10 Things to Know Before You Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

10 Things to Know Before You Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

All you Need to Know About Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is climbable all year round. The best months to climb are December-March, and September-October, which are the warmest and driest months. The next best is from June to August, but they are colder. July, August, and September are the busiest months.

Prepare for the altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro by training on a regular basis at least 8 weeks before beginning your climb. Physical exercise is important, and a routine should be at least 4 times a week, and include aerobic exercises, strength training and hiking. Summiting on or soon after a full moon is very beautiful and helps illuminate the landscape without using headlamps. However, it is also very bright for sleeping and stars are not as visible.

1. Best way to get to Mount Kilimanjaro

Before you start your hiking escapade to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, you will need to establish how to get there, and the best mode of transport to suit your itinerary or tour. Travelers flying from the UK, the US, Australia or Canada and other parts of the world have a few options to explore, the most popular being the Kilimanjaro Airport.

Each of these options should be carefully considered based on your budget and how much time you have to explore Tanzania before, or after your trek. 10 Things to Know Before You Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Most importantly, don’t be tricked into booking the cheapest flight without considering if there might be a catch; including long layover times, additional visas or transport arrangements.

Do I need to take malaria medicine?

Kilimanjaro Faq-Malaria is a serious problem in East Africa so you must consult your doctor about getting effective malaria prophylaxis for your visit. Many people are avoiding Lariam nowadays and using Malarone.

You cannot catch malaria above 3000 meters on Kilimanjaro, but you must be careful below that altitude, particularly if you visit the coast where the strains of malaria tend to be especially virulent.

2. Best time to Climb Kilimanjaro

We generally advise that the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October. 10 Things to Know Before You Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. However, although these are considered to be the best times to climb the mountain in terms of weather, they are also the busiest months.

What is the weather like on Mt. Kilimanjaro? Temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain and -15 to -20 degrees Celsius on top plus wind chill what I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro. Lower down, it can be wet and humid, but higher up, there can be snow. Rain and snow may be encountered at any time of the year!

3. How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro?

It requires no technical climbing experience, and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain.

Climbing Kilimanjaro most days are not very hard because the trails are not steep it\’s mostly dealing with the altitude, however the summit night is extremely difficulty as this is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. An ascent of 4,084ft with 49% less oxygen and a descent of nearly 6,870ft.

4. Choose your Kilimanjaro Climbing route carefully

Which route should I take? Kilimanjaro Faq-Your’s decision will depend on where you want to sleep and the hiking distance each day and the number of days of each route. On the Marangu Route, you sleep in huts with simple beds, while on all the other routes, you sleep in tents. 10 Things to Know Before You Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. There are two main routes on the mountain: the Marangu and Machame.

Rongai Route

You may also want to consider the Rongai Route as it is far less traveled. The Lemosho Route is a good choice if you want a longer route (8+ days). Why is the Marangu route called the “Coca Cola” route? Is it really dirty and overcrowded?

There has been a lot of negative press about Marangu. In our view, and we arrange treks on all the routes, it is very unfair. This is the only route that uses huts rather than tents and some years ago there was a serious problem with overcrowding in the huts.

Machame Route

The Machame Route is renowned for its scenic beauty and high success rates, making it a top choice for trekkers seeking an extraordinary Kilimanjaro experience. The route typically takes around 6 to 7 days to complete, allowing for better acclimatization and increasing the chances of reaching the summit. It is a challenging trek, requiring a good level of fitness and mental determination.

How is the Marangu route different from the Machame route?

Kilimanjaro Faq-Physically, the Marangu and Machame routes are rather different. The main force of Kibo’s volcanic activity occurred out towards the west (the Machame side) and so Machame is steeper – especially on the first day and a half – and more rugged than Marangu.

It is often considered more scenic because the views of Kibo are more impressive than from the south-east (the Marangu approach), but many consider the vegetation on day 2 of the Marangu route to be more attractive than anything seen on the western side. As always with mountains, every route has its advantages and drawbacks. The difficulty grading has Marangu as a 1, and Machame a 1+, so there’s not a great deal in it.

5. How do I cope with the change of altitude?

Kilimanjaro Faq-Always remember to maintain a slow, steady pace from beginning to end. Going slowly allows the body to acclimatize while hiking. Those who start out too quickly will have trouble higher up the mountain as the body will be overexerted. This still holds true if you are spending an extra day on the mountain.

6. How long does it take to reach the summit?

It will depend on the route you pick and your pace. It can take from 4-8 hours to reach the summit from the high camp.

What is an anorak?

A weatherproof jacket, such as Gore-tex.

What is a balaclava?

A woolen sock that fits over the head with slits for only the eyes and mouth.

Why do we make the final ascent in the pre down darkness?

Kilimanjaro Faq-Most groups will start for the summit on ascent day from 11 PM to 12:30 AM, depending on the perceived fitness of the group, the weather, and the route. The pre-dawn hours, while cold, are also the calmest and clearest. The best views from the summit are at dawn.

Often clouds and high winds develop not long after sunrise making the summit much less attractive and the descent more difficult. Guides who have been to the summit scores of times report that it is very rare to find it cloudy at the summit at dawn in any season.

The ascent day is a very long day of hiking. Some people may require 15 hours to reach the summit and descend to the campsite for that day.

7. What shots should I get before Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro?

Talk to your doctor about getting

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Typhoid

Yellow fever

Tetanus

Polio

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

Meningococcal Meningitis (Africa/Asia)

Can children climb Kilimanjaro?

The in our Kilimanjaro Faq minimum age set by the National park Authorities for summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro is 12 years old. However, younger children can attempt the summit with special permission. Younger children can also trek on the mountain without reaching the summit.

8. Budget plenty of money for Kilimajaro Trekking

How many guides and porters and cooks do we get? The number of staff that you will have depends on how much gear and weight is brought up the mountain, the route chosen and the number of days on the mountain; however a typical trek will have (per 4 persons); 1 guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook, 1 waiter, and 9 porters.

Are the guides trained in first aid and altitude sickness?

Kilimanjaro guides are trained in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and basic mountain first aid. However, they are not doctors or paramedics. Climbers are responsible for bringing their own first aid kit and medical supplies.

Are the guides licensed/ certified?

Kilimanjaro guides are trained and certified by the Kilimanjaro National Park. 10 Things I wish I knew before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. They start out as porters and work their way up to assistant guide. When they are ready (after about 2-4 years), they go through the national park certification process.

What happens if one of us gets ill and has to return earlier? Is there an extra charge or is our money returned in case of illness or injury?

This is very important Kilimanjaro Faq if a client cannot walk because they are injured or sick, at least two support staff will assist this climber down. There is no extra charge for coming down and taken back to the hotel, but you will get no money back for those mountain days you missed, and you will be responsible for medical assistance and extra hotel nights. We highly recommend travel insurance to cover any medical expenses and further evacuation

What additional costs can I expect when I travel with you?

Extra expenses include:

Tips for guides, cook, and porters

Rental equipment (sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.)

Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel in Moshi.

Any personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, etc.).

How much is a good Tip?

The typical tip is:

Porters $15 per day per porter

Cooks $10 per cook

Assistant Guides $20 per guide

Kilimanjaro Guides $20 per day and upper guide

*Tip amounts listed for Kilimanjaro are per group, not per individual traveler. For instance, if four people are on Kili, they should each contribute $5/day if they want to tip the lead guide $20.

What is the deposit amount to hold my space?

A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your climb/safari.

When do I need to pay the balance of my climb/safari?

30% non-refundable deposit will be required to make a reservation of trekking/safari holidays

Final (70%) payment to be made in cash on your arrival in Tanzania.

10. What kind of accommodation is available during climbing?

On the Marangu Route, the first two huts sleep four people each, and the last hut is dorm-style with bunk beds. While on the other routes, you sleep in 3-person 4-season dome-style mountain tents, two people each.

Do your Tanzania trips include any transfers for those arriving in Nairobi-Kenya?

No, but we can schedule a transfer from Nairobi by Riverside Shuttles for an additional charge.

Do you have luggage (weight/size/number) limitation on your climbs?

The one pack that the porters carry for you is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds).

Can we leave excess luggage behind whilst on trekking?

Extra luggage can be stored in a locked storage room at your hotel/ at our office at no charge. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Valuables should be left in a safe deposit box at your hotel/in our office

11. Do you accommodate people with dietary restrictions?

Vegetarian and other special diets can be accommodated. Please let us know ahead of time and remind your guide during your trek briefing. Protein options may be minimal on a vegetarian diet, so you may want to bring protein supplements.

Who prepares the food on the mountain?

Your trekking party will be supplied with a cook to prepare your meals in a safe and hygienic manner.

What about drinking water?

The porters will purify water for you at each camp.

Can we bring something for the porters?

Donations are easier to take with you when you travel to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania rather than mailing them after you get back from your trip. Porters welcome old hiking boots, warm clothing, and cash donations.

Is it better to do a safari first.. then the treks? Or do the trek first?

Most people start with the trek and end with the Climb Mount Kilimanjaro safari, so they get done with the hardest part of their trip and are able to relax on their safari. However, we can accommodate either order.

What is there to do in Arusha? Is it safe to walk around on my own?

It is safe to walk around the main area of town during the day before 18:00 pm, but it not advised to walk alone around at night for your own safety.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Who Can Climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Anyone from children over the age of 10 to older generations in their 60s and 70s! All you need is determination and the will to get to the summit. The real challenge with climbing Kilimanjaro is the altitude and the rate of ascent.