Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Safaris Tanzania

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Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Safaris Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Tanzania. It has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world, Kilimanjaro national park is home to the continent’s highest mountain, snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro. Around the base of its tallest peak, relatively accessible hiking trails wind through rainforest inhabited by colobus monkeys and past the volcanic caldera of Lake Chala. Approaching the summit of Uhuru Peak, the slopes steepen and are studded with glacial ice fields, though the park is only 1,688 sq. km (652 sq. mi) it encompasses one of the largest mountains in the world.

All you need to Know about Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania

Where is Mount Kilimanjaro Located in Tanzania?

Mount Kilimanjaro is located Just 200 miles from the equator, the mountain holds many glaciers. It is situated in northern Tanzania

 What is the Climate of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Because Mt. Kilimanjaro is more of a vertical park, the climate changes as you ascend the mountain.

The rainforests at the base are usually quite humid and wet. Rising above the cloud line, the air is drier and clear but also much colder. The summit area averages a temperature of -7^oC (19^oF).

What is the best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is accessible any time during the year but the weather patterns on the mountain are erratic and hard to predict. The best time for climbing is during the dry season from late June to October and from December to February are the best months since it’s dry with less rainfall.

How can I get to Mount Kilimanjaro?

All travelers arriving in Tanzania for a safari usually arrive through Kilimanjaro international airport and from there our guides will pick you up and transfer you to your booked lodge or hotel at the base of the mountain before the start of your safari

What to expect while Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires one to be physically fit as only 70% of the hikers make it to the peak.

Africa’s highest mountain stands a proud 5,896m and is surrounded by a national park of 756 sq. km. All routes lead to the summit circuit and twin peaks Kibo and Mawenzi (5,149 m), which are connected by an 11 km saddle. The collapsed peak Shira (3,962 m) has become a crater. Many attempt the climb but only 20-50% complete the top.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located at the north/eastern tip of Tanzania. For the adventurous, a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro is a must taking you through the mists of the equatorial jungle to reach the snows and breath-taking views from the summit.

See our popular Mount Kilimanjaro hiking safaris

Are there any safety concerns I should consider before hiking Mount Kilimanjaro?

Please check with your doctor to ensure you are fully aware of the dangers of climbing at this high altitude before traveling to Tanzania and we also strongly recommend our clients to purchase insurance for evacuation just incase

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

It varies. Kilimanjaro can be completed in as little as five days or as many as nine days depending on the selected route. There are six main routes for climbing Kilimanjaro which originate from several points around the mountain.

How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?

It depends on the route. It is often reported that half of the people who attempt to climb will fail. However, this can be mitigated by choosing longer routes that increase the success rate dramatically. The best routes take 8 or 9 days and have 85% to 95% success rates.

Mostly it’s the elevation. At the peak, there is about half the oxygen in the air as there is at sea level. Operating in a low oxygen environment stresses the body. The body needs to adapt to high altitudes to continue functioning or risk becoming sick. Gradual ascent is the key to decreasing the chances of altitude sickness.

Does Kilimanjaro require technical climbing, such as rock climbing or ice climbing?

There is no technical climbing and very little exposure (risk of injury due to a fall) or steep drop-offs on the trails. There are some short sections where some scrambling is required (use of hands and feet), but the vast majority of the climb only involves trekking.

Is climbing Kilimanjaro dangerous?

Kilimanjaro is not dangerous relative to other high peaks, but there are about 10 deaths reported every year out of the approximately 30,000 people who climb, mostly due to acute mountain sickness (AMS). Having good guides who have the right medical training is very important for all climbers.

Do you need a guide to climb Kilimanjaro?

Yes. It is a requirement for anyone climbing Kilimanjaro to be accompanied by a specialist mountaineering guide who is licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. Most people who climb have a team of crew members consisting of a lead guide, assistant guide, cook, and porters.

How fit do you need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?

You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete or superhuman. A reasonable degree of fitness is sufficient for most people to have a successful climb. As we mentioned before, Kilimanjaro is suitable for beginners; they do very well. The best advice is for everyone to arrive in great shape. Don’t underestimate the climb because you know someone who did it who you believe was not fit. Train for the adventure.

Where do clients sleep while on the hike?

Yes. For the most part, when climbing Kilimanjaro, you are camping (there is one route that has sleeping huts). We provide foam sleeping pads and rental sleeping bags.

How cold does it get during the hike?

Some people think Kilimanjaro doesn’t get cold because it’s in hot Africa. Conversely, the top of the mountain is very cold and windy, especially at night. The coldest temperatures one would experience here usually range between 20F and -20F (-7C to -29C).

Are there campfires during the hike?

Campfires are not allowed on the mountain. There is simply not enough wood to support open fires. Cooks use propane stoves to prepare meals.

What do you eat when climbing Kilimanjaro?

On a fully supported Kilimanjaro expedition, the food is prepared by a mountain chef and his team. The entrees that are served typically are western-style dishes that a visitor would find familiar and delicious, such as spaghetti with meat sauce, fried chicken with fries and chicken curry with rice, beef stew with potatoes we also arrange local foods such as ugali and cabbage, and sweet desserts.

Are there toilets during the hike?

There are public toilets at each campsite, however, they are pretty basic, however, if you need to use the toilets during the hike from campsite to the other then you will have to use African bush toilet

Are there showers on Kilimanjaro?

There are no showers on the Kilimanjaro hike. If you want, bring wet wipes and a towel off when you feel funky. Or you can use the water we supply to rinse off here and there.

How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

In an honest opinion, the best Kilimanjaro hikes range from 3000$ to 6000$ for this fee you will be assured of quality service, safety, and expert guides

Do I need a lot of gear to climb Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro does require quite a bit of gear. The climb goes through several distinct ecological zones, starting in the rainforest and peaking in the arctic zone. The clothing you take on the mountain needs to be able to keep you warm and dry through cold and wet weather conditions. You will need some technical clothing (waterproof, insulated, breathable fabrics), good footwear, and equipment (sleeping bag, day pack, duffel bag). Tents are provided.

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