Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide

Our passion for Kilimanjaro is boundless. Standing at an impressive 5,895m, it is the world’s highest free-standing mountain and the tallest in Africa, earning its place in the elite “Seven Summits” club. Unlike Everest, Kilimanjaro’s accessibility allows you to summit and return to your routine within a week. Join the adventure with the top Kilimanjaro operator – where over 26,000 climbers have successfully summited under our guidance.

CHOOSING THE BEST KILIMANJARO ROUTE


Guiding over 26,000 climbers, we’ve found the best route is the one that maximizes your chances of conquering this magnificent peak. We recommend three routes:


LEMOSHO ROUTE | This is our favorite route for a costlier but rewarding 9 days from the west of the mountain. With fantastic views, diverse wildlife, and fewer crowds this route provides a picturesque journey to Africa's highest peak.


MACHAME ROUTE | For a short ascent, and a high chance of success over just 7 days, the Machame route is our second favorite. It has an interesting approach through all of Kilimanjaro's diverse climate zones. Its downside is that everybody likes it, so in peak periods it can be very busy. 


MARANGU ROUTE | This route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route, is the most favoured among Kilimanjaro routes. It stands out as the only route where you spend nights in huts, making it ideal for trekking in the rainy season. As the most popular and cost-effective choice, this route can get crowded in July-September and December-March periods.



SUMMIT SEEKERS’ TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL KILIMANJARO CLIMB


Training

Climbing Kilimanjaro is comparable to an average day of hiking at home, but it presents unique challenges. First, the continuous 7-day hike puts significant strain on your muscles and joints. Second, as you ascend, the oxygen content in the air decreases rapidly, reducing your overall power with each breath – at the summit, you'll have only about half the usual oxygen levels.
The real challenge comes on summit night, which is exceptionally tough with an ascent of over 1500m, a descent of nearly 3000m, and an average of 16-18 hours of walking. Success demands being in the best physical condition of your life. Our Kilimanjaro Training Guide offers detailed advice, emphasising cardio strength, leg muscle strength, and flexibility. Consider incorporating long days of hiking at least twice in the weeks before your climb. Remember, the crucial factor distinguishing successful summiteers from those who turn back often lies in mental tenacity.


HYDRATION AND NUTRITION

Throughout your Kilimanjaro ascent, you’ll burn approximately 4000 calories each day, nearly double your usual intake. On summit night, this escalates to well over 6000 calories. As seasoned mountaineers advise, fueling the climb is crucial. Even if altitude effects diminish your appetite, consistent eating is imperative. Our menus, crafted to be diverse and flavorful, ensure you receive essential nourishment. Pack a variety of snacks you genuinely enjoy before traveling to Tanzania, ensuring a well-supplied selection. Despite initial preferences, you might find your appetite varies during the climb.


Hydration is of utmost importance, surpassing the significance of eating. In the cold, dry air, dehydration is easily overlooked. Dehydration symptoms mimic altitude sickness, and it’s not uncommon for individuals to descend, realizing that ample water was all they needed. You’ll receive a daily supply of 2 liters of water, accompanied by unlimited hot drinks during breakfast and dinner. Consistently drinking is vital – if your urine is yellow, it indicates dehydration, prompting the need to consume more fluids.



Good equipment

The foundation of good equipment lies in taking care of your feet. Avoid showing up for your climb with brand-new boots; ensure they are well-worn and comfortable. Beyond your feet, prioritize protection for your head on the lower slopes, necessitating effective sun protection. For summit night, a genuinely warm beanie or balaclava is indispensable and can double as a nightcap on colder nights.

Consider clothing layers as the daily temperature fluctuation can reach up to 35 degrees. Layering is more effective than relying on a single jacket to cope with the variations. Gaiters and mittens are strongly recommended, given Kilimanjaro’s dusty terrain; discomfort from a dust-filled boot is easily avoidable. Gloves often fall short of warmth for summit night, so ensure you pack mittens or over-mittens. Other critical items include a 4-season sleeping bag, trekking poles for the descent, a head torch for the night climb, a comfortable day pack, and ample high-factor sunscreen.



ENSURING EFFECTIVE ACCLIMATISATION

The primary reason for unsuccessful summits often lies in inadequate acclimatisation. While we offer extensive information on avoiding altitude sickness, there are three crucial points to keep in mind. First and foremost, adopt a slow pace. Regardless of your fitness level, hastening your ascent increases the risk of altitude sickness. Our guides consistently advise “Pole Pole,” Swahili for slowly, as a reminder to maintain a comfortable conversational speed.

Secondly, prioritize hydration, as serious altitude-related issues stem from changes in pressure. This impacts the lungs, leading to pneumonia-like symptoms as fluid leaks from your blood into your lungs. Additionally, it affects the skull, causing pressure headaches as fluid moves from your brain into the space between the brain and the skull. Insufficient hydration elevates the risk of these problems.

The third aspect involves considering Diamox, a proven drug that facilitates faster acclimatisation to altitude. While not a cure, it is a generally safe method to reduce the risk of illness. Obtain a prescription from your doctor after a personal assessment of suitability, as individual health conditions vary.



Other things to do while you are in Tanzania


While in Tanzania, consider exploring various other exciting opportunities. A popular choice is to enhance your experience with a brief safari. Arusha town, situated approximately an hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro, serves as the starting point for numerous safaris, predominantly within the Northern Circuit National Parks – Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Through our primary brand Bobby Tours we offer private, personalised journeys, combined with a climb. The duration can range from one to seven days, accommodating your schedule and preferences.


Alternatively, if your legs feel fatigued after the climb, consider a short flight from Kilimanjaro Airport to Zanzibar. Spend a few days relaxing on pristine white sand beaches, immersing your legs in the warm Indian Ocean. Zanzibar lives up to its reputation as a tropical paradise, offering an idyllic setting with white sand beaches, palm trees, and inviting waters. If this appeals to you, reach out to Bobby Tours and indulge in a few days of tranquillity on this enchanting island.



How to get to Tanzania


For those embarking on the Kilimanjaro adventure from the UK or the US, the optimal route is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). KLM facilitates this journey, offering flights from major UK airports and numerous larger US international airports. UK-bound flights typically depart early in the morning, involve a transfer at Luchthaven Schiphol, Amsterdam's main airport, and reach JRO late the same evening.


All our tours commence in Arusha. As part of your trek, we arrange transportation from the airport to your hotel and to the mountain. While Arusha is an excellent choice for accommodation, particularly during peak seasons, prompt reservation with us is advisable. Planning a rest day after the lengthy flight is prudent, allowing recovery and preparation for the climb.


Some UK climbers opt for flights to Nairobi via Kenya Airways or British Airways, exclusively departing from London Heathrow. Climbers arriving in Nairobi often book transfer flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport through airlines like Precision Air, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania. We caution against flying through Nairobi due to its reputation for discomfort, potential long transfer times, and issues with baggage handling and delays.


Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Edelweiss now offer flights to JRO, although these may involve extended delays and late-night departures for UK travellers. Climbers from the US, however, frequently report better service and experiences with these airlines, making them recommended choices for North American travellers.