General Information
Mount Kilimanjaro offers stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, providing a unique challenge and a sense of personal achievement when reaching the summit. Additionally, the mountain’s cultural significance and accessibility make it an appealing destination for a wide range of trekkers.
Africa’s highest mountain is located in Northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border. It’s about 350km (220 miles) south of the equator. The closest major towns are Moshi and Arusha.
Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is the tallest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak, which stands at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. Kilimanjaro is a popular destination for climbers and trekkers from around the world due to its stunning natural beauty and the challenge it presents as a free-standing mountain.
There are several different routes to trek Mount Kilimanjaro, each offering unique experiences in terms of scenery, difficulty, and duration. The choice of which route to take depends on your preferences and fitness level. Here are some of the most popular routes:
1. Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route):
– Often called the “easiest” route, it has more comfortable accommodations in huts.
– Generally shorter (5-6 days) compared to other routes.
– Known for its gentle slopes.
2. Machame Route (Whiskey Route):
– Known for its stunning scenery and varied landscapes.
– Offers a more challenging and steeper ascent.
– Typically takes 6-7 days.
3. Lemosho Route:
– Offers a longer and more gradual ascent, which can improve acclimatization.
– Provides excellent scenery and is less crowded.
– Usually takes 7-8 days.
4. Rongai Route:
– Approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border.
– Offers a less crowded experience and is considered easier.
– Typically takes 6-7 days.
5. Shira Route:
– Shares the same starting point as the Lemosho Route but involves a high-altitude drive.
– Scenic and less crowded.
– Typically takes 7-8 days.
6. Northern Circuit Route:
– Known for its high success rates due to extended acclimatization.
– Offers a complete circuit around the mountain.
– The longest route, often taking 9-10 days.
7. Umbwe Route:
– One of the steepest and most challenging routes.
– Recommended for experienced trekkers with excellent fitness levels.
– Typically takes 6-7 days.
Each route has its own pros and cons, including factors like scenery, difficulty, crowd levels, and acclimatization. It’s important to choose a route that matches your fitness and experience level and aligns with your preferences for the type of experience you want when trekking Kilimanjaro. Additionally, it’s advisable to go with a reputable tour operator who can provide the necessary support and guidance for a safe and enjoyable trek.
Remember that the more time spent on the mountain, the better the chances of you reaching the summit. So, a 9-day Machame climb has a better success rate than an 8-day Machame climb; and a 10-day Lemosho climb will be even better.
Based on statistics for 2019/ 20, the success rates for the routes are:
- Lemosho Route (8 Days + 2 days in Arusha): 95%
- Marangu Route (6 Days + 2 days in Arusha): 90%
- Rongai Route (6 Days + 2 days in Arusha): 96%
- Machame Route (6 Days + 2 days in Arusha): 92%
- Machame Route (7 Days + 2 days in Arusha): 95%
On the Marangu route, you’ll stay in huts, on the other routes you’ll camp in tents provided by Jumbo Tours. The Marangu huts each have dormitories, a dining-room and a separate bathroom (flush toilets or ‘long-drop’ toilets). At the campsites, the toilets are ‘long-drop’ style and Jumbo Tours provide a kitchen/dining-tent. If required, climbers can hire a mobile toilet on the Machame, Rongai and Lemosho routes, at extra cost.
The reassuring information is that your Jumbo Tours team will provide you with attentive care. We prioritize safety above all else. The majority of your ascent will take place at altitudes where bothersome mosquitoes and wildlife are not prevalent, with the possibility of encountering some animals on the lower slopes.
The primary concern is the potential for altitude-related symptoms, which can affect anyone, regardless of their level of fitness. These symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and other discomforts. However, we conduct daily health checks, and our guides possess expertise in identifying signs of such symptoms and responding promptly.
Climbing Kili is possible at any time of the year, but is best undertaken in the drier months. The best times to climb are between the start of December upto the start of March, or between the end of June upto the end of October. Of course. These are the busiest times, but only experienced hikers are advised to tackle the mountain in the wetter months. It can rain unexpectedly in the dry season, of course!
For more information on Kilimanjaro, click here
Weather
Mount Kilimanjaro has a dry season from June to October with clear skies and a wet season from November to May with more rainfall, making trekking conditions more challenging. Trekkers should be prepared for temperature variations and potential rain or mud on the trails, regardless of the season.
The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can vary from very hot to extremely cold within the same day although it does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more by the altitude and time of day.
At the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 21 to 27 °C and at the summit, Uhuru Peak, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Like all great mountains, Kilimanjaro creates its own weather which can be extremely variable and difficult to predict. Hikers need to be prepared for warm, sunny conditions, and rain, wind, cold, and even snow.
Even though the best time to climb Kilimanjaro coincides with the “dry” seasons, rain, and snow are possible at any time of the year. As you get higher up, the temperatures can vary dramatically, one moment you can be trekking in baking sunshine, the next you’ll be layering up against a bitter wind.
Standing at 19,341 ft above sea level, Kilimanjaro is big enough to create it’s own weather systems. Being on the equator means the trade winds (sometimes called ‘monsoons’) that move across the ocean, drawing moisture upwards are interrupted by the mountain. This causes the wind to push up towards the summit, cooling as it goes, bringing rain and snow.
The long rainy season between March and May is a result of the trade winds from the south-east. These southerly winds from the Indian Ocean are laden with moisture, bringing rain to the lower slopes and snow on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro summit. During this season, the southern slopes get the most rainfall.
The ‘short rains’ in November are from a dryer wind coming from the northeast. As it hasn’t traveled across an ocean, the rains are shorter and less intense than during the long rains. Most of the rainfall during this season falls on the more northerly slopes.
Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t experience wide temperature changes from season to season due to it’s proximity to the equator, Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more so by the altitude and what time of day it is. At the base of Mount Kilimanjaro where the the climb starts, the average temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). From the base when you ascent, the temperatures will decrease as you go through mountain’s 5 ecological zones.
At the Summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, which lies in the arctic zone the night temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Therefore, we recommend that you should always be prepared for wet and cold nights so please bring the necessary gear at all times. Read more about what you need to carry on your day pack on Kilimanjaro
As you make your way higher up, you’ll notice the weather changing through the climate zones.
Cultivation Zone:
Altitude: 2,600 to 6,000 ft (800 to 1,800 m)
Precipitation: 20 to 70 in (500 to 1,800 mm)
Surrounding the base of Kilimanjaro is the cultivation zone. Comprising mostly farmland thanks to the fertile volcanic soil, this area gets plenty of annual rainfall. Mostly temperate conditions, you’ll mostly be passing through this region on your way to the trailhead.
Forest Zone:
Altitude: 6,000 to 9,200 ft (1,800 to 2,800 m)
Precipitation: 79 to 40 in (2,000 to 1,000 mm)
We start our climb in the montane forest, a tropical rainforest that serves to absorb most of the moisture coming off the mountain, forming underground streams and springs. Conditions are usually warm and humid, with mists forming under the dense canopy. Thick cloud cover is not uncommon, and it can be muddy underfoot.
Heath/Moorland Zone
Altitude: 9,200 to 13,200 ft (2,800 to 4,000 m)
Precipitation: 51 to 21 in (1,300 to 530 mm)
After hiking through the forest, you’ll emerge from the trees into the Heath and Moorland Zone. The dense tropical forest gives way to tall grasses and giant heathers, and you’ll be more exposed to the wind and rain.
Temperatures can remain warm throughout the day but drop significantly at night. The humidity lessens, the trails are dryer, and generally, it’s a more comfortable hiking experience. Rain tends to be minimal, although it can occur pretty much anywhere on the mountain.
The sun’s rays can be harsh, so you’ll need your sunscreen, and temperatures at night can be bitterly cold.
Alpine/High Desert Zone:
Altitude: 13,200 to 16,500 ft (4,000 to 5,000 m)
Precipitation: 10 in (250 mm)
Climbing higher still, we’ll enter the High Desert Zone, arid, with only small, hardy plants surviving at an altitude where wind speeds continue to increase and there is little rainfall.
Day time temperatures can still be quite warm, but in the evening the mercury drops quickly, with conditions getting much colder. Here, it is not uncommon to be camped well above the clouds, which makes for an enchanting sight on a clear, starlit night.
The views are far-reaching and dramatic, the trails dustier, and the air much thinner.
Arctic Zone:
Altitude: 16,500+ ft (5,000+ m)
Precipitation: 4 in (100 mm)
Above 16,000 ft is the Arctic or Summit Zone. With very little rainfall (most precipitation falls as snow) this barren desert is characterized by huge rocky outcrops, volcanic scree, and glaciers.
Known as “extreme altitude”, this region has approximately 49% of the oxygen at sea level. It’s a bleak, inhospitable place.
It’s very cold here, with blustery winds and nighttime temperatures well below freezing. As you set off for your summit attempt, there may be ice and snow underfoot, it’s bitterly cold, even at midday and the sun’s radiation is harsh.
Sunscreen is essential on any exposed parts of your body, the dry air will dehydrate you quickly, and you’ll need warm layers to keep your core temperature up.
Health & Safety
Ensuring the health and safety of everyone during the climb is our top priority, and it should be yours too. We provide insights into the measures taken for a safe climb and how you can contribute to safety, including guidance on Kilimanjaro climbs in all conditions, addressing altitude sickness, planning, daily health checks, and rescue procedures when needed.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is generally considered safe if you’ve completed two to three months of training to prepare your body for the physical demands of the ascent. Prior to embarking on your Kilimanjaro adventure, it is advisable to consult with a medical professional to assess your overall health and fitness for the journey. This is crucial because the varying altitudes you’ll encounter during the climb can pose challenges that your body may not be accustomed to.
It’s worth noting that many climbers fail to reach the summit due to the impact of high altitude, which often results in acute mountain sickness (AMS). AMS is a condition caused by the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations.
At Jumbo Tours, we prioritize the safety of our climbers and have implemented a range of precautions:
Jumbo Tours Safety Measures:
1. We monitor each trekker’s pulse rate and oxygen saturation by utilizing a pulse oximeter on two occasions.
2. To assess the presence and severity of altitude sickness, we employ the Lake Louise Scoring System.
3. Our staff strictly follows Standard Operating Procedures to ensure the safety of our climbers with regard to COVID-19 while in the country.
4. Our experienced guides possess the expertise to quickly identify and address symptoms of altitude sickness, thanks to their extensive experience in handling such cases.
5. Our guides are equipped with the necessary tools and are certified Wilderness First Responders, guaranteeing meticulous monitoring of your health and safety.
6. Bottled oxygen is readily available in case trekkers experience moderate to severe altitude sickness.
7. Our certified Wilderness First Responders can arrange helicopter evacuation through Kili MedAir in situations where the situation becomes too perilous.
8. Our staff is equipped with a comprehensive first aid kit to attend to any cuts, scrapes, or blisters that may occur during the journey.
Altitude sickness happens when you reach a high altitude without gradual acclimatization. This mostly happens at around 8,000 ft or higher, resulting in a shortage of oxygen.
Mount Kilimanjaro has a total elevation of 5,895 m (19,341 ft), so altitude sickness is prevalent. This is the reason why many trekkers don’t successfully reach the summit.
Some of the names associated with altitude sickness are:
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- Altitude Illness
- Hypobaropathy
- Acosta Disease
The oxygen percentage in the atmosphere at sea level is around 21% and as altitude increases, the oxygen percentage stays the same. However, the count of oxygen molecules in each breath is decreased.
When you reach 12,000 feet or 3,600 meters, the oxygen molecules per breath are lowered to 40%, so your body needs to adapt to having less oxygen supply. This is how altitude sickness or AMS is born.
Some hikers experience AMS symptoms at around 8,000 feet, while severe symptoms occur at 12,000 feet if you’re not able to acclimatize. There are three recognized altitude categories by Mountain medicine and they are:
| High Altitude | 4,900 feet to 11,500 feet | 1,500 to 3,500 metres |
| Very High Altitude | 11,500 feet to 18,000 feet | 3,500 to 5,500 metres |
| Extreme Altitude | 18,000 feet and above | 5,500 feet and above |
In the ‘high altitude’ category, reduced performance and altitude sickness are common. Meanwhile, in the ‘very high altitude’ category, both altitude sickness and climbing performance are expected.
In the ‘extreme altitude’ category, trekkers can only function for short periods, with acclimatization. This is because Mount Kilimanjaro summit is at 19,340 feet—belonging to the extreme altitude category.
Upon reaching 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), about 75% of climbers experience some mild form of altitude sickness, such as:
- Fatigue
- Loss of energy.
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
As you might already know, four factors are linked to altitude sickness (AMS) and they are:
- High Altitude
- High Degree of Exertion
- Fast Ascent
- Dehydration
However, the main cause of AMS is the high altitude and fast ascent. Your body will have a hard time coping with the lack of oxygen if you opt for the shorter routes— which means fast ascent.
There will be changes in your body when you start to cope with the lowered oxygen in the environment, such as:
- Higher production of red blood cells carrying oxygen.
- Increased respiration depth.
- More enzyme production assists in releasing oxygen from haemoglobin to your body tissues.
- Increased pulmonary capillaries, pushing blood into lung parts that aren’t typically used when breathing at sea level.
Symptoms of AMS could be worse at night or when your respiratory drive is lowered. Mild altitude sickness doesn’t interfere in your activities and it’ll subside once your body begins to acclimatize.
The following are the signs and symptoms of Moderate Altitude Sickness (AMS):
- Severe headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Reduced coordination (ataxia)
When you feel that you’re experiencing AMS symptoms, make sure to let your guide or others know about it. Proceeding to a higher altitude while undergoing moderate altitude sickness can lead to death.
Thus, make sure that your symptoms have subsided before continuing to a higher altitude. Let your guide know how you feel to get the necessary treatment.
Severe altitude sickness (AMS) increases the severity of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath even when at rest
- Incapacity to walk
- Deteriorating mental status
- The build-up of fluid in the lungs
There are two serious conditions connected to severe altitude sickness—High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). We discuss these later down in the post.
The two conditions don’t show up frequently to trekkers who are acclimated properly. They typically occur on people who are going too high, too fast or going to a very high altitude and lingering there for a long time.
As a result, there will be fluid leakage through the capillary walls into the lungs or brain, resulting in death.
As one of the most reliable and awarded tour operators in Tanzania, we ensure to make our Trekkers feel safe and sound from ascent to descent. Our guides will do daily check-ups, twice, to monitor your oxygen saturation and pulse rate to ensure you’re in good condition.
They’re also highly experienced in identifying AMS and will deal with any early signs right away to ensure the safety and comfort of our climbers.
Due to the remote location, high altitude, and hard conditions of the trek on Kilimanjaro, insurance is compulsory for all trekkers. This is to cover you from unexpected circumstances or costs that may occur before, during, or after your Kilimanjaro expedition.
In case of emergency, our staff – who go with you on the climb – will carry the following tools to help evacuate trekkers quickly down the mountain:
Bottled oxygen
We bring bottled oxygen with us during the climb as a precaution of what can happen, and for additional safety measures. The canister of oxygen will be used only for emergencies.
It’ll NOT BE USED to assist climbers who aren’t substantially acclimatized on their own to escalate higher. When anyone needs quick treatment both for moderate and serious AMS, we’ll descend right away as it’s the quickest remedy for moderate and severe altitude sickness.
Helicopter evacuation on Kilimanjaro
When things get too critical, a helicopter evacuation is possible through Kili MedAir. This will be shouldered by your insurance just in case you’ll need this service.
Once our staff makes a distress call, a rescue will be initiated in minutes and the team will land as soon as their helicopters can make it through the weather. This is why we recommend climbing Mount Kilimanjaro during the dry season. The rescuers comprise expert pilots, seasoned rescue doctors, and emergency flight technicians—all of them are especially qualified and equipped for any mountain emergencies.