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Mt kilimanjaro Frequently Asked Questions

Kilimanjaro is climbable all year round. The best months to climb are December-March and September-October, which are the warmest and driest months. The next best are June to August, but they are colder. July, August, and September are the busiest months. Summiting on or soon after a full moon is very beautiful and helps illuminate the landscape without using headlamps. However, it is also very bright for sleeping, and stars are not as visible.

Temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain and -15 to -20 degrees Celsius on top, plus wind chill. Lower down, it can be wet and humid, but higher up, there can be snow. Rain and snow may be encountered at any time of the year.

It requires no technical climbing experience, and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain. However, for most people, it is the most difficult thing they have ever done.

Your decision will depend on where you want to sleep and the hiking distance each day and number of days of each route. On the Marangu Route, you sleep in huts with simple beds, while on all the other routes, you sleep in tents. There are two main routes on the mountain: the Marangu and Machame. You may also want to consider the Rongai Route as it is far less traveled. The Lemosho Route is a good choice if you want a longer route (8+ days). None of these routes are technical.

Always remember to maintain a slow, steady pace from beginning to end. Going slowly allows the body to acclimatize while hiking. Those who start out too quickly will have troubles higher up the mountain as the body will be overexerted. This still holds true if you are spending an extra day on the mountain. Drink lots of water and get lots of sleep.

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

Expect 1 guide per 2 hikers, 1 assistant guide per 3 hikers, and 1 cook per 8 hikers. Porters as follows: 2 porters per hiker on the 5-day Marangu Route and Mt. Meru (minimum of 4 porters) 3 porters per hiker on a 6 or 7-day trek (minimum of 5 porters) 4 porters per hiker on the 8-day Lemosho Route (minimum of porters) Sometimes extra porters are required based on the weight of the luggage.

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

Extra expenses include: Tips for guides and porters Rental equipment (sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.) Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel in Moshi/Arusha. Any personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, etc.).

The staple foods in Tanzania are meats, starches, vegetables, and fruits. Most meals will also have a selection of hot drinks like instant coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

The porters will purify water for you at each camp