The main weather conditions that can cause concerns while climbing Kilimanjaro relate to cold temperature and precipitation. Though the average temperatures on the lowlands of Tanzania are relatively warm and stable throughout the year, the temperature on Kilimanjaro varies widely depending primarily on the altitude.
The dry seasons of mid-June through October and December through the beginning of March are the best times to climb Kilimanjaro. But even during the “dry” seasons, climbers may still experience heavy rains. The mountain’s weather is unpredictable and climbers should be ready for wet and cold conditions no matter when they come.
There are distinct climatic zones on different altitudes with changing vegetation. We will pass through five major ecological zones on the way to the summit. This varies from agricultural zone, Rain forest zone, Moorland zone, highland desert zone and arctic zone. As we gain altitude, the temperatures drop as does precipitation levels and vegetation. While the temperatures in the rainforest are generally very mild, averaging 21 degrees Celsius, the temperatures during the night ascent to the summit can be below zero up to -18 degree Celsius. Therefore, climbers need to have the appropriate extreme cold weather gear to endure harsh winter weather for many hours.
We generally advise our Kilimanjaro climb clients to avoid the two rainy seasons in Tanzania: the “long rains” in April and May and the “short rains” from late October through November. It is simply uncomfortable to climb in wet and cold weather for days at a stretch.
The remaining months are all very good to trek up Kilimanjaro.
It is important to understand, however, that weather on Kilimanjaro is as changeable and unpredictable as mountain weather all over the world is. Some light rain is virtually constant in the lower sections of the mountain throughout the year, but it might dry out on any given day or week. And the upper reaches of the mountain, which are quite arid, can see passing rain or snow storms at any time of year.
The most popular months on Kilimanjaro are July and August, with December running a close third.
We keep our group sizes small to around 6-8 people. If you have a larger group, then it does not matter how many are part of it, we will run the trek.
Sometimes if no one else joins set departure date, we also run trips with just 1 or 2 clients in them.
All our treks have guaranteed departures.
We currently use three-person tents on our Kilimanjaro program. Two climbers per tent.
Yes, we have a large dining tent and tables and chairs that are used at all camps. Sometimes we forgo the table and chairs at High Camp.
These are especially nice if it happens to rain. Often people will go inside to get their food and then eat outdoors in beautiful evening light.
We also provide toilet tents with commodes.
You will need a medium-sized backpack (say 2,500 to 3,500 cubic inches or 40-58 liters) that can hold your layers of clothing for changing temperatures and activity levels through the day. One thing that many people do not expect is the porters who carry your large bags with most of your belongings.
In your day packs you carry only those items that you will need during the active hiking hours.
Most people carry packs that weigh about 20 lbs (9 kgs). You could pare this down to perhaps 15 lbs (7 kgs) if you were careful, but with a lot of camera equipment, or other personal preference-type items, it might be more.
We offer carefully planned, highly nutritious meals prepared by trained chefs on the mountain; food quality is one of the highest praises we receive. It is not just about the great food, but getting the right food during such a demanding climb. As a climbing company (as opposed to a safari or light trekking company), we understand what and how people need to eat while in the mountains. We are happy to give you an outline of our menu plan. The quality of our expedition food is well known for all our expeditions, but is something special on Kilimanjaro climbs.
Resupplying during our trip allows us to provide lots of fresh and whole grain cooked foods.
We have private toilet tents set up at every camp. These are clean, sit down, commode-type toilets with water.
Yes, all hotels for the scheduled trip, meals on the mountain and on safari, airport transfers, are included. One thing that is not included in town and on safari are bottled drinks (soft drinks, bottled water, alcohol.) Also not included are tips at the hotels, tips for safari drivers, and tips for guides and porters at the end of the trip on the mountain.
Yes, it is compulsory on all our expeditions. You are responsible for acquiring the appropriate insurance for the nature of the trip and its activities. Ensure your chosen policy also covers helicopter and medical rescue and repatriation costs.