a serious risk of altitude sickness.
These several routes lead to the top, all with different accommodation options, success rates, popularity and length. Routes typically take between 6 and 8 days, although it is recommended to go for at least 6 or 7 days to allow for proper acclimatization.
Choosing The Best Mount Kilimanjaro Routes
In short, when choosing these mentioned Kilimanjaro trekking routes, there are two main things to consider;
1. Make sure that the route duration is long enough for adequate acclimatization. 6 to 7 or 8 days Kilimanjaro tours increase your success rate of summiting Kilimanjaro.Travelers on a 6 day trekking Kilimanjaro are an affordable alternatives if you are fit and have some experience of high altitude trekking.
2. Make sure the route provides a climb high, sleep low option. Again, this is a major factor in many climbers’ success on Kilimanjaro.
Listed below are seven main Kilimanjaro trekking routes – Machame Route, Marangu Route, Lemosho Route, Rongai Route, Shira Route, The Northern Circuit Route and Umbwe route.
Machame Trekking Route (61km / 6-7 Days)
This 7-day tour has now overtaken the Marangu Route in popularity, but is still known by its older classification of being a more difficult and tougher route, giving it its nickname The Whiskey Route.
You will stay in tents along this route.
Machame has also gained a reputation for being quite crowded but due to the longer hike length, which affords more time for acclimatization, it boasts a much higher success rate (around 85%).
Marangu Trekking Route (70km / 6 – 7 Days)
At 6 days this is one of the shorter routes. It used to be the most popular trek and has been named the Coca-Cola Route due to its relative low cost and popularity.
Here, you will sleep in mountain huts, rather than tents.
The route is beautiful, but often considered to be too crowded. Success rates are as low as 50% as you do not have enough time to acclimatise.
Lemosho Trekking Route (67km / 7-8 Days)
This 8-day route approaches the peak from the west. It is often considered the most scenic route, and is less crowded than the others.
You will stay in tents along this route.
The eight days allow for a particularly high success rate, making it one of the best routes if time (and money) permits.
Rongai Trekking Route (74km / 6-7 Days)
The 6-7 days route starts from the north, taking you through breathtaking scenery. You will be camping on this route.
NB – This route uses vehicles and is done only as a private tour.
The route allows for some flexibility in acclimatization days, so if you are worried about altitude sickness, it is definitely worth it to book an extra day.
The route has around an 80% success rate, going down to 65% if you decide to do 6 days.
Shira Trekking Route (58km / 6-8 Days)
The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. This route is sometimes referred to as the Lemosho route with a “high altitude drop off.”
NB – This route uses vehicles and is done only as a private tour. Shira is a 7 or 8 day private climb
Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it is less favorable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. It is possible that climbers will experience some altitude related symptoms on the first day while camping at 11,800 feet.
Also, trekkers who are not sufficiently pre-acclimatized may already develop altitude sickness at this height due to the quickness of the route even though an extra acclimatization day is added as standard for this itinerary.
Northern Circuit Trekking Route (88km / 8-9 Days)
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Kilimanjaro. It’s a 9-day trip that initially goes up the Lemosho route on the western side of Kilimanjaro to the Shira Plateau, then heads north and circles the main summit in a clockwise direction.
It then joins the Rongai route to climb the summit from the eastern side and descend straight down the southern Mweka route.
NB – This route uses vehicles and is done only as a private tour.
The Northern Circuit route is the newest route up Mount Kilimanjaro and arguably the best. That’s because the combination of all of the best elements of the other routes, rolled into one fantastic hike. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, plenty of solitude, a healthy challenge, and the potential to spot wildlife, this is definitely the route for you.
However, if you don’t have experience with long hiking trips, the 8-day journey may be more fatiguing compared to shorter itineraries.
Umbwe Trekking Route (48km / 6-7 Days)
Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach and is considered the hardest and challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. The rapid speed of the ascent and steepness makes acclimatization very difficult.
NB – This route uses vehicles and is done only as a private tour.
The Umbwe Route is the trail for trekkers looking for a true climbing challenge. It is a quiet, seldom used path that can be very difficult, yet very rewarding at the same time. This is the route to choose if you want to test yourself on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, far from the crowds that are found on the more common trails.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climate Zones
Mt Kilimanjaro has five distinct climate zones, beginning with a subtropical rainforest zone and ending with an arctic one!
Each zone presents its own set of challenges and characteristics for climbers. Those who climb Kilimanjaro must come prepared for all the different climates and zones they’ll experience. Let this serve as your guide to the overall weather on Mount Kilimanjaro and what to expect.
From the dense and lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts and eventually, to the snow-covered summit also known as the Arctic zone, Kilimanjaro covers all of this. The varying temperatures at these different altitudes will affect how you dress on each day of the Kilimanjaro hike.
Altitude Range: 800–1,800 Meters (2,625–5,905 Feet)
Day Temperature: +21 to +32° Celsius (+70 to +89° Fahrenheit)
Night Temperature: +21 to +32° Celsius (+70 to +89° Fahrenheit)
This is the lowest climate zone of Kilimanjaro National Park, the Cultivation Zone; a bushland characterized by sparse shrubs, and this area is filled with populated human settlements.
The area is dotted with villages of the Chagga people, along with farms and extensive agricultural fields. The most commonly grown crops include maize, bananas, and coffee. In fact, we suggest going on a coffee plantation tour as one of the 10 best things to do in the Mount Kilimanjaro region.
What to expect: Your ascent start in the Rainforest Zone. In this lower zone, you’ll find hotels where travelers rest before and after their climb. During warm months, t-shirts and shorts are comfortable for the daytime. For evenings or during the rainy season, you’ll need pants, shirts, and light jackets. This area also offers beautiful waterfalls for excursions, with Materuni Falls being the most popular and scenic.
Altitude Range: 1,800–3,000 Meters (5,900-9,800 Feet)
Day Temperature: 21-32 Celsius / 70-90 Fahrenheit
Night Temperature: 4-15 Celsius / 40-60 Fahrenheit
As you begin your trek, encircling the whole of the mountain is a montane or tropical rain forest. Dense and damp, this forest is home to many different bird and animal species. Due to the increase in human activity, it’s rare to see any big game these days, but monkeys and birds abound, you might also encounter blue monkeys and olive baboons.
The trees are covered in ‘old man’s beard’, orchids grow on the branches of ancient trees. You are likely to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys that live in the treetops and sometimes there are troops of Baboons. Though difficult to spot, small antelope, honey badgers, rodents and bush pigs make this their home.
What to expect: The forest will be the first stage of the ascent on Kilimanjaro and the final stage during the descent. To traverse this area, we recommend wearing a T-shirt and trekking pants. Lightweight trekking shoes are preferable. Head’s up, don’t forget to pack your rain jacket and pants as well as waterproof backpack cover into your daypack. This zone is prone to abrupt rain showers.
Altitude Range: 3,000-4,200 Meters (9,800-13,800 Feet)
Day Temperature: 10-27 Celsius / 50-80 Fahrenheit
Night Temperature: (-1)-15 Celsius / 30-60 Fahrenheit
As you approach at approximately an altitude range of 3,000-4,200 meters, the rainforest rapidly gives way to semi-arid grasslands and moorlands, this area is known as the low alpine zone, or rather the heath and moorland zone; an area filled with glorious views. This zone is largely characterized by small scrubby shrubs, giant heathers and tussock grasses.
As you go up you’ll notice that the predominant vegetation here are the Giant Lobelias and Dendrosenecios, they grow well in this environment, given the temperature swings.
At this zone if you are observant, very few animals live here. You might notice the small rodents moving by their tiny caves carved out of the volcanic rock; additionally, keep an eye out for soaring raptors. With luck, you may encounter elands, common duikers, klipspringers, buffaloes, and elephants.
What to expect: This is an open area with little shade on sunny days, making sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat essential. High humidity is a constant feature here. Additionally, you’ll frequently find yourself walking through clouds and encountering fog. This is where your water-resistant jackets come in handy. Layering regular pants with membrane trousers is wise, as wind and rain are expected at this altitude. It’s also a good time to switch to sturdy trekking boots for better support and protection.
Altitude Range: 4,200-5000 Meters (13,800-16,400 Feet)
Day Temperature: (-6)-15 Celsius / 20-60 Fahrenheit
Night Temperature: (-12)-10 Celsius / 10-50 Fahrenheit
Moving forward, we have the high alpine zone or rather the highland alpine desert which falls at around 4,200-5000 meters. This zone is characterised by an arid desert environment whereby during the day temperatures are hot and solar radiation is high (make sure you have lots of sun-cream).
During night time, temperatures fall to below freezing. You will also notice very few plants that are able to survive in this zone. While some birds, like ravens and large raptors, may migrate to this area, they do not stay permanently.
Additionally, the landscape is dominated by rugged rock formations, and panoramic views. Weather permitting, from this zone the slopes of Kibo and Kilimanjaro’s summit come into perfect view.
What to expect: Prepare for intense sun rays during the day and freezing cold at night. In the morning and evening, layer up with fleece jackets, insulated coats, warm pants, socks, buffs, and other warm clothing. At night, a good sleeping bag and heat sources will be essential. Keeping your body and clothes dry is vital. At this altitude, it’s easy to experience symptoms of AMS – Acute Mountain Sickness, so be ready.
Key takeaways; noticeably, at these altitudes, even daylight temperatures are very cold. Put on more layers plus your outer-shell jacket! Remember that the sun is extra strong at this high altitude, be sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.
Altitude Range: 5,000-5,895 Meters (16,400-19,340 Feet)
Day Temperature: (-12)-4 Celsius / 10-40 Fahrenheit
Night Temperature: (-26)-(0) Celsius / -15-32 Fahrenheit
On to the final zone, famously known as the Arctic zone of Mount Kilimanjaro. This zone hosts the upper reaches of Kibo and Mawenzi and consists of high altitude artic conditions. This area is dry, freezing cold at night and subject to intense sunshine during the day.
This zone is not one where you want to stay too long!
Oxygen levels are low, nearly half what was while at the lower reaches of the mountain. This zone is dominated by huge glaciers, and large boulders. There is no resident animal or plant life.
It’s very cold here, with blustery winds and freezing temperatures at night.
Key Takeaways;
When dressing for summit attempt, clothes layering is key.
We recommend 5-6 layers on top (thermal, long sleeved, fleece, down and shell) and three layers on the bottom (thermal leggings, trekking pants, weatherproof outers).
It’s bitterly cold, even at midday and you’ll need warm layers to keep your core temperature up.
Stay Hydrated & Nourished: Hydration and nutrition are critical for maintaining energy levels and warding off altitude-related ailments. Drink plenty of water and consume high-energy snacks throughout your trek to fuel your body for the demanding ascent.
Follow Professional Guidance: Their expertise ensures a safer and more enjoyable expedition, minimizing the risks associated with high-altitude trekking.
What to expect: This zone is classified as “extreme altitude.” Be ready for freezing temperatures, intense sunlight, and dry air that can quickly dehydrate you. Make sure to wear all the warm clothing you have.
Featured Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Packages
Ready To Start Planning Your Trek Up Mount Kilimanjaro?
Often the best way to ensure your trip exceeds expectations is through a custom itinerary. While there are plentiful available Kilimanjaro climbing tours, the ultimate trip is one that combines every aspect you desire into one perfectly planned and executed itinerary.
Chat to one of our African safari experts and start the planning process to your ideal Tanzania mountain climbing tours:
How Do I Get to Mount Kilimanjaro
To get to Kilimanjaro you need to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA): which is served daily by many airlines. From here, you can easily book a stay at the nearby town of Arusha or Moshi.
Depending on where you are traveling from, you can typically fly direct to Kilimanjaro International Airport via the Gulf (Qatar airlines, Emirates) or via Europe (KLM).
Alternatively, you can fly into Tanzania’s capital, Dar-Es-Salaam (DAR), for a short internal flight to (JRO), or to Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) airport for a connection to Kilimanjaro Airport (Use either Kenya Airways or Precision Air).
For those looking for rather cheap flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport is by flying into Nairobi Kenya. It’s also possible to travel by road from Kenya after flying in there. There are several bus – shuttle options to take you to Moshi town or the city of Arusha if you are in need of that more adventurous journey.
Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Safaris FAQ’s
Discover our Mount Kilimanjaro destination guide, a one stop section for all your Mount Kilimanjaro rock climbing tours. In case of any further questions don’t hesitate contact us and we’ll offer the support you need as you prepare for your before your Kilimanjaro hike.
Let’s dive deep into beginner’s guide to climbing Kilimanjaro, this includes the best times to hike.
Although the mountain can be trekked all year-round, the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during its dry season, which begins from the months of December to mid-March and late June to October. The most favorable trekking months are January, February, July, August, September, and October. These months are when the weather conditions are at their best. Clear skies, great views, little-to-no rain, and the sunshine.
Mt Kilimanjaro is a big mountain and no attempt on its summit should be taken lightly. But again, this is one of the easiest mountains of its height to climb. For all the standard routes, no special mountaineering experience or equipment is required. It’s merely a long but steady uphill climb. Any reasonably fit and determined person should be able to climb it. You will need very warm clothing, including a thick mountain jacket, thermals, gloves and a hat. You’ll also need a very warm four-season sleeping bag.
The most common reason for not making it to the summit is altitude-related sickness. The standard 6-days Kilimanjaro trekking tour simply doesn’t give enough time to get fully acclimatized. It’s far better to add in an extra acclimatization day or to do a longer, more-gradual route than to try and rush up and down.”
Our Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tours and Mount Kenya are led by our guides who are all licensed and have received training from the relevant park authorities in regards to mountaineering which is important for your absolute peace of mind.
Each of our hiking tours is equipped with a comprehensive first-aid medical kit and oxygen for hikers who may suffer from altitude sickness – although it’s an absolute last resort and your guides should be trained to monitor the behavior and physiology of each of our climbers in order to spot altitude sickness before it becomes necessary for oxygen.
Altitude sickness occurs when your body finds it difficult to adjust to low oxygen levels at altitudes from about 2,500 metres (8,200 feet). Breathing becomes more difficult when the amount of oxygen available decreases as the altitude increases. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the mildest form of altitude sickness, and very common. The symptoms will usually feel like a hangover: dizziness, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Altitude sickness usually settles by itself within six to 48 hours. The main treatment involves going down to a lower altitude as safely as possible. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your guide may decide to send you back down the slopes to guarantee your safety. This usually involves returning to your previous campsite.
Although it is possible to ascend and descend Mount Kilimanjaro in five days, the recommended minimum duration for a trek is six days. This should give hikers sufficient time to acclimatize properly to high altitudes, delivering the best success rate for summiting; it is also part of our Kilimanjaro safety measures.
You can discuss with your doctor the best altitude sickness medication. Anti-altitude sickness medications have the ability to make your blood absorb more oxygen, so chat with your home doctor about a prescription before your trek. Just remember, anti-altitude sickness medications are often diuretics. Dehydration is a major contributor to altitude sickness, so make sure that you always have enough drinking water with you on the mountain.
The price of a guided trip up Mount Kilimanjaro depends on factors like the time of year you wish to trek, the number of people in your booking group, and the duration of your trek. A general cost guideline is:
Mount Kilimanjaro package tour costs – between USD 1450 and USD 3,000 per person
Before booking a Kilimanjaro mountain trip, be sure to check what is and isn’t included. Remember that in all cases guides and porters will expect tips. This can add another couple of hundred dollars to even the cheapest Kilimanjaro climb.
The prices usually include: Road transfers to and from the mountains, Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and permits while on the mountain, Camping equipment, Meals and drinks, services of expert trekking crews (guides, cooks and porters). If you are to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, all trekkers must be on a package with a guide and at least one porter.
There are seven routes up Kilimanjaro, each of which take between six (6) and eight (8) days. However, it’s very important not to rush the climb as it could lower your success rate! The reason for this is because you need to ensure time for your body to acclimate to high altitude.
- Marangu Route (70km / 6 Days) – Considered the easiest route up Kilimanjaro.
- Machame Route (61km / 6-7 Days) – A tougher climb than Marangu.
- Lemosho Route (67km / 7-8 Days) – More scenic, less crowded route, with a much better success rate.
- Rongai Route (74km / 6-7 Days) – Only done as a private tour.
- Shira Route (58km / 6-8 Days) – Only done as a private tour.
- Northern Circuit (88km / 8-9 Days) – Only done as a private tour.
- Umbwe Route (48km / 6-7 Days) – Only done as a private tour.
While there are seven main routes up to choose from. The best route you choose will largely depend on your level of experience, fitness, budget and time frame – as well as your personal wants.
- Marangu Route (70km / 6 Days) – Considered the easiest route up Kilimanjaro.
- Machame Route (61km / 6-7 Days) – A tougher climb than Marangu.
- Lemosho Route (67km / 7-8 Days) – More scenic, less crowded route, with a much better success rate.
- Rongai Route (74km / 6-7 Days) – Only done as a private tour and involves vehicles.
- Shira Route (58km / 6-8 Days) – Only done as a private tour and involves vehicles.
- Northern Circuit (88km / 8-9 Days) – Only done as a private tour.
- Umbwe Route (48km / 6-7 Days) – Only done as a private tour and involves vehicles.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is located in the northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border, close to Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. The mountain lies around 140 kilometres south of Nairobi, Kenya, and 500 kilometres northeast of Dodoma, Tanzania’s capital.
Many Kilimanjaro safaris begin in Moshi, or Arusha town, the capital of the same region.
To get to Kilimanjaro you need to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA): which is served daily by many airlines. From here, you can easily book a stay at the nearby town of Arusha or Moshi.
Depending on where you are traveling from, you can typically fly direct to Kilimanjaro International Airport via the Gulf (Qatar airlines, Emirates) or via Europe (KLM).
Alternatively, you can fly into Tanzania’s capital, Dar-Es-Salaam (DAR), for a short internal flight to (JRO), or to Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) airport for a connection to Kilimanjaro Airport (Use either Kenya Airways or Precision Air).
For those looking for rather cheap flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport is by flying into Nairobi Kenya. It’s also possible to travel by road from Kenya after flying in there. There are several bus – shuttle options to take you to Moshi town or the city of Arusha if you are in need of that more adventurous journey.
Booking International Flights to Kilimanjaro?
Listed below are some of Kilimanjaro flight options:
KLM Airlines: Direct flights from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro airport.
Condor Air: Direct flights from Frankfurt to Kilimanjaro airport.
Turkish Airlines: Direct flights from Istanbul to Kilimanjaro airport.
Kenya Airways: Direct flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro airport.
Precision Air: Direct flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro airport.
Qatar Airlines: Direct flights from Doha to Kilimanjaro airport.
Ethiopian Airlines: Direct flights from Addis Ababa to Kilimanjaro airport.
RwandAir: Direct flights from Kigali to Kilimanjaro airport.
Still unable to find direct flights to Kilimanjaro airport? You can fly to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar Es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya). Mount Kilimanjaro is much closer to Nairobi than it is from Dar Es Salaam. Nairobi receives a lot more air traffic than Kilimanjaro Airport, making it have competitive prices.
Flying To Kilimanjaro From USA, Europe And UK
For travelers coming from USA, Europe and the UK, the easiest thing to do is to fly from a major local airport hub near your location to Amsterdam (most major airports in US, Europe and the UK have flights to Amsterdam), and then catch the KLM Airlines to JRO connecting flight.
Domestic Flights In Tanzania And Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Browse the listed airlines below that offer domestic flights within Tanzania:
Precision Air, Fly540, Regional Air, Fast Jet, Zan Air, Coastal Aviation, & Air Excel.
Bus From Nairobi To Arusha, Tanzania
After you fly into Nairobi, Kenya, take a bus to Tanzania. This option might offer the lowest airfare, but keep in mind the added costs of a Kenyan transit visa ($21) and the transfer to Moshi ($45). If there are no delays at the border, the bus journey takes about six hours. (This Involves Border Crossing).
We also can help you arrange bus transportation or shuttle bus transfers to Arusha or Moshi from Nairobi, and vice versa.
The bus from Nairobi to Tanzania operates on different time schedules and it’s up to you to pick the one that suites your travel plans.
Although the bus departs from Nairobi’s, we can always arrange to pick our clients from certain hotels in the Nairobi city center, at the Nairobi airport. Upon arrival in Arusha or Moshi town, pick up or drop off can be arranged to most hotels in the city center area.
Bus To Tanzania Schedules
Nairobi to Arusha buses departs daily from 8:00am to 14:00pm
Nairobi to Arusha bus option 2, departs daily from 14:00pm to 18:30pm
Nairobi to Moshi bus departs daily from 08:00am to 15:30pm
Moshi to Nairobi bus departs daily from 06:00am to 14:00pm
Arusha to Nairobi bus departs daily from 08:00am to 14:00pm
Moshi to Nairobi bus departs daily from 10:30am to 18:30pm
Arusha to Nairobi bus departs daily from 14:00pm to 18:30pm
Most of Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tours usually start from Arusha town or the town of Moshi. These are the main starting points for any Kilimanjaro trips.
Distance: The town of Moshi is closer to the Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO), about 40 minutes by road (45 Kilometers), where the city of Arusha is around 90 minutes (70 Kilometers).
The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can vary from very hot to extremely cold within the same day although it does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Mount Kilimanjaro temperatures are highly determined by the change in altitude levels and time of day just as listed above on our Mount Kilimanjaro Climate Zones.
Generally, all Kilimanjaro hikers need to be prepared for warm, sunny conditions, rainfall showers, wind, cold, and even snow.
The types of accommodation at Mount Kilimanjaro include sleeping on either mountain huts found on the mountain, or you’ll be camping in tents with basic facilities. The huts are just that: a simple hut, with beds laid out dorm-style. The only form of heating will come from the other exhausted bodies sharing the hut. If you are camping in tents, then we will provide you with the tents. The tents offer a more comfortable night than in the huts. They are also more private!
Another point to note about the accommodation options at Mount Kilimanjaro is that sleeping at mountain huts is only for travelers on the Marangu Route, the rest of the other routes will be camping in tents.
Yes there are public toilets on Mount Kilimanjaro; these are long drop toilets that exists at various stop-over campsites, just know that they are kind of dirty. Your tour operator will sometimes bring their own toilets, but during day time you will just go behind a bush or a rock.
No. There are no showers on Mount Kilimanjaro at all camping routes.
Come with wet wipes and towel that you can use to freshen up at night when you feel funky. These are your best friends during the trekking. You can also be given a bowl with water.
Not if you leave enough time to acclimatize. As a company during our Kilimanjaro climbing, trekking and hiking tours, we also carry our own oxygen tanks in case of emergencies.
No. With a good preparation and being straightforward Kilimanjaro is an easy climb.
Also, DON’T cut corners to reduce costs, then it is safe.
Most people fail because they do not take the trek seriously enough and don’t give themselves enough time to acclimatize.
Mount Kilimanjaro does not want you to RUSH things, It needs from 6 days to 8 days to be able to summit Mount Kilimanjaro without any problems.
For you to prepare well for a Mount Kilimanjaro trek; generally in terms of physical conditioning, you should try to be in the best hiking shape. Those who are not regular hikers need to build up their walking endurance by being on their feet for several hours a day while at home.
You can train on stairs or a stair machine at home and try walking for long distances while at home.
The only thing that makes Mount Kilimanjaro trekking difficult is the different altitude levels, which might bring about Altitude Mountain Sickness.
While at the peak of the mountain, there is about half the oxygen in the air as there was while at the lower altitude campsites. That’s why you should not rush this tour because operating in a low oxygen environment stresses the body. The body needs enough time to adapt to high altitude to continue functioning or risk becoming sick.
Given that the weather on Kilimanjaro is unpredictable, Mount Kilimanjaro is very cold and windy, especially at night. The coldest temperatures one would experience here usually range between 20F and -20F (-7C to -29C).
All our Kilimanjaro climbing tours is a fully supported tour, the food you will eat while climbing is prepared by our mountain chefs and his team. The food that is served typically are western style dishes that a visitor would find familiar and delicious, such as spaghetti with meat sauce, fried chicken with fries, chicken curry with rice, and beef stew with potatoes. But there is also a mix of local foods such as ugali and cabbage, and sweet desserts.
Having Trouble?
Have any further question about your Africa safari that we haven’t answered above? Contact our office and we’ll be more than happy to answer any of your queries.
