KILIMANJARO

The best times to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

The January-to-March trekking season on Kilimanjaro

The June-to-October trekking season on Kilimanjaro

As to the relative merits of the two trekking seasons, the differences are small though significant. The January to March season tends to be colder and there is a much greater chance of snow on the path at this time. The days, however, are often clearer, with only the occasional brief shower. It is usually an exceptionally beautiful time to climb and is often a little quieter than the other peak season of June to October, which coincides with the main academic holidays in Europe and the West. In this latter season the clouds tend to hang around the tree-line following the heavy rains of March to May. Once above this altitude, however, the skies are blue and brilliant and the chance of precipitation minimal (though still present). 

The routes up KilimanjaroAscending Kilimanjaro

There are six ascent trails leading up to the foot of Kibo peak. These are (running anti-clockwise, beginning with the westernmost trail): the little-used Shira Route, the Lemosho Route, Machame Route, Umbwe Route, Marangu Route and, running from the north, the Loitokitok (Rongai) Route. Each of these six routes eventually meet with a path circling the foot of the Kibo cone, a path known as either the Northern Circuit or the Southern Circuit depending on which side of the mountain you are. Three trails then lead up from this circular path to Kibo’s crater rim: the Western Breach Route (also known as the Arrow Glacier Route, and which is now closed), Barafu Route, and the nameless third path which runs up from Kibo Huts to Gillman’s Point, and which we shall call the Kibo Huts Route. Which of these you will take to the summit depends largely upon which of the six paths you took to get this far: the Shira, Lemosho, Machame and Umbwe routes used to be able to use either the difficult Arrow Glacier Route or the easier (but longer) Barafu Route, though with the (temporary but long-term) closure of the former, now all those routes use the Barafu Route to the summit. The Marangu and Rongai trails use the Kibo Hut Route.  

Descending Kilimanjaro - the designated descents

In an attempt to control the number of people walking on each trail, and thus limit the amount of soil erosion on some of the more popular routes, KINAPA introduced regulations regarding the descent routes and which ones you are allowed to take. In general, the main rule is as follows: those ascending Kilimanjaro from the south or south-west (i.e. by taking the Machame, Umbwe, Lemosho or Shira routes) must take as their descent route the Mweka trail; whereas if you have climbed the mountain from the south-east or north (i.e. on the Marangu or Rongai/Loitokitok trails) you must descend by the Marangu Route. Those trekkers who wish to deviate from these rules should first seek permission from KINAPA. 

Tailor made Kili Climb Itineraries

1. Marangu route 5-6 days
2. Machame route 7-8 days
3. Rongai route 6-7 days
4. Umbwe route 6-7 days
5. Shira route 8-9 days
6. Lemosho routes 8-9 days