Mount Kilimanjaro

With its glistening and mystical summit regularly peaking out from billowy clouds, Mount Kilimanjaro is perhaps one of the most recognised images of Africa.

It has been a mountain of myth and superstition throughout the centuries, for anyone who sees it from either land or air, must wonder ‘what must it be like to stand on the "Roof of Africa" and look down from Uhuru Peak’s snowy summit, to the vast plains some 5,896m below?’ Seeing Kilimanjaro for the first time on a clear day is a vision you will never forget. However, unless you have scaled it, you will never get the true sense of its towering majesty. There are several walking or scrambling routes to the summit, accessible for anyone who is determined and reasonably fit. Rongai and Marangu routes are the easiest, while Machame, Shira and Lemosho provide more difficult ascents.

Important points to consider

Our Kilimanjaro climbs all include: the first and last night’s accommodation in Arusha, transfers to and from the park gates, a mix of huts or tents on the mountain, all your food, an experienced and highly-trained mountain guide and porters. One of the members of staff will also double as your cook.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in a mix of mountain huts and high-altitude tents, depending on the route. Please note that, owing to their unique location, many of the places are spartan and communal. One must be prepared to ‘rough it’ and simply enjoy the experience, views and location.

Clothing and protection

Many people become overheated when climbing, so it is best to dress in several layers. For instance, thermal vest, undershirt, overshirt, sweater and jacket. Sweating causes loss of bodily fluid and at the same time soaks clothes. These rapidly become cold in the wind or shade. It is therefore recommended that layers be removed as the body heats up. But be sure to put them back on when you stop to rest, enter a shadow or trek after sunset. If you get wet, change into dry clothes immediately. Winds around the saddle and summit can cause severe heat loss by evaporation, so a windproof jacket is required. Hats are also recommended, as they prevent heat loss from the scalp. A balaclava that covers hair, ears, forehead and chin is very useful at high altitudes. Good gloves, sunglasses and sun block are essential. Comfortable ‘broken-in’ boots are imperative.

Equipment

A certain amount of equipment can be hired from the park or the hotels before departure, including: sleeping bag, walking stick, rucksack, warm clothing, rain wear and water-bottle. However, bring your own ‘worn-in’ shoes, including a light pair for walking and use around camp and a pair of boots for mud, rain, snow and ice. Other useful items include: sweater, wind/rain proof jacket, thermal underwear, hat/balaclava, gloves, thermal socks, scarf, sunglasses, sunblock cream, toilet paper, basic first aid kit, personal medicine, sweets, nuts, fruit, money (to purchase drinks at Mandara Hut) and a torch with spare batteries. If sleeping in any of the huts other than those on the Marangu Route (which have bunks and mattresses), it is essential to hire/bring a good ground cloth or foam mat.

Fitness

People attempting to reach the summit should be in good physical condition, able to slowly jog for an hour or more without feeling short of breath or manage a several hour walk. No-one with a sore throat, cold or breathing problems should go above 3,000m. People with heart or lung problems should not attempt the mountain, without consulting their doctor. Being in the right mental state is also important.

Fluids

Everyone should drink four to five litres of fluid each day. Water is best, but fruit juice is a good supplement. Carry your own water-bottle at all times as dehydration is a real problem on the mountain. The air is very dry above 4,000m, so panting should be avoided and breathing ought to be through the nose. Controlled sweating is managed by wearing removable clothing and walking at a gentle pace. Sip fluids frequently.

Food

Appetites are usually good until around 4,000m. After that, few people feel like eating. Light carbohydrate food, like bread, cereals and rice, is highly recommended. These foods help increase oxygen in the blood, as well as providing the body with the necessary 4,000 calories per day. Citrus fruits and bananas are good to eat, as they reduce the alkaline condition of the blood. Avoid fats, rich food, alcohol and tobacco.

Altitude mountain sickness

Above 3,000m, some people begin to experience mountain sickness, which is caused by the body being unable to acclimatise fast enough to the altitude. The best way to prevent this is to ascend very slowly, taking care to eat and drink properly. The symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, sleeplessness and the swelling of hands and feet. Above 4,000m, most people have some of these symptoms.

Porters

Porters are the backbone of a climber's trip. They are the silent ones: the ones who carry the loads, have your equipment set up hours before you arrive and sweat the same vertical path to the summit. They too are human and suffer from mountain sickness, frostbite and hunger. Please advise us if you see porters being treated unfairly, underdressed or overloaded.

Rescue team and medical facilities

The park has a reliable, well-equipped rescue team on the Marangu route. In case of an emergency whilst on another route, the park headquarters is in radio contact with the guides. For medical emergencies, there are the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre and a large hospital in the Moshi area.

The Marangu Route

TOUR CODE RS3101

Ideal for the less-experienced climber, the Marangu Route is the easiest and most popular route to the summit. It is actually classified as a moderate trek rather than a climb and offers accommodation in mountain huts.

Climb Routing

01 Transfer from Arusha to your hotel. Evening briefing and equipment check.

02 Drive to the mountain and start trekking through beautiful rainforest. 3-4 hours’ walking.

03 Leave the forest and cross moorland filled with high heather. 5-6 hours’ walking.

04 Cross the saddle with its lunar landscape. 5-6 hours’ walking.

05 Depart during the early hours for the final ascent to Gilman’s Point to watch the sunrise, then on to Uhuru Peak. 11-15 hours’ walking.

06 Easy-paced trek down to the main gate 5-6 hours’ walking. Transfer to your hotel.

07 Morning transfer for your onward arrangements.

The Rongai Route

TOUR CODE RS3201

This is a favourite of climbers who look to enjoy the scenery and surroundings as they climb. The route approaches the mountain from the north and is classified as a moderate climb. A good level of physical fitness is all that is required and accommodation is in high-altitude tents.

Climb Routing

01 Transfer from Arusha to your hotel. Evening briefing and equipment check.

02 Depart for the mountain. Walk through maize and potato fields, followed by pine forests. 3-4 hours’ walking.

03 A steady walk with spectacular views of the eastern ice-fields and Kibo. 6-7 hours’ walking.

04 Short steep morning climb. Afternoon to acclimatise with time to explore local surroundings. 3-4 hours’ walking.

05 Cross the lunar desert. Rest of the day to acclimatise and early to bed. 5-6 hours’ walking.

06 Depart during the early hours for the final ascent to Gilman’s Point to watch the sunrise, then on to Uhuru Peak. 11-15 hours’ walking.

07 Steady descent through moorland and forest to the base of the mountain. 5-6 hours’ walking. Transfer to your hotel.

08 Morning transfer for your onward arrangements.

The Machame Route

TOUR CODE RS3202

More difficult than the Marangu Route, the Machame Route is favoured by more
experienced climbers and alpine walkers.

This route approaches the mountain from the south-west and provides climbers with spectacular views of Mt. Meru. Accommodation is in Spartan tents/camps and this route is best for those with a little more climbing experience.

Climb Routing

01 Transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing and equipment check.

02 Drive to the mountain. Trek through banana and coffee farms, before crossing the beautiful rainforest and heathland. 4-5 hours’ walking.

03 Steep morning climb, with some of the most magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and Kibo Peak. 4-6 hours’ walking.

04 Trek across the lava ridges of the glacier. 5-7 hours’ walking.

05 Steep morning climb with superb views of the ice-fields. 6-8 hours’ walking.

06 Depart during the early hours for Stella Point, before the final trek to Gilman’s and Uhuru Peak. 11-15 hours’ walking.

07 Easy-paced trek down to the gate. 4-6 hours’ walking. Transfer to your hotel.

08 Morning transfer for your onward arrangements.

The Shira Route

TOUR CODE RS3301

One of the more difficult routes, we only recommend this trail to those with suitable climbing experience. The trek begins on the beautiful plains and moorland to the west, where one can explore the extraordinary rock formations, then cross the southern ice-fields of Kibo.

Climb Routing

01 Transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing and equipment check.

02 Drive to Londorossi Park Gate. Walk through plantations, farmlands and plains, with the chance to see buffalo, roan and other antelope. 6-8 hours’ walking.

03 Trek across heathland, moorland and the plateau’s rock formations. 4-5 hours’ walking.

04 Traverse the northern ice-fields on a steady ascent to Moir. 4-8 hours’ walking.

05 Trek across the lava ridges with views of the towering glacier. 5-7 hours’ walking. Itinerary at a glance

06 Steep morning climb on the south-eastern flank of Kibo. 6-8 hours’ walking. Day Destination Accommodation Board

07 Depart during the early hours for Stella Peak, before the final trek to Gilman’s and Uhuru Point. 11-15 hours’ walking.

08 A gentle descent through lush forest to the base of the park. 4-6 hours’ walking. Transfer to your hotel.

09 Morning transfer for your onward arrangements.

The Lemosho Route

TOUR CODE RS3302

Approaching Kilimanjaro from the west, the trek is initially accompanied by an armed ranger through spectacular forest plantations, rich in buffalo, elephant and other big-game. From here, continue upwards via the Lemosho Glades. It is a great, slow route allowing for maximum acclimatisation before reaching the summit.

Climb Routing

01 Transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing and equipment check.

02 Drive to Londorossi Park Gate. Walk through plantations, farmlands and plains, with the chance to see buffalo, roan and other antelope. 6-8 hours’ walking.

03 Trek across heathland, grassy moorland and the plateau’s rock formations with acclimatisation walks as well. 4-6 hours’ walking.

04 Explore volcanic rock formations of Shira Cathedral with great views of Kibo and Mount Meru. 4-8 hours’ walking.

05 Trek across the lava ridges with incredible views of the towering Heim and Kerstein glaciers. 5-7 hours’ walking.

06 Steep and adventurous morning trek on the south-eastern flank of Kibo. 6-8 hours’ walking.

07 Depart during the early hours for Stella Point, before the final trek to Gilman’s and Uhuru Peak. 11-15 hours’ walking.

08 A gentle descent through lush forest to the base of the park. 4-6 hours’ walking. Transfer to your hotel.

09 Morning transfer for your onward arrangements.