Though it’s a demanding portion of the trek, most trekkers are thrilled that they get to experience the Barranco Wall; even without the physical exertion, the view from the top is stunning enough to get anyone’s heart racing!
Both daytime and nighttime summiteers will start at Barafu camp, but their experiences will unfold a bit differently… Depending on the route you take up the mountain, your summit bid may be a 10-15 hour night bid, or you may have the opportunity to summit during the day. Shorter routes, like Umbwe, include nighttime summits with immediate descents, since limited acclimatization time on these treks makes it uncomfortable for climbers to stay at the summit elevations for long.
We often talk about Kilimanjaro as though it’s a single mountain, but in fact, it’s made up of three separate volcanic cones. And when we say separate, we mean separate—the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi are around 7.5 miles apart! As for so many of the mountain’s most recognizable features (like Mawenzi’s jagged top), the Chagga people have a folktale that explains why the two peaks are separated.
As far back as you can go, cultures around the world have traditionally believed in some sort of life after death. Often, there are two possible ends, and where you wind up is determined by your actions on Earth. The Greeks imagined the souls of their heroes enduring forever in the paradisiacal Elysian Fields, while…
Chickpea fritters are one of our trekkers’ favorite dishes Photo: Thomson Safaris staffer, Amy Czarnecki There’s one very obvious “high-point” of any Kilimanjaro trek (here’s a hint, it starts with a “U” and ends with “huru Peak”), but many of our guests rave about another experience on the mountain: the food! We got in touch with…
The Jambo Song is sung by your guides and porters after a successful trek, it’s an exuberant, joyful song, accompanied by clapping and the voices of the entire crew. But if you knew what it meant, you might realize it’s not ALL sunshine and smiles…
We warn all our trekkers that no matter what time of year they climb Kilimanjaro, they can expect it to feel like winter at the summit. Facing some chilly weather is a fact of life on the mountain, but there are a few things you can do to stay toasty during your climb…
All performance apparel is not the same – each layer has a specific function. Find out when and how to use your layers to keep you comfortable on Kili. Our staff weighs in with specific brand recommendations, too!
We know our trekkers are passionate about the environment; without healthy wild spaces, they wouldn’t be able to enjoy one of their favorite activities (at least not as much)! Keeping the environment healthy, here and in Tanzania, is something we see as both a passion and a responsibility. In honor of Earth Month, we wanted…
For years, the Chagga have called Kilimanjaro home, and one of their staple crops has always been bananas. In this hearty stew, they play a starring role; give it a try in your own kitchen—it will be like a taste of the mountain’s history at home!
