Planning to climb Kilimanjaro? Here are our top 10 tips for first time climbers based on what we have learned from running 100s of climbs and our 10 years on the mountain. Kilimanjaro is a challenge but as long as you’re in reasonably good shape a successful climb is possible with proper planning. Read on to discover our top tips and links to our most read blog posts on Kilimanjaro. 

All trekkers attempting Kilimanjaro or any other high elevation trek should be aware of the potential threat of High Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). AMS is caused by the limited oxygen available at altitude. Atop Kilimanjaro there is half the oxygen that there is at sea level, which means you are likely to feel some of Acute Mountain Sickness’ physiological effects. There’s no understating how important it is to be aware of this potentially life threatening condition and its symptoms. It’s a common misconception that physically fit persons are less likely to feel its effects. Everyone is susceptible to AMS, it does not discriminate. For safety reasons, this article is worth a read even if you have been to high elevations without symptoms before.

Kilimanjaro has a typical annual weather pattern alternating between rainy and dry seasons. As Kilimanjaro is situated at the equator so temperatures actually don’t change much throughout the year. In fact, temperatures at the summit remain relatively stable while lower elevations tend to be 5 or 6 degrees Celsius (10 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler in June/July and August. For optimal trekking conditions we recommend attempting to summit during a dry season. The dry seasons run from January to mid-March and then again from June to October. The optimal months being February and August, followed closely by January and September, then June, July and October. The primary rainy season or “long wet” is from Mid-March to Mid-May and the secondary rainy season or “short wet” is from November to December. Climbing is still possible in November and December (the “short wet”) as rains tend to be limited in duration. It is also possible to climb during the “long wet” but we generally don’t recommend it as the trails are muddy and rains can last several days. As each month varies in cloud coverage, sun exposure, and low temperatures at altitude, we’ve created this month by month guide. Trekkers should have a clear idea of the weather conditions of the months they’re trekking to the Roof of Africa.

As with every big trek, it’s important to do your research and come physically prepared before joining us on the expedition up Kilimanjaro. Experienced trekkers know that this is the way to maximize the value of your excursion. However, what you may not realize is that Kilimanjaro waits until the last 4,000 feet, when you are dead on your feet and stumbling through the darkest part of the night to truly test you. However, with this guide you can get through the infamous summit night to fulfillingly see morning’s first light breaking over the horizon from atop Uhuru Peak. Here’s a look at what to expect on your summit night.

If you’ve had a trip to Kilimanjaro in the back of your mind for a while, consider this the final push! Kilimanjaro should be your first choice when it comes to trekking in Africa. With the right preparation and determination, you could reach the ‘Roof of Africa’. It’s a life changing journey that will take you through unique and alluring landscapes filled with geographical wonders. What better way to test your limits, see the delightfully biodiverse ‘heartland’ of Africa, or expand your cultural horizons? Here our top 7 reasons for climbing Kilimanjaro.

For those of us who are already daydreaming about their next meal, you are probably wondering what quality of food there could be on the trek to Kilimanjaro’s summit. Our Adventure Expert and Kilimanjaro enthusiast Rob Hatch shares this insight “The food is delicious, and is often one of the favorite parts of the trip for our guests. Personally, I found the hot cucumber soup on our way down from the peak to be one of the tastiest and most satisfying meals I’ve ever eaten.” So what other delectable food options are on the trek?

There are few harder jobs than being a porter on Kilimanjaro, and the history of the tourism industry in Tanzania unfortunately began with unsafe practices that left many porters and guides injured and unable to support their families. These practices created an unsustainable and unsafe environment for everyone working on the mountain

It’s been estimated that only 60–65% of people successfully reach the summit at Uhuru Peak from any of the seven major routes to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, but this rate increases the more days that a climber adds to his/her trek, with success rates reaching around 85% for 8-day routes. After successfully summiting along with my four other trekking mates on the 7-day Lemosho trek, I’d like to give you seven tips for ensuring that you also have the very best chance of reaching the summit on your Trekking Hero adventure and can avoid the effects of altitude sickness:

For anyone not taking the Marangu route to Kilimanjaro, sleeping in tents is going to be a way of life on your journey to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Here are some things to expect during your time at Kilimanjaro campsites:

Mount Kilimanjaro lies in the tropics and the seasons are marked more by variations in rainfall then by changes in temperature. The main driving force controlling the climate is the migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ. The ITCZ marks the convergence between the north and south trade winds and can be picked out in Satellite pictures as a broad band of thunderstorms which encircles the globe.

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa attracting over 35,000 climbers annually. Trekkers can choose between seven different route options (Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Umbwe). Here we take a closer look at the Marangu, Machame routes which are the most popular options and combined account for nearly 85% of visitor traffic to the mountain. Each route offers a uniquely different experience so it’s worth getting the facts before you make a selection.

It’s possible to rent gear locally for climbing the mountain but it’s expensive and the quality is certainly poor for the money you will be spending. If you let us know in advance it’s possible we can provide some gear to you free of cost. However, the best bet is to bring your own gear (Complete list). On your first night in Moshi before starting the trek you will be introduced to your guide and he will review your equipment to make sure you are adequately prepared. Climbers heading to the mountain need to be properly equipped for rainy conditions on the way to the summit and freezing temperatures at the summit. Keep in mind that gear will generally be divided up while your hiking. The bulk of your gear will be carried by our porters in a duffel bag and you will carry a daypack with the essentials which include snacks, camera, headlamp, poncho, extra layers, sun protection, and water bottles. The following article describes the equipment needed in full detail. If you want to jump right to our Kilimanjaro packing list you can download as a Word doc or pdf. Base, Middle, and Outer Layers The principle of […]

Tips are a big part of the culture in Tanzania and unlike some countries where tipping might be optional they are an expectation in Tanzania. Tips for each climber range between $250 and $400 depending on the route and are an extra cost that should be factored into your budget.