Explore Mount Kilimanjaro a currently inactive strato-volcano in northern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. At 5,895 meters 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.

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 protects the area above 2,700 meters, 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.

Landscape

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

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.

Preparation

Come prepared & maximise your experience!

So what does sufficient Kilimanjaro preparation include? To state the obvious: the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your trip and the higher the likelihood of a successful summit. You’re probably going to climb Kilimanjaro once in a lifetime, so if you’ve decided to take the adventure on, be sure you make most out of it! The climb is definitely an adventure to remember… expect breathtakingly beautiful views, fresh mountain air under clear skies, but also a physical and mental challenge.

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 closest International Airport is Kilimanjaro.

Cost

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 may also need to get a Yellow Fever vaccination as this is a mandatory requirement to enter Tanzania if you are travelling via an endemic country such as Kenya. You might want to get booster injections for Hepatitis A and other related diseases. Tanzania is a malaria zone, and the type of malaria in Tanzania can be lethal. While mosquitoes do not occur at altitude (over 1,800 meters) where you will be spending most of your trip, you will be exposed before and after the climb. Therefore, it is highly recommendable that you take malaria tablets.

Finally you will be required to get a Tanzanian visa. You can get the visa before departing or on arrival in Tanzania.

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. No-frills 5 day, 4 night treks up the Marangu Route are being offered from around $1,100. However, if you are not accustomed to altitude, it is highly recommended you take a 7 or 8 day trip which start at over $1,600 depending on the route. Be aware that fees not only vary due to route and length of climb, but primarily 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. Responsible tour operators who treat their staff ethically and employ professional guides who are trained to look after your well-being are more expensive. At the above starting prices, it is not possible to operate a climb profitably, legally, and without exploiting your porters.

Tipping for guides and porters is standard. A single climber will have on average one guide, three to five porters and a cook. As a group size increases the climbing support team increase at a similar ratio. The Kilimanjaro National Park (KINIPA) stipulates a minimum ratio of one guide for every 2 climbers and a maximum weight per porter of 20kg. Tour operators are meant to comply with these standards. 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 length of your climb and the size of your group, your total tip budget should be at least $250-$500.] 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. 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.