Mt Kilimanjaro trekking

All Trekking Routes and Tours to Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Why people trekk Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania?

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, and the highest free-standing mountain above sea level in the world, at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level and 4,900 m (16,100 ft) above its plateau base meaning it is not part of an actual mountain range. Mount Kilimanjaro is considered a stratovolcano, made up of layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and tephra, forming three separate volcanic peaks. Two of the peaks are considered to be extinct – Mawenzi and Shira, and the third peak, Kibo, the highest, is considered dormant but not yet extinct, with the last volcanic activity occurring approximately 200,000 years ago.

Mount Kilimanjaro has 7 main routes which lead to the summit Uhuru Peak. One Kilimanjaro route starts on the North part of the mountain and the rest on the South part. Those routes are Marangu route, Machame route, Lemosho route, Shira route, Rongai route, Northern Circuit and Umbwe route. Our safariparksoutreach organise to trekking with 3 routes which are Marangu route, Machame route and Lemosho route.

MOUNT KILIMANJARO PACKING LIST

  • NOTE:The porters will carry your main duffel bag. The weight of this pack on Mt Kilimanjaro is strictly limited to 15 kg (35 pounds). Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter

    In your bag-pack take water, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain pants, jacket and other items you might need during the day because you won’t have access to your main luggage until the end of your trek for the day. Carry your trekking gears on the plane with you especially your boots and others in case baggage is delayed at Airport during connecting other flight.

    • Hard shell outer jacket:A water/windproof hard shell outer jacket to protect you from the elements. Goretex material is best. Recommended brands include The North Face, Arc’teryx, Berghaus and Mountain Hardwear
 
    • Insulated jacket: A good quality and warm down or primaloft jacket is required for the cold nights and summit push. Recommended brands include The North Face, Rab, Arc’Teryx and Mountain Hardwear
    • Fleece or soft shell jacket: A mid-weight polartec fleece jacket is ideal for Kilimanjaro. Berghaus, Helly Hansen and The North Face all make great fleeces
    • Long sleeve shirt: Go for a light or medium weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt (x2). Icebreaker, Berghaus and Under Armour make great breathable trekking shirts.
    • Thermal base layer:
    • 1 x thermal base layer, ideally made from merino wool. Recommended brand is Icebreaker
    • Short sleeved shirt: 2 x lightweight, moisture wicking short sleeved shirts. Recommend brands include Icebreaker, Under Armour, Columbia.Day-back-Your main gear will be carried by a porter (up to 15kg) .You will need to carry your own daypack. 30-40L is sufficient. We recommend Osprey daypacks.
    • Waterproof duffle bag

      To carry your main gear we recommend using a 80-90L duffle bag. Large rucksacks (>65L) can also work.

    • Sleeping bag:        You will need a 4-season or -20 Deg C sleeping bag and compression sack. We recommend Mountain Hardwear or The North Face sleeping bags. You can hire sleeping bags from our team in Tanzania
    • Trekking poles: Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. They are great for going down Kili! We recommend adjustable Black Diamond trekking poles
    • Water bladder / bottles: mt kilimanjaroCapacity to carry 3 litres of water. Options: 2 x 1.5 litre wide mouth nalgene bottles or 2 litre platypus + 1 litre water bottle. Note that disposable plastic bottles are not permitted on Kilimanjaro
    • Neck gaiter or scarf: It can get dusty on Kilimanjaro. We recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana. The most versatile options are made by Buff or Hoo-Rag Headwear
  • Warm beanie style hat: Go for a version of a beanie that is either knitted or fleeced for extra warmth. The North Face, Berghaus and Columbia all make good outdoor beanies
  • Sun hat: Preferably go for a hat that is wide-brimmed for protection, and has a neck cover if you aren’t going to be wearing a neck gaiter
  • Headlamp:
  • You will need a headlamp with good light output for any late night toilet journeys, and importantly for summit night. Petzl make market-leading and affordable headlamps
  • Sunglasses: Choose a pair of high UV protection glasses as sun intensity above 4,500m is very high. Julbo are a great mountain sunglass brand but any brand with high UV protection will suffice
  • Warm gloves or mittens: For the cold nights and for the summit push we recommend heavyweight, insulated, preferably water resistant gloves. The North Face and Black Diamond are recommended brands
  • Lightweight Gloves: For lower slopes we recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. Berghaus and The North Face make good lightweight gloves
  • Trekking boot: We recommend using a mid-weight trekking boots with good ankle support. Recommended brands include: Salomon, Scarpa,
  • Training shoes: To wear around camp after a day’s trek we recommend bringing a pair of training shoes or sandals
  • Socks: 3-4 pairs of outer socks and 2-3 pairs of liner socks. We also recommend bringing 1 x thick thermal socks for summit night. Merino wool is the best material and Bridgedale or Smartwool make good trekking socks
  • Gaiters: Help keep your trousers clean in wet and muddy or dusty conditions.
  • Hard shell trousers: To protect yourself from the elements you need a good pair of waterproof / windproof hard shell trousers. Ideally Goretex. Patagonia,

Leggings: Thermal or fleece base layer for your legs. Merino wool is preferable. Recommend brand is Icebreaker.

Trekking trousers: Light or medium weight (x1) trekking trousers. Convertible trousers are an option. Recommended brands include Craghoppers and Columbia

  • Main rucksack or duffle bag (70 litres):Porters are not allowed to carry more than 20kg in total and this allowance needs to include space for their own belongings. So make sure your bag does not exceed the weight of 15kg.
  • Day pack (30-40 litres):This is the bag you will carry every day on your back, so make sure it has room for essentials such as water bottles, spare layers and waterproofs, camera etc. We rent out the Vorlich 40L day pack which has its own rain cover and is perfect for a trip like this.
  • Dry bags / tough poly bags: Make sure all your contents are wrapped in waterproof bags to keep them dry. Use them also to store used clothes during the trek.

Waterproof bagcovers: Waterproof sacks in case of rain but make sure you bring a cover for your day pack.

  • Travel bag: bring one other bag or case to leave in the hotel with your travel clothes inside.

WHAT ARE PERSONAL ACESSORIES/ITEMS SHOULD I CARRY DURING MT KILIMANJARO TREKKING?

Here, we are talking about all those little things that can make a big difference to your Mt Kilimanjaro climb. You’ll find them all listed in our packing list, so read it carefully to ensure your climb is as safe, comfortable and trouble-free as possible.

  • Sunscreen this protects against sunburn, which can be severe even at altitude.
  • Lip Balm-This protects hikers’ lips against both wind and sun.
  • Insect Repellent-containing DEET Useful for the nights spent at the hotel, before and after the climb.
  • Hand Sanitiser- 2 tubes are recommended. Toilets and water for handwashing are only available at the camps.
  • Wet Wipes (100 pcs recommended)-Toilets and water for handwashing are only available at the camps. Can also be useful for washing at the camps.
  • Sunglasses or Goggles-Good quality pair needed to protect against the sun/snow, especially recommended at high altitude.
  • Waterproof backpack cover-This will help keep rain out of your backpack.
  • Water Bottle (Reusable made out of a material that will prevent water from freezing at high altitudes.) 3 water bottles are recommended as the ‘camelbak’ s
  • Water Bladder- (Camelbak type, 3 liters) Easy to carry and easy to drink from during daylight hiking.
  • Small Towel – lightweight and quick-dry useful for morning and evening washing in the camps.
  • Binoculars (optional)- small pair lets you make the most of the spectacular scenery.
  • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)-Batteries do not last long at high altitude, so bring spares
  • Cash (USD notes to be 2009 and above, credit and debit cards) Cash will be needed for tipping and for visits to souvenir shops.
  • Book/Kindle-There will be time to relax in the evenings reading to make your brain sharpen and relaxing from the trekking.
  • Ear plugs pair- Your tent companion may have a snoring problem.
  • Head Lamp-with extra batteries head torch/head lamp is needed on summit night, leaving you both hands free. Bring extra batteries.
  • Locks for bags-Remember, there are many hiking groups at the camps. Lock your bags at mealtimes and at night time.
  • Money belt -Allows you to keep your money and credit cards with you at all times.
  • Outlet adapter (UK Type Socket) Voltage in Tanzania is 230 volts. Your adaptor should be the three-pin – type G, as used in the UK.
  • Watch and Mobile Phone with charger for photos, but remember there is no electricity on this mountain.
  • Solar charger- can be a useful tool for recharging your phones or cameras.
  • Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy, It’s good to have some high-energy snacks for between meals, or if you need a sudden extra energy boost. You need more protein during your Mt Kilimanjaro trekking.

NOTE: These are perfect for carrying any rubbish you accumulate.

  • Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
  • A toothbrush, toothpaste and a deodorant
  • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)You keep memory to your brain when you write on paper/book. Just take a note book for your trip.
  • Medication (Consult with your doctor about options to manage altitude sickness) Any prescription medications you take, plus anything recommended by your doctor for combating altitude sickness

WHAT OUR FIRST AID KIT CONTAIN?

 

  • Ibuprofen -used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis. It is also used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
  • Plasters -Are used for wound treatment or for treating disturbances in moveable joints. Medical plasters can not only be used for treating wounds, but also for holding wound covers, stabilizing joints and covering puncture points.
  • Medical Tape – is an adhesive tape that is specifically designed to be used directly on skin to hold wound bandages or other first aid or medical appliances in place. Medical tape needs to be skin safe, easy to use, and strong enough to work well when skin is moving, bending, or damp
  • Anti-histamines-Are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergy. They work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
  • Antibacterial gel/wipes-These help to kill germs soothes and heals wounds, protects against infection and can be used to treat cuts and grazes, minor burns and scalds, small areas of sunburn, dry chapped skin, nappy rash, insect bites, spots and pimples.
  • Loperamide-This is used to treat sudden diarrhoea. It works by slowing down the movement of the gut. This decreases the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery.
  • Oral rehydration solution (ORs) is a type of fluid replacement used to prevent and treat dehydration, especially that due to diarrhea. It involves drinking water with modest amounts of sugar and salts, specifically sodium and potassium.
  • Water purification tablets-Are primarily used to kill microbiological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites
  • Insect repellent-These are used to repel mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other biting insects.
  • Diamox (Acetazolamide) is used for the prevention or lessening of symptoms related to mountain sickness in climbers attempting rapid ascent and in those experiencing mountain sickness despite gradual ascent

                                 HOW TO FLY NEAR TO MT KILIMANJARO FOR YOUR TREKKING.

 

To reach Mount Kilimanjaro you need to first land at Kilimanjaro Airport (Kilimanjaro airport code JRO) in Tanzania. Located southwest of the park, Kilimanjaro Airport is equidistant between Arusha and Moshi. Moshi is roughly 45 minutes’ drive away from the airport and most trekkers will spend the night here or near before continuing on to Mount Kilimanjaro to start their trekking.

It is possible to fly into Arusha Airport (airport code ARK), however, it’s a small domestic airport that only receives internal flights including from Zanzibar island. From the Europe, Asia, Canada or US you would need to stop at least twice, but more likely three times before touching down in Arusha. Moshi Airport is even smaller than Arusha and is also a domestic airport but not most useful.

The best way to get to Kilimanjaro is to arrive into Kilimanjaro Airport, which is considerably larger than both neighbouring airports and receives direct international flights. Currently, there are no direct flights to Kilimanjaro from UK or US. it is easy to transit through hub cities in Europe and the nearby countries of Kenya, Ethiopia and Qatar.

The best and most reliable option is to fly direct to Kilimanjaro International Airport(JRO) from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) using KLM Airlines or Qatar Airways.

KLM are very professional and reliable when it comes to any baggage or delay issues (plus Amsterdam is a super cool city!). It is worth nothing that the return flight with KLM to Amsterdam is an evening flight and includes a short stop in Dar es Salaam.

Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways offer indirect flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)too.

Major airport across Europe and United States, both airlines fly direct to Nairobi in Kenya or Addis Ababa in Ethiopia (airport code ADD), and then connect to Kilimanjaro International Airport(JRO), usually with another stop in between.

The downside here is the connecting times and the reliability of these airlines, which frequently report delays and lost/stolen baggage, can be a nightmare for trekkers on a schedule.

There is a direct flight from Hamad International Airport in Doha (airport code DOH) to Kilimanjaro International Airport(JRO). This is not a bad idea for travellers from Asia, Middle East  and Europe  as the flight options from Doha are reasonably priced.

DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JRO)

 

Precision Air – Travellers may flight from other parts in Tanzania including Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Mwanza to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Air Kenya – based out of Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi, Kenya, their flights to Kilimanjaro take approximately 1 hour.

Air Tanzania – Travellers may flight from other parts in Tanzania including Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Mwanza to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

PERSONAL ACCESSORIES/ITEMS

 Here, we are talking about all those little things that can make a big difference to your Mt Kilimanjaro climb. You’ll find them all listed in our packing list, so read it carefully to ensure your climb is as safe, comfortable and trouble-free as possible.

  • Sunscreen this protects against sunburn, which can be severe even at altitude.
  • Lip Balm-This protects hikers’ lips against both wind and sun.
  • Insect Repellent-containing DEET Useful for the nights spent at the hotel, before and after the climb.
  • Hand Sanitiser- 2 tubes are recommended. Toilets and water for handwashing are only available at the camps.
  • Wet Wipes (100 pcs recommended)-Toilets and water for handwashing are only available at the camps. Can also be useful for washing at the camps.
  • Sunglasses or Goggles-Good quality pair needed to protect against the sun/snow, especially recommended at high altitude.
  • Waterproof backpack cover-This will help keep rain out of your backpack.
  • Water Bottle (Reusable made out of a material that will prevent water from freezing at high altitudes.) 3 water bottles are recommended as the ‘camelbak’ s
  • Water Bladder- (Camelbak type, 3 liters) Easy to carry and easy to drink from during daylight hiking.
  • Small Towel – lightweight and quick-dry useful for morning and evening washing in the camps.
  • Binoculars (optional)- small pair lets you make the most of the spectacular scenery.
  • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)-Batteries do not last long at high altitude, so bring spares
  • Cash (USD notes to be 2009 and above, credit and debit cards) Cash will be needed for tipping and for visits to souvenir shops.
  • Book/Kindle-There will be time to relax in the evenings reading to make your brain sharpen and relaxing from the trekking.
  • Ear plugs pair- Your tent companion may have a snoring problem.
  • Head Lamp-with extra batteries head torch/head lamp is needed on summit night, leaving you both hands free. Bring extra batteries.
  • Locks for bags-Remember, there are many hiking groups at the camps. Lock your bags at mealtimes and at night time.
  • Money belt -Allows you to keep your money and credit cards with you at all times.
  • Outlet adapter (UK Type Socket) Voltage in Tanzania is 230 volts. Your adaptor should be the three-pin – type G, as used in the UK.
  • Watch and Mobile Phone with charger for photos, but remember there is no electricity on this mountain.
  • Solar charger- can be a useful tool for recharging your phones or cameras.
  • Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy, It’s good to have some high-energy snacks for between meals, or if you need a sudden extra energy boost. You need more protein during your Mt Kilimanjaro trekking.

NOTE: These are perfect for carrying any rubbish you accumulate.

  • Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
  • A toothbrush, toothpaste and a deodorant
  • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)You keep memory to your brain when you write on paper/book. Just take a note book for your trip.
  • Medication (Consult with your doctor about options to manage altitude sickness) Any prescription medications you take, plus anything recommended by your doctor for combating altitude sickness

WHAT OUR FIRST AID KIT CONTAIN?

 

  • Ibuprofen -used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis. It is also used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
  • Plasters -Are used for wound treatment or for treating disturbances in moveable joints. Medical plasters can not only be used for treating wounds, but also for holding wound covers, stabilising joints and covering puncture points.
  • Medical Tape – is an adhesive tape that is specifically designed to be used directly on skin to hold wound bandages or other first aid or medical appliances in place. Medical tape needs to be skin safe, easy to use, and strong enough to work well when skin is moving, bending, or damp
  • Anti-histamines-Are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergy. They work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
  • Antibacterial gel/wipes-These help to kill germs soothes and heals wounds, protects against infection and can be used to treat cuts and grazes, minor burns and scalds, small areas of sunburn, dry chapped skin, nappy rash, insect bites, spots and pimples.
  • Loperamide-This is used to treat sudden diarrhoea. It works by slowing down the movement of the gut. This decreases the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery.
  • Oral rehydration solution (ORs) is a type of fluid replacement used to prevent and treat dehydration, especially that due to diarrhea. It involves drinking water with modest amounts of sugar and salts, specifically sodium and potassium.
  • Water purification tablets-Are primarily used to kill microbiological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites
  • Insect repellent-These are used to repel mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other biting insects.
  • Diamox (Acetazolamide) is used for the prevention or lessening of symptoms related to mountain sickness in climbers attempting rapid ascent and in those experiencing mountain sickness despite gradual ascent

HOW TO FLY NEAR TO MT KILIMANJARO FOR YOUR TREKKING.

To reach Mount Kilimanjaro you need to first land at Kilimanjaro Airport (Kilimanjaro airport code JRO) in Tanzania. Located southwest of the park, Kilimanjaro Airport is equidistant between Arusha and Moshi. Moshi is roughly 45 minutes’ drive away from the airport and most trekkers will spend the night here or near before continuing on to Mount Kilimanjaro to start their trekking.

It is possible to fly into Arusha Airport (airport code ARK), however, it’s a small domestic airport that only receives internal flights including from Zanzibar island. From the Europe, Asia, Canada or US you would need to stop at least twice, but more likely three times before touching down in Arusha. Moshi Airport is even smaller than Arusha and is also a domestic airport but not most useful.

The best way to get to Kilimanjaro is to arrive into Kilimanjaro Airport, which is considerably larger than both neighbouring airports and receives direct international flights. Currently, there are no direct flights to Kilimanjaro from UK or US. it is easy to transit through hub cities in Europe and the nearby countries of Kenya, Ethiopia and Qatar.

The best and most reliable option is to fly direct to Kilimanjaro International Airport(JRO) from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) using KLM Airlines or Qatar Airways.

KLM are very professional and reliable when it comes to any baggage or delay issues (plus Amsterdam is a super cool city!). It is worth nothing that the return flight with KLM to Amsterdam is an evening flight and includes a short stop in Dar es Salaam.

Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways offer indirect flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)too.

Major airport across Europe and United States, both airlines fly direct to Nairobi in Kenya or Addis Ababa in Ethiopia (airport code ADD), and then connect to Kilimanjaro International Airport(JRO), usually with another stop in between.

The downside here is the connecting times and the reliability of these airlines, which frequently report delays and lost/stolen baggage, can be a nightmare for trekkers on a schedule.

There is a direct flight from Hamad International Airport in Doha (airport code DOH) to Kilimanjaro International Airport(JRO). This is not a bad idea for travellers from Asia, Middle East  and Europe  as the flight options from Doha are reasonably priced.

DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JRO)

 

Precision Air – Travellers may flight from other parts in Tanzania including Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Mwanza to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Air Kenya – based out of Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi, Kenya, their flights to Kilimanjaro take approximately 1 hour.

Air Tanzania – Travellers may flight from other parts in Tanzania including Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Mwanza to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

FAQ

Mt Kilimanjaro Frequently asked questions?

There are no bathrooms on Kili. Warm water will be supplied in a bowl and you will be able to wash your face and hands. For the rest you will use wipes. Toilets are simple, hole-in-the-ground types. Portable showers and toilets can be rented at some cost.

Two reasons :The first reason and the most important reason to pick 8 days on the Lemosho Route is acclimatization. The 8-day Lemosho Route provides an increasing your chances of reaching the summit successfully.

Person can use between 5-8 days to trek Mt Kilimanjaro depends of route. The more you spend more days help you for acclimatisation and high chance to summit.

During your trekking the food will be cooked on daily basis which makes you to eat fresh food. You are advised to carry protein snacks during your journey.

 More water found from the streams and boiled before the use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You need to use purification tablets sometime to treat water. Bottled water may be carried for extra cost by porters up to the mountain.

There are no hotels on the mountain and Most of the routes to Mt Kilimanjaro offer camping in tents for accommodation except Marangu route where you will sleep in huts. Tents normal carried by porters during all the journey to summit. You may bring your own warm sleeping bag. Safariparksoutreach helps to find a place for rent items.

Tiping sound like American culture but for Mt Kilimanjaro crew is part of their daily life. You need to bare in your mind for it. Not only carrying your personal items with but also tipping cash most in USD approx $160-290 per hiker.

You will increase your chances by postive attitude ,choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatising to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatise and pace yourself.

Late December to late February and mid-June to late October are the best times for a Kilimanjaro trekking. This is when the Kilimanjaro weather is nearly ideal. Although other months have rain, it doesn’t mean there are constant heavy showers. Typically, rains begin in the late half of the day.

A moderate fitness level is key to a comfortable and successful Kilimanjaro climb. This means you should be able to run 5 km (3 mile) without difficulty and hike 10 km (6+ mi) in a day. Sometime you may practise carrying bag-back  while hiking. The best ways to train include swimming, cycling, running, and hiking.

Passport- Don’t forget a photocopied version (and also a photo on your phone)

Yellow fever certificate- This is only needed for entering Tanzania if you are coming from or via a country where there is yellow fever, for example if you visited East African Countries.

Travel insurance -Keep a paper copy as well as a digital copy in case you can’t access your phone.

Money- Bring cash as well as credit cards. The hotel takes cards for paying your bar bills, and in the town you will spend mostly Tanzanian shillings.

Flight details- Keep a paper copy because the airport security like to see it when you enter the airport on the way home.

The day come with a large team of people including guides, cooks and porters to carry your main bag as well as tents, kitchen equipment, food, fuel, tables and chairs. While this makes it easier for you to conserve energy and focus on reaching the summit successfully. It does mean that there is a weight limit to carry.  It’s also important to be very aware of the welfare of porters during your climb, so not over-packing is key, carry your important gears only.

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