Climb Mount Kilimanjaro - FAQ's

The information below is to supplement information provided on the tour pages and detailed intineraries for each of the Kilimajaro tours Kumuka offer. For details of these tours please click here.

What route should I climb?
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
How fit do I have to be?
What about Altitude sickness?
What if I am slower than other trekkers?
What if I cannot make it to the top?
How much equipment will I carry?
What is the accommodation like at the trek?
How many hours will I trek per day?
What is the food like at the trek?
Who will be my guide?
What luggage should I pack?

What route should I climb?

Around 80% of climbers choose the Marangu Route (5 or 6 days), which is commonly referred to as the "Tourist" or "Coca Cola" Route. The rest usually goes for the Umbwe, Rongai or Machame Route (6 or 7 days). The other two routes (Shira and Lemosho) are far less frequented and therefore allow for a more remote and natural experience. It is however important to note that many of the routes meet on a mid-way point and there are only three routes to the summit.

Misty lowlands		Resting en route to the top

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro climb can be climbed throughout the year. January to March are very good months with mild temperatures and almost no clouds in the morning and late afternoon. During the day however there might be few short rain showers or little snow on the summit. The main rainy season starts end of March and lasts until end of May. For Kilimanjaro climbers, this means that clouds may block visibility and there might be heavy rains on the lower altitudes and snow on the summit. June, July and August can be cold, but visibility is usually very good. Temperatures rise in September and October, however during this time of the year, there is often a bit of mist on the middle altitudes, leaving the summits peak through the clouds. November and December usually have perfect visibility in the nights and morning, but short rains during the day and thunderstorms at the late afternoon are common.

For Kilimanjaro climbers, a factor to take into account is the full moon - it is a unique experience to climb the roof of Africa lit under the shining moon light only without having to using head lights.

Full Moon Dates

Summiting on or soon after a full moon helps illuminate the landscape without using headlamps. It is very beautiful, but certainly not necessary for summiting the mountain. To summit on a full moon, you will want to start a 6-day trek 4 days before the full moon (3 days before if doing a 5-day trek).

How fit do I have to be?

Many texts state that Kilimanjaro is "easily accessible". However, you should not underestimate this mountain. There are no technical mountaineering skills required, but general fitness is necessary. The biggest problem for climbers is the effect of high altitude sickness which seem to be unrelated to fitness, age or gender. It is a good idea to start some physical training prior to the trek, which might include aerobic cross training and hiking to familiarize your body with the rigors or the trek. The fitter you are, the easier the climb will be for you. Determination and willpower is another important factor.

Please see below information on health for kilimanjaro climbers.

Note: The information provided here is designed for educational use only and is not a substitute for specific training or experience. We assumes no liability for any individual’s use of or reliance upon any material contained or referenced herein.

Altitude sickness

Different people under similar conditions will respond quite differently to altitude. There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Your response to altitude will depend on your rate of ascent, the magnitude of the ascent, and your individual susceptibility (genetics). The effects can be mild or severe, and are caused by a lack of oxygen to the muscles and brain. As altitude increases the concentration of oxygen stays the same, but the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced as the barometric pressure drops. At 5,500 m (18,000 ft), there is half as much oxygen available as at sea level. Kilimanjaro is 19,340 feet. In some cases altitude sickness can turn extremely severe, even fatal. For reasons not entirely understood high altitude and lower air pressures can cause fluid to leak from the capillaries and build-up in the brain and lungs. Continuing an ascent without proper acclimation can lead to a life threatening illness.

For more detailed information about altitude sickness click here >

What if I am slower than other trekkers?

There is no need to worry - this is a common concern. It is much better for your body if you proceed slowly and the guides will permanently remind you about this ("pole pole" - which means "slowly, slowly"). By walking slowly, your body will much better acclimatize to the high altitude. There is plenty of time allotted each day for the treks, even for those who like to go very slowly.

What if I cannot make it to the Top?

Some climbers may fall short of reaching the summit, but not at the expense of their overall experience. Even for those who never reached the top, the experience of the wonders of Kilimanjaro is rewarding. If one or more members of a group decide they cannot continue, or if a guide deems it unsafe for an individual (or a group) to continue, they are escorted to the most convenient campsite or hut. The guides intimately know the network of shortcuts to escort climbers to safety and they are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstance.

How much equipment will I carry?

You are expected to carry your own day pack, which should be able to sustain you until you reach camp at the end of the day. You do not need to carry your personal backpack/duffel pack - it will be carried by a porter. The weight per porter is limited to 15 kg (35lb). If you bring overweight luggage, every 15 kg will be charged extra at 100 USD for an extra porter for the whole climb. Your backpack/duffel bag will be brought from campsite to campsite - before you arrive it will already be there.

What you need during the day in your day pack will depend on your priorities, but will generally include drinking water, basic medical kit, camera, waterproof layers, a pair of gloves and hat, a warm layer and snacks.

What is the accommodation like at the trek?

On the Marangu Route there are simple basic huts. The first two huts sleep four people each and the last hut is in a dorm-style with bunk beds.

On all other routes, you will sleep in a 3-person dome-style mountain tents, two people in each tent. The tents are modern and have an outer flysheet and large vestibules keep equipment from the elements. They are set up, broken down and carried along with everything else by the porters. A toilet tent is set up at every campsite and hot water is provided for each person every morning if possible (no showers are available).

There will be dining tents with chairs and tables where all meals will be served. Before the meals, we will provide soap and hot water for washing your hands.

Typical lodge		Basic lodge accommodation

What is the food like at the trek?

Typical menu for Kilimanjaro climbers will include:-

• Breakfast: boiled eggs, omelettes or fried egg with bacon / bread and fruit.
• Lunches: Sandwiches and fruit for lunches which are usually prepacked in the morning
• Dinner: soup followed by a casseroles or pasta with fruit

You will definitely eat enough to replenish your energy for the following day, however you may wish to bring your own energy snacks with you. Tea & coffee and water is provided but you should bring your own water bottles and purification tablets etc.

Breakfast		Lunch break

Who will be my guide?

The guides have collectively mounted Kilimanjaro well over a thousand times. They are extremely knowledgeable about climbing the mountain. Further to this they are regularly trained in zoological and geological topics, first aid, customer relationship, English language and environmental conservation. The guides are all full-time employees who are fully licensed by the National Park authorities.

What luggage should I pack?

It is important to keep luggage to the barest minimum when on trek, a suggested packing list is as follows:-

• 2 synthetic shirts, long sleeve
• 2 synthetic t-shirts
• 2 pairs of synthetic hiking shorts
• 1 pair of synthetic trekking pants
• 1 pair of warmer hiking pants
• 1 or 2 pairs of fleece long underwear/ trousers
• 1 pair of leg gaiters
• 1 pair of socks per trekking day
• 1 pair of underwear per day
• 1 warm fleece jacket
• 1 goretex rain/wind shell
• 1 pair of goretex rain/wind pants
• 1 poncho
• 1 fleece sweater
• 1 pair of fleece glove liners.
• 1 pair of cold weather gloves or mittens
• 1 pair of light windproof gloves
• 1 warm hat
• 1 sun hat
• 1 balaclava
• 1 pair trekking boots (medium weight, waterproof)
• 1 pair of walking/camp shoes
• 1 pair UV-blocking sunglasses with side-gussets

Other Equipment

• 1 soft (no hard frame or wheels) duffel bag or backpack (porters will carry)
• 1 daypack
• Plastic bags of different sizes (to protect clothes against rain)
• 1 warm mountain sleeping bag
• 2 trekking poles – highly recommended
• 1 head lamp (with extra batteries and light bulb)
• 1 emergency foil blanket
• 1 pocket knife
• 3 One-liter water bottles, or substitute with hydration pack
• Sun block. We suggest the highest possible SPF rating
• Water purification tablets

Your first-aid kit should include the following:

• Blister bandages
• Small bandages (band-aids)
• Elasticised support bandage (ace-wrap)
• Safety pins
• Small pair of scissors
• Prescription medicines

Items that can be hired (USD$) at the joining hotel in Moshi

• Rucksack/Daypack $10
• Balaclava $5
• Normal Standard Sleeping Bag –10C.Temp $15
• Mont bell Sleeping Bag –25C.Temp $35
• The North Face Sleeping Bag: –25C. $35
• Poncho – Heavy/Western/Europe $15
• Poncho – Light/Local $10
• Socks $3
• Duffel Bag $5
• Hiking Poles (2) $10
• Gaiters $7
• Torch/Flashlight $7
• Gloves $5
• Sweater $4
• Raincoat $5
• Raincoat - G.T, Waterproof $10
• Rain Pants $10
• Hiking Boots $8
• Water Bottle $4
• Fleece Pants $5
• Warm Jacket G.T $10
• Warm Jacket/Down Jacket $7
• Hat or Neck Scarf $5

Excess baggage can be left at the joining hotel whilst trekking.