Trekking Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro rises some 5896 meters (over 19,300 feet) above the heat of Tanzania’s plains almost as a challenge to be conquered, but it is not for the light of heart.

That said with correct preparation (including the proper altitude acclimatization), you can reach the summit without technical climbing experience or equipment.

Most trekking in East Africa is done with an organized group with local guides and porters with the itinerary either specially designed, or you can join a group of others on a ready made package. These can be booked from Europe or North America, through an East African travel operator, or can be arranged once you get to Africa (often for less), although if you are planning a complicated trek, it is probably best to arrange the detail in advance of traveling but whichever you choose, you will need to use a trekking company if you want to trek on Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania became independent of Great Britain in 1961 and almost since that time, trekking and particularly treks involving Kilimanjaro have grown in popularity. As an indication of the seriousness of the mountain, the top, Uhuru Peak is higher than Everest base camp. Most people will attempt the trip in 5 days (spending 4 nights en route), but a lot of these don’t reach the top; an extra day, whilst costing more, increases the success rate of the trip and may be a sensible addition, particularly if you feel you will need additional time to acclimatise.

Next>> Kilimanjaro and Meru