Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking in 5 days via the Marangu route

There are two factors that will determine the elevation gains on your Kilimanjaro trip. What route you choose to take and how many days you will do it in. I personally designed our itinerary for the best safety and success.

In general, a tough day helps you acclimatize and prepare for the challenging summit night to come. You will be trekking for 7 hours on this day for 6.7miles/ 10.8km. Elevation gain 750m/ 2,460 feet up and down 700m/ 2,296 feet.

We generally advise that the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October. However, although these are considered to be the best times to climb the mountain in terms of weather, they are also the busiest months

You want to meet and share your unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience with a range of hikers from all over the world? On our scheduled departures, up to ten hikers are grouped together and soon the tightest of bonds will be forged as you tackle the highest mountain in Africa together.

This is a safe and sociable option for hiking Kilimanjaro. If you are a solo hiker or a small group, you will be joined by other hikers on a scheduled climb. The number of hikers in one group ranges from five to ten. You will share the same mess tent for all meals, be taken along the route by the same guides and porters and share the tips for the crew at the end of the journey.

Scheduled departures on Marangu and Machame route depart every Friday. On Lemosho route the schedule departure is on Thursday.

Climbers usually arrive in Tanzania a day or two before the climb and will stay in one of our recommended hotels in Arusha or Moshi. You will meet our operations team and the other group members for a pre-climb briefing and a thorough equipment check. Your gear is inspected to see if it is adequate and safe. If anything is missing or not up to standard, it can be hired from Kiliholidays. During the briefing our operations team informs you about what you can expect on the mountain and gives tips and important and thorough safety advice.

Scheduled departures have fixed prices; this is the more economical choice and perfect for hikers wanting to meet like-minded travelers and maybe even make some new life-long friends. On a scheduled Kilimanjaro climb, you will sleep in two-person tents and as solo-traveller share the tent with another hiker of the same gender. Single tents are also available (single supplement payment requested)

Weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable, especially at higher altitudes. The impact of bad weather, such as rain, snow, or strong winds, can affect various aspects of the trek. Here's what you need to know about handling bad weather during your Kilimanjaro climb:

1. Safety Measures Taken by Guides

Experienced Guides: Guides on Kilimanjaro are trained to handle weather changes. They monitor weather patterns closely and adjust the pace and itinerary if necessary to ensure safety.

Route Adjustments: In case of severe weather, guides may alter the route slightly to avoid dangerous sections or take longer breaks to wait for conditions to improve.

Early Summit Attempts: If bad weather is anticipated, guides may suggest an earlier summit attempt to avoid the worst conditions.

2. Gear and Clothing Recommendations

Waterproof Gear: Ensure you have high-quality, waterproof jackets, pants, and gaiters to keep dry during rain or snow. A poncho can be a handy extra layer to cover your backpack.

Layering System: Use a layering system to adapt to changing weather. Quick-drying and moisture-wicking clothes are essential to stay warm and dry.

Trekking Poles: These provide extra stability during slippery or muddy conditions.

3. Camps and Shelter

Tents: Campsites on Kilimanjaro provide four-season tents designed to withstand heavy rain and wind. Porters are responsible for setting up tents securely.

Dining Tents: Meals are usually served in a dining tent to provide shelter and warmth during bad weather.

4. Health Considerations

Hypothermia Risk: Bad weather can increase the risk of hypothermia, especially if you get wet. Keep your clothes dry and change into dry layers as soon as possible.

Altitude Sickness: Bad weather may delay acclimatization hikes. Guides will monitor trekkers closely for symptoms of altitude sickness.

5. What if the Summit Attempt is Affected?

In extreme cases of dangerous weather conditions (such as storms), the summit attempt may be delayed or canceled. Guides prioritize safety and will make the final decision on whether it's safe to proceed.

6. Emergency Response

Communication Devices: Guides carry communication devices to stay in touch with the base camp and rescue teams in case of emergencies.

Rescue Procedures: If weather conditions make it unsafe to continue, evacuation procedures will be initiated to ensure trekkers' safety.

Final Tips:

Be Prepared: Bad weather is a possibility at any time. Proper preparation with high-quality gear and a positive mindset is key to handling unexpected weather challenges.

Trust Your Guide: Always follow the guide's advice. Their priority is your safety, and they are experienced in navigating Kilimanjaro in various condition