1. Selecting a date
The driest months of the year, particularly January/February and August/September, are the ideal periods to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. However, there are reasonable odds of favorable weather on Kilimanjaro any time between January and mid-March or between June and October.
2. Selecting your Kilimanjaro climb's route and time.
There are numerous ways to climb Kilimanjaro. The length and level of difficulty varies. All but one call for you to set up camp. The Marangu path requires you to stay in shelters; camping is not permitted.
The bare minimum time for a Kilimanjaro trek is five days, and six is preferable. Six days is the very minimum, and seven days is advised, for the well-traveled Machame route.
Your chances of reaching the peak will be significantly increased by adding a second day for acclimatization. For those who can, there are longer treks available.
3. Deciding on a hiking company or climber
The Kilimanjaro National Park guards Mount Kilimanjaro. The costly Kilimanjaro park fees and restricted access make climbing the mountain fairly pricey.
However, read the page on the actual cost of climbing Kilimanjaro before looking for a cheap climb.
The only way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is with a licensed guide or trekking company. If you're camping, a professional climb operator will provide guides, a cook, porters, food, water, and camping supplies.
You have no need, or even an opportunity, to care about the specifics. You don't need to prepare food or set up your tent or carry anything other than a daypack. You simply select the Kilimanjaro tour company.
The majority of climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro do so from abroad. This is unquestionably advised for the majority of climbers as opposed to choosing a climb operator on-site at the last minute.
There is an astounding amount of Mt. Kilimanjaro tour options. The level of quality varies greatly, ranging from careless "cowboy" attire to opulent climbers who practically carry you to the summit.
A good operator that is also considerate of their personnel is who you should be looking for. On Mount Kilimanjaro, DO NOT pinch pennies. Don't attempt the Kilimanjaro climb with a less expensive company.
(I frequently receive letters asking me to recommend a particular operator. It exists. Through this page, you can get in touch with my favorite operator.)
In order to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you must first prepare:
- You must make flight reservations.
- You must arrange for your visa.
- You must receive the necessary vaccines.
- The required equipment must be purchased or rented.
- You must become physically fit.
Booking your airline tickets
Your trekking agency may arrange your Kilimanjaro flight for you if you reserve your Kilimanjaro trip from abroad. If not, you must take that action.
Kilimanjaro Airport is, indeed, the nearest airport to Mount Kilimanjaro (JRO). Most travelers fly into Kilimanjaro Airport, which is halfway between Arusha and Moshi.
The actual Mount Kilimanjaro is closer to Moshi. There are a lot of trekking agencies there, but there are also a lot in Arusha. (Arusha is the starting point for trips to Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, Tarangire, and other Tanzanian wildlife preserves.)
If you're considering a lengthy stay in Tanzania, you might also wish to fly into or out of one of the other major airports nearby, such as Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Nairobi
5. Planning for your visa
Tanzania requires a visa for entry, as well as a passport that is still valid for at least another six months.
Find out how to get your visa by calling the Tanzanian embassy in your place of residency or visiting their website.
You can get a visa once you arrive in Tanzania if your nation does not have a Tanzanian embassy.
6. Getting immunizations
A yellow fever certificate might be required, and several other immunizations are advised. Consult your doctor as soon as possible because some of them must be begun months in advance.
You might also wish to take anti-malaria medicine depending on your vacation itinerary. Consult your physician about it.
The length of your stay and any additional destinations you may wish to visit outside Kilimanjaro, such as Zanzibar or a safari, will determine exactly what you need.
7. Gathering the appropriate gear.
High-quality camping gear is included in the price if you made your reservation with a reputable operator.
Many Kilimanjaro tour companies also provide extra equipment for rent, which you might not want to buy for a single use or carry around Tanzania on a long journey.
Down sleeping bags, insulating pads, and down coats are frequently available for rental.
In addition, you will require excellent quality, thermal under and outer layers of clothing, gloves, a warm cap, decent sunglasses, sunscreen (for the lips, too! ), a daypack, rain protection for everything, water bottles/camelback, and more.
The most crucial thing is to have well-worn, high-quality hiking boots.
Here is a list of the necessary Kilimanjaro gear, and here are some additional packing suggestions.
8. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Because Mt. Kilimanjaro doesn't require specialized knowledge or mountaineering gear, it is a well-liked climb. In actuality, it is a hike rather than a climb. You can ascend by walking all the way up.
Though it seems simple, it's not!
Learn how to prepare for Mount Kilimanjaro and avoid altitude sickness while climbing it. The more you can accomplish in the months before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the better.
Although particular climbing skills are not necessary to climb Kilimanjaro, long-distance trekking and hiking experience definitely helps! Additionally, it helps if you are accustomed to roughing it since climbing Kilimanjaro would undoubtedly require you to do so.
Only approximately half of those who climb Kilimanjaro reach the summit. Don't be deterred by that! There are operators who genuinely claim to have client success rates of 80% to 90%. (Okay, some people might exaggerate a little, but with the appropriate preparation, you can attack Kili with a success rate of greater than 90%.)
Altitude sickness is almost often the cause of unsuccessful summit efforts. Learn how to avoid altitude sickness while climbing Kilimanjaro.
Mt. Kilimanjaro summit success is not determined by chance, age, prior fitness level, or experience. Everything depends on you. You must be prepared to commit the time and energy necessary for study and money it take.
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