Do we support any porters initiative

Very definitely yes. Porters and guides are the life blood of any successful mountain climb. Through our partners in Tanzania we support various charity initiatives including the most important Kilimanjaro Porters Society. This society was registered under the name Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society on 30th September 2005 as a non governmental organization with a certificate no 13296 under the organization art of the United Republic of Tanzania. The society exists as a shield for porters who are registered under it with the goal of improving the living and working condition of these porters.

How long is the climb on Kilimanjaro?

This really depends on the route but on average you are looking at 70 km/ 42 miles from gate to gate.

Is Kilimanjaro crowded?

Generally speaking crowds are determined by the time of year. Some trails like Lemosho are more expensive options as they requires a long transfer to the trailhead and is a longer route, so that tends to reduce the numbers right away compared to the Machame and Marangu routes. However, you only need one large group on the mountain with you to make it feel busy. Remember too that the groups are spread across 7 different routes.

What are the temperatures like on Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is just three degrees south of the equator, so the lower slopes are generally hot and dry reaching 25°C during the day. This quickly dips with each ecological zone however, open heathlands, alpine desert and then, at the summit, categorically Arctic. Temperatures at Uhuru Peak are between -7 to -29°C.

Are there camp grounds on Kilimanjaro?

Every night stop has an area with drop/toilet facilities, that are designated areas to allow for camping. You will sleep in tents unless you are on Marangu Route.

What are the toilets like on Kilimanjaro?

This is a popular question. The toilets that are available on the mountain are pretty rudimentary unless you are on Marangu, and are really just a wooden or block building with a hole in the ground (or a 'long drop'). One option though it adds to the cost is to hire a portable toilet. Finally, although there may not be toilet facilities when you really need them during the days trek, we ask that you seek out a 'loo with a view' away from the path, and keep your used paper in a small bag to dispose of later at camp so as to preserve the environment.

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a group of general symptoms that are brought on by climbing or walking to a higher and higher altitude (elevation) too quickly. High altitude is defined as 8,000 - 12,000 feet (2400 - 2600m) above sea level. Altitude sickness can affect anyone who goes to high altitudes without giving the body time to adjust to the changes in air pressure and oxygen level. Symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then get better within a day or two as your body adjusts to the change in altitude. Because Kilimanjaro has a rapid ascent profile ie. 1000m a day, altitude sickness tends to be more common than on some other treks. It is for this reason that taking your time is vitally important and why shorter routes have a lower success rate.

KILIMANJARO

Q: When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

There are two distinct trekking seasons during which is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. They are January-March and June-October. January-March is generally colder than June-October and there is a higher probability of encountering snow on the summit.

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Your Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Routes, Difficulty, and Tips

If you're considering climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you probably have many questions: "When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?" "Which route should I take?" "How difficult is Kilimanjaro?" and "How long will it take to reach the summit?" This guide covers all those questions and more, helping you plan for one of the most incredible experiences of your life.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a life-changing adventure, offering some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. While it doesn’t require advanced technical skills, it does demand determination and physical preparation. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a first-time climber, this guide will provide the information you need to choose the right route and make your climb a success.

Choosing the Best Route for Your Kilimanjaro Climb
Mount Kilimanjaro offers seven distinct routes to reach the summit, each with its own set of advantages, challenges, and features. Your choice of route will depend on several factors, including your fitness level, experience with altitude, preferred type of accommodation, and the experience you're seeking.
1. Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route)
The Marangu Route is the most popular and one of the easiest, often chosen by beginners. It’s the only route that offers hut accommodations throughout the trek, making it ideal for those who prefer shelter over camping. The route is relatively short, which makes it a quicker option, but this also means there is less time for acclimatization, which can increase the difficulty.
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: First-time climbers, those preferring huts, and those with limited time.

2. Machame Route (Whiskey Route)
The Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular routes for experienced trekkers. It offers a good balance of difficulty and altitude gain, providing ample time for acclimatization.
Trekkers stay in tents along the route, and the hike includes steeper sections, making it more challenging than the Marangu route.
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best for: Adventurous climbers, those seeking scenic views, and those with some trekking experience.

3. Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded routes, making it perfect for those looking for a more peaceful experience. It offers a gradual ascent, which helps with acclimatization, and climbers stay in tents. This route is highly recommended for those who want a quieter and more scenic trek to the summit.Duration: 7-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Scenic lovers, those who want a quieter experience, and those looking for a longer, more gradual trek.
4. Rongai Route
The Rongai Route is unique in that it approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern side, offering a different perspective. It's one of the least crowded routes and is great for those seeking a less busy trek. Though it’s not as scenic as other routes, it provides a steady ascent and stays in tents along the way.
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Those seeking a quieter, less trafficked route and a steady ascent.

5. Shira Route
The Shira Route is one of the oldest routes and is less frequently used. It begins at a higher altitude than other routes, which means that acclimatization is essential early on. It’s often combined with the Lemosho Route to make it more accessible. It provides beautiful views but requires a good level of fitness due to its starting point.
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best for: Experienced climbers who are used to high altitude and those looking for a unique approach to the summit.

6. Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit is the longest and newest route on Kilimanjaro, offering a quieter and more remote trek. It circles the mountain in a way that provides stunning panoramic views and plenty of opportunities for acclimatization. It’s a great choice for those who want an extended trek and a less crowded route.
Duration: 8-9 days
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best for: Those looking for a quiet, scenic trek with plenty of time for acclimatization.

7. Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is the most challenging and steepest route on Kilimanjaro. It is a fast and direct ascent, which can be tough on your body. While it offers stunning views, it’s only recommended for experienced trekkers who are physically fit and acclimatized to high altitudes. Most climbers who choose this route will need to combine it with another route for safe acclimatization.
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Best for: Experienced climbers seeking a challenge and stunning views.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Route
Fitness Level: Some routes, like Umbwe, require advanced fitness, while others, like Marangu, are more beginner-friendly.
Altitude Experience: If you’re not accustomed to high altitudes, consider routes that offer more time for acclimatization, such as Lemosho or Northern Circuit.
Accommodation Preferences : If you prefer huts over camping, Marangu is your best bet. For camping, routes like Machame and Lemosho are excellent choices.
Scenic Views: Lemosho, Machame, and Northern Circuit offer the best scenery and panoramic vistas along the way.

Choosing the right route for your Kilimanjaro climb is essential for a safe and successful trek. Each route offers a unique experience, whether you're looking for a quick, moderate climb or an extended, scenic adventure. By considering factors like your fitness level, time constraints, and preferred experience, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable journey to the top of Africa’s highest peak.Start planning your Kilimanjaro climb today and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

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MARANGU

It is also known as the “Coca Cola Route.

Accommodation is in shared dormitory style mountain huts. As a result of its shorter duration, accommodation and ascent profile, it is a much busier path.

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RONGAI

The ascent profile of Rongai is similar to the Marangu and considered to the second easiest route. Like Marangu, it is a slow and gradual climb up to Kibo.

Accommodation is in tents

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machame

Also known as the Whiskey route it is one of the steeper but more scenic routes up the mountain. The route takes six days to complete.

Accommodation is in tents

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SHIRA

Shira Route starts on the western side of the mountain. It heads across the Shira plateau, joining up with the Lemosho and Machame. The rest of the route is the same as for the Machame Route.

Accommodation is in tents.

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lemosho

The Lemosho route is a good eight day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes and want a slower pace. It does have a longer approach route through.

The benefit of the extra day helps with acclimatisation

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umbwe

The ascent profile of Umbwe is fast and steep and not recommended for people who are not used to fast ascent climbs

Accommodation is in tents

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northern

The Northern circuit offers a more remote less travelled route to Uhuru Peak. It does offer more of a 360 degree taste of the various eco zones of the mountain but also starts at a higher altitude.

Accommodation is in tents

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short treks

The Kilimanjaro Express Treks, short treks or day hikes afford you the opportunity of trekking only part of the journey to either Mandara or Horombo Huts and getting a unique taste of trekking on this magnificent volcano. You can spend time hiking with family members who are heading to summit and then head down.

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bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED about kilimanjaro

Is Kilimanjaro a technical climb?

No. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak in that you essentially hike or trek to summit. No technical expertise is required, nor use of rope etc. There are sections on the mountain which require a scramble up rocky areas, dependant on which trekking path you follow.

How Hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?

The word climb is something of a misnomer as no technical gear is used but considering the altitude gained it is classified as a climb. Any person with moderate hiking skills who is fit and healthy can summit the mountain.

However, the summit night can be hard going as you ascend 1500m in anything from 5.5 to 9 hours. Apart from that, after the summit you need to descent 3000m in 16-18 hours making it challenging. So while you don’t need to be a super athlete or have prior climbing experience it is important to be active and committed to training prior to the climb.

How long does it take to hike Kilimanjaro?

The shortest number of days required to climb to Uhuru Peak is on a 5 day Marangu route, totally 7 by the time you have added on arrival and departure days. However, it is not advisable to do it over 5 as the ascent is very quick and the overall success rate, low. It is better to do the trek over a minimum of 6 or 7 days to increase your chances of success. Most hikers add an extra day to acclimatize helping them achieve a higher Kilimanjaro Success Rate.

Will we have access to fresh running water at camps?

There are several streams on the trail and porters will collect water from them. The cook then boils this water for you to fill you water bottles for your days hike. You can also use purifier tablets in stream water or add it to your boiled water however it can also have an effect on the diamox and make you feel nauseous. The higher you climb the less water there. On the Machame trail, for example, the last water point is at the Karanga Valley, the lunch-stop before Barafu; on Marangu, it’s just before the Saddle. For this reason it is essential that you carry enough bottles for at least two litres.

When is the best time or months to climb Kilimanjaro?

The warmest months with the clearest trekking days, are from mid to late December, January, February, September and October. The rains often come in April and the start of May with the possibility of some snow. June through to August are superb trekking months, though evening temperatures tend to be colder. The wettest months are November and early December, where snowfalls are likely. Note however, that as this is a mountain it is not impossible to get sporadic snow or rainfall at odd times throughout the year, although the snow normally only falls above 4800m.

Which is the best route to follow to climb Kilimanjaro?

There are 7 summit routes; namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain. The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easier but accommodation is in huts. As a result, this route tends to be very busy and ascent and descent routes are the same. Both of the latter have lower prospects to acclimitise by the climb high sleep low principle unless one adds on extra days. The Northern Circuit, approaches Kibo from the west, crossing the caldera of Shira Volcano before turning north to follow the trail through Moir Valley and around the northern side of Kilimanjaro.

The Shira, Lemosho and Machame all meet up before Lava Tower (day three), and then with Umbwe at Baranco Camp (end of day three). Marangu, Rongai and Northern Circuit all meet up at Kibo Huts.

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How Bad is the Barranco Wall?

The Barranco wall is along the Machame Route, Shira Route, Lemosho Route and Umbwe Route. Is it a “wall” – well no it is not, in the sense that a wall is pretty much vertical which Barranco is not. It consists of a rocky path that zig zags up the rock section of the mountain. Yes it is steep, let us not deny that fact, but do-able? Definitely!

The wall itself is only 843 ft tall (257 meters) so in terms of distance, it could certainly not be classified as endless. It is a climb? Once again, no it is not.

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How hard is it to hike to Everest Base Camp compared to Kilimanjaro?

Most people think Everest Base Camp is higher than Kilimanjaro but surprise surprise, it is not. Base camp of Everest (or rather Kala Pathar – the little hill you climb up above base camp) is actually 5545m, whereas Kilimanjaro summit is 5895m.

People also think it is a tougher hike than Kilimanjaro, but Kilimanjaro is actually regarded as tougher by those who have done both.

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How will the altitude affect me on Kilimanjaro?

This is a really difficult one to answer directly - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, pole pole. Choosing a path like Machame where you get to follow the principle of "climb high, sleep low" is also advisable.

How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

The Kilimanjaro National Park fees are something that nobody can escape and are a large portion of your climb cost. For a six day/five night camping trek you pay about $800 in fees alone! So on average a climb will cost you between $1450 and $2800 depending on the number of days, number of people and the route that you take. There are some operators who will quote you $1000 for a trek - ask yourself, what are they skimping on and who is going to suffer as a result. You? Your safety? The porters?

Where can I get climbing Insurance for Kilimanjaro?

If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on whcih contry you reside in. For further details, click on the icon

Why is Machame considered steeper than other routes?

The bulk of the volcanic activity for Kibos eruption happened to the west of the mountain making Machame and Umbwe steeper and more rugged. Umbwe is actually the steepest

Is Rongai an easier route to take?

Rongai is one of the easier routes as it is both gradual and steady. However, the Rongai Route does not have a great climb high sleep low profile which makes it arguably more difficult than the Machame or Lemosho routes. The 7 day trek option is highly recommended as it allows for better acclimatization.

read some of our blog posts on Kilimanjaro

how bad is barranco wall

How Bad is the Barranco Wall? These are the type of catch phrases you will read about on many sites that describe or talk about the famous Barranco Wall. So is it really that bad and do we need to fear it?
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EVEREST BASE VS KILIMANJARO

How hard is it to hike to Everest Base Camp compared to Kilimanjaro? Most people think Everest Base Camp is higher than Kilimanjaro but surprise surprise, it is not. Base camp of Everest (or rather Kala Pathar – the little hill you climb up above base camp) is actually 5545m, whereas Kilimanjaro summit is 5895m.Continue reading

Keeping Kilimanjaro Clean

With 40,000 to 50,000 pairs of feet hiking their way up the slopes of Kilimanjaro every year en route to summit, it is not surprising that the mountain is taking the brunt of our human footprint. If the old saying, “leave only your footprints behind” held true, we would not need to worry about the effect of tourists on the environment. Sadly this is not the case.
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VOLCANIC ROCK ON KILIMANJARO

Let us remind ourselves when we climb this sleeping beauty that Kilimanjaro is not stratovolcano for nothing, for beneath her seemingly calm demeanour lies a hotbed of activity.
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KEEPING YOUR CELL PHONE ALIVE ON KILIMANJARO

Well the answer is quite simple – snuggle up with all of your batteries at night or as soon as the temperatures drop. Packing a spars pair of warm thermal and mohair socks will go a long way to creating a nice warm package for all of your batteries. Continue reading

KILIMANJARO'S VANISHING GLACIERS

When I first climbed Kilimanjaro with my Dad in 2002, we were told that by 2020, all of the glaciers will be gone. It struck me this morning on my morning run, that we are now IN 2020 and the question is, have all of the glaciers gone.
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ROUTES TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO?

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training for High Altitude?

Altitude is much like elevation only it refers to the distance measured above a specific planetary point, and in most places, this is the distance above sea level. So if we live at the sea, how do we train for high altitude? Getting technical about O2 and altitude At sea-level, the concentration of oxygen in … Continue reading

EMERGENCY EVACUATION OFF KILIMANJARO

You have trained for months to Climb Kilimanjaro. You have gathered all of your gear. You have flight tickets, all services booked, passport in hand and ready to fly. But have you bought Travel Insurance? Yes it is not just a buzz word that agents use to try to get you to part with your … Continue reading

What do I buy A FRIEND FOR Kilimanjaro?

What not to miss when you Climb Kilimanjaro

–“Top Tips for a Successful Climb,” “Things your need to know to Climb Kilimanjaro,” “What to expect on Kilimanjaro.” They all speak about the altitude, the cold, the lack of oxygen, the need for fluids, how to dress and the …
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hiking vs trekking

The terms seem to be used interchangeably on many websites and travel books. It becomes even more confusing when some companies sell their boots as 'trekking boots' and then proceed to state that they can be used on long hikes. And when is a walk a trek and when is it a hike? It becomes … Continue reading

blind climbers on kilimanjaro

“Look no further! You’ve found the luckiest bloke in the world.” These were the words of Wayne Sticher, proud participant of the High Sight Expedition to the highest mountain in Africa.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TIME TO CLIMB KILI

Being equatorial, the temperatures on Kilimanjaro from one month to the next do not vary substantially on the mountain as they do e.g at the base. However, Tanzania does have two wet seasons. The first is the long rains which normally run from March through to May, and then a short rainy season in November, …
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these boots are made for walking

Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail, Everest Base camp or a simple short hike on local trails. We all dream of these amazing places and for some of us, turning those dreams into a reality is like a brand new lease on life.