What route should I climb?

Around 78% of climbers choose the Marangu route 6 or 7 days which is commonly referred to as the Coca Cola route. The rest usually goes for Lemosho, Rongai, Machame or Umbwe route (7 or 8 days).

Please note that many of the routes meet on a mid-way point and there are only three routes to the summit.

When is the best time to climb kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year january to march are very good months with mild temperatures and almost no clouds in the morning and late afternoon.during the day however there might be few short rain showers or little snow on the summit.the main rain season starts end of march and lasts until end of may. For Kilimanjaro climbers this means that clouds may block visibility and there might be heavy rains on the lower altitudes and snow on the summit. June, July and August can be cold but visibility is usually very good.

Temperatures rise in September and October however during this time of the year, there is often a belt of mist on the middle altitudes, leaving the summits peak through the clouds. November and December usually have perfect visibility in the nights and morning but short rains during the day thunderstorms at the late afternoon are common.

How fit do I have to be?

Many texts state that Kilimanjaro is ”easily accessible”. However you should not underestimate this mountain. There are no technical mountaineering skills required but general fitness is necessary. However the biggest problems for climbers are the effects of high altitude which seem to be unrelated to fitness, age or gender.

It is good idea to start some physical training prior to the trek, which might include aerobic cross training and hiking to familiarize your body with the rigors or the trek. The fitter you are, the easier the climb will be for you. Determination and will power is another important factor.

What if I am slower than the other trekkers?

There is no need to worry this is a common concern. It is much better for your body if you proceed slowly and the guides will permanently remind you about this ”POLE POLE” which means (“slowly slowly”).

By walking slowly, your body will much better acclimatize to the high altitude. There is plenty of time allotted each day for the treks, even for those who like to go very slowly.

What if I cannot make it to the top?

Some climbers may fall short of reaching the summit, but not at the expense of their overall experience. Even for those who never reached the top, the experience of the wonders of Kilimanjaro is rewarding. if one or more members of the group decide they cannot continue, or if a guide deems it unsafe for un individual (or a group) to continue they are escorted to the most convenient campsite or hut.

Our guides intimately know the network of short cuts to escort climbers to safety and they are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstance.

Who will be my guide?

Our guides have collectively mounted Kilimanjaro well over a thousand times. They are extremely knowledgeable about climbing the mountain. Further we regularly train them in zoological and geological topics, first aid, customer care, relationship, English language and environmental conservation.

If there is a problem on the mountain what are the rescue procedures?

The national park operates a rescue service and the ranger stations at the huts and campsites around the mountain are linked to each other and to the park headquarters by radio. In the vast majority of emergency cases the problem is altitude related and the solution is immediate descent to a lower altitude.

Our mountain crews are all experienced of dealing with such cases and can bring climbers down to safe altitude very quickly and without park assistance if it is not immediately available.

Can children climb Kilimanjaro?

The national park rules stipulate the minimum age for climbing above 3000metres is 10 years. This is because altitude sickness can affect children very quickly and dangerously.

How cold does it get on Kilimanjaro?

The temperature at the top of the mountain can vary widely. Sometimes it is only a degree or two below freezing, but visitors should be prepared for the possibility of temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, perhaps in conjunction with a wind.