Standing at a height of 5,895 metres above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the highest point on the African continent and the world’s largest free-standing mountain. The locals (chagga and Masai) believe that the mountain is the seat of God, and most of them who climb it intend to look for miracles. It is called a stratovolcano, meaning that it is made of ash, lava, and rock. Kilimanjaro is made up of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
The highest peak of Mt Kilimanjaro is Uhuru and is on the Kibo’s crater rim. According to the Tanzania National Parks Authority and UNESCO, Uhuru Peak is 5,895m above sea level, and this is based on a British survey conducted in 1952. The mountain was incorporated into Kilimanjaro National Park in 1973 and was named a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site in 1987. Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the world after Machu Picchu and Everest Base Camp.
The mountain is prominently featured in Ernest Hemingway’s 1936 short story The Snows of Kilimanjaro, which was adapted into a 1952 film starring Gregory Peck and is also featured in the Lion King franchise.
The snow on the peak of the mountain is a dynamic and fragile phenomenon, influenced by its high elevation and tropical climate. The temperatures at the summit can go as low as ‐4⁰C and it has been suggested that walking from the bottom of the mountain to the top is like walking from the equator to the North Pole, in terms of the climate zones you pass through.
Unfortunately, Kilimanjaro’s snow is declining due to global warming. Rising temperatures have led to reduced snowfall and increased ice sublimation (transition from solid ice to vapour.
About 250,000 areas on Kilimanjaro are covered by natural forests. At the foothill of the mountain, maize, beans, sunflower and wheat are cultivated by the locals. It is unlikely to meet large animals on Mt Kilimanjaro but you may encounter them in the forests on the lower parts. Elephants, zebras, warthogs, Cape buffalo’s, leopards and hyenas can be found here.
Hiking the Mt Kilimanjaro
Hiking is the major activity in Mt Kilimanjaro Park and most tourists visit it primarily to hike. There is no age limit for hiking this mountain, along as you are in good shape.
Important to note is that because of the height of the mountain, there are high risks of altitude sickness especially when you climb so fast. This can be deadly if not treated right away and can lead to serious accidents. Make sure you are physically fit and don’t have underlying health conditions. Hiking the Kilimanjaro does not require much equipment or experience as other mountains of similar heights because the routes are well defined. Here is a breakdown of the hiking routes and their prices.
- The Machame Route which lasts 6 days costs $1,950 – $3,599 per adult and for 7dyas, it costs $2,544-$3,130 per adult.
- For the Lemosho Route, it costs between $2,500-$2,600 for 7 days and $2,769-$10,250 for 8 days per adult.
- For 6 days on Marangu Route and 8 days on Rongai Route, expect to pay $2,959 per adult.
These prices all vary depending on the season, number of days and you may get discounts if you book as a group.The above fees also include camping fees, Hut fees, conservation fees, Rescue fees, guide and Porter fees.
It is important to pack appropriately for your hike to avoid inconveniences and to ensure comfort.
Packing List for Hiking Kilimanjaro
- Insulated , Waterproof and sturdy boots.
- Moisture-wicking and warm socks
- Thermal tops and leggings
- Breathable and waterproof jackets
- Cargo pants
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Biodegradable toilet paper
- Any personal medications
- First aid kit
- Phone and portable charger
- Camera and charger
- Power bank
- Insect repellent
- Flashlight
Endeavour to pack lightly but check with your tour operators since they may have specific packing requirements and recommendations.
When to go
The best time to visit Mt Kilimanjaro is during the dry season of June to October and December to March. These periods have clear skies, great views and minimal rainfall. The routes are also easier to navigate and are less slippery compared to the wet season.
The temperatures are also conducive making the whole hiking experience comfortable. During the wet season/shoulder seasons, you can expect more snow on the summit and there are also fewer crowds making the climb peaceful. However, avoid the long rainy season of April to May which makes climbing challenging with wet trails.
Where to stay
Hiking the Kilimanjaro takes several days so you need a place to sleep. Here are some top-rated accommodations in Mt Kilimanjaro National Park, along with their prices:
Kambi ya Tembo: This lodge offers comfortable and serene accommodations with scenic views and exceptional staff. Prices start from around $61 per night.
Babylon Lodge: This is a very popular choice among travelers. The lodge is well known for its cleanliness and well kept gardens and it costs $95 per night.
Bella View Lodge: Costing $96 per night, this lodge offers stunning views and comfortable rooms.
Myombo Lodge: This budget friendly lodge offers basic and comfortable accommodations and prices are as low as $34 per night.
Simba Farm Lodge: This is a top-rated guesthouse with outstanding lodge experience, offering beautiful views and friendly staff. Prices start from around $95 per night.
Other accommodations:
- Hedaru Palace Hotel
- Marangu Summit Lodge
- Happy Family Cottage
- Fortune Kilimanjaro Lodge
During the peak season of June to September and December to February, prices of accommodations tend to be high and may range from $119 to $180 per night but during the low seasons, rooms may go for as low as $20.
Other Activities in Kilimanjaro NP
- Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike at $267 per adult
- Moshi city bike day trip at $31 per adult
Overall, hiking the Kilimanjaro is a once in a lifetime experience and at Go Further Tanzania, we are here to journey with you on this exciting adventure. We ensure that you have a comfortable and safe trip with our well maintained and serviced vehicles. Contact us for more details about hiking the great Kilimanjaro.
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