THE BEST MONTHS TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO
Normally March, April and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided. November is usually short rains but it is not often rains all the days so Climbing is possible. The best Months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are January, February and also August and September. July can be colder and November to December can be wet. January to February is the warmest months, almost clear of clouds each evening and morning. The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top.
Tour’s Program
Day 1: Arrival – Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to a Kibo palace hotel for an overnight. Dinner and Overnight.
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara hut (2700m)
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Distance: About 12 km’s
- Habitat: Montane forest
The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment.
Day 3: Mandara hut (2700m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Distance: About 15 km’s Habitat: Moorland
From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. an evening meal and overnight.
Day 4: Horombo hut (3720m) – Acclimatization day
Horombo toilet. Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest.
Day 5: Horombo hut (3720m) – Kibo hut (4700m)
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Distance: About 15 km’s
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Kilimanjaro Hikers. After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour, and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut).
Day 6: Summit Attempt
- Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
- Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru – 6 hours to descend to Horombo
- Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the On the Summit. trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.
Day 7: Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Distance: About 27 km’s
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685 m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895 m), receive gold certificates. Drive to Arusha – Kibo palace hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Arusha -Zanzibar
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. On arriving Zanzibar, our representative will meet you and drive you to Ocean Paradise beach resort to start your beach vacation.
Days 9-11: Zanzibar Beach Hotel
Days spent sun bathing and relaxing at the beach resort.
Day 12: Zanzibar – Departure
After breakfast check out and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your flight to Dar where you will connect your flight back home.
Book this tour
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Transfer to and from the base of the mountain.
- Marangu route trek as itinerary depicts.
- Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
- Accommodations at Kibo Palace hotel Arusha for 2 nights and huts on the mountain as per the itinerary.
- All park entrance fees to include government taxes.
- Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on the mountain, porters and skilled cook.
- All services begin and end at Kilimanjaro Airport as per the itinerary.
- Treated water on the trek.
- Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Mountain rescue fees. - 4 nights accommodations at a beach resort on half board basis ie- breakfast and dinner.
- Return airport transfers in Zanzibar.
PACKAGE EXCLUDE:
- Tips, laundry, sleeping bags, drinks and climbing gears.
- Medical evacuation, USD 30 per person value.
- International flights and taxes.
- Zanzibar airport departure taxes US$ 25 per person payable directly.
- Water sports and Zanzibar excursions – Can be arranged on request.
- JRO – Zanzibar flights.
- Visa charges to Kenya.
- Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary.
