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The Ultimate Guide to Climbing Kilimanjaro

3/5/2022

1 Comment

 

​What is Mount Kilimanjaro?

Above the clouds in northern Tanzania rises the frozen peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, it’s slopes and glaciers are trademark of the mountains magnificent beauty. The mountain is located in Mount Kilimanjaro National park, nearby the town of Moshi in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. 

It is said that to climb up Kilimanjaro is to walk through four seasons in four days. Nowhere is this phenomenon more apparent than in its flora. The variety of flora found on Kilimanjaro can be ascribed in part to the mountain’s tremendous height and in part to its proximity to both the equator and the Indian Ocean. Add to this the variations in climate, solar radiation and temperature from the top of the mountain to the bottom and you end up with the ideal conditions for highly differentiated and distinctive 5 (five) vegetation zones. 

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highlight of most visitors’ experiences in Tanzania. Few mountains can claim the spectacular breathtaking views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Masaai Steppe , and the Rift Valley , that can be seen from Kilimanjaro. Hiking on the ‘rooftop of Africa’ — the highest point on the continent at 5896 metres — is the adventure of a lifetime, especially because, if paced well, everyone from professional trekkers to beginner enthusiasts can climb the snowy peak to the summit.

Think outside the box and ask yourself, “Have I got what it takes to go on an adventure in Kilimanjaro?” Offering so much more than the traditional fly and flop getaway, adventure holidays can entail a huge range of recreation; outdoor activities, culture shock, personal realizations, tours and excursions, meaning choice is only limited by your imagination and appetite for adventure. “So what can you expect from an adventure holiday in Kilimanjaro?” It’s simple, mix with the locals – get intrigued, cultural diversity, mystery, excitement and exuberance!
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Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, group of friends, volunteer or a family, an adventure holiday is perfect for those looking to add some excitement to their usual travel experience. The best bit is you can choose any length and level of adventure; get stuck in for a week of mountain trekking (Mount Kilimanjaro) or take the afternoon off to have a wildlife safari – it’s totally up to you! So if you want to experience the out of the ordinary; cast off your inhibitions and escape on an adventure-filled Mount Kilimanjaro climb to bring back a suitcase full of memories.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

​The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons rather than the wet seasons. To elaborate further, I recommend the warmest and driest months. The dry seasons are from the beginning of December through the beginning of March, and then from late June through the end of October. These are considered to be the recommended times to hike Kilimanjaro in terms of weather.  There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania, the long rainy season is from mid-March to early June. The short rainy season is from November to early December.
​
Although Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year round, the primary issue is safety, as the risks associated with climbing increase when the weather is foul. The effects of rain, mud, snow, ice and cold can significantly strain the body and mind whilst on the hike. You have greater Kilimanjaro summit success rates with good weather.
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​What is the climate on and around Mount Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is unique for many reasons, and one of these is that from origin to summit, climbers find themselves weaving through several distinct climate zones. It is said that the journey from the gate to the peak is like traveling from the equator to Antarctica in a matter of days! Mount Kilimanjaro has five major ecological zones, each approximately 3,280 feet (1,000 m) in altitude. Each zone is subject to a corresponding decrease in rainfall, temperature and flora/fauna as the altitude increases.

​January and February are the warmest months, April and May are the wettest months, June and July are the coolest months, and August and September are the driest months. These generalities about the weather in Moshi hold true for Mount Kilimanjaro as well.


Due to its proximity to the equator, Mount Kilimanjaro does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more so by the altitude and time of day. At the beginning of the climb, at the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). From there, the temperatures will decrease as you move through Mount Kilimanjaro's ecological zones.

At the summit, Uhuru Point, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Due to Mount Kilimanjaro's great height, the mountain creates its own weather. It is extremely variable and impossible to predict. Therefore, regardless of when you climb, you should always be prepared for wet days and cold nights.

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

​Mount Kilimanjaro has different routes and each route has variations in number of days to ascend and descend. Their variations take between five to nine days to complete.

There are minimum number of days and recommended number of days for each Kilimanjaro main climbing route. It is often advised adding an extra day or two to your hike to help you acclimatize to the altitude, 7-9 day routes are recommended for lowest risk of altitude sickness and a successful summit attempt. 

Which Kilimanjaro Route?

​There are seven established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro -  Northern Circuit, Lemosho, Rongai, Machame, Shira, Marangu, and Umbwe. 

The perfect route for you should be determined by considerations such as for the route's difficulty, ​ scenery, foot traffic and its altitude acclimatization characteristics, as shown in the image below.
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 Map of Mount Kilimanjaro Routes

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​What’s the difference between climbing with a Safari versus without?

Add-on safari: wildlife safaris, cycling and other packages are designed to offer visitors, with a free day or more on hand, a choice between day and multi-day options and some tours even combined.

Do you have a free day, maybe before a Kilimanjaro trekking adventure, or are you waiting for a flight to your next destination?

These add-on options provide just the answer for you, to get a brief but unforgettable African experience in locations in and around the Kilimanjaro region. Packages for add-on wildlife safaris, tours, cycling, and treks to any of the locations  are arranged to start from Moshi town (unless otherwise specified).​


​Daily Departure Dates:
The departure dates for all add-on tours are totally flexible according to your own personal needs. Please contact Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris for further and more detailed information.

​What is the cost of climbing Kilimanjaro?

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Price includes:
  • Private Transfer from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Hut or camping fees
  • All park fees
  • Salary for crew (guide, Porter & Cook)
  • Rescue fee
  • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner & mineral water)
  • Two night accommodation (one night before climb and one night after Climb) B/B
  • Tent, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipments eating utensils.
  • Oxygen cylinder and Oxy-meter.
  • All government tax (VAT)
  • Helicopter Rescue  (www.kilimanjarosar.com)
 
NOT INCLUDED;
  • Tip for crew (guide, porters & cook
  • Some equipment is available for rent
  • Lunch and dinner at the hotel
  • Extra personal needs (cigarette & alcohol drinks)
Kilimanjaro pricing explained: 
Kilimanjaro Pricing Explained.pdf
File Size: 131 kb
File Type: pdf
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KILIMANJARO CLIMB HIDDEN COSTS
​- Gear Rental​
- Kilimanjaro Crew Tipping: 
Those who have climbed Mt Kilimanjaro before know that without the hard work and strength of the mountain crew, one would not be able to fully experience the magnificence of the mountain. Some operators pay crew more than the salary suggested by the Kilimanjaro National Park and Tanzania Tour Operator Association. However, many of crew also heavily depend on tips to support their families. Thus, Kilimanjaro has a deeply entrenched tipping culture that involves all mountain operators and their crews. Hence, tipping is seen as a customary practice. Ask Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris for a guideline, (remember tipping is shared among the climb group).
​- Portable Toilet: There is not much to say about our toilets. They are essential because the public long-drop toilets on Kilimanjaro are horrendous and over-crowded. Our porters empty the holding tanks at the nearest public toilets at every camp. Please note - at Crater Camp there are no public toilets so we use the Clean-Waste toilet kits to bag the waste and carry it down.
- Portable Shower: There is plenty of misunderstanding about our showers on Kilimanjaro. First of all, it is an optional service we provide so you are not forced to shower! We generally set up our showers at the halfway camp on the way to the summit and at Mweka camp after you reached the summit.
All outfitters provide bowls of warm water to their clients so they can wash after a long day of trekking. The same amount of water can be put in a sunshower instead of the bowl! This allows you to rinse your whole body with minimum water but the short splash MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. You will feel refreshed and ready for your next challenge. A short shower is a really good solution to help prevent painful chafe caused by perspiration between the legs and buttocks areas.
- Gamow-bags: Available when sleeping in the Crater. If you overnight in the Crater on Kilimanjaro, simple evacuations are not always possible because you have to ascend higher in order to scale the rim before descending down to a lower elevation. If you are suffering from serious altitude-related symptoms it may be safer to stabilize you by placing you in our pressured altitude chamber for an hour or so. This will fool your body into thinking you are 2000ft or so lower in elevation and the improvement in your condition will buy precious time as we evacuate you over Stella Point and down to safety. A Gamow bag is not needed for treks that do not overnight in the Crater as immediate and fast descending is always possible and preferred.
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED):  AEDs are offered as an upgrade option. You must know that these devices are unproven at high altitude in cold/wet weather. They may malfunction, and medical studies have shown AEDs to be very ineffective in most heart-related emergencies when used in hospital emergency rooms. Immediate CPR remains the most important life-saving technique and our guides will do CPR FIRST as it is very important to keep oxygen flowing into the brain while the lungs and heart are pumped. An AED shock will be a last-ditch attempt if CPR fails to revive the patient. Using an AED instead of CPR will waste precious early minutes that may result in serious brain-damage.
- International Flights: We do not book international flights. We recommend flying on KLM.  Flights from the USA to JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) typically range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the season. We are able however to book domestic Tanzanian flights if you want to extend your vacation to other parts of Tanzania or East Africa.
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Kilimanjaro Packing List and Gear Rental

PERSONAL KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN GEAR 
I recommend the following individual equipment list for Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions:
Personal Mountain Equipment Required.pdf
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GEAR / EQUIPMENT RENTAL PRICES IN THE KILIMANJARO REGION (MOSHI / ARUSHA / MARANGU)
Kilimanjaro gear hiring price list;  
Please Note: 
  • Prices may vary from vendor to vendor. 
  • The prices are per climb and not per day. ​
  • Climbing gear is only available for rent in Moshi, it is rare to find climbing gear for sale in Moshi.
Gear Rental Price 2023.pdf
File Size: 73 kb
File Type: pdf
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Training for Kilimanjaro

Pre-Climb Fitness Training: Cardio training and strong muscles will help you with the daily hiking on the mountain of between 5 and 7 hours. If you can, get out and hike at home whenever possible in the weeks and months leading up to your Kilimanjaro climb. Fill up and strap on your day bag to get used to carrying extra weight, and be sure to wear in your hiking boots too. Hike steep inclines and downhills, do steps and strengthen leg muscles. Being a runner or cyclist helps. Lots of stretching to improve your flexibility before setting off will also help muscles from becoming too stiff when on the mountain. Anyone who has successfully summited Kilimanjaro will tell you that mental strength is more important than physical strength fitness. Stay positive at all times, don’t panic or get despondent, follow the instructions of your guides at all times.  GOODLUCK!

​How to select the best Kilimanjaro tour company

How to find the best Kilimanjaro company so you get one that is inexpensive, eco-friendly, provides local guides, and gives back to the local community based upon my experience of over 10 years in the industry and my professional opinion:

1. Research the costs – compare packages with more than one operator, by this you will get an idea of the general average cost to climb Kilimanjaro. Do not select a company strictly based on price! Price should be only one component in your overall decision. Prices vary significantly between operators, however high prices and low prices should both be viewed with caution. A recommended operator is required to satisfy all park fees, pay real wages to staff, supply good food and equipment, while still providing great service to their clients.

3. Local guides – Guides can make or break your trip. They are going to explain everything to you and keep the flow of the tour going, whom better to explain than a local whom speaks the native languages. 

4. Kilimanjaro Rescue options, services and procedures – Make sure the company follows all the proper safety requirements; Ensure the operator is carrying an oxygen cylinder, oxy-meter, has signed you up with the Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue (helicopter evacuation), guides are medically trained and certified.

6. Ask your operator about Environmental impact – There’s a growing trend among travelers called ecotourism. It’s about more responsible travel, not only toward the environment but also toward the locals in an area. 

7. Group size – Group climbs should be limited to 12-16 people. The head guide to climber ratio (1:4) ensures individualized attention, added flexibility and increased safety. Private climbs are available for parties of any size who want to climb certain route variations and want to be with only friends and family. Tour companies that have smaller groups tend to be much more mindful of the environment and the impact they are leaving. 

8. Check their reputation – How have other travelers enjoyed their time? Look for online reviews to see what a company’s reputation is on tripadvisor or facebook (the good thing about this, you may message the person whom wrote the review to get clarification). 

What you should expect from your Kilimanjaro guide: ​

(A tour guide is the best source of reliable, up-to-date local knowledge.)
1. STRONG COMMUNICATION SKILLS
2. SOCIABLE & OUTGOING
3. A MEMORY LIKE A STEAL TRAP
4. IMPROVISATIONAL SKILLS
5. JUST ENOUGH ENTHUSIASM
6. HUMOR
7. PUNCTUALITY
8. A KEEN SENSE OF DIRECTION
9. THE KNOWLEDGE OF A LOCAL
10. PASSION FOR THEIR INDUSTRY AND WORK

Can i join a Kilimanjaro climb group?

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USEFUL TIPS FOR CLIMBING KILIMANJARO (A compilation suggested by our previous clients)

Tips whilst on Kilimanjaro:
  • Go slowly: “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.The biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too fast! The slower you hike to more time you give your body to acclimatize.
  • Drink enough water: Make sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 liters of liquid a day – preferably water. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink we treaty it. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets. REMEMBER! A functioning “body water balance” is one of the keys to a successful climb!
  • Walk high – sleep low: If possible and especially on your acclimatization day “walk high – sleep low” Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude.
  • Take a ski – pole: A ski – pole is essential. Use of ski poles reduces external and internal loads on the knee joint by up to 20%. Using 1 ski pole is a must, but 2 poles are recommended. Buy one or hire one but take one – view our Gear Rental options.
  • Climb light: Climb as lightly as possible; this becomes even more important on your summit night. Extra weight will slow you down and will also make breathing more difficult.
  • Packing: Remember that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to frequent rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable to pack items individually in your bag. These individually packed items should be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in case of rain or of being accidentally dropped in a stream.
  • New batteries: Replace your head lamp and camera batteries with new ones on your summit night.
  • Wet wipes: There is no washing water at Barafu, Kibo and Arrow Glacier camps. Wet Wipes are very useful
  • Snacks: Take enough snacks like energy bars etc. Avoid the toffee like energy bars (as they get very hard and difficult to eat in low temperatures) but rather but the cereal type energy bars.
  • Adequate sun protection: Wear a good quality pair of sunglasses (with UV protection) and use adequate sun protection cream with a protection factor of at least 20+.
  • Camera: Cameras exposed to cold do not cease functioning, but remember that if you keep your camera inside your jacket and the lens becomes warm, chances are that it will form condensation when suddenly exposed to extreme cold. This condensation will freeze under conditions at the summit. Therefore, keep your camera dry at all times. Moisture will freeze at the summit which WILL cause your camera to stop functioning.
  • Mountain water: The stream water high on the mountain Kilimanjaro has been tested and has been found to be fit for drinking.
 
Other useful KILIMANJARO TIPS:
  • Make sure all your clothes and sleeping bag are packed in plastic bag inside the duffel bag, to ensure they stay dry in the event of rain, even if your duffel bag is waterproof. Once something gets wet on the mountain it is difficult, even impossible to dry!
  • Something good Vaseline or Vicks Vaporub are good on the summit attempt.
    Moist air coming from your noise or on your lips will freeze and become very uncomfortable
  • Sound travel at night and many people snore on Kilimanjaro – bring some ear plugs to sleep with.
  • The trail is very dusty and sinus congestion is a problem with many hikers. Bring a good decongestant spray or tablet.
  • Female hikers suffer more from the cold than male hikers. Hand and feet warmers are a good idea
  • Travel with your most important gear as hand luggage – e.g. wear your hiking boots in the plane – missing luggage is a common problem.
  • Bring some blister plasters, Vaseline and liner socks. If you start to get blisters it will help a lot.
  • There is mobile reception on most of the mountain (except the first days on the Rongai route). If you bring your mobile, make sure you activate international roaming. You cannot recharge the battery at will, you only have the phone on an hour or two daily.
1 Comment
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    Author

     "I started out my passion for sharing the Natural wonders of Tanzania with the world which drove me to do intense research, and gave me the impetus to turn hard work and inspiration into to a successful and reputable Kilimanjaro adventure company and are thrilled to be a part of the expanding wing of the tourism industry of Tanzania."
    ​- Abe Moshi

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