You can climb Kilimanjaro year-round, but the best weather conditions are typically from December to early March and from mid-June to October. Continue reading for more details on the different seasons…
If you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro, it’s important to step up your workout routine. Focus on building stamina and leg strength to prepare for the physical demands of the trek. In How should I train for Kilimanjaro?, we cover the best training schedule to help you get ready for the climb.
While you don’t need to be a fitness expert to summit the mountain, we’ve seen time and again that many climbers show up without sufficient training, which can make the climb much more difficult.
Putting in the effort and time to train in the months leading up to your trek will not only make the climb more enjoyable, but it will also improve your chances of success. We strongly encourage you to begin training at least two months before your climb. Even if you’re already fit, it’s important to do specific trekking exercises to prepare your body for this type of activity.
As you begin your Kilimanjaro climb, we recommend starting at a steady and manageable pace. Don’t feel the need to rush. It’s perfectly fine if your pace doesn’t match that of others. The lead guides will set a slower pace to help you adjust gradually to the increasing altitude.
Remember, climbing Kilimanjaro is not a race. Everyone has their own unique journey, and it’s important to focus on your personal progress. Don’t worry about what others are doing or how quickly they’re moving. Take it slow—pole pole (slowly, slowly), as the locals say.
Climbing Kilimanjaro offers you a rare chance to slow down and reflect. We suggest keeping a journal to capture your thoughts and reflections throughout the trek. It’s a journey that will teach you valuable lessons about life, yourself, and what truly matters.
Staying warm on Kilimanjaro is crucial, so packing the right clothing is essential. Our detailed Kilimanjaro packing list covers the layers you’ll need and the best fabrics for a successful trek.
As you begin most Kilimanjaro routes, you’ll trek through the rainforest zone. During the day, lightweight clothing like shirts and shorts is often sufficient. However, nights in this zone can be damp and chilly.
As you ascend into the heath zone, temperatures drop significantly. The sparse vegetation provides little protection from the wind, which becomes noticeably stronger. In the alpine desert zone higher up, conditions become even colder, with nighttime temperatures often plunging below freezing at base camp.
On summit day, you’ll enter the arctic zone, characterized by snow, ice, and fierce winds. At this stage, you’ll need to wear heavy-duty, insulated gear to shield yourself from the extreme cold and harsh elements. Staying prepared for these conditions is key to a successful and comfortable climb.
While the primary focus for summit night is understandably on keeping warm, remember that the solar rays are fierce at this altitude. You’ll need a good pair of sunglasses to avoid snow blindness as well as some sunscreen for the bits of your face that are exposed. Oh, and don’t forget some lip balm with SPF too!
Swahili is a centuries-old language that emerged along the East African coast between 500 and 1,000 AD. It evolved through the blending of Arabic, spoken by traders, with the Bantu languages of the region. Over time, Swahili has also incorporated words from English, German, and Portuguese.
Enhance your Kilimanjaro adventure by learning a few Swahili phrases before your trip. Locals always appreciate it when visitors make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just basic greetings and courtesies!
Most Kilimanjaro climbers opt for a hydration pack, such as a CamelBak, which allows for convenient sips of water without the hassle of reaching for a bottle. It’s a practical choice, and we include it as a recommendation in our Kilimanjaro packing list.
However, we also strongly advise bringing along a one-liter water bottle. This is essential because the hose of your hydration pack can freeze during the frigid temperatures of summit night, leaving you without access to water. To prevent this, keep your water bottle insulated by placing it upside down in a sock inside your backpack. Even if freezing starts, the bottle’s design allows you to access liquid, as water freezes from the top down.
A one-liter bottle is also useful at camp. It’s easy to carry around for drinking or tasks like brushing your teeth, sparing you the trouble of constantly accessing your hydration bladder.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is no walk in the park—it’s a challenge, but a rewarding one. While your cook will provide you with nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, bringing your own snacks is essential. High-energy options like power bars, nuts, beef jerky, and dried fruit are excellent choices. Avoid snacks that could melt or spoil during the climb.
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in high-altitude trekking. It not only fuels your body but also helps reduce symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches. Staying hydrated is equally vital—drinking plenty of water can help prevent and alleviate the effects of altitude sickness.
Porters will carry the bulk of the water required for the trek, but you’ll need to manage what you consume each day. Make sure your hydration system can carry about three liters of water to keep you adequately hydrated throughout your journey.
Sharing Snacks and Gear
“Pack plenty of snacks like power bars, nuts, and other treats. Sharing these with porters you meet along the way often earns you a heartfelt and genuine smile. I wish I had brought even more! Also, if you have any spare hiking, rain, or sports clothing at home that you no longer use, consider bringing it along to gift them at the end of your trek.”
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