Challenges and Beauty

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a fantastic adventure! It’s the highest mountain in Africa and attracts climbers from all over the world. Are you planning a climb or looking for information about it?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, offers adventurers a unique and challenging experience. Located in Tanzania, it is Africa’s tallest peak and one of the famed Seven Summits. The mountain boasts diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glaciers near the summit. Climbers typically choose from several established routes, each varying in difficulty and scenery. The Marangu route, known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is popular for its relative comfort with hut accommodations, while the Machame route offers stunning views and a more varied terrain.

Successful climbs typically take around 5-9 days, allowing for acclimatization to the altitude. Climbers can encounter changing weather conditions, from hot and humid at lower altitudes to freezing temperatures near the summit, necessitating careful packing and preparation. Experienced guides and porters play crucial roles in ensuring safety and support throughout the journey, handling logistics and providing valuable insights into the mountain’s history and ecology.

Reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit, Uhuru Peak, is a remarkable achievement, rewarding climbers with breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment. The experience of Kilimanjaro embodies both physical challenge and natural beauty, making it a bucket-list destination for adventurers seeking to conquer Africa’s highest peak.

Essential Information Before Your Kilimanjaro Hike

Height

19,340 ft/5,895 m

Trekking Distance

42 miles (70km) | Lemosho Route

Climate zones

Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic

Kilimanjaro Routes

Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Marangu, Umbwe Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths 6-9 days Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths

Peaks

Kibo, Mawenzi, Shira

Required Skills

Average fitness level

Trekking Distance

1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller

6-9 days

Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths

$2,500

Average Climb Cost

98%

Kilimanjaro Success Rate

Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro?

Yes, beginners with little or no trekking experience can climb Kilimanjaro. With proper training and a quality tour guide, your chances of successfully reaching the summit are very high.

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

The duration of a Kilimanjaro climb varies depending on the chosen route. Most expeditions typically last between 6 to 8 days. Experienced hikers with prior acclimatization can sometimes complete the climb in an accelerated 5-day program. For those opting to stay overnight in the crater, the journey can extend to 9 days or longer.

Compared to other peaks in the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro offers one of the shortest treks. Climbing Mount Everest takes 6-9 weeks, while Denali and Aconcagua require 2-3 weeks. In contrast, summiting Kilimanjaro generally takes about one week.

How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro presents a moderate challenge but is attainable for the average person. By choosing a reputable climbing operator and allowing sufficient time for acclimatization, most climbers can successfully reach the summit.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

The best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are from late December to early March and mid-June to late October, when the weather is nearly ideal.

While other months can bring rain, this doesn’t mean there are constant heavy showers. Typically, the rain starts later in the day, giving trekkers a significant window of clear weather each day, even during the rainy season. There are also many days without any rain. Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions offers discounted climbs during these wet months.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is located in northern Tanzania, East Africa, just three degrees south of the equator. Although some of the most iconic panoramic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro are taken from the Kenyan side, all trailheads are in Tanzania. Therefore, tourists can only climb Mt. Kilimanjaro from Tanzania. The closest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Many Kilimanjaro expeditions start in Moshi, the capital of the Kilimanjaro region.

Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, rises proudly to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. However, your ascent won’t commence from the very base. Most hotels near Kilimanjaro are situated at altitudes ranging from 700 to 1,000 meters. The trailheads start at elevations of 1,600 meters and higher.

Due to its elevation, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the few places in East Africa where snow can be seen. The snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro is truly a breathtaking sight!

Climbing Kilimanjaro requires compliance with Kilimanjaro National Park regulations, which mandate the presence of a local guide for all hikers. Park rangers strictly enforce this requirement, denying entry to those without a certified Kilimanjaro guide.

Solo ascents to Africa’s highest peak pose inherent risks, particularly during summit night in the high-altitude zone where altitude sickness and injuries can occur. Guides are trained to handle emergencies, including evacuations if necessary.

Beyond its physical challenges, climbing Kilimanjaro offers a profound cultural experience. Guides impart knowledge about the mountain’s flora, fauna, and history, as well as stories from the local communities living in its vicinity.

When planning a Kilimanjaro hike, it’s important to consider park entrance fees, currently $154 per day per hiker. These fees encompass various charges:

Conservation fees: for enjoying the park’s natural environment.
Camping or hut fees (applicable on the Marangu route): for tent pitches or wooden cabin stays within the park.
Crew fees: a nominal charge per crew member entering the park to support trekkers.
Rescue fee: a mandatory payment for access to Kilimanjaro rescue services, not a substitute for comprehensive insurance.

These fees are typically included in tour operator packages, ensuring they are paid to park authorities on your behalf.

How to Prepare and Train for Kilimanjaro

How to Train for a Mount Kilimanjaro Climb?

Maintaining a reasonable level of fitness is crucial for climbing Kilimanjaro. While you don’t need to be an athlete to reach the summit, a healthy average level of fitness is necessary. As a guideline, if you can comfortably hike 8-10 km (5-6.2 miles), you are likely fit enough to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Recommended Exercises for Kilimanjaro Hike:

Running: Running is an excellent way to build endurance for your hike. Aim to train until you can confidently jog 4-5 km (2.5-3.1 miles). Consider using the Nike Running Club app for good training programs.
Swimming: Swimming is a fantastic complement to running. It strengthens your entire body and improves heart and lung endurance, making it an excellent addition to your fitness routine. Unlike running, which primarily focuses on leg endurance, swimming engages your arms, core, and legs simultaneously. The buoyancy of water also helps protect your joints while exercising.
Hiking on Rough Trails: If you have access to rural areas with challenging hiking trails, make use of them. Aim for longer hikes, ideally in the 10-15 km (6-10 miles) range. Since much of the Kilimanjaro hike is uphill, training on longer, rougher trails will better prepare you for the ascent.

When Are the Rainy and Dry Seasons in Tanzania?

Tanzania experiences two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The short rainy season starts in early November and continues until late December, followed by a dry season that lasts until mid-March. After that, the long rainy season begins and ends in mid-June.

If you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, consider the northern slopes. According to the Tanzania Meteorological Authority, this area receives five times less rainfall compared to other parts of the mountain. Recommended routes for this period include Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Marangu.

Keep in mind that from June to October, East Africa experiences cold nights. At Kilimanjaro’s high altitudes, nights can be especially chilly. Be sure to check our packing list to ensure you have all the necessary gear.

Fit climbers often ascend Kilimanjaro too quickly, not allowing sufficient time to acclimate at lower elevations. They often reach camps ahead of the rest of the group. This fast pace increases their risk of developing altitude sickness.

Kilimanjaro Trek with Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions: Nutritional Support and Meal Plans

On a Kilimanjaro trek with Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions, each climber is provided with a carefully balanced diet tailored to the mountain environment. Our specialized menu is high in calories and carbohydrates to ensure you have ample energy for the climb.

Breakfast

Our breakfast menu includes:

Porridge
Pancakes
Fruit
Eggs
Sausages
Toast with jam

Lunch and Dinner

For lunch and dinner, we offer a variety of delicious options:

Soups: butternut, tomato, leek, vegetable, and beef
Potato dishes
Spaghetti
Chicken
Stews
Fresh vegetable salads
Avocado

Each meal is accompanied by delicious sauces and dressings. For dessert, we provide a selection of fruits rich in vitamins and minerals, such as mangoes, bananas, pineapples, and oranges. Coffee and tea are always available at the camp.

Special Diets

We also offer extended meal plans for:

Vegetarians
Vegans
Gluten-free climbers

We strive to accommodate other dietary requirements as well.

Additional Recommendations

Our guides will frequently pause for tea with biscuits during the trek. However, climbing Kilimanjaro requires substantial energy. Therefore, we recommend bringing your own snacks, such as energy bars, dried fruits, and high-calorie treats. It’s best to purchase these at home, where you may find a wider variety of such products compared to Tanzania.

By ensuring a well-rounded diet and adequate energy intake, we aim to support you in achieving a successful and enjoyable Kilimanjaro climb.

At Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions, we conducted a thorough analysis of data from January 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023, encompassing over 40,000 climbers. Our findings indicate that starting your trek on either Wednesday or Thursday significantly reduces encountered crowds. These days see nearly half the number of climbers compared to other weekdays.

Furthermore, our study revealed that the Rongai route hosts eight times fewer climbers than the popular Machame route. Opting to hike Mount Kilimanjaro on a Thursday via the Rongai route means encountering nearly 16 times fewer climbers en route to Uhuru Peak

When planning a Kilimanjaro hike, it’s important to consider park entrance fees, currently $154 per day per hiker. These fees encompass various charges:

Conservation fees: for enjoying the park’s natural environment.
Camping or hut fees (applicable on the Marangu route): for tent pitches or wooden cabin stays within the park.
Crew fees: a nominal charge per crew member entering the park to support trekkers.
Rescue fee: a mandatory payment for access to Kilimanjaro rescue services, not a substitute for comprehensive insurance.

These fees are typically included in tour operator packages, ensuring they are paid to park authorities on your behalf.

What to pack for Kilimanjaro?

Preparing for any high-altitude trek like Kilimanjaro requires careful packing of essential equipment. At Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions, we provide all necessary group gear for your expedition, including tents, mattresses, tables, chairs, first aid kits, and oxygen tanks. However, you’ll need to bring or rent personal items such as appropriate clothing, footwear, trekking poles, and personal gear. Given the high altitude, anticipate colder temperatures starting from day 2, especially at night. To ensure you’re fully prepared, we’ve compiled a detailed gear list to equip you for the journey ahead.

Common Safety Concerns About Climbing Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions recommends Global Rescue for its reliable reimbursement policies. Your coverage should include three crucial components: high-altitude hiking up to 6000 meters, helicopter evacuation, and medical services.

Tanzania boasts renowned destinations for every African adventure enthusiast. Among the most sought-after are Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Planning a safari before or after your Kilimanjaro hike is highly recommended. Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions offers a fleet of new safari vehicles and a team of expert safari driver-guides to ensure your safari is truly unforgettable!

To maximize acclimatization and summit success, we recommend following these guidelines:

Maintain a steady pace: Take it slow to allow your body to adjust to lower oxygen levels. Our guides will monitor your pace and provide necessary adjustments.
Stay hydrated: Drink 3-4 liters of water daily, provided by our crew throughout the trek.
Participate in acclimatization hikes: Join our daily short hikes to higher altitudes and back, typically lasting up to 2 hours. These are crucial for acclimatizing to the altitude.
Consider Mount Meru or similar hikes: Climbing Mount Meru or other high-altitude hikes before Kilimanjaro can help acclimatize. Hikes like the Inca Trail or other high peaks worldwide are beneficial preparation.
Choose longer routes: Opt for routes lasting seven days or more to allow ample time for acclimatization, enhancing your summit chances.

The highest peak of Kilimanjaro, named Uhuru Peak by Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions, celebrates Tanzania’s independence from Britain in 1961. “Uhuru” signifies “freedom” in Swahili.

During Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions, our teams carry comprehensive medical kits. These include smaller tactical kits used during hikes, equipped to handle injuries like scratches or twisted limbs. Our larger camp kits are stocked with medications for common issues on a Kilimanjaro climb such as nausea, headaches, vomiting, and stomach problems. Additionally, we have ample oxygen available to help prevent altitude sickness at the first signs. If you require prescription medication, be sure to bring it along for your Tanzania trip.

Our Classic Kilimanjaro Itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable trekking experience with our Kilimanjaro climbs, offering a journey to Africa’s highest peak. Mount Kilimanjaro stands majestically at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, beckoning adventurers with its diverse landscapes and challenging routes.

Mount Meru Climb

A 4-day adventure to climb Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak. Located in Arusha National Park, this climb offers stunning views of…

4 Days

$1000

Mount Meru Climb via Momella Route

A 3-day adventure to climb Mount Meru via the Momella Route, located in Arusha National Park. This trek offers stunning views…

3 Days

$880

Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route

A 7-day journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route. Approaching the mountain from the north, near the Kenyan border,…

7 Days

$1779

Climb via Northern Circuit Route

An 10-day journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route. This is the newest and longest route, offering a…

10 Days

$2400

Kilimanjaro Useful Information

Alex M

2024-03-18

Fantastic trek Job and his team did fantastic work. From the first moment chatting with him, we knew we were in good hands. His attention to safety and professionalism balanced with his sense of humor and fun personality made our trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro an awesome experience. His team is also excellent, from the level of attention and service of the waiter, Emos to the tasty meals prepared by Samora, to the encouragement, positivity and hard work of all the porters, the attention to detail and camaraderie really shined through during the 6-day Lemosho trek. Job and his team delivered on all promises and exceeded our expectations, taking this from a great experience to something very special and unforgettable. I strongly recommend Job and his team to anyone considering the trek.

Salim A

2023-11-13

Kilimandjaro and safari The trip was amazing the staff was very kind and friendly they take care of us I recommand Job and his staff Thanks a lot

Priyanka S

2023-11-01

Absolutely outstanding and comfy 💝 Hey guys, I did Kilimanjaro with Job and his team.! They are amazing and super organized.! I personally experienced how Job took care of me whn I was shivering in cold at 5500m height.! Right before summit .! Moreover their company and the staff is sooo much fun and safe and respectful. They ll make you feel like a family.! Food, tents, bathroom, hot water, everything was so great with them.! And they all made my summit easy. 5 star to their work.! They all are superb and hardworking in the town.! I ll visit again to them for my safari trip .! See you💝

The Hollywood P

2023-10-30

Incredible 5* Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions If you are wanting to take on the challenge of Mount Kilimanjaro then look no further than Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions! Took the Machame route which was 6 days with lead guide Job and his team! Job is an amazing man and was so accommodating and made our safety his top priority. I couldn’t recommend him anymore he is first class and made the climb a truly unforgettable life changing experience for which I will always be grateful, hope to be back in the future to experience the safari will Kilimanjaro mega expeditions. Thanks Job and your team for everything you are the real heroes and I couldn’t have achieved the Kilimanjaro summit without you.

Agnes A

2022-12-13

Kilimanjaro 3days challenge Crazy and unique experience ever!!!. Being close to the mountains is always my favourite thing in my life.I climbed kilimanjaro twice so far in 2020 and 2021via machame route. This year i had only 4days off before I catch up with some work.Since it was my birthday month i wanted to spent it in a different way so i came up with 3days challenge to kilimanjaro. I picked up the most Notorious route on Kilimanjaro, UMBWE ROUTE & in the middle of rainy season. So an expert needed to arrange my Mission.Job was my guide his knowledge, good spirit,& positive made me feel like 3days is nothing to me😅.Had a great crew 1 cook,and 2 porters these people are truly kilimanjaro warriors.1st day we had to trek/climb from Umbwe cave to barranco camp its about 17km.Its really hard route but i love it the view is amazing. I felt safe ,never had any altitude sickness, no headache I was super okay ,My guide Job was so much concerned especially on our summit day.At 6am I made it to the summit of Kilimandscharo ,what a birthday gift to myself .After that we went all the way down to moshi town.Many thanks to my Crew, glad we did left any behind couldnt have done without them. Looking forward for my next 2days challenge via Umbwe Western breach 💪🏾. Are you planning to summit kilimanjaro?Strongly recommend...

Michael W

2022-09-02

Amazing tour guides When climbing Kilimanjaro, I was extremely impressed by the level of care and professionalism the guides displayed. They were always ensuring the group was safe and comfortable. On my tour, there were two guides. This was perfect because it allowed our group to split up. For those who wanted to climb quickly went with one guide, and those who are slower with the other. Both guides were extremely friendly and great people. Always wanting to talk, answer questions and get to know you. And when the climb got tough, they were always by our side motivating and pushing the group up the mountain. The guides are Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions are truly unmatched.

Damian H

Best Scenery I've Ever Seen!! For anyone wondering if they should climb Mount Kilimanjaro I have two words for you, DO IT. The scenery is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. My favorite part was waking up in the morning and drinking my coffee while watching the sunrise above the clouds. Climbing Kilimanjaro also gave me an incredible sense of satisfaction. When I finished the climb and reflected on it, I couldn’t believe what I had accomplished. I felt like I could now do anything.

Grape Soda

2022-05-16

Best experience ever!! Job and his team got us to the summit of Kili back in September, I couldn't recommend him enough!! His knowledge and expertise, as well as his positive attitude ensured that we were safe and in good spirits throughout the entire trek. I even dealt with some health issues along the way, and Job knew exactly how to manage it and get me to a good place mentally and physically to reach the summit. If you climb kili, you have to have Job as your guide!!!

Rickson Zacharia

2022-04-05

BEST EXPERIENCE EVER This was the best experience at Tarangire National Park the sanctuary of Huge groups of Elephants, Deo as our guide was so friendly, helpful, harming, and caring we had great time with mouth watering foods at Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge. Looking forward next year to come again for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro I really recommend travelling with this company for it has the best knowledgeable guides and assist in getting amazing accommodation while in Town also in the Bush

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