Williamson Adventures Ultimate Kilimanjaro Guide, the first step to the adventure of a lifetime!
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) tall. Located in Tanzania, it is a popular destination for trekkers seeking a challenging and rewarding adventure. Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcanic mountain with three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
The trek to the summit takes trekkers through five different ecological zones, ranging from rainforest to alpine desert. Due to the altitude, the climb can be physically demanding and requires proper preparation and acclimatization. However, with the right equipment, training, and guidance, Kilimanjaro is an achievable and unforgettable experience for any passionate trekker.
Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro can be an exhilarating and emotional experience for trekkers. It is a challenging feat that requires significant physical and mental endurance, so when a trekker finally reaches the summit, it can feel like a huge accomplishment.
The feeling of standing on the highest point of Africa and taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape can be awe-inspiring. There is a sense of wonder and gratitude for having completed the journey, and trekkers often feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride in their achievement.
There are many things to consider while planning your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Lack of information, and, consequently, failure to make proper preparations is the main reason why even young and fit trekkers sometimes fail to reach the summit. On the other hand, armed with the right information, climbers of all ages and physical fitness levels confidently make their way to the top.
Additionally, many tour companies aggressively promote Mt. Kilimanjaro while frequently failing to inform climbers of proper preparation and required safety measures. The Kilimanjaro climbing challenge is often described as “easy” and hardly a thing is ever told about high-altitude acclimatization and its impact on climbers. Everything is made to maximize the number of clients, while safety aspects are often forgotten.
We made this guide as there is an increasing number of people who want to climb Kilimanjaro and we want them to be aware of common pitfalls. The most frequently asked questions are answered, including what “high altitude acclimatization” is, which equipment is required, when is the best time to trek Kilimanjaro in safety and comfort, and how to get there. Additionally, our guide explains the differences between Kilimanjaro climbing routes, provides you with an inside look at how a successful climbing expedition works, and prepares you comfortable camping experience
In short, the best time to visit Mt. Kilimanjaro is from early June to late September and from late December to late February. These times are short on rain and sunny most of the time, which goes a long way to ensure the best views and a comfortable climb.
Check our article to find out more about the best seasons to climb Kilimanjaro.
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Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is often referred to as the “Gateway to Kilimanjaro” and is the starting point for many Kilimanjaro treks.
Different international airlines operate flights to Tanzania. We recommend Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Flydubai.
You need an ordinary tourist visa to visit Tanzania
You can apply for an online Visa or get it on arrival, Visa Fee is $50.
Mount Kilimanjaro offers several different routes to the summit, each with its own unique features and varying levels of difficulty.
When it comes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, acclimatization is key to a successful summit. Generally, the longer the route, the more time there is for acclimatization.
Below we are giving a short description of each route, examining their pros and cons.
Marangu Route: This is the oldest and most popular route, known as the “Coca-Cola” route due to its relative ease and popularity. It is the only route with huts for overnight stays, which can be an advantage for those who prefer more comfortable accommodations. However, the Marangu Route is also known for its quick ascent, which can lead to less time for acclimatization and increase the risk of altitude sickness. The route can be completed in 5-6 days.
Machame Route: The Machame Route is one of the most scenic routes and is known for its beautiful views and diverse terrain. It is a longer route that allows for better acclimatization, with more time for trekkers to adjust to the altitude. However, the route can be challenging due to its steep ascent and requires a good level of fitness. The Machame Route can be completed in 6-7 days.
Lemosho Route: The Lemosho Route is a newer and less crowded route, known for its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. It is a longer route that allows for better acclimatization, with a gradual ascent that is less steep than other routes. However, the route is more expensive due to its remote location and longer duration. The Lemosho Route can be completed in 7-9 days.
Rongai Route: The Rongai Route is a less popular route that approaches the mountain from the north, near the Kenyan border. It is known for its beautiful wilderness and scenic views, with fewer trekkers on the trail. The route allows for good acclimatization due to its gradual ascent and is ideal for those looking for a more remote and peaceful climb. However, the route can be longer and more expensive due to its remote location. The Rongai Route can be completed in 6-7 days.
Northern circuit route: The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route, which provides trekkers with the best opportunities for acclimatization. The route is less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and solitary trekking experience. The Northern Circuit Route has a high success rate of reaching the summit due to its longer duration, which allows for better acclimatization and slower ascent. The disadvantage of the Northern Circuit Route is the longest route, which can be a challenge for trekkers with limited time. Also, the route is more expensive than other routes due to its longer duration and the need for additional permits and fees.
Umbwe Route: The Umbwe route is the shortest route, typically taking 5-6 days to complete. This route is ideal for trekkers who have limited time and want to complete the climb quickly. Moreover, the route is more challenging to climb, requiring trekkers to have a higher level of fitness and experience.
Park View Inn Hotel is a Midrange hotel located in the town of Moshi, Tanzania, which is a popular base for climbers attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. The hotel features clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities, such as a private bathroom, swimming Poll, TV, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of local and international dishes, as well as a bar that offers a selection of drinks.
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the city of Moshi, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The hotel is known for its elegant architecture, luxurious amenities, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby mountain. It offers various services and facilities, such as fine dining restaurants, a spa and a swimming pool.
Height: 19,340 ft / 5,895 m
Type: Stratovolcano
Location: 330km South of the equator on the East African coast
Peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi, Shira
Climate zones: Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic
Cities nearby: Moshi (Kilimanjaro region), Arusha (Arusha region)
Closest airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
First, climb: 1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller
Fastest ascent: 6 hours and 42 minutes in 2014 by the Swiss Karl Egloff
Though climbing Mount Kilimanjaro does not require special mountaineering skills, the experience will be more enjoyable and memorable if you are in good physical shape. This is not to say that you must be an athlete- if you can comfortably walk up to 15 km per day, you may consider yourself physically prepared for a Kilimanjaro Climb.
At the same time, there are some basic exercises that can maximize your fitness level for the Kilimanjaro hike.
Excellent climbers are particularly prone to overextending themselves by hiking too fast, especially in the initial days of the climb. The fittest climbers, including professional athletes, have frequently been observed quitting their climb after three to four days while the less fit group members would have proceeded to the summit. It is essential to give yourself sufficient time for acclimatization.
Remember: a good fitness level helps you tackle fatigue, but it only has a moderate effect on your acclimatization transition. However, fit you may be, always walk slowly.
Read more Our article about Training Kilimanjaro
Building strength in your legs and core will help you to climb steep inclines and maintain your balance on uneven terrain. Exercises like squats, lunges, and leg presses can help build leg strength, while planks and sit-ups can help build core strength.
If you haven’t practiced any aerobic activity for a while, our advice is to start training 2-4 months before the start of your Kilimanjaro adventure. If, however, you are training rather regularly, you should just keep the regime.
At the same time, we recommend giving yourself a break from exercise for a couple of weeks before the climb.
Essentially, the Mount Kilimanjaro adventure is a long hike over often rugged mountain terrain with many up and down hills. Making a few day trips (hiking time should be 5-10 hours) in the countryside is a good way to understand what lies ahead and prepare yourself.
Moreover, if you buy new boots for your Kilimanjaro climb, these trips will be a good way to break them in. Using previously unworn hiking boots can easily detract from one’s enjoyment of the mountain by giving one sore and blisters.
Make sure you pack everything you need for your Kilimanjaro adventure. Pay attention to the following:
Documents:
Climbing gear
Pack your Kilimanjaro outfit – check our article to see what gear and clothing you will need for this trip. And remember- poor-quality equipment and hiking boots that have not been broken in are a fail-proof way to turn what should be the adventure of a lifetime into disaster.
Personal medication
If you have any medical conditions, consult your physician before undertaking the climb and make sure to bring the medications you may require. While your guides will be equipped with standard medical kits designed to handle all common emergencies, you should take care of any special medical requirements, i.e. insulin or antiallergens.
Snacks
Though all meals and drinks are provided on the trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, having a reasonable amount of snacks and energy bars of your choice is not a bad
While camping equipment is provided by your guiding service, you will be responsible for bringing your personal hiking and clothing gear. Your choice will largely determine the comfort and safety of your Kilimanjaro experience.
On this trip, you will be traversing five different climatic zones, ranging from the rainforest with its hot and humid conditions to the glacial planes at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro with their sub-zero temperatures. You should be adequately prepared.
In short, your hiking gear pack should include light clothes for the first days of your adventure, warmer ones for the middle leg and a sturdy and warm outfit for the summit night. Remember to take an insulated waterproof jacket, pants and rain poncho because tropical showers are not that infrequent on Mt Kilimanjaro. A good sleeping bag is an absolute must. Overall, you should be ready for the hot (+25 C°) days and cold (-15C°) nights.
High-quality, sturdy hiking boots are especially important. You can not hike Kilimanjaro in training sneakers, though it is advisable to bring them along for walking at camp. Quality hiking boots that have been well broken in will make all the difference on your way to conquering the highest point in Africa.
Buy high-quality gear only. This does necessarily mean focusing on world-class brands- there are many affordable alternatives. However, do not consider the cheapest models and fakes. Ensure that your boots are neither too big nor tight. This will ensure you avoid sores, blisters and possible traumas.
Because buying everything may be too costly you should also consider the option of hiring some items or the whole kit on the spot from one of the Kilimanjaro rental shops.
Check our Kilimanjaro kit packing list to learn everything you need to know about equipment and gear.
Headlamps, trekking poles and other items
Your Kilimanjaro packing list should also include durable and strong trekking poles, a headlamp with spare batteries, water bottles (or hydration bladders) and other essential items that will make your adventure safer and more convenient.
Sturdy pair of hiking boots
The footwear you choose for the hike is critical for your safety and summit success. Quality and well-fitting boots are a must. It is advisable to break them in before your Kilimanjaro adventure by making 2-3 simpler treks.
High-quality trekking outfit
Your inner and outer layers for Kilimanjaro should be both warm and breathable. Cotton should be avoided and, once again, a good fit will maximize your comfort. We would recommend the North Face, Mountain Hard wear, and RedFox brands
The weather on Kilimanjaro varies with the seasons. The first half of January till the beginning of March and early July through early October are short on rain with clear skies making these the best times for climbing. These, however, are also the times when some of the routes may feel somewhat crowded.
Do not cross out the rainy months from your travel dates – though the hike will be more arduous, you will be rewarded with the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro and significantly lower numbers of hikers, even on the popular routes.
MONTH | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Low (C) | 17,7 | 17,7 | 18,8 | 19,4 | 18,3 | 16,6 | 15,5 | 15,5 | 15,5 | 16,6 | 17,7 | 17,7 |
Average (C | 25,5 | 25,5 | 25,5 | 24,4 | 22,2 | 21,1 | 20,5 | 21,1 | 21,6 | 23,8 | 24,4 | 25 |
High (C) | 33,3 | 33,3 | 32,2 | 29,4 | 26,1 | 25,5 | 25,5 | 26,6 | 28,3 | 31,1 | 31,6 | 32,2 |
Rainfall (in) | 1,4 | 2 | 4,7 | 13,8 | 9,3 | 1,5 | 1 | 0,7 | 0,6 | 1 | 2,5 | 2,1 |
The Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions have excellent hospitals with competent medical professionals. However, keep in mind that Tanzania still lacks access to some medical treatments and standards that are standard in Western nations. Before arranging your trip, be aware to speak with your physician if you have a serious medical condition.
There are no vaccination requirements for traveling to Tanzania unless you are coming from an area where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission (see this WHO list). However, vaccinations against typhoid, rabies, hepatitis A and B, rabies, typhoid.and yellow fever are recommended.
There is no threat to hikers from the wildlife on Kilimanjaro. The most common species include galagos (sometimes known as “bush babies”), monkeys, and honey badgers. If you’re lucky, you might see an elephant or a buffalo on the northern slopes, but they stay away from people and you’ll probably have to maintain your distance.
When traveling in Tanzania, it is recommended to take regular safety precautions: keeping an eye on your luggage, only using official taxis provided by your hotel, avoiding giving money to people on the street begging for help or selling items, and only making purchases from shops that are licensed.
Choose longer treks (7,8, and 9-day programs are preferable to 5 and 6-day ones). Avoid walking too fast; overall, your hiking pace should be twice as slow as your regular one. Your climbing slogan will be “pole-pole,” which means to move slowly in Swahili. Avoid coffee and drink lots of water. You will successfully acclimate if you adhere to these simple guidelines.
Altitude sickness is a serious physical condition caused by exposure to low oxygen levels. Altitude sickness may take in severe ways, such as high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) if a climber isn’t quickly rescued after experiencing some symptoms. If you start feeling unwell, inform your guide immediately. Every day, your Williamson Adventures guide performs two health checks on every climber to assess how you are adapting to the altitude and document your health status.
Daily medical checkups are essential. Your Guide will check your pulse rates and oxygen levels every morning and evening. Your guide will check your pulse and blood oxygen level each morning and evening. They have the option to listen to your lungs occasionally using a stethoscope. Having these checkups is essential regardless of how excellent you may feel.
In the unlikely scenario that something goes wrong, getting outdoor sports insurance can be fairly inexpensive. All Kilimanjaro treks absolutely need it. Up to 6,000 meters/20,000 feet of altitude, high-altitude trekking, and helicopter evacuation should all be covered by insurance. speak with your insurance company to be assured.
A climber affected by high-altitude sickness should start descending immediately. In cases where the climber is no longer capable of walking, stretchers are used for the descent to lower altitudes. The most severe cases may require helicopter transfers directly to the hospital, which should be arranged by your operator at an extra charge. Williamson Adventures has experience with helicopter evacuations, if you book with us, you can be sure of this service.
Professional guiding crews make Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions strikingly different from other popular mountaineering trips. While on most of the other popular treks, the guides simply lead your way, your Kilimanjaro climbing crew will be taking care of everything – from carrying your duffel bag with gear to preparing meals and pitching tents. Each member of the climbing crew receives special training and certification according to his/her role in the team. Most Kilimanjaro climb crew members dream of becoming chief guides someday, yet only a select few succeed. Apart from good English, this position requires years of training, perseverance, and dedication. The specific composition of your guiding team largely depends on the tour type and duration. Thus, longer trips and remote routes both require larger crews for more equipment and supplies.
When booking a Kilimanjaro tour, remember to check if a tour operator is taking proper care of the climbing crew. A good outfitter, such as Williamson Adventures, always provides three nutritious meals a day and proper equipment – sleeping bags and well-insulated tents – to guides and porters.
Also, it is customary to give tips to your climbing crew if you liked their performance. An amount of USD 230-350 (to be distributed throughout the climbing crew) from each climber is today’s standard.
On most of your Kilimanjaro days, you will be reaching camp in the afternoon. By that time your camp crew will have everything ready for your stay – tents will have been pitched and hot lunch prepared for you to replenish your strength. You will also find your duffel bag brought straight to your tent. The whole team will assemble in the dining (“mess”) tent at 18:00-18:30 for dinner. After that, the guides will perform obligatory health checks and have a short briefing about the next day’s program.
Free time on the mountain may be occupied with pastimes of your choice. Some choose to socialize with fellow climbers, while others prefer solitary reading or listening to music in their tents. That extra nap that may mean all the difference in the way you feel a following day is always an option. Your acclimatization will be growing with each new day spent on the Mountain, preparing you for the culmination of your trip – summiting at Uhuru Peak.
Do not forget about acclimatization hikes – they will seriously boost your stamina and improve acclimatization on the way to Uhuru Peak, not to mention that they are the most exciting pastime in the camp. The guides will be informing you about such hikes after the group arrives at the camp.
Yes, it is possible to charge gadgets on Mount Kilimanjaro, although availability may vary depending on the route and accommodations. It’s recommended to bring a portable solar charger or power bank to ensure you can charge your devices during the climb.
No, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro without a guide is not allowed as per the Tanzania National Park authority rules
The correct spelling of Kilimanjaro is “Kilimanjaro”.However, here are some alternative spellings in different languages:
Yes, it is possible to climb Kilimanjaro to fundraise for a local charity that helps the local people.
The length of time it takes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro can vary depending on the route taken, but on average it takes 5-9 days to complete the climb.
No,
Here are few common Swahili words
It is a mixture of Indian, Arabic, and traditional African cuisines. As food is an integral part of any culture, tasting local dishes is highly recommended.
LCF201309072023-08-307-Day Migration Safari with Williamson: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience! My friend and I had a 7-day migration safari (River Crossing) with Williamson Adventures exceeded our expectations. The captivating sights of wildebeest herds were absolutely breathtaking, a true testament to the wonders of nature. Our knowledgeable guide Raymond made the experience even more remarkable with his deep understanding of the wildlife and their behaviors. The seamless combination of the safari with a day trip to Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Tour added a perfect touch of cultural immersion. The lush greenery and the thundering waterfall were a sight to behold, and the coffee tour was enlightening. Williamson's team orchestrated a flawless journey, ensuring comfort and safety throughout. This safari was a life-changing experience, and I'm incredibly grateful to William and his team for making it so exceptional.Vi_X2023-08-30Unforgettable experience in Tanzania The Ultimate Tanzanian Safari and Cultural Experience! I can't thank Williamson enough for the incredible 7-day migration safari adventure. Witnessing the Great Migration in person was an awe-inspiring spectacle, and Raymond Our Guide added an educational layer that deepened our appreciation. His passion for wildlife is contagious! The highlight was coupling this safari with a day trip to Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Tour. The waterfall's beauty left us speechless, and the coffee tour was a delightful insight into the local culture. The Accommodation during our safari experience was top notch, thank you William for organizing our trip and his team was amazing! I am going to miss Tanzania ❤️ # one of my best trip ever # amazing travel experiences # lots laughs & fun during the trip # unforgettable momentsEdson B2023-07-23Incredible Safari in Tanzania We did a 5 day Incredible honeymoon safari with Williamson Adventures , we were researching good company for our safari It is our luck to go with them the communication was smooth, we exchanged so many texts until we reached the conclusion . The guide Allan was knowledgeable who knows alot about animals and plants his driving skill was exceptional on the rough road on the way to Serengeti national park , The accommodations were good during our safari we will recommend Williamson Adventures to our family and friends .Juliane P2023-07-21Kilimanjaro 6 days Machame route My dad and I booked the Kilimanjaro 6 days Machame route and since the first contact with William I received all the information and help that we need and our conversation was easy. Our team at the Kilimanjaro hike was really friendly and helpful and our guides were perfect with us! Cannot recommend more I and have no words to thank enough all the team.Ellen Karin R2023-03-19Er du interessert i fugleliv såvel som dyreliv prøver du Williamssons adventures med Ian som guide Er du interessert i fugleliv i tillegg til dyreliv bør du be om å få Ian som guide. Han var kunnskapsrik om både fugler, dyr, fauna og stoppa opp på alle henstillinger og svarte tålmodig på alle spørsmål. Ian var også ein flink sjåfør. Vi var i alle nasjonalparkene, Tarangire, Serengeti, Manyara og Ngorogoro conservation area. Vi var på en fire dagers safari, og lunsjboksene, frokostene og middagene var fantastiske. Likeså med overnattingsstedene. Vi ble tatt vel i mot og tatt vare på. Denne safari er ett minne for livet, og kan anbefales på det sterkeste. I tillegg til kjempemange fugler og dyr fikk vi også sett alle fem store????Jessica D2023-02-06Perfect Kilimanjaro trek, perfect safari, perfect Guide From the first day of emailing Williamson Adventures for a safari and Kilimanjaro quote we were answered in professional way with full of information about the tour in Tanzania.The Director William was helpful and well organized our Kilimanjaro trek and 5 days safari , we started hiking for 6 days machame , the team was very helpful and the porter were strong and friends they really supported us to carry our luggages and guide was very professional especially during the summit day we really appreciate them . After safari we went to safari where we saw many animals excluding rhino because the guide explained that they're now endangered sometimes it's hard to spot them although it was good experience, the food good and accommodation was superb with high comfortability. Thanks Williamson Adventures for making our trip unforgettableNorbet h2023-02-02Kilimanjaro Climb Experience! My husband and I booked 7 days Machame route Kilimanjaro mountain climb with Williamson adventures, we liked the experience from the day we started hiking up to last day at mweka camp. The tour was very organized and the team was extremely friendly . During the summit Day it's was really challenging for me but the guide and porter was really helpful and fun to be around , the food was delicious and plentiful so we really appreciate our chef , the tent were top quality and brand new so we slept in comfortable tents . I really recommend Mr William to arrange your Kilimanjaro mountain trekking if you wish to make it to the top of Kilimanjaro mountain. Best wishes from USAChristensen H2023-01-31Unforgettable safari in Tanzania My Safari experience in Tanzania with Williamson adventures was really good since from the day we emailed them they were very cooperative , we had 8 days safari in Tanzania with them the guide was very detailed about Flora and fauna of Tanzania national park, I really liked Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater the most because of its scenic views and abundant of Animals, we managed to see all the big 5 during safari, the accommodations was nice and clean, we really thanks this company for making our journey in Tanzania unforgettableHannah P2023-01-29Best Wildlife Safari I did a 7-day safari in Tanzania and it was an unforgettable experience. The tour guide was knowledgeable about the wildlife, making each game drive a learning adventure. From the endless plain Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater, every stop was awe-inspiring. The accommodations and food were good and provided the perfect balance of comfort and immersion in nature. I would highly recommend to Williamson to plan your safari in tanzania . Thanks Williamson Adventurures for the nice hospitalitywillegamba942023-01-257 day Kilimanjaro Climb Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 7 days Lemosho was an experience of a lifetime. The trek to the summit was challenging, but the breathtaking views and sense of accomplishment made it all worth it. The scenery was absolutely stunning, from the lush rainforest at the base to the barren, lunar-like landscape at the summit. The guides were knowledgeable and supportive, and the porters were incredibly helpful in carrying our gear. The final summit push was grueling, but the sunrise from the top was truly unforgettable. Despite the physical demands, I would highly recommend Williamson Adventures for Kilimanjaro climb to anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The sense of camaraderie among the climbers, the challenge of reaching the summit and the stunning beauty of the mountain made it an experience I will never forget.
We are committed to responsible tourism and strive to minimize the impact of our safaris on the environment and local communities.
We strive to offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. We ensure our clients receive the best possible prices for our safari experience.
We have a team of highly experienced safari experts who have extensive knowledge of the wildlife and ecosystems of the areas we operate in.
