Why Climb Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Kilimanjaro National Park, offers an accessible yet adventurous summit experience. Here’s why this trek stands out compared to other peaks:
Kilimanjaro Trek Tours
Choosing the Right Kilimanjaro Route
Choosing the right route is essential, as each one varies in difficulty, scenery, and success rates. Let’s break down the key routes in more detail, as each provides a different experience.
Timing your Kilimanjaro trek is crucial, as weather conditions can significantly impact your experience. While it’s possible to climb year-round, some months offer more favorable conditions than others.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Costs and Budgeting for a Kilimanjaro Trek
Trekking Kilimanjaro is a significant investment, and understanding the costs involved will help you budget effectively.
Park Fees
Approximately $800-$1,000, depending on the route and duration. These fees cover the cost of conservation, rescue services, and camping.
Guide and Porter Fees
Tanzanian law requires all trekkers to hire licensed guides. The cost of guides, porters, and cooks is usually included in the overall package, but tipping is expected.
Tipping Guidelines
Plan to tip about $200-300 per trekker for the entire crew. Tipping is not just appreciated, it’s an essential part of their income.
Transportation Costs
Tour operators typically include transportation expenses, covering trips from the hotel to the park gate and back after the trek. This involves vehicles, drivers, and fuel costs, ensuring trekkers and their gear reach the mountain base and return safely.
Food and Water
This includes purchasing and transporting food supplies to the base of the mountain, and the logistical challenge of porters carrying food and water up the mountain to various camps.
Camping Equipment
Essential trekking and camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment must be rented, maintained, and transported to the mountain.
Gear Rentals
If you don’t have your own gear, expect to rent items like sleeping bags, trekking poles, and jackets. Gear rental can add an additional $100-$300 to your total cost.
Pre/Post Trek Accommodation
Many trekkers stay in Moshi or Arusha before and after the trek. Budget for $50-$200 per night, depending on the accommodation type.
Travel Insurance
Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking (above 5,000 meters).
Add-ons: like portable toilet during the trek and airport transfers usually cost extra.
Packing List and Gear Guide
Packing for Kilimanjaro requires careful planning due to the dramatic changes in climate as you ascend. The weather ranges from hot and humid in the rainforest zone to freezing temperatures at the summit, so layering is essential to regulate body temperature. Below is a detailed guide of what to pack to ensure your trek is comfortable and successful.
Clothing
Base Layers: These should be moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Merino wool or synthetic fabrics are great choices for trekking in the fluctuating temperatures. You’ll need at least two base layer sets for both your upper and lower body.
Insulating Layers: A fleece jacket or insulated down jacket is essential for keeping warm at the higher altitudes. Temperatures can drop to -20°C (-4°F) at the summit.
Outer Shell: A waterproof, windproof jacket and pants are necessary for protection against the elements, especially if you encounter rain in the lower zones or wind and snow near the summit.
Trekking Pants and Shorts: Lightweight, moisture-wicking pants are suitable for the lower elevations, while heavier pants are better suited for the colder, upper reaches.
Gloves, Hat, and Buff: You’ll need thermal gloves and a warm hat for the cold summit nights, and a buff or neck gaiter to protect from the sun and dust.
Footwear
Trekking Boots: Invest in sturdy, waterproof boots that offer ankle support and are well broken in before your trek. Kilimanjaro’s terrain is varied and can be rocky, muddy, or dusty.
Gaiters: These are particularly useful for keeping dirt and debris out of your boots, especially in the lower muddy zones.
Warm Socks: Bring several pairs of high-quality wool socks that are moisture-wicking to avoid blisters and keep your feet dry and warm.
Essential Gear
Sleeping Bag: Choose a sleeping bag rated for at least -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F) for cold summit nights.
Trekking Poles: These will reduce the impact on your knees and help maintain stability, especially during steep descents.
Backpack: A 30-40L daypack is perfect for carrying daily essentials like snacks, water, extra layers, and your camera.
Other Essentials
Headlamp: You’ll need this for summit night when you’ll be trekking in the dark for several hours. Bring extra batteries.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: The sun at high altitudes is harsh, so use high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm to protect your skin.
Water Bottles or Hydration Bladder: Staying hydrated is crucial at high altitudes, and most trekkers drink 3-4 liters of water daily. A hydration bladder is convenient, but you’ll also want insulated water bottles to prevent freezing on summit night.
Snacks: High-energy snacks such as Clif Bars (USA), KIND Bars (UK), Yoga Bars (India), and Alpen Bars (Europe) are perfect for keeping your energy levels up during the trek. Pack snacks that are easy to digest and high in calories.
Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness
The biggest challenge when climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t necessarily the trek itself, but dealing with altitude sickness. Kilimanjaro’s rapid ascent leaves many climbers vulnerable to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Acclimatization is critical to your success and health on the mountain.
What is Acute Mountain Sickness?
Preventing Altitude Sickness
Physical and Mental Preparation
Summiting Kilimanjaro is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Proper physical preparation will help you enjoy the trek, but mental toughness is what gets you to the summit, particularly on summit night, when you’ll be trekking in freezing temperatures and low oxygen levels.
You should begin training at least 8-12 weeks before your trek. Here’s a breakdown of the areas to focus on:
Cardiovascular Endurance: Hiking, running, cycling, or swimming will build your endurance. Aim to train at least 4-5 days per week.
Leg Strength: Kilimanjaro’s steep trails will challenge your leg muscles. Include exercises like squats, lunges, and stair climbing in your routine.
Hiking Practice: If possible, practice hiking on trails with steep inclines while carrying a backpack. This will help you get used to the demands of the trek.
Core Strength: A strong core helps with balance and endurance, especially when carrying a pack.
Travel Logistics
Getting to Kilimanjaro involves planning not just your trek, but also your travel to and from Tanzania. Here’s what you need to know:
Flights
Most trekkers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is located about an hour from Moshi. JRO has direct flights from hubs like Amsterdam, Doha, and Nairobi. You can also fly into Nairobi, Kenya, and take a short connecting flight to JRO.
Ground Transportation
Your tour operator will typically arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation in Moshi or Arusha, as well as transfers to and from the trailhead. Moshi is the closest town to Kilimanjaro, and many trekkers choose to stay here before and after the trek.
Visa and Health Requirements
Visa: Most nationalities, including U.S., Canadian, and European Union citizens, can obtain a Tanzanian tourist visa upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or apply for it online. The visa fee is usually around $50-$100, depending on your nationality. It’s best to check with your local Tanzanian embassy for the most up-to-date visa information.
Vaccinations: Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations, including yellow fever (if you’re traveling from or transiting through a country with a risk of transmission), typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus. You may also need to take malaria prophylaxis, as malaria is prevalent in lowland areas around Kilimanjaro, although the risk is low at higher altitudes.
Pre-Trek Accommodation
Moshi: This small town is the most popular base for Kilimanjaro trekkers. Located just 45 minutes from the national park gates, Moshi offers a range of accommodation from budget hostels to luxury hotels. It’s also a great place to stock up on last-minute gear and meet fellow trekkers.
Arusha: Located about 1.5 hours from the park gates, Arusha is larger than Moshi and offers a wider variety of accommodations and activities. Many trekkers who plan a post-trek safari opt to stay in Arusha because of its proximity to parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Combining Kilimanjaro with a Safari or Beach Holiday
For many trekkers, climbing Kilimanjaro is only the beginning of their Tanzanian adventure. The country is home to some of the world’s best wildlife safaris, as well as idyllic beaches on the Zanzibar Archipelago. Combining your Kilimanjaro trek with a safari or beach getaway offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Post-Trek Safari Options
Serengeti National Park: Famous for the Great Migration, the Serengeti is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Post-Kilimanjaro, you can embark on a 3-5 day safari to witness wildebeest, zebras, lions, elephants, and more. Many trekkers find that the Serengeti provides a relaxing, immersive wildlife experience after the physical demands of the trek.
Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ngorongoro Crater is home to a dense population of wildlife, including lions, leopards, and rhinos. Its relatively compact size makes it ideal for a 1-2 day safari.
Tarangire National Park: Known for its vast elephant herds and towering baobab trees, Tarangire is a quieter park that offers excellent wildlife viewing without the crowds of Serengeti or Ngorongoro.
Many trekkers opt for a 3-5 day safari after their Kilimanjaro climb, combining multiple parks for a more comprehensive experience. Your tour operator can easily arrange the logistics, including transportation from Moshi or Arusha to the parks.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday
If you prefer to relax by the sea after your trek, head to Zanzibar, located off the coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and rich cultural history, making it the perfect place to unwind.
Zanzibar Island: The main island is home to popular beaches like Nungwi and Kendwa, where you can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, and exploring the historical Stone Town.
Mnemba Island: A private island known for its exclusive resorts and pristine reefs, ideal for those looking for a more luxurious, secluded getaway.
Pemba Island: Located north of Zanzibar, Pemba is less developed and quieter, offering world-class diving and a peaceful, remote atmosphere.
For more on combining a Kilimanjaro trek with a safari or beach holiday, check out our Kilimanjaro and Safari Combo Guide.
Safari Tours after Kilimanjaro Climb
Combining trekking Mount Meru with Kilimanjaro
For trekkers looking for a more comprehensive and adventurous experience in Tanzania, combining a Mount Meru trek with the Kilimanjaro climb is a popular option. Mount Meru, located in Arusha National Park, is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at 4,562 meters (14,968 feet) and offers a challenging but rewarding trek. Climbing Mount Meru before tackling Kilimanjaro provides several benefits, including acclimatization and experiencing a different part of Tanzania’s natural beauty.
Why Combine Mount Meru with Kilimanjaro?
Acclimatization Advantage: Mount Meru is a great way to acclimatize for Kilimanjaro’s higher altitudes. Meru’s summit trek takes you to nearly 4,600 meters, giving your body time to adjust to lower oxygen levels before heading to Kilimanjaro, which peaks at 5,895 meters. By spending a few days on Meru, you can increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Fewer Crowds: Mount Meru is far less crowded than Kilimanjaro, offering a more peaceful trekking experience. You’ll trek through Arusha National Park, where the routes are quieter, and you’ll encounter fewer groups, providing a more intimate connection with nature.
Stunning Scenery and Wildlife: Mount Meru offers a different trekking environment compared to Kilimanjaro. The trail passes through dense forests, home to giraffes, buffalo, elephants, and colobus monkeys. The trek also offers spectacular views of Kilimanjaro from Meru’s summit, along with impressive volcanic craters and alpine landscapes.
Improved Summit Success Rate: By acclimatizing on Mount Meru, your chances of summiting Kilimanjaro without suffering from altitude sickness improve significantly.
Climbing Kilimanjaro vs. Other Famous Treks
Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most iconic treks, but how does it compare to other famous routes? Here’s a look at how Kilimanjaro stacks up against treks like Everest Base Camp, the Inca Trail, and the Annapurna Circuit.
Kilimanjaro vs. Everest Base Camp (Nepal)
Kilimanjaro vs. Annapurna Circuit (Nepal)
Kilimanjaro Trek vs. Non-Guided Treks in Europe and America
Unlike the self-sufficient, non-guided treks common in places like Europe and North America, Kilimanjaro treks are fully supported and guided. From licensed guides to porters carrying your gear and camp chefs preparing meals, every aspect of the trek is taken care of for you. This creates a more comfortable, stress-free experience, allowing trekkers to focus on the journey rather than logistics.
On Kilimanjaro, the full-service nature includes:
Guided support
Local guides lead the way and monitor your health, especially for altitude sickness.
Porters and Cooks
Porters carry your gear, and chefs provide hot meals, unlike the self-catering model typical on treks like the John Muir Trail or Tour du Mont Blanc.
Ready campsites
Tents are set up for you at designated campsites, unlike in European or American treks where you manage your own camping gear and set up each night.