Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in the world that you can simply walk up! None of the routes require mountaineering skills, specialized equipment, or even previous climbing experience. Still, hiking to the Roof of Africa is physically and mentally demanding and should not be underestimated. Altitude sickness can set in above 3,000 metres and there’s no prior indication as to who might suffer from it. It’s important to work closely with your guide and to listen to his advice. Porters carry gear and supplies up and down the mountain and cook all meals.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year, but the rainy seasons (April-June; November-December) make the forest more slippery and the summit might be blocked by snow. Be prepared for climatic extremes, from rain in the forest, intense sun in the alpine desert and freezing temperatures at the summit. It’s essential to have warm clothes and a good sleeping bag.
At the summit, exhaustion fades away; as the sun rises above Kilimanjaro’s crater rim you know you have finally met this exhilarating African challenge.
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro
Any visitor to this region of East Africa cannot fail to be in awe of this mountain, standing majestically on the border of 2 great countries. You have probably seen all the photos and dreamed of it, so now experience the thrill of actually climbing to the pinnacle of Africa's highest mountain. Climb Kilimanjaro, and see the world!
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
Marangu Route Affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola route", Marangu is by far the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 6 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier than on the Machame route.
Machame Route Sometimes called the Whisky Route. This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Icefields to join the Barafu Route to the summit.
Umbwe Route The Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful.
Lemosho Route This is the longest and most remote route to Kilimanjaro. After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau to meet up with the Machame Route. Groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other game.
Rongai Route This remote and less frequently used route is the second easiest route to Kilimanjaro. The approach to the mountain is from the less-forested north side and the descent is by the Marangu Route. There are several variations, the one described below is a longer route taking in Mawenzi Tarn.
Shira Route - The Shira route, approaches Kilimanjaro’s summit from the west and crosses the caldera of Shira Volcano before heading beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo. The route is seldom used by other trekkers and so your initial two days on the mountain are less crowded than on most other routes.
When to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is very near the Equator, just 280 km south to be exact, but that doesn’t mean it has the same weather patterns every day of the year. As is true throughout tropical areas, there are wet seasons and dry seasons even if the air temperature itself doesn’t swing wildly. And of course the temperature at the base and the temperature at the summit can be drastically different as well.
You can climb Kilimanjaro all year round, but some seasons are much better than others. It’s not just an issue of whether to bring an umbrella or not - going during the rainy season can be dangerous and decrease your chances of reaching the summit.
The short answer
The weather on Kilimanjaro is always a bit unpredictable, but generally speaking the best months to climb are mid-December through February. The second-best choice is from the middle of June through September. Due to the traffic issue discussed below, the ideal combination of predictably good conditions and moderate crowds is mid February or late September, early October.
A bit more detail
In addition to the weather at the base, and on different parts of the mountain itself, you’ve also got another thing to consider: traffic. That’s right, this is a popular climb and during certain parts of the year you’ll be anything but alone up there, and during other times you might see very few, if any, other groups. The peak seasons for high traffic are around the Christmas holidays and during summer in the northern hemisphere. Obviously this is because that’s when most people have enough time off to climb, so if you can work your schedule around this a bit you can increase your chances of a great experience.
The worst times to go climbing Kilimanjaro
From the middle of March through the middle of June the rain comes down incessantly and sometimes mixes with snow. Climbing in these conditions can be somewhat miserable, slow, dangerous, and will decrease the likelihood of reaching the summit.
From around the middle of November through the middle of December is similar, making it another very challenging time to climb.
It’s always busy on New Years, Christmas and full moons.
A few more notes on weather
Kilimanjaro is one of the tallest mountains on earth and the weather can change from perfect to terrible and back again within a short time, even during the best seasons. Even during the dry seasons it’s advisable to bring rain gear.
The mountain is often covered in clouds during the middle of the day, and yet clear in the morning and at sunset.
It’s not uncommon for the first 2 or 3 days of your climb to be in the rain, and then you’ll be above the clouds the rest of the way.
It’s possible for a group on a 7-day climb to literally be in rain the entire week. Be prepared with rain gear and boots that can handle mud. Trekking poles are also recommended. It helps you in the mud.
Many climbers - and even guides - bring an umbrella on the trip. It’s quite nice to have.
How To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania: Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania: Africa's highest mountain, snow-capped.
