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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO?
Although you can climb Kilimanjaro anytime of year, June
through October and December through March are the better times. Other months
fall in the rainy season, which makes for a less pleasant trip.
IS THERE SNOW ON KILIMANJARO?
Yes. Ice and snow can be found year-round on
the mountain's upper reaches. There are massive glaciers, ice fields, and
towering walls of ice that blaze in the equatorial sun. While the glaciers have
recently receded, probably due to global warming, they remain, for now, an
overpowering and unforgettable sight.
WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE FOR CLIMBERS ON
KILIMANJARO?
On our trips over 98% of climbers make it to the top. Yet, of
all people who attempt Kilimanjaro every year, fewer than half make it to the
top.
The difference? We use a sensible and gradual
approach designed by Everest Mountaineers. We provide plenty of good food, clean
water, and warm comfortable shelters. Plus, our skill, experience, and attention
to safety build real confidence in our climbers. It is so much easier to summit
when you are well fed, well rested, healthy, and in good hands.
CAN CHILDREN CLIMB
THE MOUNTAIN?
The minimum age is 10.
WHAT ABOUT
ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Altitude sickness is a combination of
symptoms that are sometimes experienced above 10,000 feet (3,050 meters) in
elevation. At higher elevations, just about everyone experiences some symptoms
such as occasional headaches, shortness of breath, or mild nausea.
These symptoms are easily treated with rest,
hydration, and over-the-counter medications. Less frequently, people may
experience more serious symptoms that can require more intensive treatment such
as oxygen or immersion in a pressurized bag, or even evacuation. (We are
equipped and prepared to treat all of these symptoms.)
HOW DO I PREVENT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Get in moderate to good physical condition
before you start your trip. Drink lots of water. Avoid diuretics such as
caffeine or alcohol at high elevations. And consult with your physician about
preventive medicines such as Diamox. Most important: go slow. Gradual adjustment
to altitude is the best medicine. We design our trips so the mountain is
approached at a gradual enjoyable pace. We recommend taking at least 7 days to
ascend the mountain. If you are especially concerned, an extra day of
acclimatization can be arranged.
WHAT IS THE
WEATHER LIKE?
Usually you will experience every season:
summer, winter, spring, and fall, on a Kilimanjaro climb. The trek begins in a
warm tropical forest, and then ascends to a cool plateau alive with wildflowers.
Higher still, the vegetation gets sparse and
the air takes on an autumnal chill. Near the top you find snow, ice and arctic
cold. At the summit it can get as cold as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Obviously, you
need to bring a wide range of clothing.
WHAT KIND OF GEAR
DO I NEED?
Good sturdy hiking boots. Winter and summer clothing. A
frameless pack, sleeping bag, water bottle and personal items. (We will provide
a complete packing list well before you depart.) You do not need any technical
climbing equipment.
HOW MUCH FITNESS
AND CLIMBING SKILL DO I NEED?
Kilimanjaro is a strenuous adventure but you
don't have to be an elite athlete. Anyone in good health, with a reasonable
degree of physical conditioning and a determined attitude can make it to the
top. No climbing skills are required.
Even the most challenging portions are still
a hike (a steep hike, but a hike nonetheless.) No ropes or technical gear are
involved.
It is recommended that you be able to jog for
five miles or for 10,000 meters without difficulty. It is a good idea to have
followed a regular routine of aerobic exercise at least 4 to 6 months before the
climb, but neither age nor physical disability need be a deterrent. Our guides
have taken people from age 15 to 78, and people with severe disabilities.
Determination is the critical factor.
ARE THERE CROWDS
OF TOURISTS?
Not on our trips. We hike across the haunting
open spaces of the Shira Plateau, a seldom-traveled route that provides a more
authentic wilderness experience, where few, if any people are encountered along
the way. In contrast, most people attempt the mountain from the Marungu or
"cola" route. This route is a crowded, noisy, and dirty affair. Although less
than half the throng ever make it to the top, it can still be busy on the summit
at times.
WHY
ARE YOUR TRIPS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN SOME OTHER COMPANIES?
You get what you pay for. We don't compromise
in the crucial areas of quality, care and skill. Nor do we compromise in the
area of ethics.
We provide a high-quality
experience by selecting a more scenic, less crowded route, by providing ample
porters, comfortable shelters and good food. We provide extra care through our
first aid and rescue skills, extensive safety equipment and well planned health
and safety protocols. We use only highly skilled guides and porters, and we care
for them. We pay good wages. We make sure our guides and porters have
comfortable and safe shelter, nutritious food and manageable loads. And we
ensure that they are outfitted with proper clothing. Finally, we pay our park
fees, carry out all refuse, and follow all of the park rules and regulations.
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Summitting on or soon after a full moon helps
illuminate the landscape without using headlamps. It is also
very beautiful, but certainly not necessary for summiting the
mountain. To summit on a full moon, you will want to start a
6-day trek 4 days before the full moon (3 days before if doing a
5-day trek).
| |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2007 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
1,30 |
30 |
28 |
26 |
26 |
24 |
24 |
| 2008 |
22 |
21 |
21 |
20 |
20 |
18 |
18 |
16 |
15 |
14 |
13 |
12 |
| 2009 |
11 |
9 |
11 |
9 |
9 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
2,31 |
| 2010 |
30 |
28 |
30 |
28 |
27 |
26 |
26 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
21 |
21 |
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