Kilimanjaro with its 6 known trekking routes which to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. The minimum trekking is 5days on Marangu route and the maximum is: In East Africa, Tanzania stands Mount Kilimanjaro with its 6 known trekking routes of which to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. The minimum trekking is 5 days on Marangu route and the maximum is 9 days on Lemosho and northern breach route. There are other Kilimanjaro trekking routes done in 6, 7 and 8days.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and holds the tallest peaks on African continent; Mount Kilimanjaro has three iconic snowcapped peaks namely Mawenzi, Shira and Uhuru peaks. Uhuru is the highest standing tall at 5 895 meters above sea level.

When is the best time for Kilimanjaro trekking?

Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro is through the year due to Mount Kilimanjaro proximity to equator making this region not to be experience the extensive of summer and winter season instead Tanzania only experience dry and rain seasons. However, it is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on any day of the year the warmest months are recommended since cold may become strenuous during the web months.

The best time we recommend for trekking Kilimanjaro is from January to March and from June to October.

June to October is the busiest and crowded months on mountain as it corresponds with summer holiday period in North America and Europe. April, May and November are the wettest months and we do not recommend this time for Kilimanjaro trekking. However, if you need to trek Kilimanjaro on the cold months you will need special gears especially for cold. December is fast becoming a popular season nowadays, despite being very cold on the summit. Snow cover on the Mount Kilimanjaro is highest during November to May.

How much does a Kilimanjaro trekking cost?

There are 6 established trekking routes up to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro each route is different from another and the trekking days vary. The cost of trekking Kilimanjaro is also determined by a number of people trekking together and the type of hotel you chose to spend overnights. Most of our Kilimanjaro trekking costs are quoted according to personal or group needs since some people will need transfers from airport and hotels before and after trekking while others not. Below is a high light of trekking cost and tipping amount to supporting staffs.

Marangu route 5 or 6 days

Marangu route is the shortest and easiest route to the summit Kibo. The only route with comfortable beds at each camp, the climb is constant and moderate although to approach the summit it draws commitment. It is done in 5 days but extra day on the mountain is recommended to allow your body to acclimatize on day 3 of your trekking. The estimated cost on Marangu route is:

• Marangu route 5 days from $1,150 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
• Marangu route 6 days from $1,350 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.

Machame route 6 or 7 days

Machame route is the scenic route compared to other routes. This is a physical demanding rout and is recommended for people with hiking experience. The Machame route is done in 6 or 7 days. The estimated cost on Machame route is.

• Machame route 6 days from $1,370 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
• Marangu 6 days from $1,490 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.

Lemosho route 7, 8 or 9 days

The Lemosho route is our popular Kilimanjaro trekking route, this route offer view from every turn as you walk up and Lemosho is the only route with moderate trails. The estimated cost on Lemosho route is:

• You can get the Lemosho route 7 days from $1,540 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
• Or you can do the Lemosho route 8 days from $1,730 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
• Maybe the Lemosho route 9 days from $1,960 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.

Rongai route 6 days

Rongai is the only Kilimanjaro route with possibility of seeing wildlife including elephants on the way up. The Rongai route is a stunning view from every point and is recommended to experienced mountaineers. The estimated cost on Machame route is:

• Rongai route 6 days from $1,600 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.

Life on Kilimanjaro

Life on Kilimanjaro – switch off your noisy, hassled, polluted electronic world and enter a completely a different one – not as a tourist but as a conscious human being with simple needs. If you are thinking of signing up to a Kilimanjaro climb, but you are not sure what to expect, here is a little insight into life on Kilimanjaro.

Our typical day

Around 5.30-6am our porters wake us with a steaming cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Bleary eyed this is a welcomed sight after a potentially restless night. A bowl of hot water is also awaiting as we unzip our tent door to have a hot wash and wake up properly! Breakfast is usually served at around 6.30am and at around 7.30am we begin trekking as a group. Life on Kilimanjaro.

We spend around 4-5 hours trekking in the morning, stopping for breaks until reaching our lunch stop. We take a longer break here before continuing in the afternoon for around another 4 hours depending on the day’s distance. On arrival at the camp our tents will already be pitched up by porters with our luggage waiting, so we can kick off our walking boots and get into some warmer clothes. Our porters will rally around, working for us with well deserved hot drinks and snacks before dinner at around 6pm. After dinner our Kilimanjaro Climb Leader will brief us on the day ahead before we settle into our sleeping bags and attempt a full night’s sleep!

Glorious food

We offer a selection of food on Kilimanjaro. You will also be accompanied by a skilled mountain cook who will take care of your well-being. He will prepare all meals, often even including a packed meal for a picnic lunch. Early morning eggs and sausages, coffee and bread, snacks and evenings with stews and salads, Serengeti Joy Tours’ cooks can create delicious 3-course meals with only a gas cooker and a sharp knife… Life on Kilimanjaro.

The tents and food will be set up and prepared for you, so that you can just relax and enjoy your trekking on Kilimanjaro, we do ensure there is plenty of food which is varied and wholesome.

Keeping hydrated

Every day our porters will have boiled and chemically treated water and that is the first thing in the morning, at lunch and before dinner. We recommend having a 3 liter hydration system to fill for trekking and a 1 liter water container in camp, and to drink as much as possible throughout the day to avoid de-hydration. Flavored powered energy drinks are fantastic at replenishing vital body salts you may lose during trekking. You can even create your own banana and chocolate recovery mountain shakes to enjoy at the end of a day! With this in mind, we strongly advise against any alcohol consumption whilst on the mountain. We will have plenty of time to party at the end of the Kilimanjaro climbing!

In sickness & in health

Through sickness and in health people get to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Some fair better than others and our daily health becomes part of life on the mountain. We can all make things a lot more pleasant by taking some simple steps.

Hand Sanitiser

Using on a regular basis prevents us picking up bacterial infections.

Food

Taking on as many calories as we can, little and often keeps our energy levels high. Life on Kilimanjaro. Life on Kilimanjaro.

Water

Drinking at least 3-5 liters of fluid keeps us hydrated. Our daily in-take of water can also be combined with flavored energy mixer and re-hydration salts. Life on Kilimanjaro. Life on Kilimanjaro.

Positive Mental Attitude

Breaking down our trekking into small stages allows us to mentally achieve every step of the way. Treating ourselves to our favorite snacks as reward along the way also helps!

Stretch & Rest

We stretch down at the end of the day and recommend people bring some muscle rub to alleviate any aches and pains in the evenings before resting for the night.

Altitude

A very real issue on a Kilimanjaro climb, altitude affects everyone differently. As such, we have devoted a whole section to this subject.

Summit Day

As summit day approaches, anticipation and excitement builds, and perhaps a little apprehension. Throughout our journey there have may been highs and lows, but this is it! As midnight approaches, we get ready for our ultimate summit attempt.

If ‘Life on the Mountain’ feels like it’s for you, you can join one of our many Open Group Kilimanjaro climbs throughout the year that bring like-minded people together to share in the Kilimanjaro journey. Sign up today from just $1000! Or if you have your own private group, we can help you organise the perfect Private Kilimanjaro Trip.

If you have any questions, please send us an email.