Kilimanjaro Trek FAQs

What equipment do I need?
How much gear will I carry?
Temperature range on the mountain?
How many people in my group?
What kind of food will I eat?
Elevation at start of climb?
Will I see wildlife?
What route do I descend?

Best time of year?
What route should I climb?
Success rate for summiting?
How fit do I need to be?
How many miles will I trek per day?
What if I'm slow?
What if I can't make it to the top?
How qualified are the guides?
What are the accommodations like?

What is the Best Time of Year for Climbing?

The absolute best months for climbing are January, February, and September, though one could easily climb throughout the year. Also great are July/August (though colder), and November/December (could be wetter).

January-March are the warmest months, almost clear of clouds each evening and morning…as the day continues, clouds will build, and there may be a few brief rain/snow showers.

The main rainy season begins at the end of March and lasts through the end of May, when the temperatures will still be warm, but massive clouds will block visibility, while dropping snow on the summit and heavy rain on the lower slopes.

The long dry season follows, and by early July and into August it can be quite cold, yet accompanied by clear skies. It grows steadily warmer throughout September and into October, when daytimes are clear, but a dripping belt of mist usually girdles the mountain at the moorland zone (11,000'-13,000'), leaving the summit and a few other peaks poking through the clouds.

Short rains return in November and last into December, when afternoon thunderstorms are common. However, by evening the clouds will vanish, allowing for perfect visibility in the night and mornings.

What Route Should I Climb?

The majority of trekkers (4 of every 5) climb the highly touristed Marangu (Coca Cola) Route. Most of the rest either climb the Rongai Route from the Kenya side (which joins with the Marangu Route at the mid-way point), or the rugged Umbwe Route. All in all, there are seven park gates and nine routes, yet only three routes to the top from 15,000' upward.

We offer two routes (on our scheduled group treks) which give you the most scenic and rugged "natural" experience possible. Our Western Approach Route is by far the least traveled trekking route on Kilimanjaro, and really an exceptional way to climb this mountain. Even the Umbwe Route is a breathtaking and exceptional trail, though more popular than the Western Approach. Other routes are also available, and we are happy to arrange a trek according to your desires. If you have questions, call us…we've climbed all the routes and we can tell you what the differences are.

What Is Your Success Rate for Summiting?

Our success rates are phenomenal in relation to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top. Our success rate (reaching Uhuru Peak) is over 90% overall, and over 95% on our 9-day Western Approach Route. The average on the entire mountain is less than 50%. Our Kilimanjaro program is designed for success and safety, which is purely a factor of dedication, experience, and a commitment to providing the best services.

How Fit Do I Need to Be?

Though many deem Kilimanjaro "easily accessible", it is the most underestimated mountain in the world. The trails themselves do not require technical mountaineering skill, yet the effects of altitude consistenly turn back many trekkers from Kibo's upper slopes.

Altitude sickness is an ambiguous phenomenon, and it is nearly impossible to predict how and when it will affect you. You don't need to be an athlete to climb this mountain, but you certainly need determination and willpower.

You'll also need to commit yourself to a physical training regimen. We recommend a varied physical routine to include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (not necessarily at high altitude), simply to familiarize your body with the rigors and nuances of being on the trail. Generally, all things constant, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek.

There are many other factors that will either aid or weaken you, and this is where our experience plays a huge role. From our detailed climb-preparation manual to our expert mountain guides, we have taken every measure to ensure that you have the best possible chance of safely reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.

How Many Miles Will I Trek Per Day?

Most Tanzanians measure distances by the amount of time it takes to get from point A to point B, but we estimate that the 9-day Western Approach Route covers about 55 to 60 miles (over 9 days), and 60 to 65 miles on the Umbwe Route (over 6 days).

The Western Approach route is a gradual ascent, which requires some rock-scrambling, but overall the Umbwe Route is more physically taxing and more difficult because it does not allow as much time for acclimatization and it requires an overnight summit bid.

The trekking times below will give you a good idea on the distribution of those miles, though they are skewed by the descent, where about a third of the total miles are covered in the last two days.

Trekking times on our routes range per day as follows:

Western Approach Route (9 Days)

1 - Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp: 3-4 Hrs.
2 - Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp: 5-6 Hrs.
3 - Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp: 3-4 Hrs.
4 - Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Camp: 4-6 Hrs.
5 - Lava Tower Camp to Karanga Camp: 6-7 Hrs.
6 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp: 5-6 Hrs.
7 - Barafu Camp to Crater Camp: 8-10 Hrs.
8 - Crater Camp to Summit: 1-2 Hrs. & Descent to Mweka Camp: 5-7 Hrs.
9 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 2-3 Hrs.

Umbwe Route (6 Days)

1 - Machame Gate to Umbwe Caves Camp: 6-7 Hrs.
2 - Umbwe Caves Camp to Barranco Camp: 6-7 Hrs.
3 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp: 4-5 Hrs.
4 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp: 5-6 Hrs.
5 - Barafu Camp to Summit: 6-8 Hrs. & Descent to Mweka Camp: 5-7 Hrs.
6 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 2-3 Hrs.

What if I'm Slow?

You need not worry, as this is a common concern. Our guides from the onset of the trek will kindly remind you, "pole pole" (pronounced po-lay po-lay)… which means "go slowly."

By walking slowly and taking your time, you'll not only give your body a better chance to acclimatize to the altitude, but you'll be able to take in the marvelous scenery you'll pass along the way.

Just like the story of the Tortoise and the Hare, slow and steady wins the race. Plenty of time is allotted each day to reach camp, even for those who like to go very slowly.

What if I Can't Make it to the Top?

Some climbers may fall short of Uhuru Peak, but not at the expense of their overall experience. There are many wonders on Kilimanjaro, and the experience is rewarding even for those who never reach the top.

If one or more members of a group decide they cannot continue, or if a guide deems it unsafe for an individual (or a group) to continue, they are escorted (laterally or downward) to the most convenient campsite or hut.

Our guides intimately know the network of shortcuts to escort climbers to safety, and they are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstance.

How Qualified Are the Guides?

Our expert mountain guides have collectively hiked Kili well over a thousand times. They are loyal employees of the company, and are fully licensed by the National Park.

They receive lots of training from us on a regular basis. Their English is excellent, and their knowledge of the flora and fauna is remarkable. When you trek with Thomson, you can count on having the best-trained guides on the mountain who lead trips with passion and confidence.

We recognize that our guides are the lifeblood of our company and the prime reason for our success. We pay them well, and they love their jobs, which helps guarantee a smooth running company. We have roughly 100 employees in our Arusha office, most of whom have been with us for more than 10 years. In addition, we provide them and their families with benefits that other ground operators would not even consider.

What Are the Accommodations Like?

The mountain tents are modern rugged mountain tents which hold two people comfortably. An outer flysheet and large vestibules keep equipment from the elements. They are set up, broken down, and carried (along with everything else) by porters. We dig latrines at campsites and set up toilet tents. Showers are not available on the mountain, but a pail of hot water is provided for each person every morning wherever possible.

Before every meal we provide soap and hot water, for washing your hands. You'll enjoy each breakfast and dinner (and lunches eaten during bad weather) in a large lighted dining/mess tent, complete with backed chairs (chairs with back rests), and a table. You are served all meals by our waiters. Each campsite is set amongst greatly varied landscapes, offering the full spectrum of different ecosystems on Kilimanjaro.

What Equipment Do I Need?

There is no special mountaineering equipment needed. There is however a great range of weather you may endure on the mountain, as you are trekking from a montane rain forest into arctic cold, experiencing many changes of temperature an weather conditions.

The most important items include waterproof hiking boots and highly rated sleeping bag. Our preparation guide also contains a comprehensive list of gear and clothing needed, as well as how to pack it and details on how to maximize your comfort while trekking and camping. We offer a complete array of top-notch mountain clothing and accessories for rental.

While on the mountain, we provide mountain tents along with closed-cell foam mattress pads. There are many items you'll need to bring, but most people find they already own the majority of the items on the packing list. If you have cold weather/snow gear and hiking clothes, then you'll have most of what you need. Please contact us for a packing list, which we can email to you.

The only items you'll need that are "out of the ordinary" are the following:

Headlamp: LED headlamps are perfect and cost only about $30.
Walking Pole(s)/ Ski Poles: These are necessary. If bringing your own, they should be telescopic (retractable), for easy packing & travel. You can pick them up for between $40 to $100 for a pair, depending on the make and style. You could also rent them from us for $10 per pole.
Sleeping Bag, Rated at 0°F: This can cost anywhere from $100 to $400 new. You can also use your own a bag rated for temps higher than zero degrees, and supplement with a fleece liner. We rent our synthetic zero degree bags for $50.
Gaiters: To keep mud, rocks, and snow out of your boots. They are relatively cheap ($25 to $50), or can be rented for $10 a pair.
Water Purification: Your drinking water is collected from mountain streams, and you'll need to purify the water, either by using iodine, chlorine, or using a purifier/pump. We are happy to cover the details with you as you prepare. Our mountain staff will boil water for your hot water bottles, which is also safe to drink, but we cannot guarantee that we can boil enough water to supply everyone's drinking water needs each day.
Hiking Boots: This is one of the most important items on the list. You'll need a comfortable/waterproof pair of hiking boots which offer plenty of support. Make sure they are broken in before you get to Kilimanjaro! We are happy to give recommendations!

How Much Gear Will I Carry?

You are expected to carry your own day pack, which should be able to sustain you until you reach camp at the end of the day (between 10 to 20 lbs). Porters will carry your duffel bag, and after breaking down the previous night's camp, will race ahead of you over the course of the day to reach the next camp. When you arrive, the camp will be set up.

What you need during the day will depend on your priorities, but will generally include your water, basic medical kit, camera, waterproof layers, a pair of gloves and hat, a warm layer, and trail snacks.

What Is the Temperature Range on the Mountain?

Temperatures on the mountain vary widely, with desert-like conditions prevailing above treeline (about 11,000'). It is often warm during the day below 13,000' if it is sunny, but the weather often changes dramatically without warning, so you must always carry waterproof shells anytime on the mountain. Most nights it will fall below freezing above the treeline.

Be prepared for rain, snow or a sudden hailstorm, especially if you are climbing close to the rainy seasons - April-May (long rains), and November (short rains). Layering of several thin articles of clothing is the most flexible way to adjust to the weather you will experience as you trek higher and higher.

It is critical that you are prepared for the worst possible weather, and soggy or muddy conditions in the rain forest. The temperatures are hard to predict any time of year, but regardless of whether it is June-August (the coldest time of year) or December-March (the warmest), you'll need to be prepared for "anything."

How Many People Will Be in My Group?

In addition to your fellow climbers, you will be accompanied by porters, guides, and assistant guides. You can expect a ratio of one guide for every three climbers, and two or three porters for every climber.

We limit our expeditions to a maximum of 12 climbers. We treat each trip differently, but our goal remains the same - to provide the best possible service to ensure each group can safely enjoy their experience to the fullest.

What Kind of Food Will I Eat?

Meals are nutritious and calorific, prepared with the best quality foods and highest standards of hygiene. Breakfast and dinner are served in a large mess tent and lunches out in the open if the weather is nice. Every meal is served around a wood-slat table, with chairs that have back rests. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

What is the Elevation at the Start of the Climb?

The Umbwe and Western Approach Routes begin below 6,000 feet on the southern slopes, which are settled and cultivated by the local Wachagga Tribe. The trail quickly disappears into a dense canopy of tropical forest.

Will I See Wildlife?

Although the elephant, buffalo and rhino have long left the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, (elephants and buffalo can be found on the northern slopes) wildlife abounds throughout the climb, especially in the tropical forest belt from 6,000 to 9,000 feet.

Black & white Colobus monkeys and Sykes monkeys rustle in the upper canopy, while tropical boubous call from tree tops. As you turn in on the first evening, you may hear jackals barking and tree hyraxes calling one another. You will likely spot signs of smaller antelopes such as the bushbuck and duiker, and perhaps will see their hoof prints on the trail. Around the river gorges in the lower forest grow sycamore figs, whose fruits draw Hatlaub's turacos and hornbills.

Into the heath and moorland, there are not many large animals, though on the Shira Plateau there have been infrequent sightings of eland, buffalo, klipspringer, and even lions. Smaller animals are more abundant, such as the four-striped grass mouse and other rodents. Civets, serval cats and leopard prey on these animals, and you may find their fur-filled droppings along the trail. The more common birds in this zone are the gregarious alpine chat and the sparrow-like streaky seed-eater, while augur and mountain buzzards soar overhead.

The highland desert is quite inhospitable to most species; only the hardiest venture into this zone. The white-naped raven is often seen scavenging around campsites in this zone.

The summit is characterized by arctic conditions. This, combined with high radiation and low oxygen, is completely inhospitable to wildlife. In 1926 a German missionary named Reusch found a leopard frozen in the snows of the summit.

What Route Do I Descend?

We descend the Mweka Route to Barafu Camp then continue the descent to the Mweka Camp on the southeastern slopes, nestled in thick heather at 11,000 feet. The final day's descent is through lush forests on a well-maintained trail to the village of Mweka, where'll you be awarded your climbing certificates and a festive meal.

Mount Kilimanjaro Treks & African Wildlife Safaris