Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Its permanently snowcapped peak rises from the equator, only 290km from a tropical coastline. The almost 6km high peak was made after a series of volcanic eruptions about 1 million years ago. Kilimanjaro is still active. The latest activity was registered in the 1940’s.
The base of this immense mountain has a diameter of about 40 miles. Elephants, leopards, lions and colobus monkeys are among the resident animals in this park. The encircling rain forests ensure the fertility of the lush shamba country. The people in this region cultivate coffee, maize and bananas. The trek can take 4 to six days. In 1889, the first Europeans reached the Summit with help of native guides and porters.
| Month | Temperature | Precipitation | Cloudiness | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Warm | Medium | Low | High |
| February | Warm | Medium | Low | High |
| March | Moderate | High | Medium | Low |
| April | Moderate | High | High | Low |
| May | Moderate | High | High | Low |
| June | Cold | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| July | Cold | Medium | Low | High |
| August | Cold | Low | Low | High |
| September | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| October | Moderate | Low | Medium | Medium |
| November | Moderate | High | Medium | Low |
| December | Moderate | Medium | Medium | Medium |
The most common mistake that climbers make is over packing and bring way too much gears.
Be selective in what you pack. Potters are limited to carry up to 33lbs or 15kgs of your personal belongings. Everything carried by porters should be packed in duffel bags. Including the sleeping bag but it’s ok to pack the sleeping bag separately if necessary.
If belongings exceed 33lbs or 15kgs you will be required to hire an additional potter. It’s rare to require an extra potter and should happen only in special cases.
All personal items you will NOT need on your climb can be safely stored at your hotel or our office.
PLASTIC recyclable water bottles are not allowed on your trek. Water can be carried in Nalgene bottles and all other NON-PLASTIC bottles. You should be able to carry 3-4 liters of water with you at all the time.
We recommend not to carry any alcohol with you, it is illegal to have alcohol during your hiking. Our staff will not carry it for you. Alcohol drinking at high altitude is very dangerous.
Checked luggage on airplanes can get lost or delayed on the way to Tanzania. You should prepare for this possibility by carrying on items that are essential to your Kilimanjaro climb. Gear and equipment can be replaced in Tanzania, prior to your climb. If your luggage is lost or delayed please notify us immediately upon your arrival so we can assist you in assembling the necessary gears.
We highly recommend our guests to carry the most important pieces of gear listed below.
What to pack for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb?
– Insulted jacket, fleece or soft shell
– Long sleeve shirt, light-weight, hi-vent fabric
– Water proof pants, breathable (side zipper recommended)
– Hiking pants
– Fleece pants
– Shorts (optional)
– Long underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
– Underwear, moisture –wicking fabric –recommended
– Sports bra for woman
– Brimmed Hat, for face covering –optional
– Knit Hat, for warmth
– Balaclava or Buff, for face covering – optional
– Gloves, warm-water proof (broken in preferably)
– Gloves, thin
-Hiking boots, warm, water-proof (broken in preferably)
– Gym shoe, to wear at the camp (optional)
– Socks, wool or synthetic (3 pairs)
– water proof boots, hiking boots, hiking sneakers
– Sun-glass or active wear Goggles
– Backpack cover, water proof –optional
– Water bottle – Nalgene NON-PLASTIC, 32 0z
– Water bladder-Camel back type, 3lts
– Towel
– A bottle for urination to avoid leaving the tent at night (recommend)
– Staff sacks, dry Bags or plastic bags, various sizes to keep gear dry and separate
– Sleeping Bag, Warm, ALL SEASON RECOMMENDED
– Trekking poles, Collapsible (Highly recommended)
– Head lamp, with extra batteries
– Duffel bag, 50-9 L-Capacity, for you to carry your personal gears
– Toiletries
– Prescriptions
– Lip balm
– Insect Repellent, contain Deep
– First Aid Kit
– Hand sanitizer
– Toilet paper
– Wet wipes –Recommended
– Snacks, light –weight, high calorie, high energy
– Electrolyte, powder or tablets – optional
– Camera with extra batteries
Visa available at the airport upon your arrival
Insurance documents