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Kilimanjaro Weather
What’s the weather like on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Introduction
They say that variety is the spice of life, and when it comes to temperatures, Mount Kilimanjaro can – and will – offer you everything from extreme cold to very hot. The different and quite distinct climate zones are one reason why climbing Kilimanjaro is so special, so unique. You will encounter them all as you transition from the start of your climb to the snowy summit. There are few places on Earth where, in such a short space of time, you will experience such extremes. In total, there are five zones to consider, and as you climb you will notice the changes in vegetation, the falling temperature and the decrease in precipitation.
Of course, the weather changes according to the season, though it is worth noting that temperatures do not vary enormously across the year. Which month you choose for your visit will affect your experience, however, so let us look at these in more detail.
Weather on Mount Kilimanjaro in January and February Man Hiking
These two months at the start of the calendar year are usually the hottest and fall right in the middle of one of Tanzania’stwo dry seasons. You can expect plenty of sun, but with some cloud in the sky, particularly in the afternoon. Mornings and at night-time, it is clearer. The weather conditions ensure that, underfoot, the trail should be dry.
Would we recommend these months for you to take on your Kilimanjaro challenge? Yes, the general weather conditions and a lack of rain make a January or February climb ideal, though these are popular months and consequently busy.
Weather on Mount Kilimanjaro in March
The dry season sometimes lasts into the first half of March, but this month marks the start of the so-called ‘Long Rains.’ In the second half of the month, you might experience a totally dry day, or a day of endless rain! As rain means clouds, so your Tanzanian sky will not be as clear as it is in the dry-season months. And of course, underfoot trail conditions are likely to be muddy at some altitudes, with more snow and ice at higher levels.
Easy Travel does not strongly recommend March as a month for climbing Kilimanjaro. True, you will avoid the crowds, but as well as the chance of getting wet, your otherwise spectacular views as you gain altitude may well be obscured by cloudy conditions.
Weather on Mount Kilimanjaro in April and May
April and May see the continuation of those ‘Long Rains’ – which will normally last through until mid-June. In fact, these are the very wettest of Tanzanian months. Once again, climbers can expect cloudy skies, slightly lower temperatures and muddy conditions on the trail.
Easy Travel does not strongly recommend April and May as months for climbing Kilimanjaro. Again, you will avoid the crowds at this time of year, but as well as the chance of getting wet, your otherwise spectacular views as you gain altitude may well be obscured by cloudy conditions.
Weather on Mount Kilimanjaro in June and July
In mid-June, the long rains In Tanzania come to an end and we also experience the coolest months of the year. The sky will usually be clear and sunny, the mountain trail will be dry – there is very little rainfall at this time of the year.
As a result of all the above, conditions for climbing Africa’s highest mountain are excellent and these months are highly recommended by Easy Travel.
Weather on Mount Kilimanjaro in August, September and October
Temperatures start to rise slightly in August, September and October, which also represent the three driest months of the year. Climbers in these months will be rewarded with sunny skies and beneath their feet, lovely dry trail conditions.
All of the above combine to make these three months superb times for an ascent of Kilimanjaro. They are highly recommended by Easy Travel.
Weather on Mount Kilimanjaro in November and December
The ‘Short Rains’ start at the beginning of November and last until the start of December. During this time, you might experience a week of rain or a week without any rain. While the skies are often clear at the beginning and end of the day, it can be cloudy in between. Rain often falls in the afternoons. Naturally, the precipitation causes wet and muddy conditions on the trail.
November is therefore not a month we would recommend for your ascent up Kilimanjaro; the short rains end during December. By mid-month (15th December) the short rains will end and the dry season begins. Many trekkers favour this time and choose to climb over this holiday period.
Conclusion
To give you an idea of the temperatures you will experience during the climb, note that it is often between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius at the base of the mountain. (That’s between 70 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit.) As we have said, temperatures do not vary massively through the year, but they certainly do drop with altitude as you ascend through Kilimanjaro’s five distinct ecological zones.
For example, contrast the base temperatures above with those experienced at the summit. Here you could encounter anything between -7 to -29 degrees Celsius (that’s between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit) at night-times. And yes, those really are minuses, so you need to be ready for very cold nights. And don’t forget that the weather is extremely unpredictable.
Kilimanjaro Zones
How many climate zones are there on Mount Kilimanjaro?
From the base at under 1000 metres of altitude, to the dizzy heights of the summit at a heady 5895 metres, Kilimanjaro has an amazing variety of vegetation and landscapes to distract you during your iconic climb. Here’s what you can expect as you pass through five distinct zones on the way up.
Bushland/Cultivated Zone
Between 2,500 and 6,000 feet (or, from 800 to 1,800 metres) you will cross the Cultivated Zone, also referred to as the Bushland Zone. These lower slopes of the mighty mountain are fed by the waters descending via direct rainfall and also from the run-off from the rainforest above, allowing the cleared areas to be used for agriculture. Once forest and brush, nowadays these lands are put to good use by the Chagga and other local people who grow yams, bananas, potatoes, corn and coffee. Soils here are fertile and allow the Chagga – the third-largest ethnic group in Tanzania – to demonstrate their skilful agricultural techniques to the maximum. They have practised these for thousands of years. And the locals also provide a rich source of Kilimanjaro mountain guides!
While you are unlikely to see many large mammals in this area, encounters with smaller species such as bush babies and hyrax are possibilities. Crested turaco and sunbirds are amongst the bird species here.
Rainforest Zone
As you climb beyond 1800 metres (6,000 feet) you enter the Rainforest Zone. From here to an elevation of around 2800 metres (9.000 feet) the forest is thick, representing the ideal habitat for a variety of local wildlife. But not always so ideal for those wishing to observe it, as the density of the lush vegetation often conceals the olive baboons, monkeys (both Colobus and blue), bush-babies, and even the occasional buffalo or elephant. Sometimes a prowling predator may pass through. Wildlife is most likely to be seen at the edge of the Shira Plateau, but if you don’t spot animals in this zone, console yourself with the vibrant, bright colours of the vegetation: exotic ferns, beautiful orchids, fig and olive trees, giant camphorwoods pushing up to 40 metres. The greens here are particularly stunning, adorning the trees and forest floor.
Heath/Moorland Zone
Higher still, beyond 2750 metres (9,000 feet) and 4000 metres (13.000 feet), you transition into the Heather Zone then the Moorland Zone. We leave the rainforest behind, and the temperature drops as the air becomes drier. The clue to what you will find in the first part of this section is in the name, but have you ever seen heather that stretches to over 30 feet (9 metres) in height? Along with the change in vegetation, you will certainly notice the temperature change, too. In daytime, you may encounter over 100 degrees F of heat (40C), while at night the thermometer may plummet to freezing point (32 Degrees F, 0 Degrees C), or even below. Ascending higher still, the heathers give way to grasses – tall grasses which tell you that you are in the Moorland Zone. This is an area also notable for its wild flowers.
The most iconic plants in this zone are undoubtedly the endemic groundsels and the giant lobelias. While animals are scarce, look to the skies to spot a lammergeyer or maybe a crowned eagle.
One note of caution is that acute mountain sickness can start to affect some climbers in this zone. Slow acclimatization is the key to avoiding its worst effects.
Alpine or Highland Desert Zone
Above 4000 metres (13,000 feet), perhaps you would not expect to find a desert, but the Alpine or Highland Desert Zone occupies this section of Kilimanjaro until it reaches a lofty 5000 metres (16,500 feet). Little rain falls here each year and the variations in the temperature are extreme. Blistering heat, sub-zero readings, all in the same 24 hours. Frosts can decorate your tent each morning. It’s no surprise then that there are very few animals to be seen, and even many plants find the environment and dry soils too hostile for their survival. You will also be reminded that you are climbing on a volcano, albeit a dormant one, as evidenced by the motley collection of volcanic rocks strewn across the scarred terrain. High above you, yet ever-closer now, you will be awe-struck by the iconic glaciers of the mountain.
Sufficient time spent here at this altitude can help guard against the effects of altitude and climbers must also be conscious of the powerful solar radiation, taking precautions with appropriate sunscreen.
Arctic Zone
Above 5000 metres, things get serious in terms of temperature. This is officially classified as ‘extreme altitude.’ Loose scree is the tell-tale sign that you are now in the Arctic Zone, which stretches all the way to the summit at 5895 metres (19,341 feet). This is the final zone, therefore, and the patches of ice give away how this zone acquired its appropriate name. These patches soon become bigger and more frequent and eventually the path takes you to the foot of the mountain’s summit glaciers. Animals and vegetation are virtually non-existent up here.
The main challenge for nearly all climbers in this zone is undoubtedly the avoidance of the worst effects of altitude. As there is only half as much oxygen as you get at sea level, breathing is much more difficult in this zone. And this is not a zone we want to linger in for too long, so our objective will be to get to the summit and then make our descent as efficiently as we can.
Daily Schedule
What is a typical daily schedule on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Changing landscapes and terrain, differences in temperature…all of these ensure that no two days are ever the same on Kilimanjaro. But there are certain constants, established routines which form part of a successful climb.
Your wake-up call and breakfast
Early starts are important, and so is a good breakfast. You will be woken up around 6:30am by a member of the Easy Travel Mountain team. To help you feel awake and ready for the day’s challenge, you can grab a hot drink from the kitchen tent, before breakfast is served around 7 am. You will need to spend time before breakfast carefully packing your daypack and putting the rest of your stuff into your duffel bag for the porters. This is important so that they can take down your tent, ready to transport it to the next camp. Breakfast is served inside the mess tent, or sometimes outdoors if the weather is fine.
During the day’s trek, and lunch
A health check will also be performed on all trekkers each morning, prior to departure.
Walking typically starts around 8am. Your porters remain at the campsite, ensuring that it is tidied up and clean. They also pack up tents and all the equipment.
A typical day on the mountain involves between four and six hours’ of walking, though this can vary. Our mountain guides set the pace, ensuring that careful consideration is given to each trekker’s welfare and physical condition. It is certainly not a race. Pole, pole – remember? Breaks will be taken, when necessary. Although the porters stay behind to clean up the camp, they magically arrive ahead of you and ensure that food is prepared, and that the campsite is all set up ready for your arrival. For lunch, a cooked meal is provided at a suitable point during the day’s trek; occasionally, a picnic lunchbox might take its place.
Arrival at the campsite, and your evening meal
Welcome snacks are waiting for you when you arrive at the campsite. We aim to provide your evening meal about 6pm. Apart from undergoing a further health check and listening to the guides as they outline the following day’s trek, the rest of the evening is for you to do what you want. Read a book, listen to your music, chat with other trekkers of the mountain team members. Or just relax.
Time for some sleep!
With an early morning both in front of you and behind you, you probably won’t want to stay up too late. Many trekkers will happily be in their tents as early as 8pm, looking to get some vital rest before the next day. Getting good rest is important, but the changes in wake-up times and routine means that it is quite usual for trekkers to wake up in the middle of the night. The good news is that your body will get used to these changes and sleep will improve with each day on Kilimanjaro, despite the increased altitude. But then…along comes ‘summit day,’ which is very different!
Summit Day
Today is different, tough but exhilarating. And ‘summit day’ is certainly a long one, somewhere between 11 and 16 hours. Our starting time is early, too, very early, as the objective is to try and get to Uhuru Point to coincide with sunrise. As a result, you will go to sleep even earlier the night before, usually straight after your evening meal. A big breakfast is not advisable on summit day, as it makes your summit ascent more difficult. Instead, when you are woken at midnight, you will have a snack of hot tea and biscuits. Then, you begin the climb in darkness, slowly as usual but testing your physical endurance and mental resilience to the full. At this altitude, it is cold and the wind can be strong.
But you are never alone and our expert mountain team will guide and encourage you, ensuring that you take the appropriate breaks with drinks and snacks to keep you properly hydrated and your energy levels high. Your health will be constantly monitored, and occasionally it may be that the effects of altitude sickness require someone to turn back before the summit. In that case, they will be escorted by one of our expert guides, while the rest of the trekking party continues with the rest of the mountain team. (Our teams are fully prepared for this, so the climb is unaffected)
The Roof of Africa – at last!
An achievement such as climbing Kilimanjaro needs to be celebrated – and photographed – and that’s exactly what we do when we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. But we have a long descent to make, so we don’t linger too long. We set off to return, our initial destination being either Kibo Hut or Barafu Camp.
The Descent from Uhuru Peak
You have a long descent ahead of you, as by the end of the day we will reach either Mweka Camp or Horombo Hut to spend the night. So we have to maintain concentration, on the lookout for loose rocks and making good use of those walking poles to ease the pressure on our knees. As well as your walking poles, you will appreciate wearing your gaiters to keep unwanted stones out of your footwear.
Lunch after Summiting Kilimanjaro
By the time you arrive at Kibo Hut or Barafu Camp, you are bound to be hungry as well as tired. Don’t worry, we know it’s been a long time since breakfast, so here we will take a well-deserved lunch and spend a good hour or so recovering from our summit and descent. After our lunchbreak, we continue to descend, heading now for our chosen overnight destination. This will be either Mweka Camp or Horombo Hut, situated at a much lower altitude and therefore very welcome for anyone suffering from altitude sickness.
The Farewell Day and Tipping Ceremony on Mount Kilimanjaro
By the end, you are sure to appreciate the efforts of the mountain team who have looked after you on this truly epic climb. It is customary to reward all the team members: porters, cook, mountain guides. The tipping ceremony takes place before you undertake the final descent down to either Mweka Gate or Marangu Gate. It is here that you will receive a certificate which shows that you made it to either Uhuru Peak, Stella Point or Gilman’s Point, as appropriate. Your journey to conquer Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s highest free-standing mountain may be over…but the memories and sense of pride and achievement will be with you forever. Congratulations!
Food and Water
What is the food like on Mount Kilimanjaro?
We at Easy Travel recognize the importance of good food for those climbing Kilimanjaro. Our years of experience mean that we give the highest attention to our menu and the quality of food we provide on the mountain. Our Mountain Chefs are highly skilled and experienced – they have worked with us for more than ten years – and you will be pleasantly surprised at what they produce! High-quality, delicious and nutritious meals are their objective. Some of our climbers even request menus from our chefs! And if you have particular dietary needs, our chef can cater for all sorts of different allergies such as egg, fish, shellfish, meat, milk, soy, nuts, wheat, etc. Just let us know in advance and we will cater for your needs.
On each trip we have two chefs and three support staff, but this is increased for larger groups.
Good food starts with excellent produce and so we source our vegetables from Arusha’s colourful market. Our philosophy is to support Tanzanian companies wherever possible, so shopping locally is important to us.
Here’s some more detail about what you might expect to enjoy on Kilimanjaro. Where we give alternatives below, this shows what you might get on different days, not a choice on the same day:
Breakfast
For the first meal of the day, we provide the following:
Millet porridge, fruits, toast with butternut, honey, jam, and margarine, Pancakes, sausage, boiled egg/Spanish eggs or oat porridge, pancake, mandazi, sausage, omelette.
For drinks, we offer:
Coffee, tea, drinking chocolate, hot water, or milk.
Cooked lunch
Starter:
Carrot or pumpkin soup, with bread roll.
Main Course:
Macaroni and Bolognese sauce with vegetables and fruits or vegetable stew with toast, fruits or fried chicken, French fries and salad or African food “Matoke” mix fruits.
For drinks, we offer:
Coffee, tea, drinking chocolate, hot water or milk
Dinner
Starter:
Cucumber Soup with toast, or Zucchini soup and bhajia or celery soup or sweet potato soup or leek soup
Main Course:
Fish fillet, boiled potatoes, vegetables, fruits or rice, green beans with fruits or omelette, spaghetti, beef sauce and vegetables or pizza and vegetable sauce or spaghetti with vegetable sauce, mushrooms OR Chinese rice, red beans and vegetables
For drinks, we offer:
Coffee, tea, drinking chocolate, hot water or milk
Dessert:
Fruits
Summit Day: pre-departure
Summit day is very different, with an early departure from Base Camp. A large meal is not advisable before we depart, but we provide coffee or tea, and biscuits to energise our climbers.
Before the summit
Just before we tackle the summit, we provide climbers with extra energy by means of juice, apple, biscuit and chocolate.
And after…
And don’t worry, after your summit experience, you will be well fed!
Daypack & Gear
What gear do I need to carry on my Kilimanjaro climb?
Carrying the right amount of luggage is an important matter on a serious climb such as Kilimanjaro. The best news for climbers is that our tough, hardworking porters will carry most of your gear, and when you arrive at each day’s camp, your luggage will already be waiting for you. These amazing guys clean the campsite every day, packing up all the equipment – including your gear – and reaching the following camp before you. All you need to take care of is your daypack, making sure you have everything you need until you reach camp at the end of the day, as you will not be able to access your main luggage during the day’s climb.
Surprisingly, perhaps, porters prefer duffel bags over backpacks and climbers are asked to limit the weight of their duffel bag to a maximum of 15kg. As for daypacks, these should weigh no more than 6kg and a daypack of 30 litres’ capacity should easily be enough. To keep the weight of the daypack to a minimum, you should only pack what is absolutely necessary. This will vary a bit from day to day, as the temperatures change with altitude: there’s no point in having extra warm clothes in your daypack on the lower slopes, is there?
You have to pack up your daypack each day, and to put your other gear into the duffel bag. A top tip is to ensure your stuff goes into waterproof bags inside your duffel bag and daypack.
What do you need in your daypack?
Clothing
First of all, taking into account the specific zone you will be climbing in for that day, you should consider the need for any extra clothes you might require. (Remember, it gets cooler as you ascend.) Waterproof clothing is an essential, as weather is unpredictable on Kilimanjaro. Being prepared for all weather types is the key. Here’s what you might need:
1. Sunglasses or goggles
2.Buff or neck gaiter (optional)
3. Woolen hat, for warmth
4.Soft-shell jacket, or fleech
5. Breathable waterproof jacket, with hood
6. Gloves, thin pair
7. Breathable waterproof pants (trousers)
8. Trekking poles (optional)
Sustenance
Secondly, climbers must ensure they have a sufficient amount of water and carry a few snacks for extra energy on the climb.
9. Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
10. Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
11. Snacks: lightweight, high in calories, and giving high energy
12.Electrolytes, in powder or tablet format (optional)
Sundry
Thirdly, your daypack should contain those few essentials which might be needed during the day’s climb. Most important are any medications that you usually take. Other sundry items are listed below:
13. Camera (and spare batteries)
14. Lip balm
15. Sunscreen
16. Hand sanitizer
17. Toilet paper
18. First Aid kit
19. Assorted Bags
Packing efficiently
Packing your daypack properly, when space is at a premium, is important. You don’t want to be rummaging around looking for some small item when you are halfway up the mountain, so the key is to ‘compartmentalize.’ What does that mean? Well, use waterproof – preferably zip-lock – bags and separate your stuff out into them, making it easier to find items. Put similar items in each bag: perhaps medicines, sunscreen, lip balm etc in one bag, and snacks in another
How you pack is almost as important as what you pack. Keep your daypack balanced, as too much weight on one side or the other can cause strain and injury. Heavier items should be packed at the bottom, not the top, of your pack; compression straps should be used where available, as these stop items shifting around while you walk.
Tents & Huts
Where will I sleep on Mount Kilimanjaro?
On all routes up Kilimanjaro, except for those who choose the Marangu Route, climbers will sleep in tents. The Marangu Route is unique in offering accommodation in huts, each containing dormitory-style sleeping facilities at the camps at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo. There is no option to book a private hut – these simply do not exist – so you will have to share your hut with other climbers. Typically, a dormitory room within a hut will sleep between 6 and 8 people.
For all other routes, namely Machame, Rongai or Lemosho, accommodation will be in mountain tents. Not everyone who climbs Kilimanjaro is used to camping, but at Easy Travel we have worked hard to maximise the comfort of our climbers, while ensuring that they stay warm and dry.
Tents
We have carefully researched and selected what we believe to be the best 4-season mountain tent available, the Kailas X4 II Alpine Tent. This high-quality, durable tent has several features which make it best-suited to Kilimanjaro conditions. Although the manufacturer describes this as a 4- to 5- person tent, please note that at Easy Travel we only put two climbers in it. This ensures maximum comfort and gives climbers extra room to move around and to store their duffel bag and daypack.
Foam mattresses
A mattress is an essential for a good night’s sleep. What we provide to our climbers is a 1.5 inch-thick foam sleeping mattress, which we source in Tanzania and which is better than other commercially available alternatives. Our own tailors make a washable cover for each mattress, to ensure cleanliness.
Sleeping bags
As important as a good, reliable tent and a comfortable mattress is a top-quality sleeping bag. Easy Travel have carefully selected the K-Way Expedition Series Kilimanjaro 3 Thermashift sleeping bag, as it offers superb insulation and provides excellent ventilation when you require it. This product has been successfully tested on both Kilimanjaro and at Everest Base Camp. It features a full-length zip and a foot zip, as well as a cowel and neck collar.
We recognize that some climbers prefer to bring their own bag, but if you wish to hire one of ours it must be booked in advance, at a cost of $40 per person per trip.
Sleep is essential to a successful Kilimanjaro climb, allowing the trekker’s body to recuperate and get ready for the following day’s challenge. Make no mistake, a successful summit climb can depend on good sleep. By investing properly in the best tents, mattresses and sleeping bags, we at Easy Travel give our climbers the greatest chance of making it to the top.
Trail Conditions
What are the trail conditions like on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Africa’s highest mountain may be physically demanding, but you do not need to be a technically proficient climber to reach the summit. True, there is a bit of occasional scrambling involved, but there is no need to get ‘roped up.’ And there’s more good news: the trails are well-marked, and best of all, you will be accompanied by our expert guides at all times.
Extra care is required in some places. Regarding the first major challenge, the Barranco Wall certainly demands your best focus, though not any technical skills.It rises steeply, just over 250 metres and the path is narrow in places. Our mountain guides are always there to help you. Next is the Karanga Valley, where there a few ups and downs, with some parts quite steep. And finally, the third area where caution must be exercised is the descent down from Uhuru Peak to – depending on your route – either Barafu Camp or Kibo Hut. Having woken very early and conquered the summit that morning, many climbers are both exhilarated and tired. It is easy to become relaxed and to lose focus. It is at times like this that falls become more likely, so take care here and descend slowly.
Weather conditions on Kilimanjaro are very changeable and trekkers need to be ready for anything. And those changes can happen quickly, with heavy rain or snow being possibilities. Both of these can cause slippery underfoot conditions and also muddy trails. Given the height of Kilimanjaro, it is no surprise that ice is often found at the higher altitudes. But even when dry, trails can present problems with loose stones and dust.
So, how do you combat such conditions?
First of all, a reliable pair of waterproof mountain boots with good ankle support is essential. Remember that the trails can be muddy, and very damp in the forest zone. Your boots should have a good grip and be comfortable – make sure your footwear is worn-in before you arrive.
A good tip is to consider wearing a pair of gaiters, as these protect your pants (trousers) from any mud, but more importantly they prevent stones and dust from getting into your boots. This is especially important once you climb out of the forest zone.
And dust is not just a problem for your footwear. Covering your face against the wind with a buff, or bandana, is a good idea, and sealable dustproof bags to protect important items such as cameras and phones are another essential.
Many trekkers like to use a pair of trekking poles, and this is certainly something we at Easy Travel recommend. As well as being useful to help maintain balance and steady yourself on tricky terrain, these are also vital in increasing ‘walking efficiency.’ This can save energy and reduce tiredness on the mountain.
Arriving with a good level of fitness is certainly one of the best advantages you can give yourself for a Kilimanjaro climb. Start your fitness programme early (not the week before you arrive!) and work on strength and stamina.
‘Pole, pole.’ These are two little words which have a huge importance, and you will hear them spoken constantly by your mountain guides. Going pole, pole (‘slowly, slowly’) on the mountain is vital if you are to get to the summit.
Proper clothing is another area which deserves attention, as you will encounter a variety of temperature extremes as you change altitude. It is crucial to keep yourself warm, and the most flexible approach to what to wear is to use layers. These let you adapt to the changing temperatures as you climb and descend. Material that ‘wicks away’ sweat is the best, as this avoids your body getting damp – and cold.
A high-quality pair of sunglasses which protect you from the sun and snow-glare, as well as from dusty conditions is another essential. A wraparound pair with proper UV protection is recommended. Sunscreen with a high factor is another thing you will need, remembering that the sun can burn you even when the temperature is deceptively low.
Public and Private Toilets
What are the toilets like on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Any trekkers will be asking themselves about toilet facilities up on the mountain, but we realise that not everyone is comfortable in asking us! So, as we at Easy Travel like to be upfront and honest about this delicate subject, here’s the true situation.
The standard toilet facility on Kilimanjaro is the public ‘long-drop’ toilet.You will find these at all the campsites along the route, but please note that they are not available at picnic lunch stops. To describe them accurately, these consist of a simple wooden hut constructed over a deep hole in the ground. There really is not much more to them than that. You have to sit or squat. It is fair to say that as these are public toilets, they get a lot of use and therefore can become quite dirty.
At Easy Travel, we offer an alternative, the private mobile toilet. As the name suggests, this has two important – and very welcome – differences from the long-drop public facility. First, they are reserved for use by your group and nobody else. Secondly, they are carried between camps by your team of porters and are cleaned by them daily. (Note that they are available only at the camps, not during the day’s trekking or at lunchtimes.) These are proper chemical toilets, equipped with a seat, set up in a purpose-designed tent for your privacy, and we at Easy Travel provide one on every climb at additional cost of $236 per Toilet.
Your Accommodation, Before and After the Climb
Where should I stay before and after my Kilimanjaro climb?
Your trip with Easy Travel includes the cost of one night’s hotel accommodation in Arusha before your climb and one night in Arusha after your climb. If your flight to Tanzania has a duration in excess of 8 hours, we would recommend booking an extra night in Arusha (at extra cost) to let you recover from jet lag before you set off on your climb.
Our favoured hotel in Arusha is the Kibo Palace. If this is fully booked then we use the Arusha Planet Lodge.
Just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Arusha, Kibo Palace Hotel is an Arusha favourite. Its spacious rooms have AC, satellite TV and bathroom with both bath and shower. Its beautiful, landscaped garden is home to a large swimming pool, while guests will also enjoy the spa, sauna, steam bath and fitness facilities. A restaurant with both African and international cuisines overlooks the pool and garden, while a lounge bar provides a full range of drinks, including cocktails.
The popular Planet Lodge is situated 7km away from the bustling centre of Arusha. Balcony views out onto the hotel’s lush gardens are an attractive feature of the spacious bedrooms. Styled with tasteful African touches, they are all non-smoking and equipped with air-conditioning and TV. You can enjoy the cool of the hotel’s outdoor swimming-pool, or simply relax on the sun-loungers – and both indoors and out, there are plenty of places to unwind. Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
When it comes to dining, Planet Lodge can offer a choice of international or local cuisine in its pleasant restaurant. Meals are prepared to order, and staff will encourage you to try our local Tanzanian specialities. Try nyama choma, rice/ugali with fish, banana stew and many others.
Our Kilimanjaro Staff
Who are Our Kilimanjaro Staff?
Nobody is permitted to climb Kilimanjaro without a registered guide. So, if you have to have a guide, you want the best one available and at Easy Travel we employ the very best guides, assistant guides, porters, Chef and other staff to give you every chance of reaching the summit. So, what makes a good Kilimanjaro team, a team that will get you to the ‘Roof of Africa’?
Safety: Front, Left and Centre
While up on the mountain, there can be no compromise on safety. But our commitment to your safety starts long before you start your climb of a lifetime. We start with recruitment which involves us carefully choosing the staff who will accompany you on your climb. For example, our prospective guides need experience before we will even interview them, and that experience must be good experience. We hear of the reputation of prospective guides through word of mouth, and particularly from our own, existing, trusted, longstanding guides who witness how other guides operate on the mountain.
Our Mountain Guides
Any guide who wishes to work for Easy Travel must show that his priority is safety and must also show that he has the knowledge, experience and skillset to operate with the safety of our visitors as their top priority. Without those qualities, we will not consider employing him.
Training and Experience
With low-budget outfitters, you might find yourself on Kilimanjaro with an inexperienced or badly trained team of Kilimanjaro guides and porters. But not when you climb with Easy Travel. Our guides are veterans of many, many successful Kilimanjaro climbs, highly trained and with the knowledge and adaptability to cope with any situation which might arise. All are fully trained in first aid, something which may not seem essential if everything goes well, but which you cannot do without if there is an unexpected problem at 19,000 feet. Equally important, our mountain teams will monitor your health constantly, using all their experience. Specifically, they use oximeters to check your oxygen, and your pulse rate is also carefully monitored. Read what our visitors say about our guides.
Commitment, Passion and Fun
However many times our teams have been on Kilimanjaro, they remain passionate about this magnificent mountain that provides them with their living. And you’ll notice that passion from the first time you meet them, as well as being impressed with their 100% dedication in getting you to the top. And despite all the tough climbing, despite all the hard work the team put in to look after you, they still find time to make sure you have some fun! Enjoy the team’s songs, stories, anecdotes… they are sure to raise your spirits and make your climb more enjoyable.
Mountain Knowledge
And as well as entertaining you, our guides and staff are full of knowledge about Kilimanjaro and Tanzania. The mountain has many varied ecological zones ECOLOGICAL ZONES with fascinating flora, fauna and geological features. Our expert team will happily answer the many questions that ask as the terrain changes with the altitude.
Teamwork
Our mountain groups are small, a tight-knit team who work together to the greatest effect. And don’t forget, you will be part of that team. Guides, assistants, porters, waiters and our guests, all interact to achieve the objective of reaching the summit.
Our Mountain Porters
As you stand on the top of Kilimanjaro, take some time to think of your porters. Imagine climbing this huge mountain while carrying all that equipment – what a thought! Being a porter is a tough, tough job and we at Easy Travel ensure that we look after these valuable team members properly.
Apart from your daypacks, everything that gets taken up the mountain is carried by these mountain strongmen. Easy Travel is a committed partner of KPAP (the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) which is the recognised independent organisation which looks after porter welfare, pay and working conditions.
We ask that, when choosing a company to take you up Kilimanjaro, you give proper consideration to porter welfare, as there are many low-budget operators who abuse porters, underpaying them and failing to provide proper working conditions. Among the things we at Easy Travel insist on are:
- That porters are paid an agreed wage, ensuring that they do not have to rely completely on tips to earn them a decent living.
- That our porters are paid more than the average wage on Kilimanjaro.
- That our staff are paid immediately, once each Kilimanjaro trip is complete.
- That our porters are properly experienced, skilled and trained to carry out the climb (this impacts on their own safety, as well as the safety of our guests.
- That our porters and other staff are given the correct, high-quality equipment that is necessary to allow a safe and comfortable climb.
- That our porters are given proper, nutritious food and drink every day.
- That our porters each carry a maximum load of 20 kg.
- That our porter-to-guest ratio is sufficient and appropriate, to ensure that our porters are not overburdened or overworked.
- That we have a KPAP representative porter on every climb, meaning that our own high standards of working are being independently scrutinised on every climb we arrange.
Our Mountain Chefs
With the amount of energy you will be expending on your climb, eating properly is vitally important. Easy Travel take the subject of food and drink very seriously indeed, aiming to provide a diet that is both nutritious and tasty, perfectly balanced and tailored specifically for those climbing Kilimanjaro. The mountain chef is a very important member of the team that will take you up Kilimanjaro, preparing your food every day with his team of assistants.
Perhaps you are surprised that we call them ‘chefs,’ but these guys have been especially trained to prepare meals for adventure trips and they typically have at least 15 years of experience. Just like our mountain guides, they are true professionals and totally committed to maintaining the very highest of standards at every meal. We at Easy Travel genuinely believe that you will be very pleasantly surprised by the food you enjoy on the mountain: for many hikers, this is a real highlight of their Kilimanjaro adventure.
