Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru
General information
Tanzania is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking thrilling hiking and trekking experiences. With its diverse landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders, this East African country offers an abundance of opportunities to explore waterfalls, encounter wildlife, and immerse yourself in stunning scenery.
Embarking on a hiking or trekking adventure in Tanzania allows you to traverse towering mountains, vast savannahs, dramatic calderas, and the majestic Rift Valley. Among the most renowned options is Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, soaring to an impressive 5,895 metres or 19,341 feet. Scaling Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, is a popular choice for adventure seekers from around the globe.
However, Tanzania also offers a wealth of lesser-known and off-the-beaten-track locations for hikers and trekkers to discover. You can uncover hidden gems, explore remote trails, and immerse yourself in untouched wilderness, away from the crowds.
Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru are two iconic mountains in Tanzania, each offering unique and unforgettable hiking experiences. We offer walking tours, contact us for all the options we offer.
Good-to-know
To climb Mount Kilimanjaro, it is important to have a good level of fitness. The altitude, basic facilities, and rugged terrain can put a significant strain on your body. You need to be prepared for the physical and mental stress that comes with enduring diverse temperatures and varying altitudes, while trekking for several consecutive days.
While it is possible for reasonably active individuals with a healthy lifestyle to summit Kilimanjaro, the level of preparation and training you undertake can greatly impact the difficulty of the climb. The more you prepare, the more enjoyable the climb will be for you. We recommend engaging in regular hiking with a backpack containing some weight, such as books, several weeks before the climb. This will help your body acclimate to the added weight and conditions.
Please note that climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging endeavour, and it is crucial to consult with a qualified guide and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure a successful and safe ascent.
Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration is crucial while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, even though your appetite may decrease at high altitudes. Despite taking preventative measures, it is still possible to experience altitude sickness. This condition is relatively common during Kilimanjaro climbs due to reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations, which can result in symptoms such as headaches and nausea. It is important not to ignore these symptoms and to listen to your body while mountaineering. Altitude sickness typically subsides upon descending. To minimise the risk of altitude sickness, adding extra days to your ascent can be beneficial. This allows your body more time to acclimatise to the increasing altitude and relax. Always remember to prioritise your safety and well-being during the climb.
Weather
The temperatures at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro can be extremely cold. However, they can range from 0 to -20 degrees Celsius (32 to -4 degrees Fahrenheit). Therefore, it is crucial to be well-prepared before embarking on your journey.
Kilimanjaro Routes
8 day Kilimanjaro Lemosho route
This non-technical Kilimanjaro camping route is relatively new and one of the most popular routes currently chosen for ascending Kilimanjaro because of its beauty, views, and route profile. The trip begins in the isolated west Kilimanjaro area, through the forest reserve, and is often much quieter due to its remote starting point. The path approaches the Kibo cone through the Shira Plateau, finally connecting the southern circuit and passing the small “scrambling” (using your hands and legs) segment at the Barranco wall, which genuinely gives you that mountain climbing sense without any special equipment or experience.
7 day Kilimanjaro Machame route
This non-technical Kilimanjaro camping route is one of the most popular and is sometimes referred to as the 'whisky' route due to its popularity and strength. Machame begins in the southwest mountain rain forest and includes steep and difficult walks on the southern circuit that is ideally planned for acclimatisation with natural elements that take you high and low. Although this is a non-technical route, there is a small “scrambling” (hands and legs) part at the Barranco wall that gives you the impression of mountain climbing without the need for special equipment or experience.
7 or 6 day Kilimanjaro Rongai route
This non-technical Kilimanjaro camping path is the only one that begins on the mountain's northern side. Rongai climbs the main Kilimanjaro (Kibo) cone from the northeast, where it is normally drier (helping to avoid rain), and descends through the Marangu path in the southeast. Though we consider this route to be less physically challenging than others (no climbing sections as on the southern circuit routes), short treks do not provide opportunities for acclimatisation, and the easier walk may catch up with you at higher altitudes.
6 day Kilimanjaro Marangu route
The only non-technical Kilimanjaro route with permanent mountain huts at each overnight stop. Marangu, often known as the 'Coca-Cola' route due to its historical popularity, is no longer the preferred choice of modern trekkers who prefer longer camping-based routes. Marangu approaches the Kibo cone from the southeast, ascending and descending along the same trail that has been improved to make it more climber friendly. This is an excellent option for inexperienced hikers who want to avoid camping.
4 day Mount Meru climb
Tanzania's second and African continent's fourth highest mountain rises 4566m or 14980ft above the ground in Arusha National Park, just east of the Kilimanjaro region. Mt Meru is a great warm-up (acclimatisation) trek for a Kilimanjaro climb and offers an exciting first day through the park forest (almost like a walking safari) with an armed ranger (shared with other groups) before taking you on the dry alpine zones up to the scree-filled peak. On a clear day, views of Kilimanjaro in the distance can be viewed, as well as a spectacular look down into the Meru crater.
