Hightlights
Since its official opening in 1977, Mt Kilimanjaro National Park has become one of Tanzania’s most visited parks. Unlike the other northern parks, this isn’t a place to come for the wildlife, although it’s there. Mt. Kili snow-caped peak lies on the Equator; the reason that trigger some daredevils to conquer the remarkable colossus. At 5896m Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain and one of the continent's magnificent sights, It has three main volcanic peaks, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The name itself "Kilimanjaro" is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans.
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro scores high on countless ultimate to-do lists, a hike up Kili lures around 25,000 trekkers each year. Reaching the summit feels like being on top of Africa, with the whole continent lying at your feet. And best of all; most people reach the Crater rim with no more than the right clothing, a humble attitude and a good measure of willpower. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. But there is so much more to Kilimanjaro than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.
Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias. Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.
Climbing Routes
It has 6 climbing routes through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve, namely Marangu, Mweka, Umbwe, Machame, Shira and Rongai. There are entry gates at Machame, Marangu (which is also the site of the park headquarters), Londorosi and several other points. Trekkers using the Rongai route should pay their fees at Marangu gate. You may decide to climb at a less than perfect time, be it because you want to avoid the main rush or because that is the only suitable timing for you holidays. If you do so, consider Northern Circuit Route or the Rongai Route. The northern side of the mountain is much drier than the other Kilimanjaro routes. Moreover, if you want the best weather on Kilimanjaro but hate crowds, the same applies. Choose your route wisely. There is less traffic on Rongai, Lemosho and Northern Circuit Route than on the popular and always busy Machame and Marangu routes.
Pros & Cons
Best Time To Visit Mt. Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro lies in equatorial climatic zone, as opposed to habitual summer, winter, spring and autumn, has wet and dry seasons only. Wet seasons are in April-May and November. Similarly to other tropical countries predicting when the rain starts and stops is nearly impossible. All other months are the “dry season”, when most of the days are sunny, but still it does not mean a 100% guarantee of clear skies. There are two main climbing seasons: July-August-September and January-February. Many travelers have their summer or Christmas holidays at that time, while the weather conditions for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are perfect.
Rain seasons scare off the majority of climbers. In April, May and November the probability of trekking under the drizzle is very high. Rain softens the soil and makes the rocks slippery, turning your climb into a slower and more risky adventure. However, landscape photographers are particularly addictive to the rainy season in Tanzania. More precipitation means more snow on the peak, which makes it possible to shoot the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro. Moreover, it is the only time when you can avoid the “rush hours” on the routes, and enjoy some privacy walking virgin-snow-covered treks.
Best Trekking Months
The “big” rainy season starts at the end of March and continues until the middle of May. April marks the beginning of the coldest time of the year in Tanzania. These months are so dank and drizzle that some operators simply do not offer climbs in April/May at all.
The frequency of rain gradually decreases. The weather on Kilimanjaro is fairly dry and clear but the nights are still bitter cold. June is usually quiet, sunny, and, in our opinion, much underrated in terms of climbing. It is an excellent idea to choose June for your adventure because of great weather and almost climbers-free routes.The number of climbers will be increasing as the year progresses. Starting from July the majority of the routes will be quite busy.
The peak climbing season on Kilimanjaro is on August-September. The weather is particularly good for climbing: the days are clear and somewhat warmer than in June/July. At the same time it may be cloudy in the forest/moorland zone, as well as it may be rainy on the southern routes (Machame and Umbwe). However, once you leave the rain forest behind it will be sunny. October is another unfairly ignored season: nice weather conditions last into mid-October and the number of climbers drops dramatically, giving you a good chance to enjoy Kilimanjaro treks almost alone. At the end of October, the weather becomes more changeable. As long as you are equipped to withstand the occasional shower, this should not present any major challenges.
November is the “small” rainy season. The rainy weather may last into mid-December. The temperatures have dropped and the moisture mist covers the Mount, making your climb more tricky and risky, yet more challenging and exciting. November might not be the best pick in terms of weather, but gives a great opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views of misty-covered Mount with its snow-capped peak, and to make some terrific pictures.
Christmas and New Year are the second peak climbing season on Kilimanjaro. The climbers traffic is extremely high, although there is a high chance of raining and thick clouding in the lower altitudes of Kilimanjaro.
Mid-January to mid-March are very popular among climbers. The weather is perfectly balanced: it is neither too cold, nor too wet. The days are generally dry, though occasional rains may happen. The possibility of rain increases in the second half of March because the “big” wet season advances.
Altitude and Climate Zones
The temperature on the Mount Kilimanjaro correlates with the four distinct climatic zones:-
Densely covered with green vegetation this zone temperatures average 12-15 °C (20-25 °C during daytime) at 2,900 m. This is where you are going to spend the first one or two days of your climb, depending on the route.
The higher you climb – the scarcer the vegetation becomes. Depending on the route, here you will spend one or two days with average temperatures range 5-10 °C (15-20 °C during the daytime) at 3,600 m.
You will spend your fourth and fifth day on the Mount here, as well as the final arrangements for summiting will be at those altitudes. Here the temperatures average around the freezing point at 5,000m, but during the daytime, when the sun is shining, it is still quite warm and comfortable.
Its temperatures average around -6 °C. However, keep in mind that all summiting attempts usually start at midnight in order to reach the Uhuru peak by dawn. You will be trekking at night when the temperature can drop to – 20°C. When the harsh gusts of wind are torturing you, you will be likely to feel as if the temperature is below -40 °C. However, it’s totally worth it, because on the top you will see one of the best pictures you have ever witnessed in the light of the uprising sun.