Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing
MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING
A trek in this mountain is a life-time awe experience, a world class achievement that we are at Supreme Kilimanjaro will be happy to be part of while you take on. Focus is to get you to enjoy every moment of the trek as you find your way to the top. A team of well-motivated professional guides and porters will take on the lead as you take the challenge. The most cost effective way to climb, also recommended those that would prefer not to take the challenge solo.Africa’s highest peak and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders: a snow covered mountain on the equator, amidst an ocean of green forest surrounded by dry savannah. Climbing Kilimanjaro is like walking from the equator to the North Pole in a week, where travellers will experience dramatic changes in vegetation and animal life day by day. It’s like trekking through a nature documentary: every campsite on Kilimanjaro provides breathtakingly beautiful views and some much needed respite in the peaceful quiet of the end of the day.
Climbing Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing skills and is considered a “safe” mountain. However, the climb exposes your body and mind to a number of challenges. On your way to the top, expect to hike about 4-7h per day and around 10-14h on summit day. But that’s only the physical challenge, in addition, your body is exposed to temperature fluctuations and the altitude.
Join the thousands of climbers who have stood on the Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Guided by Our Trek Expert Team.
KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ROUTES
Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours is one of the best hiking experience in the world! Choose your Best Kilimanjaro Hiking Adventures with us. In our opinion, the best Kilimanjaro routes are the Lemosho, Machame and Northern Circuit routes. We like these routes because they’re beautiful and varied, and don’t require you to descend along the same path. They also enjoy high summit success rates, and of course we want our climbers to enjoy standing at the summit! If we had to choose just one Kilimanjaro route, it would be a toss up between the Lemosho route and the Northern Circuit, because they’re less crowded than the Machame.
KILIMANJARO CLIMBING PACKAGES
MT. KILIMANJARO CLIMBING GUIDE
At 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world; it is one of the Seven Summits. The snow-capped peak of Africa is a dormant volcano and can be found inside the Kilimanjaro National Park of Tanzania.
Who Can Climb Kilimanjaro? Anyone from children over the age of 10 to older generations in their 60s and 70s! All you need is determination and the will to get to the summit. The real challenge with climbing Kilimanjaro is the altitude and the rate of ascent. Don’t worry we will be with you every step of the way! Our guides are highly skilled professionals and are a key component to your success.
MT KILIMANJARO PACKING LIST
During a day on Kilimanjaro the temperatures can easily range from the high 20’s (centigrade) right down at night to -15c. To cope with this huge range in temperature your clothing and kit strategy needs to be based around combining lots of thin layers that you build up and take off as the weather demands. Kilimanjaro National Park operates an absolutely strict limit of 15kg per porter for your main equipment bag, which includes your sleeping bag. This is more than sufficient for your needs on the mountain. Your bag will be weighed before you leave the hotel to start the climb and if it is overweight you will have to take items out and leave them at the hotel.
- Carrying equipment
- Water carriers
- Footwear
- Inner layers
- Outer layers
- Accessories
- Toiletries and medicine
- Technology
- Practical items
- Additional items
KILIMANJARO CLIMBING PRICE LIST
Supreme Kilimanjaro have the best guides on the mountain, with high standards of safety and reliability. We specialize in group climbs and private climbs at a reasonable cost. Not a cheap Kilimanjaro climb, but a great value for everything you need to have a safe, successful experience.
Route | Arrival Date | Departure Date | Price (USD) | Trip Availability |
8 day Lemosho Route | Dec 31, 2022 | Jan 9, 2023 | $3,079 | 10 spaces |
8 day Lemosho Route | Jan 7, 2023 | Jan 16, 2023 | $3,079 | 13 spaces |
8 day Lemosho Route | Jan 15, 2023 | Jan 24, 2023 | $3,079 | 15 spaces |
8 day Lemosho Route | Jan 21, 2023 | Jan 30, 2023 | $3,079 | 13 spaces |
9 day Northern Circuit | Jan 28, 2023 | Feb 7, 2023 | $3,299 | 12 spaces |
8 day Lemosho Route | Jan 29, 2023 | Feb 7, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
7 day Rongai Route | Jan 30, 2023 | Feb 7, 2023 | $2,629 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Feb 4, 2023 | Feb 13, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Feb 11, 2023 | Feb 20, 2023 | $3,079 | 13 spaces |
8 day Lemosho Route | Feb 18, 2023 | Feb 27, 2023 | $3,079 | 13 spaces |
8 day Lemosho Route | Feb 28, 2023 | Mar 9, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
Long Rainy Season (Mid-March to Mid-June) | ||||
9 day Northern Circuit | Jun 25, 2023 | Jul 5, 2023 | $3,299 | 14 spaces |
8 day Lemosho Route | Jun 26, 2023 | Jul 5, 2023 | $3,079 | 11 spaces |
7 day Machame Route | Jun 27, 2023 | Jul 5, 2023 | $2,629 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Jul 1, 2023 | Jul 10, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Jul 8, 2023 | Jul 17, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Jul 15, 2023 | Jul 24, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
9 day Northern Circuit | Jul 24, 2023 | Aug 3, 2023 | $3,299 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Jul 25, 2023 | Aug 3, 2023 | $3,079 | 10 spaces |
7 day Rongai Route | Jul 26, 2023 | Aug 3, 2023 | $2,629 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Jul 29, 2023 | Aug 7, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Aug 5, 2023 | Aug 14, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Aug 12, 2023 | Aug 21, 2023 | $3,079 | 12 spaces |
8 day Lemosho Route | Aug 19, 2023 | Aug 28, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
9 day Northern Circuit | Aug 23, 2023 | Sep 2, 2023 | $3,299 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Aug 24, 2023 | Sep 2, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
7 day Machame Route | Aug 25, 2023 | Sep 2, 2023 | $2,629 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Sep 2, 2023 | Sep 11, 2023 | $3,079 | 15 spaces |
8 day Lemosho Route | Sep 9, 2023 | Sep 18, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Sep 16, 2023 | Sep 25, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
9 day Northern Circuit | Sep 21, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 | $3,299 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Sep 22, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
7 day Rongai Route | Sep 23, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 | $2,629 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Sep 30, 2023 | Oct 9, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 16, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Oct 14, 2023 | Oct 23, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
9 day Northern Circuit | Oct 20, 2023 | Oct 30, 2023 | $3,299 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Oct 21, 2023 | Oct 30, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
7 day Machame Route | Oct 22, 2023 | Oct 30, 2023 | $2,629 | Open |
Short Rainy Season (November) | ||||
8 day Lemosho Route | Dec 2, 2023 | Dec 11, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Dec 9, 2023 | Dec 18, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Dec 18, 2023 | Dec 26, 2023 | $3,079 | Open |
9 day Northern Circuit | Dec 19, 2023 | Dec 29, 2023 | $3,299 | Open |
9 day Northern Circuit | Dec 24, 2023 | Jan 3, 2024 | $3,299 | Open |
8 day Lemosho Route | Dec 25, 2023 | Jan 3, 2024 | $3,079 | 15 spaces |
8 day Lemosho Route | Dec 30, 2023 | Jan 8, 2024 | $3,079 | 15 spaces |
MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING COST
Trekking Kilimanjaro is unfortunately not a very cheap activity. Prior to 1991 you could literally rock up in Moshi with a backpack, some dry food and a spirit for adventure, and be on a trail up to Kilimanjaro’s summit unsupported.Since the early 90s, though, trekkers have had to be accompanied by a registered guide and pay entrance park fees. The latter has got relatively expensive and can cost up to $1,000 depending on the length of a trek.
Today, the standard setup for a climb involves a full support team of a guide, cook and porters, who are instrumental in getting most trekkers to the summit successfully and safely.
The combination of high park fees and full support teams mean that an average Kilimanjaro hike (excl. travel expenses like flights and off-mountain expenses) costs between $2,000-$3,000. It is possible to find climbs for as little as $1,500 but these tend to be with operators who have questionable practices, particularly with regard to how much they pay their porters.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB MT. KILIMANJARO
One of the best times for a Tanzanian trek vacation on Mount Kilimanjaro is in the warm months of January and February when clear skies afford excellent views of superb scenery, especially from the upper slopes; though, expect some snowfall during this period. Choosing your time to climb is a very personal balancing act. You need to weigh your objectives against your personal fitness and climbing or trekking experience.
You are more likely to gain the summit in warm, dry weather, since cold, rain, ice, snow and mud demand a lot from your body. They make tracks and paths slippery and deplete your energy levels.
From mid-March to end of May, the long rainy season increases climbing hazards. Visibility is poor, but you have the slopes to yourselves.
Lightning is every present and chancy. It is colder from June to August but the driest period on the mountains which are also highly favorable trekking months, and perfect again in September, which is warm and dry too, and, not surprisingly, another very popular and busiest time as it meets up with the prime wildebeest migration season in Northern Serengeti. The school holiday season from June to August welcomes many families from North America and Europe for their epic Kili bonding hike with their teenage kids. A very good number of our Guest Combine both Kili and Wildlife Safari in Tanzania and then concluding it on the beach islands of the Indian Ocean (Zanzibar ) for R&R – rest and relaxation.
End of October and November is the start of the short rainy season when clear skies are the norm at dawn and dusk. By end of December, the short rains dusts off with sporadic showers through January on wards with clear mountainous vistas perfect for photography but humid and advantageously less colder than from June to August. One thoughtful way to avoid the crowds is to stagger your starting dates starting before the weekend starts, so that you are at different stages of the trek rather than going with the crowd on a weekend arrival. Choosing an appropriate customized private trek route is a key strategy – hush-hush! Marangu being one of the busiest, quickest and the least cost option for the masses albeit with the lowest success summit rate.
Fastest and cheapest does not result to victory at most times so avoid Marangu if your mind, heart and pockets are in sync. Also, think carefully about the phase of the moon. Around full moon, night climbing is safer with better visibility and stunning photo opportunities, stark shadows delineating shining snowfields against gaunt rock faces and adding dramatic impact to the views. But it is also a more popular choice with heavier traffic so skip it if moon-walking is not a priority. We are alluding Michael Jackson here – RIP! The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is as soon as you can, before its ice cap melts and the fragile ecology of its upper slopes grinds with time.
KILIMANJARO FITNESS AND TRAININGS
One question we get asked a lot is ‘how fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro? Whilst a high level of fitness will make the climb a lot easier it by no means requires super human fitness. We often take people who have left their fifties well behind them and are not in peak physical condition. In fact, if you are carrying a few extra pounds this is a great way to lose weight! That being said, a solid Kilimanjaro training plan will allow you to better prepare for the climb and give you more opportunity to enjoy yourself when you’re on the mountain. Summit Kilimanjaro is a long slow grind but provided you have the determination to do just one more step even when you are tired we can help you get to the top.
If you are comfortable walking for 6-7 hours with an ascent of 1000m then you are certainly fit enough to succeed on Kilimanjaro. Similarly if you can do a full hour spinning, a vigorous aerobics class or can jog at a decent pace for 45 minutes then there is no reason why you can’t summit Kilimanjaro.
The bare facts about the climb are that you will probably be walking 6-7 hours per day with a rough ascent each day of 1000m.
PRACTICE HIKING
The best training by far to climb Kilimanjaro is to get your walking boots on and get lots of miles under your belt. Whether this is two to three hours walking locally or full days away on your nearest hills, you just need to clock up lots of hours on your feet as more than anything else it is just walking every day for 7 days that people find tiring. And the best cure for this is to have spent lots of hours just walking.
Hiking practice allows you to understand the stress your joints will be put under and how well you can deal with this. It also allows you to wear in your boots as this takes some time and can often be uncomfortable. Start with a comfortable distance that suits you and slowly try to work your way up to a 5-6 hour trek. If you can do this a few times then you’ll be in good stead to climb Kilimanjaro.
AEROBIC TRAINING
Aerobic (or cardio) training will be a key factor in allowing you to climb Kilimanjaro. Aerobic literally means ‘requiring free oxygen’ and refers to the use of oxygen to adequately meet energy demands during exercise via aerobic metabolism.
Aerobic exercise builds up your cardiovascular system allowing you process limited oxygen in a more effective way. This is key for Kilimanjaro as it is a long distance exercise at altitude which will give the body less oxygen per breath. Aerobic exercise, unlike anaerobic exercise, requires oxygen for elongated periods of time. Examples of aerobic exercise would be lane swimming, long distance jogging, walking and cycling.
One crucial thing we tell our customers is don’t rush up the mountain! Trying to ascend too quickly is a huge mistake. Our porters can often be heard saying “Pole Pole”, meaning ‘Slow Slow’ in Swahili. Because of the altitude your body needs time to adjust – no matter your fitness levels! However, having a good cardiovascular system will help with this, but it won’t prevent it. Kilimanjaro is not a sprint, it’s a marathon! We recommend putting the slowest hiker to the front of the group. Depending on fitness, we recommend a 3-6 month Kilimanjaro training plan. Your hiking practice will help, but we also suggest running 6-12km three times a week. If you’re using a treadmill remember to set a slight incline.
STRENGTH TRAINING
Any Kilimanjaro training plan should also include strength training. Although not as important as your aerobic training, strengthening your upper body, core and, in particular, your legs, will greatly increase your chances of success. You’ll be on your legs at least 7 hours a day, you therefore need them to be strong enough to take the punishment.
KILIMANJARO FOOD MENU
For each trek on Mount Kilimanjaro a dedicated cook will be part of the logistical team
- Fresh, organic ingredients are resupplied throughout the entire trek.
- Nutritionist-designed meals include an optimal balance of complex carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and kosher diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
- Unlimited purified drinking water provided daily.
- Chefs are trained in hygienic food preparation and allergy safety.
- Custom dining tents and comfy chairs included on every trek.
- Eco-friendly solar lighting brightens your meals.
Below are typical foods from our standard menu that you can expect to eat during your climb (sample menu)
Breakfast: Eggs, sausages, bacon, French toast/pancakes, bread/toast, cereal/porridge, fruit. Margarine, jam, honey, peanut butter. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit juice.
Packed Lunch: Carrot and cucumber strips, avocado slices, boiled eggs, chicken, meat cutlets, sandwiches (egg, cheese, tomato, meat, tuna, or peanut butter), and fruit. Meat sauce and bread.
Dinner: Soup of the day, bread, salad, meat/chicken/fish, rice/pasta/potatoes, vegetables, lentils, fruit. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate
Snacks: Peanuts, popcorn, crisps, cookies.
Supreme Kilimanjaro recommends you bring some of your own trail snacks to eat, especially for your summit night.
- Lightweight and low-calorie is good, and energy or granola bars, chocolate, candy, cookies, crackers, nuts, and dried fruit are all popular choices.
- Be sure to choose things that you really like, because you’ll need extra incentive to keep eating if you find your appetite decreasing at high altitude.
- Adding drink crystals such as Gatorade, Crystal Light, or Tang to one of your water bottles may also encourage you to consume extra fluids, and they often taste especially delicious on a hard day of hiking!
MT KILIMANJARO GUIDES AND PORTERS
The importance of having competent, high quality guides and porters cannot be overstated when it comes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Supreme Kilimanjaro uses local guides, all of whom have received extensive training in first aid, mountain rescue, flora, fauna, and geology. All are registered with Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA). Our Kilimanjaro guides are very experienced, with most having climbed more than 100 times! They are professionals who intimately know the mountain.
You can expect the following from our Kilimanjaro guides and porters
- High Safety Standards– Your guide can identify and avoid potential hazards such as slippery trails and loose rocks. Your guide can prevent, recognize and treat altitude-related illnesses.
- Climb Knowledge Kilimanjaro trails are clearly marked, so following a trail should not pose a problem. But there are more intricate things that your guide will take into consideration when deciding when, where, and how to move the party. These things include weather conditions, trail density, rest stops, pace, etc.
- Mountain Facts Your guide is knowledgeable about general mountain facts. He can tell you about the vegetation zones, the altitudes of and distances to campsites, and information about the geology, flora and fauna. These types of facts increase the enjoyment during the trek by giving you an idea of what you are seeing and feeling.
- Our Kilimanjaro guides love working with us because we book small, private parties on the best routes.
- Our porters take care of you. So we take care of them.
Supreme Kilimanjaro employ, empower, and reward local guides and porters Supreme Kilimanjaro exists to uplift the people that will take you to the top. Tanzania is among the poorest nations in the world with a per capital annual income of only 700 USD. Guides and porters are some of the least paid workers in our society. Many other trekking operators take advantage of this and pay their guides and porters very minimal wages. We however exist to empower each other. Trust that we pay at least twice the average local salary from the fees you pay us without charging you more. Let us take you to the top and at the same time feel great about providing for those in need
KILIMANJARO TIPPING POLICY
Tipping on Kilimanjaro is not a local custom in Tanzania, it is common only among Kilimanjaro tourists and expatriates who live in the country. Giving monetary gifts to friends or relatives is common, however both in the city and in the countryside. As tourism is growing in the country locals who work in the tourism industry are getting used to the notion of tipping and sometimes even expect a tip from clients. On the Kilimanjaro we highly suggest tip at your own free wheel but think about good tip regarding good services you’ve got. We recommend tipping from $20 head guide per day, $15 per assistant guide per day, $15 per cook and $10 per porter and all this is based on a daily unit. This can be shared between each Client in the climb)
Please be on your option on this unit. I mean think your budget and what tip you can offer.
This may vary depending on the length and complexity of the trip, the number of days, the number of staff on the trip and the number of clients on the trip. Generally, groups like to meet together before the end of the trek to discuss how much they would like to tip each staff member based on their individual trek experience
ACCOMMODATION ON KILIMANJARO
Supreme Kilimanjaro has the most comfortable Kilimanjaro camps, custom-designed to go above and beyond what other outfitters provide. And the quality of your camp is very important, keeping your body healthy and rested is absolutely essential to summit success.
- Tents come with full-tent closed-cell foam ground pads, which keep you warmer, drier, and more comfortable.
- Tailored fly sheets and attached vestibules provide space for your gear.
- Tents are large enough for three adults, but we never sleep more than two in a tent.
- Sleeping pad (non-inflatable 2-inch pad with nylon cover)
- Tents for the 3-persons but only 2 peoples sleep in (Mountain Hardware or similar)
We take our equipment very seriously and make sure everything is in good working order. Equipment is selected to provide a comfortable experience on the trek.
Mountain Hut Accommodations
Marangu route is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
The Marangu Route is the oldest on Kilimanjaro and is also one of the most popular – mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
MT. KILIMANJARO INSURANCE
It goes without saying that trekking Kilimanjaro comes with obvious risks.To ensure you are covered for all risks we have set out the main Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance considerations below and provided a nifty travel insurance calculator from adventure travel insurance experts, World Nomads, which you can use to get a quote for your Kilimanjaro trek.First and foremost is the risk of high altitude trekking.Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and its severe forms, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HAPE) are very real issues on Kilimanjaro.You need to ensure that you are covered for high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters. Most travel insurance providers do not include this under their standard packages and therefore it needs to be selected separately.Like AMS, general trekking accidents, like falls, rock slides and complications related to your health (i.e. heart conditions) whilst trekking are also a real concern on Kilimanjaro.You need to ensure your policy covers accidents that can occur on the mountain, including the costs of evacuation and hospital coverage in Tanzania.