Contact Us
E-MAIL
info@africaodyssey.co.za
CALL / WHATSAPP
+61 424 388 882
Tips for a Successful Climb
Ideal trekking conditions with mostly dry, clear days, and good visibility. Occasional showers and a good chance of snow over 14,000ft, making for some epic photo opportunities. While this is considered “high season”, it’s often quieter on the slopes than the main climbing season of June to September, making it a good balance of not-too-crowded and decent weather. Best for: Hikers who want to minimize crowds, whilst still having dry conditions. Snow on the summit is a bonus.
Early March can be lovely, but as the month progresses, the rains can start to set in, making for muddy trails, cloudy skies, and poor visibility. In late March and late May, you can get lucky with some dry weather, but it’s a bit hit or miss. April to early May are the long rains, and not suitable for climbing. If your schedule dictates that you need to go during the shoulder seasons – late March and late May – you need to be prepared for wet weather, and not be disappointed by poor visibility. Ideally, you’ll have some trekking experience already and won’t be phased by trickier trail conditions. Best for: Experienced trekkers who want to avoid crowds, and who don’t mind unpredictable weather. We recommend the routes on the north side of the mountain.
A combination of the best weather and the US and Europe summer vacations means this is the main climbing season and the busiest time on the mountain.July and August are the most popular months, so if you want to try and avoid crowds, opt for June or September, or October if you don’t mind a bit of rain. Occasional showers are always possible, particularly in the forest, but it’s a predominantly dry time of year. Routes tend to be busier during this period, especially over the full moon. Best for: Climbers wanting the best weather for their trip, who aren’t deterred by crowds, which are mostly on the Marangu and Machame route.
Short rains usually come in November and last for 3-4 weeks. Often the rain is less persistent than in April-May (the “long rains”) and mostly come in the late afternoon. The mountain is very quiet during this time. We would recommend the Rongai route or Northern circuit route as the northern side of the mountain is more sheltered and has less overall rainfall. Best for: Avoiding crowds, experienced trekkers who aren’t put off by wet weather.
Be Properly Equipped
An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Print our final Packing List and mark it off, to ensure that you are. Click on Packing List to get to this very important step in your preparation.
Be Physically Prepared
It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. Develop your fitness and get your body in shape for your Kilimanjaro summit expedition.
Mental Preparation
It is possible to summit Kilimanjaro successfully. Many before you have succeeded. This should be topmost in your mind when preparing for the summit attempt. You should always remain in a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. Try to anticipate various different scenarios, which you may possibly encounter on the mountain and try to work out the most suitable course of action, mentally by yourself or even as a group. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the really difficult sections, like from Kibo to Uhuru or from Barafu to Uhuru, easier to complete. Remember if you are properly equipped, you have taken everything as indicated on the Packing List, you are physically prepared and have all the knowledge gained from guide – you will be mentally confident for the physical part of Kilimanjaro.
Adequate Travel Insurance
Make sure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance, which will also provide you with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro.
Go Slowly
Go slowly – “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.The biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too fast! The slower you hike to more time you give your body to acclimatize.
Drink Enough Water
Make sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 litres of liquid a day – preferably water. For your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water, which may be purchased at the hotel in Moshi before your climb. Try to get the bottles with the screw tops, this way you will also have containers in which to take water further up the mountain. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from day-2 onwards, but care should still be taken. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets. REMEMBER! A functioning “body water balance” is one of the keys to a successful climb!
Walk High – Sleep Low
If possible and especially on your acclimatization day “walk high – sleep low” Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude. This is essential on your acclimatization day.
Take A Ski – Pole
A ski – pole is essential. Use of ski poles reduces external and internal loads on the knee joint by up to 20%. Using 1 ski pole is a must, but 2 poles are recommended.
• Top Base Layer
• Bottom Base Layer
• 4-5 Pairs of Underwear
• 3-4 Short Sleeve
• 1 Insulated Trekking Pants
• 1-2 Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts
• 1-2 Pairs of Hiking Trousers
• 1 Insulated Winter Jacket
• 1 Polartec Fleece Jacket
• 1 Hard Shell Jacket
• Quick dry T-shirts
• Underwear Lightweight hiking trouser
• (avoid heavy cotton, they don’t dry quickly)
• Fleece (middle layer)
• Thermal underwear (under layers)
• Waterproof, breathable and windproof jacket
• Waterproof, breathable and windproof pants
• Insulated down jacket for summit night (parka)
• One pair thermal socks
• Mittens or warm gloves
• Waterproof gloves
• Good quality hiking socks and thin liner socks
• Waterproof hiking boots – sturdy and worn-in.
• Extra shoelaces Comfortable shoes for overnight camps
• (running shoes, sneakers, etc.)
• Sun hat to protect head, ears and neck
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Quick-dry washcloths and soap
• Toilet Paper Tissues
• High SPF Sun-block
• Lip Balm with SPF
• Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
• Lotion
• Sanitary Wipes/Wet Wipes
• Blister Kit
• Tweezers
• Nail Clippers
• Deodorant
• Hair brush/Comb
• Sanitary Products
• Vaseline to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blister
• Antiseptic
• Pain Killers (Ibuprofen)
• Decongestan
• Diamox or High Altitude Medication (optional, please consult with your doctor)
• Anti-diarrhea Medicine
• Malaria pills ( if you choose to take these)
• Headlamp with Extra Batteries
• Water Bottles and Camelback (3 litter carrying capacity)
• Sunglasses
• Camera with extra memory card and extra batteries
• Watch
• Playing Cards
• Hand Warmers (optional)
• Pocket Knife
• Notebook and Pen
• High energy snack
• (Cereal, protein bars, chocolate, trail mix, dried fruit)
Kilimanjaro is close to the equator and doesn’t experience the same four seasons as the more temperate parts of the world. Instead, it has rainy seasons and dry seasons, both of which alter the complexion of the mountain. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro are the months of January through early-March and June through October. The clear skies, great views, and sunshine make for spectacular photo-opportunities and comfortable hiking conditions. These are also usually the drier months of the year and the busiest. Read more: Guide to Kilimanjaro Weather
Temperatures on the mountain vary with the seasons and also within the different climate zones as you climb higher. The summit zone is considered “Arctic” and temperatures drop well below freezing at all times of the year. December to March, and June (just after the rains) are usually the coldest, and there’s a good chance you’ll see snow on the summit. This reduces the number of visitors (as compared to July through August which is the busiest time).
There are two distinct wet seasons in the Kilimanjaro area:
Long rains: End of March through May
Short rains: November
April and November usually have the highest rainfall, although this can vary.
The rainy season begins around mid-March and typically extends well into May. During this time, conditions can be wet, stormy and muddy on Kilimanjaro, particularly along its southern face.
Even in the dry season, it’s always possible to get some rain. That’s why we always carry good wet-weather gear in our daypacks.
You didn’t come all this way to trek through cloudy skies and fog. During late March to the end of May, and all of November, the visibility can be poor due to cloud cover. You won’t be seeing the panoramic vistas, and you won’t be getting great photos.
As climbing Kilimanjaro becomes more popular, the favorable weather in January through early March, and June through October makes the mountain busier.
It’s usually the Marangu and Machame routes that suffer from some overcrowding. If you opt for one of the less busy routes, such as the Northern Circuits, Rongai or Lemosho, you’ll still get to enjoy the vistas without too many people.
One of the main downsides that climbers try to avoid when trekking during busy times is the overcrowding of the toilet facilities at campsites. We take care of our climbers by providing you with private toilet tents, used only by our group.
The sense of camaraderie and friendships forged by meeting other climbers more than makes up for it being a bit “busy”. Many of our clients have made lifelong friendships with people they’ve met on the mountain.
If you don’t mind the possibility of getting rained on and are well prepared, the shoulder-seasons just before and after the rains are the quietest time of year.
If you’re looking for solitude, it can be a worthwhile trade-off to risk a bit of wet weather to have the mountain to yourself.
We avoid climbing in the height of the rainy season (April/May and November).
Alternatively, choose one of the routes that has less foot traffic. In the wetter months, we recommend the routes on the northern side of the mountain, which tend to experience less rainfall, and are more sheltered.
• If you’re an experienced hiker, you might not be concerned with slippery trails and a bit of mud.
• For inexperienced hikers, we recommend climbing during the drier months. Less chance of rain means less stress and discomfort, giving you more time to enjoy your surroundings.
• On the lower slopes, through the forest, the trail can become quite muddy, and higher up slippery, rocky trails can be a challenge.
• We take your safety very seriously. Climbing Kilimanjaro guides are highly experienced and have hiked Kilimanjaro in all weathers. We monitor the weather and are flexible enough to be able to alter the daily itinerary during inclement conditions.
• Getting wet increases your chance of getting extremely cold. As you ascend, your body is already having to deal with the effects of altitude, and wet clothes can be the difference between a slight chill and hypothermia.
• It’s extremely important for your safety and comfort to keep your gear dry, avoid getting soaking wet, and never stay in wet clothes!
• You’ll need some very robust wet-weather gear (which we recommend at all times of the year), choose one of the less challenging itineraries, and make sure your gear, both in your daypack and duffel bag, are in waterproof bags.
Note: the Tanzanian government has banned the use of all plastic bags, so please don’t use garbage bags or ziploc bags to store any of your gear. We recommend waterproof stuff sacks, such as these.
Depending on what you want to do before and after your climb – a Tanzanian safari or a Zanzibar holiday perhaps – or simply when you can get time off work to travel, can inform your decision about when to climb. Ultimately, apart from the really wet months, (April and November) there’s no “bad” time to climb Kili. Nor is there a “perfect” time to climb. Weather conditions on any mountain can be unpredictable – that’s all part of the adventure.
Picture this: a cloudless midnight sky, illuminated by a full moon. You dress in your summit gear, come out of your tent and see the majesty of the mountain you are about to climb, lit by the moon. You hardly need your head torch as you ascend.
There’s something magical about climbing Kilimanjaro in the light of a full moon. Treks around the full moon can get quite busy, so bear this in mind if crowds are a problem for you.
You’ll need to start your trek ahead of the full moon date: for a 7-day trek, your start date would be five days before the date of the full moon. But bear in mind that the night before and after the actual full moon will be just as spectacular (and possibly quieter). Kilimanjaro full moon dates
If you find the full moon makes you feel like a wolf and start howling or find it difficult to sleep with the light, schedule your dates around the New Moon. With less light, you get fantastic star-gazing, with the constellations clearly visible
You didn’t come all this way to trek through cloudy skies and fog. During late March to the end of May, and all of November, the visibility can be poor due to cloud cover. You won’t be seeing the panoramic vistas, and you won’t be getting great photos.
While it certainly helps to be in good physical shape, the ability to adjust quickly to the changing oxygen levels is largely genetic. It is impossible to tell how well anyone climber will fare in an oxygen deprived environment until they are actually in that environment. With the exception of going and staying in high altitude areas, the best option is to consider using a high altitude training system to simulate high altitude
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid pulse
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis)
• Chest tightness or congestion
• Confusion
• Cough
• Coughing up blood
• Decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interaction
• Gray or pale complexion
• Inability to walk in a straight line, or to walk at all
• Climb the mountain gradually with slow pace
• Stopping for a day or two every 600 meters over 2400 meters or include an extra day of acclimatization
• Sleep at lower altitude;
• Drink a lot of fluids
• Avoid alcohol and eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
• Be familiar with early symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness.
• Diamox** (acetazolamide) 250mg tablets to be taken twice a day from 13,000 feet to the top.
• This drug is widely used in high altitude mountaineering and is very highly recommended.
E-MAIL
info@africaodyssey.co.za
CALL / WHATSAPP
+61 424 388 882