Kilimanjaro FAQ

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the months of January, February, June, July, August, September, October and December. All of the above months tend to be the busiest times on Kilimanjaro. It is the high season for tourism.

Because Tanzania lies near the equator, the area does not have four seasons like most other countries. Instead there are two seasons – wet and dry. The temperature does vary but does not have the large swings that most people are accustomed to.

The only times that should be avoided are during Tanzania’s two rainy seasons. The long rainy season is from the end of March to the beginning of June and the short rainy season is from November to the beginning of December. Even during the “dry” seasons, climbers may still experience heavy rains. The mountain’s weather is unpredictable. Always be prepared for cold and rain.

The Weather on Kilimanjaro is divided into two seasons. The wet season (rainy) and the dry season (not rainy). The dry season, for obvious reasons,  is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro.

Our climbs have an arrival and departure day built-in. We recommend arriving at least one day early.  This will give your body time to adjust to the time change and also recuperate from the long flight. It also gives you a cushion in case your flight is canceled or delayed, or if your bags are lost or delayed.

Getting to Tanzania and hiking up Kili is not cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. Luxuries such as portable toilets and glassware will cost more. Land costs should include transport to and from Kili, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.

There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose.

The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (can be done in five), but Oserok Trips use six days for this route.

You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken and meat. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available as well.

You might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and dizziness. Apart from obvious injuries that can occur when walking in uneven terrain and in very cold conditions, you will not be in danger of mugging, attack by animals or malarial mosquitoes.

No person younger than 10 years is allowed according to Kilimanjaro National Park authorities’ rules. If 10 or older, they may only proceed as high as Horombo Huts (3700m) or Shira Camp (3900m) if they are accompanied by one of their parents. Kilimanjaro-Experience prefers its climbers to be 14 years and older when they attempt the summit. Climbers older than 70 years are required to show a medical certificate.

The oldest person on the mountain was Richard Byerley (84) of Washington State. He trained by climbing mountains, running and cycling. His tip? ‘Just go.’ Kilimanjaro Experience’s oldest guest was 79 years and 9 months and was from the Czech Republic.

We can measure each day in walking hours rather than kilometers. Most days, other than the summit day, will begin with breakfast around 6:30 AM and departure at 7 AM. You will walk four to five hours with a break for lunch followed by another hour or two of hiking in the afternoon. These days are not long or difficult and you will be advised to walk slowly.

The usual ratio is three or four local staff for each climber, although small groups may have four or five staff per climber. The staff usually consists of an English speaking guide or guides, a professional cooker, and gear-carrying porters. We encourage you to interact with your staff. They are all trustworthy, local people who have grown up in the shadow of the mountain. Many of them have climbed the peak a hundred or more times.

We provide tents, camping gear, food, utensils, and leadership. You should bring your own sleeping bag, water system, personal clothing, light duffle bag, and day pack. Hiking poles can be rented.
A packing list is provided to all climbers, along with our pre-departure packet:

• 1 mountaineering sleeping bag (usually a below 10 degree rating or better is recommended)
• 2-3 liters water canteen (sturdy plastic or steel)
• 1 LED flashlight with spare batteries
• 1 Pair of comfortable trekking boots
• 1 towel
• 2 pairs of thick thermal socks and several pairs of regular socks
• 2 fleece jackets
• 1 down jacket or long-sleeved wind-breaker (down jacket is unnecessary if you have good fleece jackets)
• 1 set of thermal underwear (i.e. thermal vest and long-johns)
• 2 pairs of trekking trousers
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1 pair of waterproof trousers
• 1 balaclava or ski-mask
• 1 sun hat
• 1 pair of sunglasses

You will have enough drinkable water during the trip. To keep your system running normally, we recommend you bring two bottles and use tablets to purify water (you can buy tablets in Arusha).

You must arrive healthy and fit. A simple cold or other respiratory sickness can become worse during the trekking. There is no malaria risk on the mountain and insect bites are very rare.

The major sources of cost variations are the money spent on food, off-mountain accommodation, porter and guide wages, tents, and the cost of getting to the mountain.
Oserok Trips is determined to provide the best food, best guides and porters, best tents and equipment, top quality before-and-after-climb accommodation, a full professional pre-climb orientation, insurance for all staff and inclusion of all park permits, meals, transfers and local hosting costs. On some of the least expensive trips, food is minimal and often prepared by frying. As guides and porters are expected to cover part of their wages with tips, these companies cannot attract the best staff. Often, they do not provide full warm clothing to staff. The mountain is hard on tents which are expensive in Tanzania, meaning that tents on cheap trips are often worn or dirty.
Our approach is not to provide the cheapest trip, but rather to do everything we can to increase the likelihood you will reach the summit and enjoy the overall experience with a staff of people who are well qualified and compensated for the extraordinary assistance they provide to you.

We always have a first aid kit with us and guides are well trained on first aid. Serious injuries are very rare and Kilimanjaro National Park has a rescue team in case of emergency.

Your tents are mountain-style, double-walled, mosquito-netted, and durably-floored with waterproof material. While technically rated as three-person tents, they accommodate two people very comfortably. Tents are erected and packed up by the portering staff. There is enough space for tall people to stretch out and room for your gear within the tent. On the Marangu Route, the huts are just large enough for four bunks built against the walls of A-frame cubicles. Tall hikers will feel cramped. Gear is stored on the floor. Wash and toilet facilities are shared and are outside of the bungalows.