Africa is full of contrasts and we guarantee you the maximum positive emotions you will receive!
Climbing Kilimanjaro is an ascent to the highest point in Africa and is part of the โ7 Summits, 7 Continentsโ program. In addition, Kilimanjaro, despite its accessibility, is an adventure that is worth the money spent. During the program, you will get acquainted with different climatic zones, climb, visit national parks and relax on the island of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean.
What awaits you, impressions of climbing Kilimanjaro:
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Safari in Ngoro Ngoro National Park
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Safari in Lake Manyara National Park
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Real jungle, savannah and lots of wild animals
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Climbing the highest point in Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro, 5895 m
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Diving and fishing on the island of Zanzibar
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Great mood and unforgettable vacation
Climbing season on Kilimanjaro
The best time to climb Kili (Uhuru Peak) is the dry season: July-September and January-March. Also November-December, April-May are the season of short rains, when you can also climb. At this time, the weather is good, when there is no rain or extreme heat. In cities +20…+30 degrees. Usually hot and dry. Rain is possible occasionally. At the top, the temperature can drop to -5…-15 degrees. October-December, May-July are the rainiest seasons on Kili. But in general, climbing the mountain can be done all year round, since this is equatorial Africa and the temperature here is +/- the same all year round, the only question is the mountain panoramas from the top. During the dry season, the views and scenery are at their most vibrant.
Features of climbing Kilimanjaro
The peculiarity of climbing Kilimanjaro is that along the route you can encounter almost all climatic zones. You start the trek in the warm tropics and climb in shorts and a T-shirt, and the climb itself will have to be done in warm clothes and trekking boots.
Difficulty of climbing Kilimanjaro, climbing the mountain for beginners
Technically, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro does not require special skills and is accessible to beginners. All days we will climb the trail; no special preparation is needed. This route can definitely be recommended for beginners, provided they are in good physical condition. To climb the mountain you will need a set of warm clothes and trekking boots.
Climbing routes to Kili
There are six main routes on Kilimanjaro: Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Umbwe, Lemosho and Northern Traverse, and each has its own characteristics.
Marangu – “Coca-Cola”, 5-6 days
The first tourist route that was opened on Kilimanjaro. It goes to the top from the southeast. This is the most popular route as it is the shortest and the only one provided with huts. Therefore, most commercial agencies and operators selling the most budget trips flock here, as well as a huge crowd of people who want to conquer the top of Africa on their own.
Machame – “Whiskey”, 6 days
This is the second most popular route, it is longer than Marangu by one day, which allows for better acclimatization. Machame is rapidly growing in popularity, as the likelihood of climbing to the top here increases due to the lengthening of the acclimatization period. The route begins in the tropical forest, passes through all climatic zones and has the most diverse landscapes. The downside to this is that there are several dozen people in view at all times.
Lemosho, 8 days
This route starts from the east and is considered the most balanced both in terms of physical activity and altitude acclimatization. Lemosho is the longest, smoothest and most โexclusiveโ route. It has the most beautiful panoramas and is best suited for beginners who have no experience of high-altitude climbing.
Rongai, 6-7 days
A lesser known route, it starts in the northeast in a coniferous forest and passes close to the Mawenzi volcano (the second highest peak in Tanzania). There are usually few tourists on this route, so it is perfect for the high season, when the number of climbers increases noticeably. In terms of physical activity and altitude acclimatization, it is similar to the Marangu route. It is interesting due to its picturesque landscapes and the opportunity to meet animals.
Umbwe, 7-8 days
One of the most difficult routes. It starts in the rainforest in the south and has the steepest climb, usually used for high-speed climbs. Umbwe is the shortest and steepest route. Requires good physical fitness and high-altitude trekking experience. Ideal for people who already have high-altitude acclimatization and do not want to waste time on long treks.
Northern traverse, 8 days
The longest route to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro starts from the east and passes through all landscape areas. The best for high-altitude acclimatization, but has very long treks between camps and requires good physical preparation. It is not inferior in beauty to the Lemosho route and is the only route that runs along the northern slope of the mountain. Perfect for people who have already had experience climbing Kilimanjaro along other routes and want to repeat the trip with new impressions.
See the Kilimanjaro climbing route map
Duration of the climb to Kili
The optimal number of days to climb Uhuru Peak is 6-8 days. Despite its relative accessibility, the absence of glaciers along the route and steep climbs, the factors of high mountains must be taken into account here. It is important that the mountain has a height of more than 5000 m and, accordingly, you need to be prepared for altitude adaptation and mountain sickness; in fact, the climb to the top (assault) occurs on the 4-5th day of the program; on the day of the assault you need to gain more than 1300 vertical meters. Transitions along the route are 10-20 km, daily. Which will require good physical fitness and endurance from you.
How much does a Kilimanjaro tour cost?
The price of climbing Kilimanjaro depends on the route you choose. We offer the Machame Route for $1650 with a local guide, and $2000 with a Russian-speaking guide. The cost of a Kilimanjaro tour depends very much on the chosen route and the duration of the climb. The climb cannot be done cheaply, since the cost of one stay in the national park costs $120 per person (permit) + the work of porters, a cook and a guide. Thatโs why the price of climbing Kili is so high, and you canโt save much. In addition, whether you climbed to the top or not, you are required to pay a $150 tip to the staff at the end of the climb.
Physical preparation before Kilimanjaro
This route can definitely be recommended for beginners, provided they are in good physical condition. We recommend starting training no later than 2-3 months before the start of the expedition. Optimally running 3-4 times a week 5-8 km, general physical training, swimming and cycling. Workouts can be alternated. The main workout should last at least 1 hour, we recommend including stair climbing and squats.
Independent climbing of Kilimanjaro
The governments of Tanzania and Kenya have banned independent climbing of Kili. Therefore, you must be accompanied by a local guide. Having a ukrainian-speaking guide is a matter of comfort, safety and atmosphere.
Guide to Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro has a list of approved agencies; all local guides who accompany the program are licensed by the Tanzanian government. In addition, we offer you the accompaniment of a Russian-speaking guide, who will create a special atmosphere and provide additional security, and will resolve all issues and communication with the local population.
Watch a webinar on how to climb Kilimanjaro from our guides
Preparing to climb Kilimanjaro