Mount Kilimanjaro travel guide - Wikitravel 12 Get out Mount Kilimanjaro is a currently inactive strato-volcano in northern Tanzania , near the border with Kenya . At 5,895 metres (19,340 feet) above sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and the world's highest free-standing mountain. As such - and aided by its relatively easy ascent - Kilimanjaro has become a major destination for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. Understand[ edit ] Mount Kilimanjaro Although positioned close to the Equator (330 km south), Mount Kilimanjaro is famous as Africa's snow-capped mountain looming over the plains of the savannah. In recent years, however, the snows have been fast disappearing. Kilimanjaro National Park [1] protects the area above 2,700 metres (8,850 ft), on the mountain and includes the moorland and highland zones, Shira Plateau, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The Park also has six corridors or rights of way through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve.

The Forest Reserve, which is also a Game Reserve, was established in 1921; the Park was established in 1973 and officially opened in 1977. History[ edit ] It is commonly perceived that Queen Victoria of England gave her grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, Mount Kilimanjaro as a birthday present. However, this is not the case. In fact, Karl Peters, a German traveller in Africa and one of the founders of today's Tanzania , snuck into Tanganyika and persuaded various Chagga chieftains to sign treaties in which they agreed to cede their territories to his Society for German Colonization. Landscape[ edit ] The landscape on Kilimanjaro is very beautiful. The mountain can be divided into 5 climatic zones, each with its own fauna and flora. The lower reaches of the mountain are dominated by evergreen forests. At approx. 3,000m the landscape starts to change into a shrub land setting. At around 4,000m the landscape becomes very arid and rocky, similar to a lunar landscape. The fourth zone consists of a very fine glacial scree / silt dessert setting.

The top of Kilimanjaro is partially snow-capped with large glaciers interspersed between the volcanic craters. The glaciers have been receding over the past 40 years, though. Flora and fauna[ edit ] The mountain is rich in flora and fauna. You get to see the various climatic conditions starting from the bushland on the bottom of the mountain to the arctic ice region on top of the mountain. You have the tropical rain forests, the evergreen forests, the moorlands and the alpine desert regions in between. It is something like walking from the equator to the arctic pole in a matter of days. You get to see some unique plants and flowers on the mountain which is specific to Mt Kilimanjaro. Though there is not much of wildlife on the mountain, you can see some wild buffaloes, elephants and leopards while traversing through the Lemosho Route. You are accompanied by armed rangers in the initial day of the trek while going via the Lemosho route. Climate[ edit ] Due to Mount Kilimanjaro's proximity to the equator, this region does not experience the extremes of winter and summer weather, but rather dry and wet seasons.

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. January, February, and September are considered to be the best months to climb Kilimanjaro in terms of weather. The journey from the gate to the peak is like traveling from the equator to Antarctica in a matter of days. This is because the routes to the Uruhu peak cross different ecological zones. Throughout the climb, temperatures vary considerably with the altitude and time of day. 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 life as the altitude increases. At the beginning of the climb, at the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 70°F to 80°F (27°C to 32°C). From there, the temperatures will decrease as you move through Mount Kilimanjaro's ecological zones. At the summit, Uruhu Peak, the night time temperatures can range between 0°F to -15F (-18°C to -26°C).

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. Get in[ edit ] The closest International Airport is Kilimanjaro ( IATA : JRO) [2] , and if coming from Europe, KLM (Delta Air Lines) [3] has a daily non-stop flight from Amsterdam to JRO. Air Viva offers connections between Kilimanjaro and several domestic airports, such as Arusha ($75). Year 2012 several International Airlines launched direct flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport, these are Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways. These are in addition to other International Airlines like Ethiopian Airways, Condor Air and Kenya Airways. If you are coming from Nairobi , Kenya , you can fly with Kenya Airways [4] , which works with Precision Air [5] , and that would cost you about $400/person for a roundtrip ticket.

Alternatively, you can schedule shuttle buses, which are at 8am and 2 pm daily, for about $35/person, one way, and its a 5-6hrs bus ride. Shuttle buses can be booked in advance by visiting BusAfrica.net . If coming from Dar es Salaam , you can fly into JRO for $320/person roundtrip; or take a 7-8hrs bus ride for $20/person one way to Arusha or Moshi . Cost[ edit ] The costs outlined below are only indicative and exclude flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport. They also exclude all inclusive trips which typically include flights, hotels before and after your climb, park fees, guide team and optional extras. Before getting to Kilimanjaro The cost of equipment, visas, vaccinations and medications are often forgotten by prospective climbers. In general you will spend anywhere between $500-$1,500 on equipment as most climbers need to buy an extreme weather sleeping bag, a duffle bag, suitable clothing and other climbing accessories. You will also need to get a Yellow Fever vaccination as this is a mandatory requirement to enter Tanzania.

You might want to get booster injections for Hepatitis A and other related diseases. Seek medical advice from your travel clinic but budget at least $100-$200. Tanzania is a malaria zone; however mosquitoes do not occur at altitude (over 1,800 meters). You will be spending most of your trip above this altitude but will be exposed before and after the climb. If you decide to take malaria tablets budget at least $50 Finally you will be required to get a Tanzanian visa. In 2013 the cost was $50 and for US citizens it is $100. You can get the visa before departing or on arrival in Tanzania. Organised Tour (incl. Park Fees) To climb Kilimanjaro you have to use a licenced guide. If you are not well-versed in the logistics of Kilimanjaro climbs then the only realistic way to trek Kilimanjaro is through a tour operator. A no-frills 5 day, 4 night trek up the Marangu will set you back by around $1,100.

However, if you are not accustomed to altitude it is highly recommended you take a 6 or 7 day trip which start at over $1,400, depending on the route. Remember fees for all inclusive packages vary due to factors of route choice and length of climb, but also depend on the quality of the tour operator and service delivery. Do your research and ask as many questions as possible before you decide on a tour operator. Better operators who treat their staff more ethically and employ professional guides who are trained to look after your well-being tend to be more expensive. For a more luxurious climb, you will be set back by as much as $2500-$3,000 for your climb. Luxuries include hot showers, portable toilets, larger more comfortable sleeping tents and mattresses and private transport, etc. Budget camping safaris usually cost $260 per day and luxury lodge safaris cost $470 per day depending on where you want to stay. The price include all meals and game drives usually in a 4x4 safari vehicle with an open roof. Tipping for Guides and Porters Tipping for guides and porters is standard.

A single climber will have on average one guide, three porters and a cook. As a group size increases the climbing support team increase at a similar ratio. The ratio is set by the Kilimanjaro National Park (KINIPA) and tour operators are meant to comply with this standard [6] . In general, you should budget $20-$25 a day for guides, $15-$20 a day for assistant guides, £15 a day for your cook and $10 a day for each porter. Depending on the size of the group your total tip budget should be $250-$300. It is recommended that you calculate how much you will be tipping your support team before arriving on the mountain and prepare individual envelopes for each climbing support member which you distribute at the end of the climb. [7] . The gear used by the porters is mostly substandard and is often not at all fit for the trek. If you can spare some of your gear it would be greatly received by your porters or guides. See[ edit ][ add listing ] Apart from usual known adventure Kilimanjaro climbing, there are a lot more to see in Mount Kilimanjaro.

On western side of Kilimanjaro on lemosho route travelers can do 2 days or day trip for wildlife tours and game drives. In mount Kilimanjaro there are natural waterfalls to see like Materuni waterfalls and Kinukamori waterfalls. Near or at these Kilimanjaro waterfalls, there are birds, monkeys and lots of wild animals. At slopes of mount Kilimanjaro there are volcanic lakes like lake Chala and culture tour to explore Chagga tribe at slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro (Climb outfitter), ☎ +255784559111, [8] . Specialist Tour Operator deals with travel packages on Kilimanjaro sight seeing tours, adventure mountain climbing, machame route Kilimanjaro trekking, waterfalls tours, bird watching, lemosho route climbing, lemosho route wildlife viewing and Kilimanjaro trekking expeditions in Tanzania. edit Kilimanjaro Experience, ☎ +27218526911, [9] . Kilimanjaro Experience is a reputable operator on Kilimanjaro. Safety and professionalism are its main concerns.

edit There are seven routes officially sanctioned for climbing Kilimanjaro and two routes used for descent. These are: Machame Northern Circuit Mweka (descent only) Below are itineraries for these routes. Marangu Route Commonly called the Coca-Cola Route, because it is considered the easiest route and vendors sell Coca-Cola at some of the huts. Marangu is by far the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Typical duration is either 5 or 6 days depending upon whether you elect to spend an extra day for acclimatization to the altitude. This is the only route that offers huts versus tents. In spite of these, do be aware that 1) a faster ascent means less time for acclimatization and a lower chance of reaching the summit and 2) it is actually colder to stay in huts compared to staying in tents. Day 1: Marangu Gate (1980 m) - Mandara hut (2700 m). Hiking time: 5 hours Day 2: Mandara hut (2700) - Horombo hut (3720 m).

Hiking time: 6 hours Day 3: Horombo hut (3720 m) - Acclimatisation day (if necessary) Day 4: Horombo hut (3720 m) - Kibo hut (4700 m). Hiking time: 6 hours Day 5: Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895 m) - Horombo hut (3720 m). Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo Day 6: Horombo hut (3720 m) - Marangu Gate (1980 m). Hiking time: 6 hours Machame Route Some call this the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame (also referred to as the "Whiskey route") better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him/her with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route. Day 1: Machame Gate (1490 m) - Machame camp (2980 m).

Hiking time: 4-6 hours Day 2: Machame camp (2980 m) - Shira camp (3840 m). Hiking time: 6 hours Day 3: Shira (3840 m) - Lava Tower (4630 m) - Barranco camp (3950 m). Hiking time: 7 hours Day 4: Barranco camp (3950 m) - Barafu camp (4550 m). Hiking time: 7 hours (frequently broken into 2 days) to allow for acclimatization) Day 5: Barafu camp (4550 m)- Uhuru Peak (5895 m) - Mweka (3100 m). Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak: 7/8 hours to descend to Mweka (frequently broken into 2 days with an overnight stay at Mweka camp) Lemosho Route Little used and more remote than other routes.

The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game animals. Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2100 m) - Mti Mkubwa camp (2750 m). Hiking time: 3 hours Day 2: Mti Mkubwa camp (2750 m) - Shira 2 camp (3840 m). Hiking time: 6/7 hours Day 3: Shira (3840m) - Lava Tower (4630m) - Barranco camp (3950m). Hiking time: 7 hours Day 4: Barranco camp (3950 m) - Barafu camp (4550 m). Hiking time: 7 hours Day 5: Barafu camp (4550 m) - Uhuru Peak (5895 m) - Mweka (3100 m).

Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak 7/8 hours to descend to Mweka Day 6: Mweka camp (3100 m) - Mweka Gate (1980 m). Hiking time: 3 hours ' A variation on the Lemosho Route inserts two extra days in the itinerary for acclimatization and also to avoid having to climb up to the summit in the dark. Day 4: Barranco (3950 m) to Karranga Valley (4000 m). Hiking Time 4 hours. This segment takes you up the infamous 'Barranco Wall.' Day 5: Karranga Valley (4000 m) to Barafu camp (4550 m). Hiking Time 3 hours Day 6: Barafu camp (4550 m) - Uhuru Peak (5895 m) - Crater Camp (5640m). Hiking Time about 8 hours Day 7: Crater Camp (5640 m) - Mweka (3100 m). Hiking time: 7/8 hours to descend.

Rongai Route The Rongai route provides ascent up Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950 m) - 1st Caves camp (2600 m). Hiking time: 5 hours Day 2: 1st Cave (2600 m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600 m). Hiking time: 6/7 hours Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330 m). Hiking time: 3/4 hours Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700 m). Hiking time: 4/5 hours Day 5: Kibo hut (4700 m) - Uhuru Peak (5895 m) - Horombo hut (3720 m).

Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo Day 6: Horombo hut (3720 m) - Marangu Gate (1980 m) . Hiking time: 6 hours Umbwe Route The Umbwe Route is steeper and shorter than the Machame Route. Once at the Barranco Hut you continue on with the other Machame hikers. The descent is down the Mweka trail. Since it is a very short and direct route, it is not recommended for people with little altitude experience. Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Umbwe Gate, Hike to Umbwe Cave Camp (2850m). Hiking time: 5/6 hours Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp (2850m) to Barranco Camp (4000m). Hiking time: 4/5 hours Day 3: Barranco Camp (4000m) to Karanga Camp (4050m). Hiking time: 3/4 hours Day 4: Karanga Camp (4050m) to Barafu Camp (4700m).

Hiking time: 3/4 hours Day 5: Barafu Camp (4700 m) - Uhuru Peak (5895 m) - Mweka Camp (3090 m). Hiking time: 5/7 hours to reach Uhuru - 5/6 hours to descend. Day 6: Mweka Camp (3090m) to Mweka Gate (1680m). Hiking time: 3/4 hours Northern Circuit Route The Northern Circuit Route is is a new unique route and the longest trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It goes through the untouched northern slope and begins in the West of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate with excellent views from all sides of the mountain. The trail is less popular and thus good for people looking for a quieter route. Day 1: Drive to Londorossi Park Gate (2,385m or 7825 ft)and climbing to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,700 meters or 8858 ft)feet). Hiking time: 5/6 hours. Distance 8 Km or 5 miles.

Climbing from Mt. Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1 (3,500 m or 11483 feet). Hiking time: 3/4 hours. Day 3: Climbing from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 (3,840 meters or 12,600 feet). Hiking time: 5/6 hours. Day 4: Climbing from Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then north to Moir Camp (4,200 meters). Hiking time: 5/7 hours. Day 5: Climbing from Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters). Hiking time: 5/7 hours. Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters). Hiking time: 6 hours. Day 7: Climbing 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters). Hiking time: 5 hours.

Day 8: School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then onto Millennium Camp (3,950 meters). Hiking time: 7 hours. Day 9: Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). Hiking time: 5 hours Kilimanjaro Climbing and Safari Center (Up the mountain and around the world), Daytona Beach Florida (Moshi, TZ), ☎ 386.788.4441 (o)| 386.547.7091 (c) ( info@kilimanjaroclimbingcenter.com ), [10] . The Kilimanjaro Climbing and Safari Center began in Tanzania and has grown to include adventures covering the globe. The brain child of two American brothers, one an ardent conservationist and executive with a leading environmental firm and the other an adventurer who has called many of the company's destinations home. With such passion for and knowledge of the places they visit you will feel the care that they put into every trip.

edit Globeinter Safaris Ltd (Kilimanjaro Machame), Goliondoi Road (Arusha), ☎ +255767288514, [11] . 8 am - 6pm. This is Kilimanjaro’s longer, more scenic, “Whiskey Route.” The typical duration for this trip is 6 days. However, you can also add an extra acclimatization day and make it a 7-day trek. $1,566/person; $1,516/person for groups of 6 or more; Extra days on the mountain: $200/person/day; Low Season: $50/person discount from April 1 - June 15, and November. ($1516,7 - day Trek) edit Meru Wellness Retreat, Mangusha Street (Arusha), ☎ +254(0) 701 403 108 ( service@meruwellnessretreat.com ), [12] . Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru treks. Safaris at all popular national parks and cultural excursions. Volunteerism.

Wellness retreat with bootcamps, yoga classes, etc. Vegetarian considerations. Eco-retreat and fair pay employer. $2000 to $2600. edit Arusha Hostel Lodge and Adventures, Ngulelo (Arusha), ☎ +255(0) 784 876 731 ( info@arushahostellodgeandadventures.com ), [13] . 24. AHLA Organizes Mt Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Mt Oldonyo Lengai climbing Expeditions . Safaris at all national parks ,Zanzibar Beach Holidays, Cycling Adventures and cultural tourism. $1400 to $1600. (-3.365201,36.726952) edit Kilimanjaro Tanzanite Safaris Ltd (5895m), Moshi (Kilimanjaro Airport - JRO), ☎ +255755316283, [14] . 24.

Mount Kilimanjaro climbing trip, while you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you have many other opportunities for sight seeing. You can see natural waterfalls like Kinukamori Waterfalls in Marangu or Materuni off Moshi town. Other natural attractions to see are volcanic Lake Chala, cultural and local farm activities. Other things to do in Kilimanjaro are camel safaris, wildlife viewing and horse riding safaris. When planning your Kilimanjaro climbing adventure in Tanzania, consider also an acclimatization day to get used to weather and discover other tourist destinations. 1400. (3°4′33″S,37°21′12″E) edit E-Trip Africa, Head office in USA, Branch office in Arusha, ☎ +1(302)722-6226 or +255 (0)753 896962, [15] . E-Trip Africa is a US Owned company running treks in East Africa. The trekking team has some of the most extensive safety training on the mountain. In addition to Kilimanjaro, the company runs treks to Mt.

Kenya, Mt. Meru, and the Rwenzori Mountains. Pricing depends on the route and the size of your group. edit Climbing Kilimanjaro Outfitter, [16] . Mountain climbing specialist and Tanzania wildlife safari guides in Tanzania.Guided tours on kilimanjaro trekking and Tanzania safaris are organized professionally. edit Kilimanjaro Tours LTD, [17] . Kilimanjaro Tours, a family run business based in the UK and Tanzania, specialize in Kilimanjaro climbs and Kilimanjaro treks on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru along with pre or post-trek safaris to the world renowned National Parks of Tanzania or the unspoilt beaches of Zanzibar. edit Kilimanjaro trekking trips are undertaken on all climbing mount Kilimanjaro routes such as machame route, rongai route, umbwe route, marangu route and lemosho route. Camping safaris is of three types - luxury camping/lodge safaris, budget lodge safaris and budget camping safaris. Budget camping safari is cheaper while lodge safaris are priced higher. A 3-day sample itinerary can be as follows.

It usually includes the Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater (featuring one of the highest concentrations of game in Africa) & Tarangire National Parks for a short but intense Tanzanian Northern Circuit safari experience. Safaris can usually be tailored by the operators to suit your needs and requirements. Day 1: Arusha/Moshi – Lake Manyara. Non game-viewing travel time: 2/3 hours. Distance: 130 km Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro Crater. Non game-viewing travel time: 2/3 hours. Distance: 120 km Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Moshi/Arusha. Non game-viewing travel time: 3 hours. Distance: 210 km Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] The various food requirements are met by the porters and cooks who come along with you on the mountain. However, the quality of the food depends on the reputation of the tour operator you are climbing with.

The quality of the food tends to go down towards the end of the trek due to reduction in rations carried by the porters and also due to the food becoming stale by the end of the trek. It is recommended to carry along some high energy food like chocolates and nuts for surviving and successful completion of the trek. It would be worthwhile to carry along some ready made noodle packets and like items for cooking them at the end of the trek. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Staying hydrated on the mountain is very important. A key reason why people suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness is because they become dehydrated. You should aim to drink at least 3L of water a day. Your guides will provide you with water on Day 1 of the hike and from then on porters collect water from streams on the mountain. It is important that you purify this water using water purification tablets. Also recommended is adding high energy powders to improve the taste and give you an added boost. Also, a lot of oral rehydration salts (ORS) are recommended for preventing dehydration while trekking on the mountain. Lodging[ edit ] Lodging on the mountain is limited to designated campsites. Cave sleeping is now prohibited.

A number of huts are available, but generally not advisable. Pre-climb lodging is generally found in Moshi or Arusha . Tanzania Mountain Retreat Lodge and Camp offers guest houses and campsites and based in Arusha near the gates of Arusha National Park. Costs varies from EUR5 to EUR55 including breakfast. Eco-retreat and on of the only two fair pay for workers organization [18] Hostel Foot Prince for budget trekkers, is a western style hostel based in Moshi town. Run by the organisation Foot2afrika [19] Also, Arusha Backpackers based in Arusha and Kilimanjaro Backpackers based in Moshi are a good option for stays for budget trekkers with costs varying from 10$ to 24$. Arusha Hostel Lodge and Adventures offers accommodation for budget travelers and Mt Kilimanjaro climbers based in Arusha. There is also a campsite for Campers and a communal kitchen. Costs varies from $10 to $40 including breakfast .

[20] Camping[ edit ] It is permitted to camp on Mt Kilimanjaro for as many days as you want by paying the designated fees to the Kilimanjaro national Park authorities and camp in any of the nearest camps like the Machame Hut or the Mweka Hut. Contact[ edit ] GSM mobile phone coverage is available on the summit of the mountain. Various networks like Vodacom, Zaintel and Tigo operate in the region and can be accessed from various high points on the mountain. However, with no electric supply on the mountain, it is advised to carry portable mobile travel chargers along for accessing the mobile services atop the mountain. Stay safe[ edit ] Several immunizations are recommended for yellow fever, tetanus, typhoid, polio, Havrix (Hepatitis A Vaccine), and an anti-malaria prophylactic. Air at the summit of Kilimanjaro contains only about half the amount of oxygen that it does at sea level. Altitude sickness is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to this reduced level of oxygen as one gains altitude. It is likely that you will experience some form of altitude sickness at some point while climbing Kilimanjaro.

During a trek on Kilimanjaro it is likely that more than 75% of trekkers will experience at least some form of mild altitude sickness caused by a failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air at an increased altitude. This type of altitude sickness is known as altoxia, a term which is used almost exclusively on Kilimanjaro, since this is the only commonly trekked mountain where these extreme altitudes are encountered so quickly. LIFESAVING TIPS: This can be a life or health saving resource site: . This organization provides essential free tips and referrals re: high altitude hiking, as well as some tours that are often funded mostly by lodges. This site offers a free preparation and gear list: . Most high altitude medical experts recommend against using the ALTOX Personal Oxygen System. Please consult your physician prior to considering this product that is sold at an additional expense by some agents.

Preparing for kilimanjaro trekking adventures need update current information about nature of Kilimanjaro formation, weather at Kilimanjaro,volcanic rocks, kilimanjaro elevation on particular route of choice, Kilimanjaro climbing routes details, safety and security, forest and wildlife, acclimatization and even price cost to climb kilimanjaro. These information can be found online for free and through inquire online contacts. More go here Mount Kilimanjaro blog:- About Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzanite There are seven main factors that affect the incidence and severity of Kilimanjaro altitude sickness: Rate of ascent Ten Reasons to Climb Kilimanjaro – Beyond the Edge Tim Ward is the author of Zombies on Kilimanjaro: a Father-Son Journey Above the Clouds , the first literary narrative of climbing Kilimanjaro. Why do 40,000 people a year seek to climb the world’s highest freestanding mountain–a mountain so popular it has become known as “Everyman’s Everest”? Here are the top ten reasons, from the most practical to the most profound: 1. Kilimanjaro is technically the easiest to climb of the Seven Summits .

You don’t need ropes or special mountaineering gear, or even any previous mountain climbing experience. The youngest person to reach the summit was six years old, and the eldest (as of 2011), was 83. That does not mean Kilimanjaro is risks-free. Rockslides and acute altitude sickness kill ten climbers on average each year (the subject of a forthcoming post). 2. Paradoxically, Kilimanjaro is both remote and accessible. Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, just south of the equator, next to the Serengeti. But regular flights fly nonstop from Europe to the Kilimanjaro airport. Around the mountain there’s surprisingly good support infrastructure for an impoverished country—decent hotels, outfitters, gear to rent, ground transportation. On the mountain there are sleeping huts along the main route, with porters who carry and set up tents and kitchen facilities on the other routes. 3. Kilimanjaro remains surprisingly pristine. While the base camp of Everest is strewn with trash, Kilimanjaro National Park is surprisingly clean. Park Rangers weigh all the bags coming on and off the mountain and trekking companies pay heavy fines if the bags come down light.

This greatly reduces dumping on the trail. There are basic outhouses along the way what while far from luxurious, provide privacy and keep the mountain clean. There are only seven trails up to the summit, and no roads. As a result, despite relatively heavy traffic, the mountain has retained its wild nature. 4. Kilimanjaro one of the world’s greatest natural wonders: a snow covered mountain on the equator, an ocean of green forest surrounded by dry savannah. Climbing Kilimanjaro is like walking from the equator to the North Pole in a week, providing dramatic changes in vegetation and animal life day by day. Kilimanjaro is also a sky island. Its high altitudes have created habitat for strange and unique life forms found only on a few other peaks on the planet, such as the delicate elephant flower and the bizarre Kilimanjaro tree. 5. Kilimanjaro is a hot spot for studying climate change. Al Gore showed photos of its rapidly shrinking glaciers in An Inconvenient Truth. Ice cores show the glaciers to be 11,700 years old—and yet they will all be gone in the next 20-30 years.

Teams of scientists are working on the ice to better monitor and understand exactly why this is happening. One researcher I met said to me: “You can stand next to the ice and see the glaciers turning to vapor before your eyes.” Xpedition Online runs treks for youth up Kilimanjaro, accompanied by climate scientists. Find out more at . 6. Climbing Kilimanjaro contributes to a thriving local economy, generating about $20 million/year. Guides, porters, cooks, hotel staff, food producers, travel and trekking agencies, merchants, construction companies and banks all create local jobs in a region that remains one of the poorest on earth. 7. Kilimanjaro inspired a continent to freedom. Kilimanjaro belongs to Tanzania, the first nation in Africa to win independence from colonial powers (it was then called Tanganyika).

Before independence in 1959, soon-to-be President Julius Nyerere said: “We, the people of Tanganyika, would like to light a candle and put it on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro which would shine beyond our borders giving hope where there was despair, love where there was hate, and dignity where before there was only humiliation.” Today, the summit is called Uhuru Peak–Uhuru is the Swahili word for “Freedom.” 8. People climb Kilimanjaro to mark a personal accomplishment. Individuals climb the mountain to mark important transitions: their graduation, their retirement, a marriage or a divorce. The event is significant enough that every year dozens of local newspapers write the story of a town resident who makes the journey to the peak. 9. Many people climb Kilimanjaro to draw attention to a worthy cause or charity: to raise money to cure cancer or bring attention to a condition such as autism. Individuals with disabilities have climbed to mountain to demonstrate that with courage perseverance, a disability need not be a limitation. 10. Kilimanjaro inspires transformation. When you climb Kilimanjaro and stand on the roof of Africa, you see the world a different way.

What seemed impossible in your life might just be doable. The mountain top is a place for vision, inspiration, and a new beginning. As the famous song by Juluka goes: “I’m sittin’ on top of Kilimanjaro, I can see a new tomorrow. I’m sittin’ on top of Kilimanjaro. I cast away all my sorrows.” Tim Ward is the author of Zombies on Kilimanjaro: a Father-Son Journey Above the Clouds , the first literary narrative of climbing Kilimanjaro. “A High-Altitude Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” – James O’Reilly. Where is Kilimanjaro? Where is Kilimanjaro? Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, a country in East Africa. The mountain is one of the seven summits (the highest peaks on each of the seven continents), and rises 5,895 meters or 19,340 feet above sea level. It is the tallest freestanding mountain (not part of a mountain range) in the world. The nickname for Mount Kilimanjaro is the Roof of Africa. Where in the world is Africa? Where in Africa is Tanzania?

Where in Tanzania is Kilimanjaro ? Tanzania is located on the east coast of Africa. Zanzibar, an island off the mainland in the Indian Ocean, and the Zanzibar Archipelago, are also part of Tanzania. Tanzania is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, by Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, and by Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. Kilimanjaro National Park is located in the northeastern area of Tanzania, near the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. Tanzania has mild weather. Mount Kilimanjaro is approximately 200 miles south of the Equator. Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano comprised of three cones - Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. The summit is on the Kibo cone, and is named Uhuru, which means freedom in Swahili. The mountain is 750,000 years old. The last major eruption was 350,000 years ago. Despite its massive size and height, climbing Kilimanjaro is a very acheivable feat by even novice hikers.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a major tourist attraction bringing thousands of participants from all over the world. It has become the mountain of choice for charity climbs, first time hikers, and celebrity adventures. Kilimanjaro is known as a "walk-up" mountain. No technical skills are required and no mountaineering equipment (ice axes, crampons, rope and harnesses) is needed. However, it should not be underestimated as altitude sickness is a real danger when traveling to extreme elevation. More than 50% of all climbers fail to reach the summit. It is fundamental to hire a guide or guide service when climbing Kilimanjaro. It is illegal to do so without one. There are hundreds of operators that serve Kilimanjaro, however more than 90% are poorly run local companies who do not have the appropriate standards in place to safely lead tourists on the mountain. Be selective when choosing your operator as the decision is crucial. The best operators, such as Ultimate Kilimanjaro, have many years of experience, thousands of clients, the best guides, established safety protocols, quality name brand camping equipment, nutritious meals, and are Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) members.

To visit Mount Kilimanjaro, the most convenient way is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, and then travel to Arusha or Moshi, Kilimanjaro's gateway towns, by vehicle. Both cities are approximately 40 minutes away from the airport and taxi services are readily available. So where is Kilimanjaro? Now you know. Kilimanjaro Facts That Will Impress You And Climbing Friends Mount Kilimanjaro Facts Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and one of the world’s most iconic peaks. In this extensive Mount Kilimanjaro facts article we have tried to distill the most interesting and fun facts about this famous mountain and the people who trek it. We encourage you to use the quicklinks below to help you navigate to the Mount Kilimanjaro facts that are most interesting to you. Please note: if you are planning to hike Kilimanjaro and want to read some excellent guides and books about the mountain, we recommend either getting Henry Stedman’s comprehensive guidebook called Kilimanjaro: The Trekking Guide to Africa’s Highest Mountain or our very own editor’s guidebook, Mount Kilimanjaro: Trekkers Guide to the Summit .

If you looking for something a little more entertaining then we recommend checking out these true life stories from Kilimanjaro trekkers . Quicklinks: Mount Kilimanjaro Facts Geography and Altitude Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in the Northern part of Tanzania, in the Kilimanjaro National Park. It covers an area of 100 kilometers long and 65 kilometers wide. The mountain is a dormant volcano which is comprised of three volcanic cones, Shira, Kibo (on which Uhuru summit stands) and Mawenzi. Kibo is classified as dormant but not extinct. The last major eruption from Kibo occurred 360,000 years ago. The last volcanic activity happened 200 years ago and resulted in today’s ash pit (visible from Uhuru Peak) Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world. By free-standing, or non-massif, we mean it is not part of a mountain range. The summit on Mount Kilimanjaro is called Uhuru Peak and stands at 5,895m or 19,341 feet.

To put this in perspective, Mount Everest, stands at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) – just over 2,950 meters higher. But here’s an interesting Kilimanjaro Fact: Both Everest Base Camp’s – South and North – are below the summit of Kilimanjaro; however, most climbers take upwards of 8-10 days to reach EBC. On Kilimanjaro trekkers on fast routes reach the summit within 4-5 days. The rapid ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro makes it a difficult and rather dangerous mountain to hike due to the risks of Altitude Sickness . As the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro makes up one of the Seven Summits (i.e. highest mountains on each of the seven continents).

The other mountains on the Seven Summit circuit are: Mount Everest – Asia – First ascent 1953 – 8,848 meters Aconcagua – South America – First ascent 1897 – 6,961 meters Mount McKinley – North America – First ascent 1913 – 6,194 meters Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa – First ascent 1889 – 5,895 meters Mount Elbrus – Europe – First ascent 1874 – 5,642 meters Mount Vinson – Antarctica – First ascent 1966 – 4,892 meters Mount Kosciuszko – Australia – First ascent 1840 – 2,228 meters Here is a chart that shows the relative heights of the Seven Summits in relation to the 14 highest peaks of the Himalaya. Weather and Climate Change Weather Kilimanjaro’s weather is heavily influenced by the interaction of trade winds with the structure of the mountain. The South-east trade winds travelling over the Indian Ocean carry loads of moisture.

When they hit Kilimanjaro, around March, then are forced upwards where they condense, form clouds and precipitation. This means March through to May is the wettest season on Kilimanjaro. Anti-trade winds from the North-east carry very little moisture but blow strongly. The strength of these winds which last from April through to October keep the South-east trade winds below them, hence these months are usually dry and cloud cover and precipitation is generally restricted to the lower slopes. The North-east monsoon arrives in November and brings some light rains to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. March, April and November are the wettest months on Kilimanjaro. January-March and June-October are the best months for trekking. Snow fall and cold temperatures are common during December-May. The chart below shows average snowfall in cm on the summit of Kilimanjaro See here for detailed information on Kilimanjaro weather . Climate Change There is scientific consensus that Kilimanjaro’s glaciers have been rapidly receding for the past century, and that human-induced climate is largely to blame. At one stage the whole mountain summit was covered by an ice cap, probably more than 100 meters deep.

However, since 1912 Kilimanjaro has lost 82% of its ice cap and since 1962 it has lost 55% of its remaining glaciers. If the present rate of recession continues the majority of the glaciers on Kilimanjaro could vanish altogether. This article on climate change and Kilimanjaro gives a good overview. Routes There are six official Kilimanjaro routes . Three routes – Machame, Umbwe, and Marangu – approach from the South, two routes – Shira and Lemosho – from the west and Rongai approaches from the North-East. The Northern Circuit is a seventh route option that approaches from the West using the Lemosho start point, but then circles around the north of Kilimanjaro and follows a summit assault passage via Gilman’s Point. In total there are three summit assualt passages. The first approaches the summit from the south via Stella Point, the second approaches from the East via Gilman’s Point and the 3rd approach uses the Western Breach , which is more technically challenging. The Mweka route is used for descent only. Kilimanjaro Trekkers Approx.

35,000 people attempt to climb Kilimanjaro every year Summit Success Rates The chances of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is highly dependent on the number of days taken to trek the mountain. The more days the higher the probability of success as your body has more time to adapt and acclimatize . Here are the success rate figures as published by the Kilimanjaro National Park. These numbers are admittedly quite old and success rates are most likely higher as route configurations have improved and the number of people taking 5 day treks has plateaued. All climbers, all routes 45% All climbers, all 5 day routes 27% All climbers, all 6 day routes 44% All climbers, all 7 days routes 64% All climbers, all 8 day routes 85% Insight from two reputable tour operators that we work with shows that success rates are over 85% for all the trekkers they take up Mount Kilimanjaro. Annual Deaths Many conflicting figures are banded around on the number of people who die on Kilimanjaro each year. Based on research from a number of reliable sources, we estimate between 3-7 deaths a year.

Deaths on the mountain occur due to various reasons including AMS (such as HACE and HAPE ), falls, and hypothermia. Sometimes porters die due to the onset of malaria whilst on the trek. Amazing Kilimanjaro Records First Ascent German geologist, Hans Meyer , Ludwig Purtscheller and a local called Lauwo were the first people to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in October 1889. However, it is possible that Kilimanjaro’s summit was reached by locals prior to Hans Meyer, but was never recorded. Fastest Ascent The fastest ascent and descent of Mount Kilimanjaro is held by Swiss mountain runner, Karl Egloff, who ran to the top the summit and back in 6 hours and 42 minutes in August 2014 . This incredible feat beat the previous record which was help by Spanish mountain runner, Kilian Jornet and set in September 2010. At the time, the Spaniard was 22 years old. He reached the summit in a record time of 5 hours, 23 minutes and 50 seconds – beating the previous ascent record from Kazakh mountain runner, Andrew Puchinin, by one minute!

He then ran back down for a total round-trip time of 7 hours and 14 minutes, beating the previous round-trip record set by local Tanzanian guide Simon Mtuy of 9 hours and 21 minutes! Check out this awesome video of Kilian Jornet’s record ascent of Kilimanjaro. The fastest ascent by a women is held by German born Anne-Marie Flammersfeld, who in July 2015 climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in 8 Hrs 32 Minutes, smashing the previous record held by Becky Shuttleworth by over 3 hours. In total it took Flammersfeld 12 hours 58 minutes to ascend and descend, breaking the record 18 hour 31 minute record set by Debbie Bachmann. Read more about Anne-Marie’s record here . Youngest and Oldest People to Successfully Summit Kilimanjaro The youngest person to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro is Keats Boyd, at the tender age of 7 years old.

The Los Angeles resident reached the summit on the 21st January 2008 – an incredible achievement made even more impressive as he somehow managed to dodge the minimum age rule for young climbers (i.e. 10 years or older). The youngest British person ever to climb Kilimanjaro is Zain Akrim at 9 years of age on the 8th of August, 2015. Richard Byerley was ‘officially’ the oldest person to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. Byerley reached the summit in October 2010 at the ripe old age of 84 years and 71 days. However, his record was incredibly surpassed by Martin Kafer (85) and his wife Esther (84) in October 2012. The Canadian-Swiss couple now hold the record as the oldest man and oldest women to climb Kilimanjaro. Esther’s achievement surpassed the previous oldest woman to reach the summit, Bernice Bunn, who climbed to the Roof of Africa at age 83. Update: Robert Wheeler has now become the oldest person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro at age 85 and 201 days.

He reached the summit on 2nd October 2014. Read about his incredible feat here . Update: Angela Vorobeva (Russia, b. 4 February 1929) has now become the oldest person and women to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, aged 86 years 267 days, on 29 October 2015. Nonetheless, there is some controversy around who is the oldest person to have reached the summit. Frenchman, Valtee Daniel, reached the summit at the age of 87; however, the climb was not independently verified and did not have sufficient documentation to be verified (i.e. logbook notes, photographs and film). Incredible Ascents by Disabled People Wheelchair-bound South African, Bernard Goosen, scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in 2007, taking six days. Kyle Maynard, who has no arms and legs, crawled unassisted to the top of Kilimanjaro in 2012. Watch this documentary about Kyle and his Kilimanjaro achievement – it’s amazing!!

Other Interesting Kilimanjaro Facts Highest Cricket Match In September 2014, 30 cricket players and official climbed to the top of Kilimanjaro and then descended to Crater Camp to play the highest game of cricket ever recorded. The previous record was held near Everest Base Camp in 2009. Read about the highest cricket match here . Team Building for Tour de France Cyclists In October 2014, the Russian-backed Tour de France team, Tinkoff-Saxo, climbed to the top of Kilimanjaro. Cycling stars Alberto Contador and Peter Sagan were part of the team that reached the summit. Read more about their trek here . Highest Pizza Delivery In May 2016, Pizza Hut set an official Guinness World Record by delivering the highest altitude pizza to the top of Kilimanjaro. Read more about their trek and record here . Africa’s Tallest Tree Discovered on Kilimanjaro Measuring an almighty 81.5m in height, Africa’s tallest tree was discovered on Mount Kilimanjaro in 2016. The tree is of the Entandrophragma Excelsum species and could be up to 600 years old!

Climb Kilimanjaro: The Ultimate Trekking Guide! 2. How high is it? There are various estimates as to how high it is. But most people use the figure of 5895m. This is the height you will find printed on the certificates handed out to those who successfully reach the summit. What does it look like>> 3. Can anyone climb Kilimanjaro? In one sense, yes. All the main routes up the mountain are really just walking routes. So you don’t need to be a mountaineer. Sure, there are a couple of places on some routes where you may need to use your hands to steady yourself. Occasionally you may also need to haul yourself over a rock or two. But overall, it’s just a walk. Indeed, there are a couple of people who’ve climbed up the mountain in wheelchairs, so the ability to walk isn’t even a pre-requisite. Don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s easy, however… 4. Can I climb Kilimanjaro without guides and porters Not any more. In 1991 the park authorities made it compulsory for all climbers to sign up with an agency.

They in turn will provide you with a crew (consisting of a guide and his assistants, a cook and several porters). You can thus no longer turn up at the foot of Kili with a rucksack of food and clothes and hope to do it all yourself. The choice of which agency to sign up with is thus the most important decision you’ll have to make. Which is why we provide an extensive review of all the major ones in the guidebook. 5. Which company should I book with? Everybody has different idea of what they want from their trek. Of course, everybody wants a safe and enjoyable trek. However, you may also be very concerned about the welfare of the guides, porters and crew who accompany you on the trek. Other climbers will just want the cheapest trek – while not compromising on safety. Some climbers will want a few home comforts on their trek, such as a mess tent. Others will want minimal comfort, and may even want to carry their own rucksack. Some trekkers will want to take a quiet or unusual route away from the crowds. Some climbers want a private trek; others will prefer to climb with others.

And so on, and so on… Just as trekkers all want different things, so the trekking operators all offer a slightly different service too. Some companies are very good when it comes to customer relations. Some have a very good reputation for treating their staff well. Some companies are very good at booking a trek at the last minute. Some agencies are more generous and flexible with refunds and cancellations than others. Some companies treat single trekkers more fairly than others – for example, they give solo trekkers their own hotel room before the trek and their own tent when on the mountain at no extra charge. Other Kilimanjaro agencies, however, insist that solo trekkers share a room with other single climbers, and charge extra for those solo trekkers who want their own tent or hotel room. So we’ve made it easy for you: if you want help in choosing your trekking company, just send us an email . Simply drop us a line, give us an idea of what you want from your trek – and we’ll provide you with our opinion on which trekking company is right for you. And remember: we are the only website not trying to sell you a trek.

And we are also the only website not affiliated to any agency. And don’t worry: we won’t charge you a penny (or a cent, or a shilling….) for this service. At the risk of sounding like a salesman, I would also advise you to look at our guidebook. In it you’ll find a comprehensive review of all the major agencies selling Kilimanjaro climbs. We also provide advice on what questions you should be asking your agency, and what should be included in your trek package. We also look at whether it is better to book your trek before you arrive in Tanzania – or wait until you arrive and book your trek then. 6. When should I book my climb? Ideally, we say that you should book at least six months in advance – and preferably a year before you want to trek. On this website you can find our Kili Countdown , which gives you a timetable for booking and preparing for your trek. By booking early you give yourself more time to prepare and train for your trek. It also increases your chances of getting exactly the trek you want, with the route you want, the dates you want and your preferred choice of hotel too.

That said, when we were booking climbs we often had people who booked their trek just a few days before it was due to start. If you are fit enough and have the right gear, there is nothing wrong with this approach, as long as you are fully aware of the challenge that awaits you and know about the dangers too. 7. How fit do I need to be? There’s no need to go overboard with fitness preparations for climbing Kili. The main reason why people fail to reach the summit is altitude sickness rather than lack of necessary strength or stamina. (Please visit our altitude and AMS section for more details on this topic.) That said, the trek will obviously be more enjoyable for you the fitter you are. So anything you can do in the way of training can only help. After all, on the final push to the summit you will be walking at very high altitude for about 16 hours! So a certain degree of fitness is necessary. For a more in-depth look at fitness for Kilimanjaro, including a suggested regime, visit our fitness page >> 8. How old do I need to be? The minimum legal age for climbing Africa’s highest mountain is ten.

If you are under 16 you actually get a significant discount on the park fees of around US$90-100 for every day you spend on the mountain. (A lot of agencies won’t tell you about this discount so make sure you insist on this!) At the other end of the scale, there’s no limit on how old you can be to climb, with the current record holder 86 years of age ! 9. How dangerous is it? There are a few deaths on Kilimanjaro every year with acute mountain sickness (AMS) and heart attacks the main causes. Very occasionally there are freak accidents too, such as lightning strikes and rockfalls. The park authorities are naturally very reluctant to reveal details on how many people perish on the mountain, but we estimate the number to be around six or so a year, though this includes porters and other mountain crew members who die on the mountain too. 10. How long does it take to climb? The minimum number of days is 5. The park authorities, KINAPA, won’t allow you on any of the routes for less than this minimum (unless you are on a day-trip, in which case you aren’t allowed to go very high on the mountain).

Many agencies will not sell you a trek for five days as it doesn’t really give you enough time to acclimatise safely. At the other extreme some groups trek for 9-10 days. Most treks, however, are 6-8 days in length. 11. How much does it cost? Not cheap, I’m afraid. The absolute cheapest (and not recommended) Kilimanjaro trek will set you back about US$1200. Most companies charge in the region of US$2000-3500. Some actually charge US$5000 or more! That said, that anybody who has climbed to the summit will agree that whatever price you pay, it’s worth it. Once again, you can find out how much agencies charge in our review of them in the Kilimanjaro guidebook; or just send us an email and we’ll advise you on which company we think provides the best value treks on the mountain. 12. What’s the best time to climb Kilimanjaro? The main trekking seasons on Kilimanjaro correspond with the mountain’s two ‘dry’ seasons. These are January to mid-March and June to October.

Note that it will still probably rain on your trek during these months too – it’s rare to climb without getting rained on at least once. You can read more about the mountain’s seasons by visiting our weather page . Of course you can take a climb in the rainy season. But there is a much higher chance you’ll encounter rain, and the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi are likely to be wreathed in thick cloud too. Indeed, several agencies even suspend their operations in November and December. It’s true that visibility is less at this time though we take issue with those companies that say that your chances of reaching the summit are significantly lower too; that simply isn’t the case. True, once every couple of years or so there may be too much snow, blocking you from reaching the summit. But this is rare. So as long as you are dressed for the conditions then, in our experience, you’ve got just as good a chance of getting to the summit. Curiously, Christmas and New Year, when the weather is far from perfect, are actually amongst the most popular times for climbing.

As to the relative merits of the two trekking seasons, the differences are small though significant: The January-to-March trekking season The January to March season tends to be (slightly) colder and there is a much greater chance of snow on the path at this time. The days, however, are often clearer, with only the occasional brief shower. It is usually an exceptionally beautiful time to climb and is often a little quieter than the other peak season of June to October, which coincides with the main academic holidays in Europe and the West. In this latter season the clouds tend to hang around the tree-line following the heavy rains of March to May. Once above this altitude, however, the skies are blue and brilliant and the chance of precipitation minimal (though still present). The June-to-October trekking season Although the June to October season tends to be busier, this is not necessarily a disadvantage. For example, if you are travelling independently to Tanzania but wish, for the sake of companionship or simply to cut down on costs, to join up with other travellers for your Kilimanjaro trek, then the high visitor numbers in the June-October peak season will give you the best chance of doing this.

September in particular is a very busy month – probably the busiest on the mountain. But even if you do crave solitude when you walk, it can still be found on the mountain during this peak season. After all, the trails are long, so you can always find large gaps between trekkers to allow you to walk in peace. And besides, the mountain is just so huge that its presence will dwarf your fellow trekkers to the point where they become, if you wish them to be, quite unnoticeable. For more information, including details on our own personal favourite times to climb, please visit our page on the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. Do also check out the Snow Forecast website for up-to-date predictions of the weather. 13. How do I get to Kilimanjaro? You can of course travel overland and on this website we have a whole section devoted to travelling in Tanzania . But for most people the only option is to fly. The mountain has its own airport and there are currently five major airlines serving Kilimanjaro International Airport (three-letter code: JRO).

The most popular carrier is the Dutch airline KLM , largely because a) they fly frequently (pretty much every day in the high season) and b) they have an extensive network of regional flights in the US and UK (and Europe), which makes them more convenient than other airlines. Kenya Airways have also been serving the airport for many years and I have to say, having flown with them last time, that I was impressed with their service and the quality of the plane. Given that Nairobi is less than an hour’s flight from Kilimanjaro Airport, this probably means that they will be the natural choice if you want the most direct flight (depending on where you’re flying from, of course). They’re pretty cheap too. Ethiopian Airlines have also been flying to Kili for many years. They have two big selling points: 1) They’re cheap; and 2) they fly via Addis Ababa, which means you may be able to stop over and see a bit of the country – which is something everybody should do at least once in their life (it’s lovely and fascinating). Two airlines that started flying at approximately the same time to JRO are Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airlines .

The former are often the cheapest though there is a hidden price to pay: they tend to arrive at 1 or 2am, which means that you’ll have to pay for an extra night’s accommodation. For example, say you fly into Kilimanjaro Airport on the 2nd, you’ll actually need to book accommodation for the 1st as you are arriving so early in the morning on the 2nd (and you aren’t allowed to sleep in the airport). As for Qatar Airlines, they have a good reputation for service and are popular with those flying in five the rest of Asia. In addition to the above there are the local airlines including Precision Air , a subsidiary of Kenya Airways and one that most people use to get around the rest of Tanzania and Kenya; Rwandair , which serves that country; the local budget airline fastjet which connects Kili with Dar es Salaam and Entebbe in Uganda; and a host of smaller airlines, many connecting Kili and northern Tanzania with Zanzibar. If you can’t find anything suitable, do try Nairobi Airport, which is just an hour’s flight from Kilimanjaro Airport or six hours by shuttle bus to Arusha, where many of the trekking companies are based.

Flights to Nairobi can be slightly cheaper – there is more competition and more choice – and it’s a good way of seeing a bit of the region before heading up it’s highest mountain. For those travelling overland we have a whole section devoted to travelling in Tanzania . While for more information on how to get to East Africa for your trek, please visit the Getting to Kilimanjaro section of this website. 14. On what day of the trek do I reach the summit? It’s a good question, particularly if you want to reach the summit on an important day such as your birthday. The easy way to work it out is this: you will normally reach the summit at dawn on the penultimate morning of your trek. So, for example, for a seven-day trek you would reach the Uhuru Peak at dawn on the sixth day. The rest of that day – and the morning of the last day – will be spent descending back down the mountain to the exit gate. Here’s an example. Your birthday is on the 10 March and you want to do a seven-day trek on the standard Machame Route. So you need to book a trek running 5-11 March.

That way, you’ll spend five days (5, 6, 7, 8, 9 March) walking to Barafu. You will then walk through the night (beginning at about midnight), reaching the summit at dawn on the 10 March. You then spend the rest of the 10th March walking down to Millennium or Mweka Campsite. The final day is then spent walking to Mweka Gate. 19. What animals can I see? There’s plenty of wildlife on Kilimanjaro, though your chances of seeing much are slim. This is largely because the animals prefer to avoid those parts of the mountain where more than 40,000 people tread every year. For this reason, you’ll be lucky to see anything larger than a monkey or a mouse. That said, every so often a reader will write in to say that they saw a buffalo, eland, leopard or elephant on the trail. Wildlife >> 20. What are the toilet facilities like on Kilimanjaro? Improving. Time was when many toilets were so full they started to develop their own geological formation. Neither stalagmite nor stalactite, but stalagshite.

Thankfully, the park authorities are starting to tackle the problem. They have built some state-of-the-art eco-toilets at the major campsites. In addition, many decent trekking companies now provide their clients with their own private toilets. 22. What happens if there’s an accident or somebody needs to descend? The policy towards this varies from company to company and on the severity of the injury/illness. However, usually the injured/unwell party will be accompanied down the mountain by an assistant guide while the rest of the party continue their ascent. Usually, if you’ve had to descend, you will return to the previous campsite before deciding on a suitable rendezvous point to meet up with your fellow trekkers on their descent. However, the guide may decide that the most appropriate action would be to evacuate you off the mountain altogether. If this is the case, you will accompanied on your descent either by one of the assistant guides, a summit porter or, if he deems it necessary, by the guide himself. In order to ensure your safety, the guide will probably want you to descend as quickly as possible without risking injury. As extra insurance, any decent company will also provide every trek with a couple of oxygen bottles.

Do note, however, that once you’ve been administered oxygen it is no longer safe for you to continue to ascend as the 99% oxygen inspiration de-activates the body’s triggers which accelerate its Haemoglobin production. In other words, oxygen is there to help you get off the mountain safely – it should never be used as a means of assisting a climber to the summit. While you are descending, the guide will contact the base in Moshi or Arusha to update them on the situation. As such, by the time you reach the exit gate there should be a car waiting for you to take you back to your hotel. Usually your transfer back from the mountain to the hotel will be included in your package, even if you have come off the mountain early. However, you will still need to pay for any extra nights accommodation you require. 23. What’s the food like on the mountain? It varies from company to company, of course, but on the whole it’s hearty, healthy,wholesome. Hopefully there’s a lot of it too. Vegans/vegetarians and those with food intolerances can all be catered for as long as you give your agency enough notice.

Food on the mountain >> 24. Can I use my mobile phone on Kilimanjaro? Yes. I would say that overall, reception on Kilimanjaro remains patchy. There are several variables that can affect your ability to get a phone signal, including the network you’re with and the quality of the phone you’re carrying. But we do think it’s improving. The last time we were round the northern side of Kibo, on the Alternative Lemosho Route, the group we were leading were, on the whole, able to get reception pretty much all the way. This is certainly an improvement from the situation a few years ago. That said, it’s highly possible that you may have to go for a day or two without being able to communicate with the outside world, whatever route you take. In the book we provide details of where we’ve found reception on the mountain for each of the routes. Mt Kilimanjaro - video by Tanzania National Park - YouTube Mt Kilimanjaro - video by Tanzania National Park Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading...

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Question: In what country would you find Mount Kilimanjaro?
Answer: Tanzania