Size: 19,336 feet
Location: Northern Tanzania, near Moshi Town.
Standing at:19,336 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest peak and arguably the most famous mountain in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is considered the world’s highest freestanding mountain, which can be climbed by any able and physically fit person. The mountain is located along Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya, although the mountain is only accessible through the Tanzanian side. There are six trekking up the mountain, namely Marangu, Machame, Mweka, Umbwe, Lemosho- Shira and Rongai. Average number of days to the top of the mountain is approximately five days. Hikers go through a thick tropical forest, followed by vast grassland, barren rock face and eventually encountering white glacier at the top.
The view from the mountaintop is magnificent and breathtaking. Climbers would see a panoramic view of the rift valley and surrounding landscape. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their Kilimanjaro climbing certificates and their memories.
Wildlife
Elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates usually inhibit the lush mountain forest.
How To Get There
By driving either from Arusha Town of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
What To Do
Six usual trekking routes to the summit most notably Machame and Marangu Routes and other more-demanding mountaineering routes. Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches. Trout fishing. Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes.
When To Go
Kilimanjaro is accessible at any time of the year, although the routes become slippery during the two rainy seasons (March to mid-June and October to the beginning of December
What to bring
Climbers will need gears, equipment and clothing for a smooth and comfortable ascent to the roof of Africa. Is section covers what gear you need to bring, physical training (Click here to download equipment and packing list).
Kilimanjaro Equipment and Packing List
Technical Clothing
1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
2 – Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
1 – Fleece Pants
1 – Shorts (optional)
1 – Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
3 – Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
2 – Sport Bra (women)
Headwear
1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 – Knit Hat, for warmth
1 – Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
1 – Bandana (optional)
Hand wear
1 – Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
1 – Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)
Footwear
1 – Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
1 – Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
3 – Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
3 – Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Accessories
1 – Sunglasses or Goggles
1 – Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
1 – Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
1 – Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended)
1 – Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
1 – Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (highly recommended)
Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
Equipment
1 – Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
1 – Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
1 – Trekking Poles (highly recommended)
1 – Head lamp, with extra batteries
1 – Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment
1 – Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear
Other
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Wet Wipes (recommended)
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Paperwork
Trip Receipt
Passport
Visa (available at JRO)
Immunization Papers
Insurance Documents
Safety Tips
While trying to conquer the mountain every year, climbers experience a lot of dangers, from falling rocks, heart attacks and slippery routes. Climbers are strongly advised to follow the rules, sufficient preparedness and following instructions from the guides.
Successful climb to the top of Kilimanjaro is achieved by acclimatization. To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even more for the climb to summit. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.
NEW RATES FOR PORTERS AND GUIDES
(JUNE ’08)
Porters USD 10 per day
Cooks USD 15 per day
Guides USD 20 per day
Marangu Route:
This is the most popular of all routes. As it is gentle and gradual all the way to the top. It is the only route that It is also the only route, which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. This Route goes through Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut, and on to Uhuru Hut through Gilmans Point. Minimum number of nights to reach the summit is five nights.
Machame Route:
This is considered probably the most beautiful route to the top of the mountain.The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended
Umbwe Route:
The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. .
Lemosho Route:
This is a very steep route and approaches from the West. It is only recommended for the physically fit trekkers and experienced mountaineers. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although eight days is ideal.
Shira Route:
The Shira route is another path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, and it is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. While Lemosho starts at Londorossi Gate and treks through the rain forest to Shira 1 Camp, the Shira route bypasses this walk by using a vehicle to transport climbers to Shira Gate, located near the Shira Ridge. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days.
Rongai Route:
This is a very steep route as well and is considered a direct route to the summit.
This route is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended.
