Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro, by the name is a metaphor for compelling beauty of East Africa. When you chance to see it, you understand why! Mount Kilimanjaro the world walk-able Mountains and the tallest mountain in Africa Continent but also is the tallest FREE standing mountain in the WORLD, rising in breaktaking isolation from the sorrounding savannah elevation around 900metres – to an imperious 5,895metres MASL (19,336ffets).

This mountain is located in the northern East Tanzania about 200 miles south of the Equator. The peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is permanently covered with snows despites to the facts that it located in the tropic zone where temperature is high. Each year this mountain is climbed by hundreds of visitors from around the world and most of them managed to reach the summit with us. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, Stella Point or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. And their emories.

You know what? There so much more to Kilimanjaro than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic tour, from tropics to the Arctic. Even before you cross the national park boundary (at about 2700m), the cultivated by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered abbot’s duiker and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant weather is studded with other worldly giant lobelias. Above 4000m a surreal alphine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the vast vestigial  vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.

Up to this moment there are various routes established for climbing up Kilimanjaro including Marangu the oldest and most established route, Machame, Rongai, Umbwe, Lemosho and Shira. For all the routes you may require to climb up with accommodation gears except the Marangu Route where accommodation is offered in huts.

About Kilimanjaro National Park

Size: 1668 sq km 641 sq miles). Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.

Getting there

Mount Kilimanjaro is located 128 km (80 miles) from Arusha. About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.

What to do:

Five usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes. Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches.

Trout fishing.

Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes. When to go Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Gears

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the highlight of many visitors experience in Tanzania. Hiking on the roof of Africa is the adventure of a lifetime, and anyone from seasoned trekker to reasonably fit first time enthusiast can scale the snowy peak. Please find the following tips necessary for ebaling you make your lifetime adventure REAL and Amazing!

Clothing

Generally you want your inner layer to be wicking – no cotton. The next layer should be insulating and warm, and your top layer should be water proof but breathable. These recommended layers are important as temperatures vary greatly as you keep on trekking.

Mount Kilimanjaro naturally and mostly gets cold up there hence necessitating the need of having clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and for sleeping. Specifically pack the following:

  • Shorts, for first and last day only
  • Pants, for hiking and for lounging in the evenings
  • Short-sleeved or t-shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirts, for hiking and for lounging in the evenings
  • Long underwear
  • Fleece jacket or wool sweater
  • Fleece pants
  • Down jacket or ski parka (for temperatures well below freezing plus wind)
  • Rain jacket, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow
  • Rain pants, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow
  • Underwear
  • Sport bras, for women

Cold Weather Accessories

  • Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)
  • Wool or pile hat
  • Balaclava or neck gaitor
  • Hand and foot warmers (chemical activated)

Footwear

  • Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike!
  • Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferrably warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support – not too light and not too heavy
  • Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
  • Gaiters
  • Hiking socks for warmer conditions
  • Wool socks for colder conditions
  • Sock liners to wick away moisture

Sleeping

  • Sleeping bag (Rated -25 degrees C/-10 degrees F or colder is recommended)
  • Sleeping pad and repair kit
  • Tents are supplied by Amazing Tanzania Tours
  • Foam sleeping pads are provided by Amazing Tanzania Tours

Other stuff

  • Water bottles and Camelback (2-3)
    • Get 3 liters of bottled water before the trip.
      Your guides will boil water for you along the route, or use steripens for water sanitization.
    • To prevent water from freezing on summit day, keep your water source inside your jacket.For Camelbacks, blow air back into the bladder after each sip and drink often.
    • Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals.
  • Water filter or iodine purification tablets
  • Sun hat with brim
  • Sunglasses
  • Bandana
  • Money ($400 or more in cash and/or travellers cheques, including some small U.S., Euro, or Tanzanian bills)
  • Ski or trekking poles
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Camera, film, tripod
  • Video camera, tapes
  • Batteries
    • Bring extra sets for headlamp/flashlight and camera as cold weather shortens their life
      • ash, travellers cheques, credit cards
      • Maps, guidebooks
      • Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, and travellers cheques numbers.
        Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.
    • First Aid
      • Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen, or Aspirin
      • Throat losenges
      • Bandaids
      • Moleskin
      • Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
      • Lip balm with sunscreen
      • Insect repellent
      • Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream
      • Bandages and tape
      • Diahrea medicine
      • Antihistemines
      • Ace bandage
      • Melatonin (1-3mg) or other sleep aid
      • Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
      • Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
      • Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)
      • Diamox (talk to your doctor)

      Gifts for Guides, Porters, Locals

      • Shoes
      • Any warm clothing
      • T-shirts
      • Hats
      • Nerf football, frisbees
      • Candy
      • Pens
    • Binoculars
    • Notebook, journal, pencil, and pen
    • Pocket knife
    • Electricity adapter
    • Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
    • Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
    • Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides, porters, and other climbers
    • Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2
    • Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
    • Sewing kit
    • Salt, pepper, and spices for bland food
    • Alarm clock
    • Calculator (for currency conversion)