Dear Sayuni, Welcome to Kitonga Tours and Safaris Co. Ltd. Thank you so much for writing us. I will answer as follows. In East Africa, in Kilimanjaro region Tanzania stands Mount Kilimanjaro with its 6 known trekking routes which help to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. The minimum trekking is 5 days through Marangu route and the maximum is 9 days through Lemosho route. There are other Kilimanjaro trekking routes done in 6, 7 and 8 days. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world and holds the tallest peaks on African continent; Mount Kilimanjaro has three iconic snowcapped peaks namely Mawenzi, Shira and Uhuru peaks. Uhuru is the highest standing tall at 5,895 Meter above sea level.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR KILIMANJARO CLIMBING?
Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro is throughout the year due to Mount Kilimanjaro proximity to equator making this region not to experience the extensive of summer and winter seasons instead Tanzania only experience dry and rain seasons. However it is possible to climb mount Kilimanjaro on any day of the year the warmest months are recommended since cold may become strenuous during the web months. The best time we recommend for trekking Kilimanjaro is from January to March and from June to October. June to October is the busiest and crowded months on Mountain as it corresponds with summer holiday period in North America and Europe. April, May and November are the wettest months and we do not recommend this time for Kilimanjaro trekking. However if you need to trek Kilimanjaro on the cold months you will need special gears especially for cold. December is fast becoming a popular season nowadays, despite being very cold on the summit. Snow cover on the Mount Kilimanjaro is highest during November to May.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREKKING COST
As explained above there are 6 established trekking routes up to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro each route is different from another and the trekking days also vary. The cost for trekking Kilimanjaro is also determined by a number of people trekking, the type of hotel you choose to spend overnights. Most of our Kilimanjaro trekking costs are quoted according to personal or group needs since some people will need transfers from airport and hotels before and after trekking while others not. Below is trekking cost and tipping amount to supporting staffs.
Marangu route 5 - 6 days.
Marangu route is the shortest route to the summit. It takes 5 days but extra day on the mountain is recommended to allow your body to acclimatize on day 3 of your trekking. The estimated cost on Marangu route is:
Marangu route 5 days from $1,155 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
Marangu route 6 days from $1,440 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
Machame route 6 - 7 days.
Machame route is the scenic route compared to other routes. This is a physical demanding route and is recommended for people with hiking experience. The Machame route is done in 6 or 7 days. The estimated cost on Machame route is as follows.
Machame route 6 days from $1,390 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
Marangu 6 days from $1,500 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
Lemosho route 7, 8 or 9 days.
The Lemosho route is our common Kilimanjaro trekking route, this route offer view from every turn as you walk up and the Lemosho is the only route with moderate trails.
Lemosho route 7 days from $1,550 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
Lemosho route 8 days from $1,740 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
Lemosho route 9 days from $1,970 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
Rongai route 6 days.
Rongai is the only Kilimanjaro route where one can see wildlife including elephants on the way up. The rongai route has stunning views from every point and is recommended to experienced mountaineers.
Rongai route 6 days from $1,700 per person in a group trekking plus 1 overnight before climb.
What to carry with you.
Recommended Gears List
Pair of hiking sticks
One (1) - Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof
1 headlight torch with extra batteries.
One (1) - Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
One (1) -Trekking Poles, collapsable highly recommended
One (1) - Head lamp, with extra batteries
One (1) - Duffel bag, 50-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment
One (1) - Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear may be rented on location
One (1 )- Gym Shoes to wear at camp optional
Tree (3) - Socks wool or synthetic
One (1) - Gaiters waterproof optional
Trip Receipt
Passport
Visa (available at JRO)
Immunization Papers
Insurance Document
One (1) - Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
One (1) - Knit Hat, for warmth
One (1) - Balaclava or Buff, for face overage - optional
One (1) - Gloves, warm waterproof recommended
One (1) - Gloves, thin
1 Camera with extra batteries.
One (1) - Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
One (1) - Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
One (1) - Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
Two (2) - Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
One (1) - Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
One (1) - Waterproof Pants, breathable side zipper recommended
Two (2 )- Hiking Pants
One (1)- Fleece Pants
One (1) - Shorts --optional
One (1) - Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
Three (3) - Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended
Two (2) - Sport Bra --women
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Wet Wipes - recommended
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy-optional
Electrolytes, powder or tablets -optional
One (1) 1 powerbank
One (1) - Sunglasses or Goggles
One (1) - Backpack Cover, waterproof optional
One (1) - Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz
One (1) - Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters
One (1) - Towel, lightweight, quick-dry ptional
One (1) - Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night --recommended
Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
Thank you again for choosing Kitonga Tours and Safaris Co. Ltd.