All you Need to Know About Climbing Kilimanjaro

Our primary goal is making sure our clients have access the best available information to climb Kilimanjaro. We have compiled all of our key pages on climbing Kilimanjaro in one location, so that you have everything you need before your Kilimanjaro tour.  If you are signed up feel free to contact us 5 days a week.

If you haven’t, you need to sign up to climb Kilimanjaro with Kilimanjaro’s Number 1 Guide and undertake what could potentially become the greatest adventure of your lifetime!

We are here to help you prepare for everything Kilimanjaro and understand the training needed to climb Kilimanjaro. Standing on the summit of Kilimanjaro is an exhilarating experience and we have developed a service to exceed your expectations.

Don’t trust us? Read some REVIEWS from our trips.

Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing Mountain in the world, and this trip will show rich culture, world class mountain viewing, great food, amazing side trips, along with extremely special people – this trek truly has it all.

Over the past fifteen years of running Kilimanjaro tours, we have compiled a list of everything you need to know about the trek. This information is to help you discover everything you need to know about trekking up and down Kilimanjaro, including how to prepare and what to expect from the trip.

We run over 30 trips a year on Kilimanjaro, following a number of routes and options. GET IN TOUCH today for more information, and sign up to one of our unique itineraries!

What is so special about it?

Well, first, the fact that Kilimanjaro is one of the seven summits. The highest mountain in Africa and one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The mountain and experience are unique hiking through 5 climatic zones on a freestanding mountain. Kilimanjaro is like nothing else on earth.

Secondly, Kilimanjaro has 7 main routes, we have climbed them all, and prefer route is the Lemosho Route. We have gone a step further and developed our own unique itinerary using a High Camp at 16,000 feet offering our teams the best chance at the summit.

Thirdly, the experience. The mountain is what draws you to see if you have what it takes to reach the summit. What you leave with will be so much more than that. Not only will you experience lush forests alive with monkeys, birds, Giant Senecio and glaciers just south of the Equator.

And last but not least, the primary reason for people hiking Kilimanjaro lies at its very end – the magnificent summit, Uhuru Peak at 5,895m/ 19,341 feet. Or, to be more precise, traversing the massive crater rim of and standing on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.  one of the seven wonders of the world at sunrise.  It’s not a view you forget.

After that remarkable summit, Kilimanjaro summiteers walk away knowing they have reach one of the coveted seven summits.

How Many Days Does Kilimanjaro take to climb?

After climbing Kilimanjaro over 40 times I high recommend having 8 days on the mountain for the ideal chance at making the summit.  No matter how many times we have been on this wonderful trek, we are still stunned and in awe of the Tanzanian People.

In total, we run over 30 treks to Kilimanjaro each year. Our favored and popular Kilimanjaro tours is the 8-day Lemosho trek. We also run a number of safari trips across Tanzania to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara and many world class locations that Tanzania has to offer.

Our Most Popular Tour

The 8-day Lemosho route trek covers 42 miles and gives the visitor plenty of time for adequate acclimatization. Along with more time to truly experience the best of Kilimanjaro’s  mountain scenery, without having to rush. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so having the time to fully appreciate the beauty and spiritual connection to the mountain and people of Tanzania.

This is one of the most popular adventure treks in the world, as it takes you through some stunning mountain scenery passing three volcanos; the Shira Volcano, Kibo which you know as Kilimanjaro and Mawenzi Volcano.

Along the way, you will camp at the best campsites on Kilimanjaro, as well as no end of stunning natural beauty spots. And not only will you experience the remarkable beauty of the Barranco valley but you’ll also be resting your head in the best campsite for summit success on Kilimanjaro, Kosovo Camp.

Other Notable Kilimanjaro Routes

Our 7-day Machame route trip covers 37 miles, starting at the Machame gate. This route takes a direct route up the southern side of Kilimanjaro. This route encompasses the best of the southern side of Kilimanjaro, including the Barranco and Karanga valley’s.  The trip finishes by reaching the Summit and exiting Kilimanjaro National Park by Mweka Gate. We can also run treks on the northern circuit.

Our 7-day Rongai route covers 42 miles of trail. The Rongai route on Kilimanjaro is a road less traveled. We only run seven day treks on the Rongai route. We will ascend Kilimanjaro from the north-east side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This Rongai route is an unspoiled part of the mountain and remains a real wilderness area offering a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.

Our 9-day Sleeping in the crater is for the most adventurous explorer. Climbing the highest free standing mountain in the world and then sleep in the crater of the dormant volcano is truly one of the great mountain adventures of all time. By picking 9 days on the mountain you are giving yourself the best chance at success climbing Kilimanjaro. We will use the Lemosho route as our approach to sleeping in the crater of Kilimanjaro.

How Challenging Is the Kilimanjaro Trek?

Although hiking Kilimanjaro is not a technical peak it is an extremely challenging trek with a serious summit and gigantic downhill. The trail to the summit of Kilimanjaro is tough, leading through steep mountain terrain to the crater rim and Barranco wall.

The question how difficult is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is a very tough one to answer! There are a few factors to consider, but if you are a hiker used to carrying weight and walking up and down hills you may find Kilimanjaro relatively straight forward. If not you have a lot of training to do.

Also, due to high altitudes and steep ascents, it’s vital to prepare oneself before climbing Kilimanjaro. We’ll talk more about the preparing for Kilimanjaro in a moment.

Kilimanjaro Permits

The Tanzanian Government manage the permits for climbing the mountain and are very expensive. This is why most people look to climb Kilimanjaro in less days. The permit coverage daily rates and we manage all aspects of the permit and getting it booked for you.

Securing a Kilimanjaro permit is only possible through a certified tour company, such as Ian Taylor Trekking. That means you won’t be able to climb Kilimanjaro independently. That said, if you wish to hike on any route up Kilimanjaro, you can only do that through an approved tour operator.

What Is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?

When you’re thinking about booking your Kilimanjaro hike, you can either choose between hiking it during the dry season and wet season. The two differ immensely, so it’s important to consider their pros and cons.

Dry Season (January, February and June through October)
There are two dry seasons and they offer you seven good months for climbing Kilimanjaro. The most significant advantage is, of course, a significantly reduced chance of rain. Trekking Kilimanjaro in the rain makes it an even more challenging hike, so picking one of our dry season tours is probably the best choice for you.

On the other hand, the dry season coincides with the peak tourism seasons in Tanzania. That means a lot more hikers on the trail and fuller campsites. Additionally, with more people interested in hiking Kilimanjaro during summer, you will need to book your trip further in advance.

Wet Season (November, December and March –  May)
There are two wet seasons on Kilimanjaro. The first is the main wet season. March through May. The second is traditionally a mini wet season in November and December.

During these periods, the trial is much less crowded, with more snow higher up and more risks with slippery and challenging trails.  Hiking in the rain for the whole day can also be a pain, especially if you aren’t equipped with a top-quality rain jacket.

Preparing for your Kilimanjaro trek

If you think that you can hike up and down Kilimanjaro in trail shoes, without any preparation whatsoever, think again. First, keep in mind that only 60% of people make the summit of Kilimanjaro. Everything comes down to the steep and challenging summit ascent and descent and you need to be prepared for both.

Secondly, bear in mind you’ll spend the entire trip in very high altitudes. The highest point, Uhuru Peak, lies at 5,895 meters above sea level. Such altitudes mean lower oxygen levels. Being able to withstand requires training and acclimatization.

And lastly, there’s the case of preparing high-quality equipment. So yes, there’s a lot to consider when preparing for your Kilimanjaro trip. Read more.

Pick the Right Itinerary to Match Your Ability

Firstly, you need to do is pick the right itinerary. There is no one size fits all solution. The trail can be challenging, and therefore, you should consider adding more days on the mountain. Do not underestimate the lack of oxygen.

Therefore, you need to make sure you pick the proper acclimatization schedule and days on Kilimanjaro to safely make your way to the summit and have the best experience possible. Choosing the right itinerary is vital for a safe, enjoyable, and successful experience in a low-oxygen environment climbing Kilimanjaro.

If you fail to acclimatize well, then you run the risk of getting altitude sickness higher up. And trust us when we say it’s not the most pleasant thing to experience climbing Kilimanjaro.

How to be Successful When Trekking at Altitude

Breathing techniques, low heart rates, excellent hydration, and pacing are all extremely important in order to be safe and successful. Also, you need excellent physical conditioning to be able to walk up and down thousands of feet with a weighted back pack at high altitude.

We can help you with this. Drop us an E-MAIL today and get access to our Kilimanjaro trekking professionals. Our office staff have personally climbed Kilimanjaro more than 50 times. Pick up the phone and speak to us. We have the trekking team, experience, and knowledge to help you come fully prepared for your Kilimanjaro trek.

What to Pack for the Kilimanjaro Tour?

And finally, you need to know what to pack for your hike. We cover that in more detail in our video.  As said, you will find a full list in our video guide. We will also send you a dedicated 35-page Kilimanjaro dossier, a full itemized list of necessary items to pack, and other information regarding the Kilimanjaro trek.

Our Staff

At Ian Taylor Trekking, we provide the best possible service to our customers and are proud of the experience our team bring to the table.  That is why we hire full-time staff in Tanzania and pay our team more than other companies. It’s a win-win for our staff and customers. Our team of porters are motivated to provide the best possible service with a smile, and you get the most out of your trekking! Also remember we have Kilimanjaro’s Number 1 Guide leading our team on the ground.

And not only do we provide financial assistance for staff to further their education, but we also contribute to the growth and development of a range of local communities.

Useful Links

We have added some useful links below that will aid in your planning and preparation for your trek up Kilimanjaro. We have successfully led thousands of people through this geological paradise to the summit of this mighty mountain.

The following links will aid in your preparation for the trip as well! And if you want to learn more about hiking Kilimanjaro, don’t hesitate to CALL US and find out everything you need for your specific trek.

Why Climb Kilimanjaro with Ian Taylor Trekking?

Since you can only trek Kilimanjaro with one of the approved tour operators, you need to choose the right tour company. We can help with that. By choosing Ian Taylor Trekking for your Kilimanjaro trek, you can take advantage of an experienced team of trekking professionals, larger tents, better food, more staff and one to one support on summit night.

Support a company that has invested in its local staff. We have raised funds to build a school in Uganda, four schools in Nepal, support an orphanage in Tanzania, and also help support local children in Peru. We have our own full-time staff on the ground in Arusha, and we run a quality service on all our trekking trips to Kilimanjaro. CONTACT US, and we can explain how we operate our adventures in Tanzania.

The trek up Kilimanjaro will be the highlight of any trekker‘s career! Thus, you need to make sure you put in the right training and preparation to make this journey a success. Let our team help you to reach your goals today!

Hiking Kilimanjaro – FAQs

Where to get water when hiking Kilimanjaro?
You don’t need to worry about your drinking water when hiking Kilimanjaro with Ian Taylor Trekking. Our tour guides will provide you with cold water every morning, lunch, and evening. We will also provide boiled water each evening, ensuring you are properly hydrated during your hike. The only thing we recommend you have are water purification tablets to use on the provided water.

What is the food like on the Inca Trail tour?
Besides drinking water, our staff will also provide you with top-quality food, ranging from snacks and fruits to meat and grains. We also serve three-course meals three times a day, ensuring you get all the energy and nutrients necessary to complete a full day’s hike.

Do I need to purchase special Inca Trail insurance?
Although you’ll be guided by the best professionals possible, there’s always the risk of something going wrong when hiking the Inca Trail. For example, if you fall sick or injure yourself and are unable to hike, you will need to be evacuated. Without proper travel insurance in place, evacuation will be more than expensive.

Therefore, we always encourage our customers to purchase a dedicated travel insurance policy, whether it’s for Kilimanjaro or any other of our hiking trips.

How much money to bring on my Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu?
That depends entirely on you. Practically all the most significant costs will be covered up-front, so you won’t need to worry about food or water. Still, it might be a good idea to bring some shillings to buy meals in Arusha. You will also be expected to tip the porters and guides. Finally, there are the costs of any souvenirs you wish to purchase and meals if you join one of our safaris.

How much does hiking the Inca Trail cost?
That depends on which offer you choose. As covered, we offer three main Kilimanjaro tours, either 7, 8, or 9-days. The cost will cover the permit, airport pick ups, accommodation, Sheraton hotel in Arusha, food, water, and other basic expenses. The only things you will need to cover yourself are souvenirs after climbing Kilimanjaro, meals in Arusha, and tips at the end of the trip (we recommend tipping our team around $400).

All you Need to Know About Climbing Kilimanjaro

The two biggest reasons people are not making it to the summit of Kilimanjaro are lack of physical preparation and lack of acclimatization. Because of this, we want to give our clients all the tools necessary to be successful. We have helped over 3,000 people to summit on our 8 day Lemosho Route climbs.  Firstly, check out our Kilimanjaro climbing video, then check out our upcoming trips to Kilimanjaro.

Respect the Guides and Staff on Kilimanjaro

One of the first things that we emphasize to people wanting to go to Kilimanjaro is that we have to respect the local people who work on the mountain.  Therefore, you must pay them well and treat them as family. This is how we approach our Kilimanjaro climbs! Our head guide was Voted The Best Kilimanjaro Guide. We have our own staff on the ground for 10 years now and don’t outsource our services.  We have been building our expert team for 15 years, therefore making sure our team gives only the highest quality service. This definitely costs a bit more, however most companies cut corners in the areas of staff costs and service. Safety is our teams number one concern. READ SOME REVIEWS.

All you Need to Know About Climbing Kilimanjaro

All you Need to Know About Climbing Kilimanjaro

1). It’s official we have Kilimanjaro’s Number one Guide leading our team.
2). Pick the best acclimatization itinerary for your Kilimanjaro climb
3). Get training and learn the best way to prepare for your Kilimanjaro climb
4). Get FREE constant advice from our professional team
5). Understand the daily distances up and down Kilimanjaro
6). Have the right clothing and gear for your Kilimanjaro climb
7). Pacing each day on the trail is critical to success
8). Why hydration is critical at high altitude and in low oxygen environments
9). What sort of food will I be getting on my Kilimanjaro climb
10). These are the vaccinations needed for your Kilimanjaro climb
11). Get the Top 10 Tips available for your Kilimanjaro climb
12). The elevation gains on your Kilimanjaro climb
13). What are the best trekking boots for your Kilimanjaro climb
14). Where do I get Insurance to cover my Kilimanjaro climb
15). What are the best months to climb Kilimanjaro
16). What is the summit night like while climbing Kilimanjaro
17). What is the easiest way to climb Kilimanjaro
18). 20 reasons to pick Ian Taylor Trekking for your Kilimanjaro climb
19). How difficult is it to actually climb Kilimanjaro
20). Read some REVIEWS from our trips. Do to the Testimonial page.
21). Our TOP 50 TIPS for a safe and successful ascent of mount Kilimanjaro
22). Find out more about going on Safari in Tanzania with us
23). What our key elements to a successful Kilimanjaro climb.
24). What is the most beautiful route up Mount Kilimanjaro.
25). The truth about climbing the Baranco wall on Mount Kilimanjaro
26). Learn more about the best acclimatization for your Kilimanjaro climb
27). What does a normal day climbing Kilimanjaro look like
28). What additional expenses will you have on your Kilimanjaro trip
29). What are the two main differences between Climbing Kilimanjaro and the Everest Base Camp Trek

30). How do you train for hiking down hill. Learn more.

Join the Dream Team on Kilimanjaro

We have the same base camp manager, guides, servers, tent crew and generally the same 30-40 staff with us on each of our Kilimanjaro climbs. We have helped over 3,000 people on the summit. Our staff want to work for us and give you a safe and amazing experience on the mountain because we make sure they are well looked after. Our head guide has trekked to Everest base camp and climbed Island peak with us in 2017 and Voted Best Guide on Kilimanjaro, and we are confident that others will follow.

The Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

Make Sure you Pick the Right Itinerary

One of the most important things you must consider when choosing your Kilimanjaro climb is how many days you will spend. In our opinion MINIMUM of 8 days on the mountain is needed to give you a safer and more successful ascent and descent. The more days the better. Any less than this and you are running the risk of falling into that 40% of people who do not make it to the summit because of serious altitude related issues.

All you Need to Know About Climbing Kilimanjaro

How Important is Acclimatization

You need more time for the body to adapt to the lack oxygen, especially in the critical zone of 3,500m/ 11,482 feet to 4,000m/ 13,123 feet. You can not force this. Yes, everybody adapts differently to altitude, however you still need to be safe and careful and take your time going to new heights each day.  Ideally, when going to altitude, you do not want to have jumps of more than 700m/ 2,300 feet, in one day. Above 3,500m/ 11,500 feet, you don’t want to make a jump of more than 500m/1,640 feet per day.  The only exception to this should be for a summit night, when you reach the high point, then get out of high altitude quickly.

All you Need to Know About Climbing Kilimanjaro

Breathing techniques, low heart rates, excellent hydration and pacing are all extremely important to be safe and successful. You also need excellent physical conditioning to be able to walk up and down hills with a weighted backpack at high altitude. We can help you with this. So don’t wait, drop us an E-MAIL TODAY.

Who we Support in Tanzania

If you want to do more for the local people, then you can bring clothes, school items and gifts and we will deliver them to a local orphanage that we support. Alternatively, if you would like to support our porters to learn English and up skill, do let us know. We have staff looking to improve their knowledge and we can arrange this.

Our Top 50 Tips for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
The Keys to Success Climbing Kilimanjaro
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Best Months For Climbing Kilimanjaro
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