At 5895 meters, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and the most free-standing mountain in the world. It stands there in a plain rather than just being one peak among many in a mountain group (19340 ft.). You must make some preparations and plans before attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Near the Kenyan border in northern Tanzania in East Africa is where you’ll find Mount Kilimanjaro. (Tanzania map | Kilimanjaro region map)

Consider many things before making travel arrangements if you’re planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. We will discuss these elements and offer advice on reserving your adventure with us in this article.

Planning To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Before attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you must pick the following three choices:-

• A date needs to be chosen.
• You must select a climbing or trekking organization.
• The climb’s length (number of days/nights) and route must choose.

 
1. Set a Visitation Time

Mount Kilimanjaro lacks the 4 seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter that may find in many other parts of the world. The peak has dry and wet seasons instead.

The two dry seasons offer the ideal conditions for climbing Kilimanjaro.

• Long Rainy Season: From late March to early June
• Short Rainy Season: From early November to early December
• Short Dry Season: From mid-December to mid-March
• Long Dry Season: From mid-June-end of October

There is not much variation in the months within the two dry seasons. Consequently, you can anticipate pleasant weather anytime throughout the dry seasons. Be aware that it can rain anytime, especially on the lower slopes, and the summit conditions are nearly always chilly and windy.

Although there are certain exceptions, we advise against climbing during the two rainy seasons. Hardy, seasoned hikers, could like the serenity of visiting during the low-traffic off-season in exchange for some rain. People occasionally have only one opportunity to travel except climbing during the rainy season. Go forward if that is the case.

Finally, it’s always possible that it won’t rain while climbing or will only rain once you’ve reached camp.

2. Select the Length of the Climb

The treks up Mount Kilimanjaro take anything from five to ten days. The duration of your excursion will have a significant, favorable impact on the success rate.

The height of Kilimanjaro is the main barrier to climbing it. Acute mountain sickness can prompt you to give up your climb if you have problems getting used to the low oxygen levels in the air while traveling.

Therefore, we advise choosing itineraries that last 8 or 9 days. With excellent success, most people prefer 8 and 9-day courses. Your body has the best opportunity of achieving sufficient acclimatization during this extra period, allowing it to function correctly and feel comfortable. To successfully acclimatize while hiking at a high altitude, you need to have faith in your capacity to do so if you opt for a shorter path. We ultimately want everyone to have a successful journey, reach the top, and make it home without incident.

3. Deciding on a hiking organization or mountaineer

The Kilimanjaro National Park guards Mount Kilimanjaro. The steep Kilimanjaro park fees and restricted access make climbing the mountain fairly pricey. However, read the page on the actual cost of climbing Kilimanjaro before looking for a cheap climb.

The only way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is with a licensed guide or trekking company. If you’re camping, a professional climb operator will provide guides, a cook, porters, food, water, and camping supplies. You have no need, or even an opportunity, to care about the specifics. You don’t need to prepare food, set up your tent, or carry anything other than a daypack. You select the Kilimanjaro tour company.

The majority of climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro do so from abroad. This is unquestionably advised for most climbers instead of choosing a climb operator on-site at the last minute. There is an astounding amount of Mt. Kilimanjaro tour options. The level of quality varies greatly, ranging from careless “cowboy” attire to opulent climbers who practically carry you to the summit.

You should be searching for a reputable, high-standard operator who also cares about their personnel.  On Kilimanjaro, avoid trying to save money. Don’t climb Kilimanjaro with a less expensive tour company.

4. Booking Your Airline Tickets

Your trekking agency may arrange your Kilimanjaro flight if you reserve your Kilimanjaro trip from abroad. If not, you must take that action. Kilimanjaro Airport is the nearest airport to Mount Kilimanjaro (JRO). Most travelers fly into Kilimanjaro Airport, which is halfway between Arusha and Moshi.

The actual Mount Kilimanjaro is closer to Moshi. There are a lot of trekking agencies there, but there are also a lot in Arusha. You can also fly from one of the other major airports in the region, such as Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or even Nairobi, if you are organizing a lengthy trip to Tanzania.

5. Arranging For A Visa

Kilimanjaro requires a visa for entry, as well as a passport that is still valid for at least another six months. Find out how to get your visa by calling the Kilimanjaro embassy in your residency or visiting their website. You can get a visa once you arrive in Kilimanjaro if your nation does not have a Kilimanjaro embassy.

6. Getting immunizations

A yellow fever certificate might be required, and several other immunizations are advised. Consult your doctor as soon as possible because some must begin months in advance.

Depending on your vacation itinerary, you should also take anti-malaria medicine. Consult your physician about it. The length of your stay and any additional destinations you may wish to visit outside Kilimanjaro, such as Zanzibar or a safari, will determine your need.

7. Putting The Required Gear In Order

If you made your reservation with a reputable operator, quality camping gear is already included in the cost.

Many Kilimanjaro tour operators also lend out additional equipment you might want to avoid buying for occasional usage or transport around Tanzania on a long journey.

Sleeping bags made of down, insulating pads, and down coats are among the items you can frequently rent.  In addition, you will require gloves, a warm hat, decent sunglasses, sunscreen, a day pack, rain protection for everything, water bottles or camelbacks, and more. All of these items are of the highest quality and thermal.

Most significantly, your hiking boots must be well-worn-in and of excellent quality.

8. Keeping A Fit Lifestyle

As Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t require specialized knowledge or mountaineering gear, it is a well-liked climb. In essence, it is a hike rather than a climb. You can ascend by walking up. Though it seems simple, it’s not!

Learn how to prepare for Mount Kilimanjaro and avoid altitude sickness while climbing. The more you can accomplish in the months before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the better.

Although particular climbing skills are not necessary to climb Kilimanjaro, long-distance trekking and hiking experience helps! Additionally, it helps if you are accustomed to roughing it since climbing Kilimanjaro would undoubtedly require you to do so.

How to Get Ready For Your Adventure on Kilimanjaro?

In order to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you must first prepare the following:

• You must make flight reservations.
• You must arrange for your visa.
• You must receive the necessary vaccines.
• The required equipment must be purchased or rented.
• You must become physically fit.

 
Do Not Hasten Your Rise of Kilimanjaro

Our top priority is ensuring your Kilimanjaro climb is risk-free, pleasurable, and unforgettable.

Although the peak can be climbed in five or six days, why take the chance? It makes financial sense for clients to want to work fewer days per week. However, we consider the added expense to be well worth it. Not only is it safer, but you also boost your chance of success. That who has more time to enjoy the experience can go on acclimatization treks to other mountain areas that they’d otherwise miss & will probably feel better as well, given that there is less stress on their body.