When is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?
It is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro all year round; however
the months outside of the rainy season are better. The best
months are from December to March and July to October. The finest
weather is usually at the beginning of the year from January
to March which are typically the warmest and driest months of
the year.
Will I need to purchase travel insurance?
Yes. It is essential that you are adequately insured for the
activities that you wish to do. Your insurance policy should
specifically cover cancellations, interruption, delays, unforeseeable
expenses and specifially cover high altitude mountain trekking.
How fit will I need to be?
Anyone of reasonable fitness is capable of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.
You just need determination and courage. The Kilimanjaro National
Park authority allows climbers aged between 12 years and 80
years old.
Which route should I choose?
There are seven routes used to climb Kilimanjaro. Each has its
own characteristics. The most popular route is the Marangu route
and is the only route where accomodation is in huts rather than
tents. The Machame or whisky route as it is known is also a
very popular route. Routes are typically completed in 6 days
on the mountain. The Umbwe route is the shortest but toughest
of all the routes to the top.
Three other routes: Shira, Lemosho and Rongai
are less used routes and also have beautiful scenery. These
three routes are completed over more days giving you longer
to acclimatize to the altitude. The Western Breach route takes
you onto the glacier and enables you to explore famous features
of the summit such as the Ash Pit, Reusch Crater and the Furtwangler
Glacier.
How many people will be in a group?
Maximum of 12 people per group. We have found that small, intimate
groups ensure customers have an amazing experience on Kilimanjaro.
We can arrange trips for larger groups if required.
What clothing & equipment should I take?
You do not require any technical, climbing equipment on Mount
Kilimanjaro; however you will experience changing weather conditions
and be exposed to temperatures ranging from +30 degrees to -25
degrees, so you should be prepared for this. You should take
thin layers that can be added, or taken away depending on the
weather conditions.
No more than 15 Kg is carried by each porter and a minimum
of two porters are needed for each customer. Check our kit list
on this website. Please remember there is a limit to the weight
that the porters can carry and your kit bag must not excede
15Kg. On deluxe climbs you may bring more equipment with you
as we have a larger team of porters. You will also need a waterproof
day- rucksack for your basic kit for a days walking and a camel
pack to hold your drinking water.
How far will I trek each day?
You will walk between 3 and 6 miles per day, apart from the
summit night when you will walk up to 15 miles. You will usually
start your days trekking around 8 a.m and walk for between 4
and 8 hours per day (longer on summit night).
What food will be provided on the mountain?
Please see our detailed information on meals under the Kilimanjaro
tab and then select 'food'. We provide fresh, nutritious meals.
Those customers who select deluxe style trips can expect greater
variety and more indulgent meals. If you need a special diet
or if you are a vegetarian please inform us in advance so we
can ensure we serve you the correct food.
What do I need for my preparation travel to Africa
- Tanzania?
Please see the important information (including how to get Visa,
Vaccination, safety etc) on Tanzania Travel Facts under the
Information tab.
Is the water safe to drink?
No, you should not drink tap water in Tanzania. Apart from the
first day when you will bring bottled water from the hotel for
your first days walking, the porters will collect your drinking
water daily from streams located near the camps and boil it.
If you wish, you can also add purification tablets if you have
a particularly sensitive stomach.
Do you have a question that you still need answered?
Email us at info@kilimanjaroguidesexpeditions.com