Kilimanjaro guide
Our guide to Kilimanjaro. All the advice and practical information to know before tackling the climb to the “roof of Africa”.
We have already described here the various routes to climb Kilimanjaro. In this article we want to provide practical information, necessary plan such a demanding trek in the best way.
What about visa, vaccinations and insurance coverage? Find all the answers in this post.
I will be able to get to the top?
Determination, optimism and good shape will guarantee success. Furthermore, you will need the correct equipment. 40,000 visitors try the climb every year and 50-75% of them go back before reaching the summit according to a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reasons are cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right path, considering an extra day to get used to the height, taking good protections against the cold and having good guides. The Lemosho Route helps increase your chances of success
Is it a trek reserved only for climbers?
You don’t need to be neither a climber nor an athlete to climb Kilimanjaro, but you need to be in shape. In addition, great willpower and endurance are needed.
Which is the best time for Kilimanjaro?
The best time for trekking is between late June and mid-October. Although it is possible to climb Kilimanjaro all year round, we do not recommend the period between March and June due to heavy rains that make the paths slippery, increasing the difficulty even more.
How long does the climb take?
All our programs include at least one more day needed to get used to local temperatures, increasing the chances of reaching the top. It ranges from a minimum of 6 days to a maximum of 9 days depending on the chosen route. Depending on the chosen route, you can walk between 53 and 73 km.
How much do you walk every day?
It makes more sense to consider the walking hours per day rather than distances. It depends on various factors; there will be days when you walk 3-4 hours a day, while, on other days, you will walk 12-14 hours. An average is between 4 and 6 hours per day.
Is it cold while climbing?
Yes, it could be very cold, you’d do well to be prepared and cover up. Temperatures can even reach -20° at the mountain peak. For this reason we recommend you to be equipped with clothes suitable for the mountains and a good level sleeping bag (at least the “-10 ° centigrade” model is recommended). Moreover, it is necessary to bring a 2 lt water bottle, a flashlight (frontal model is suggested), water purification tablets and a backpack to always have the necessary during the day.
What kind of clothing to bring?
We will send you a detailed list before your arrival in Tanzania. We strongly advise you to bring good quality clothing even if everything you need can also be rented. It is cold, the sun is strong (we are at the equator) and it rains quite often.
Layered clothing is the key. In general it is essential to bring hiking boots, pile, down jacket, waterproof and windproof jackets, thermal shirts, thermal and sports socks, winter and sun hat, gloves, scarf / neck warmer, waterproof overtrousers.
Who are the Uroadventure team members I will be climbing with?
Safety and comfort are two fundamental characteristics for climbing. Therefore, you will be accompanied, during the trek, by two guides, a cook and some porters who will take care of bringing your belongings to the top. The advice is to bring a personal waterproof bag of maximum 15 kg that will be carried by our team during the day.
Where will you sleep?
Except for the Marangu Route which includes overnight stays in spartan huts, you will sleep in low tents for two people (single only on request) in double sheets, with mosquito nets and waterproofed “floor”. The tents, as well as mats, will be carried and pitched by the Uroadventure team. The bathrooms could be either private chemical toilets, dedicated exclusively to your group, or shared if you will spend the night in refuges.
What will you eat during the climb?
Our cook will try to vary the menu as much as possible, but you will certainly find potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheeses and fruit. There will be also soups, chicken, sausages and bacon. We often offer packed lunches to be consumed on the way. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will also be available. Last but not least, we advise you to bring some snacks with you to eat during the day, such as dried fruit, chocolate, protein bars.
When booking, please let us know if you have intolerances, allergies or if you follow a specific diet.
What are the major risks in the mountains?
Altitude symptoms may occur – headache, nausea, loss of appetite and dizziness. Apart from the problems that can occur when walking on uneven ground and in cold conditions, there is no risk of attacks by animals or malaria mosquitoes.
May children climb Kilimanjaro if accompanied?
Climbing is forbidden for children under 10 years old. If aged 10 or over, they can get either to Horombo Hut (3,700 m) or Shira Camp (3,900 m). Nevertheless, we strongly recommend a minimum age of 16 to climb Kilimanjaro.
Mountaineers over the age of 70 must exhibit a certificate of good health.
