Kilimanjaro Tours & Safaris

Within a range of a few kilometres conditions can vary from equatorial to arctic. In general the temperature steadily decreases at a rate of about one degree Celsius for every 200m increase in altitude. The dense forest belt around the lower slopes (at about 1800 to 2800m)benefit from a wet tropical climate, characterised by the highest average rainfall, but further up the mountain Kilimanjaro safari participants will note that vegetation drastically decreases and finally disappears altogether. This is not as a consequence of the height, but rather because the conditions are colder and dryer. Around the summit snow, permanent glaciers and sub-zero temperatures make for quite a lunar landscape.

January, February and March are the warmest months and boast clear skies with brief and infrequent rain showers. This is followed by the main rainy season, which lasts from the beginning of April to mid-June. The temperatures are still relatively high but huge clouds drastically reduce visibility. Dense cloud formations mass over Kilimanjaro, dropping snow on the summit and heavy rains on the lower slopes. During this time the average monthly rainfall could easily reach 200mm during up to 20 consecutive rainy days.

The longest and driest season follows soon after. By late June and throughout July and August it can be very cold at night, although the sky is completely clear above 3000m. It gets steadily warmer between September and the end of October, when daytime could also be clear although a dripping belt of soft clouds remains girdled around Kilimanjaro above the forest or the moorland contour - leaving the summit and a few other distant peaks poking through.

The short rainy period lasts from November to December, when afternoon thunderstorms often drop heavy showers. In general, however, the clouds will disappear by nightfall, resulting in excellent visibility on most nights and early in the morning.

BEST MONTHS TO ASCEND THE MOUNTIAN AS PART OF A KILIMANJARO SAFARI

The best months to ascend Kibo, although it can in truth be climbed at any time of the year, are definitely January, February and September. July and August are also good, but much colder, as well as November and December at which time you should expect some wet weather.

KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK

Uhuru Peak (5896m or 19 344ft) is the highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest African mountain and one of the highest volcanoes of the world. It is also one of the few summits of the world which can be easily reached by trained trekkers without the need for ropes or any kind of technical experience. The highest peak of Mawenzi is Hans Meyer Point (5149m), which - like all of the other Points nearby - cannot be reached by trekkers. It is rarely ascended, and when it is this is done by skilled mountaineers only.

Since 1973 the entire area above the 2700m contour has been declared a national park, while the external forest belt (between 1800 and 2800m) has been a forest- and game reserve since 1921. Regardless of the route chosen to ascend, all trekkers must register at one of the three gates where permits are available: Marangu, Machame or Londorossi.

The Park Headquarters are situated at Marangu Gate just 6km north of the local village with the same name. On your way back here, and here only, you will be awarded a CERTIFICATE stating that you successfully reached Uhuru Peak or Gillman's Point - only if you really made it, of course!

PARK FEES AND REGULATIONS THAT APPLY ON A KILIMANJARO TRIP

All Kilimanjaro safari participants must be accompanied by an official guide (and eventually, by local porters). The services of these guides may be acquired at the Park HQ, Marangu or possibly at Londorossi Gate. You should book well in advance, especially during peak Kilimanjaro holiday season. It is best to have your climb organised by an experienced local tour operator, but make sure to check if all park fees are included in their asking price. If not you will have to pay at Marangu Park Gate, in US Dollars. Fees include entrance fees, hut fees or camping fees, rescue fees and park commission. Guides and porters are paid as well but this will be handled in local currency and directly by your Kilimanjaro vacation company.

PHYSICAL PREPARATION FOR YOUR KILIMANJARO TOUR

Although Kibo's summit is normally reached simply by trekking, without any technical climbing experience, the ascent always involves long walking distances along lower slopes, as well as very steep and strenuous climbing close to the summit. This hike will put considerable strain on your lungs and legs. Add to this the effects of the lack of oxygen typical of the higher altitudes, and you’ll understand why it is not wise to underestimate the mountain! It is advised that people who suffer from stress, as well as breathing-, heart- or lung problems should not attempt to ascend the mountain.

PROPOSED ITINERARY FOR YOUR KILIMANJARO VACATION

When on holiday in Kilimanjaro you must follow one of the established routes. There are more than six major trekking routes starting on the lower slopes, but at present none of those leading up the mountain from the north are utilised, as Kilimanjaro holidaymakers are prevented from entering Tanzania from the Kenyan border at Rongai or Naremoru. Each route reaches the paths of the southern or northern circuits, which circle the Kibo dome. Only three main routes continue all the way up to the summit, and these take between five and eight days to complete.

GUIDES AND PORTERS

At present there are more than 80 official guides. Guides are not park employees, like rangers or rescuers. Once you have chosen your guides it is customary to arrange any aspects of the climb with him first, including tipping. Porters function independently as well. The ANP, their association, is quite strong and they will not carry more than 15kgs each, which includes their own luggage. If you wish to perform the ascent more comfortably you may need a more than one porter to accompany you on your Kilimanjaro holiday, usually one or two for every trekker in your company.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR A KILIMANJARO SAFARI

Although you can hire most of the equipment you will require, it is much better to bring your own.
Please see the equipment list page for further details.

If there is any further Kilimanjaro safari information that you require please contact us directly.