Kilimanjaro National Park
Do you dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro but wonder if you’re up to the challenge? While climbing Africa’s highest mountain is a challenge, it’s achievable for anyone in good health and fitness, even if you’re not an experienced climber. With the guidance of our skilled and professional team, reaching the summit safely is absolutely within your grasp. In fact, 95% of our guests successfully reach the top. To increase your chances of success and ensure an enjoyable trek, consider investing in quality gear and doing practice hikes in your home country a few months before your adventure. Since altitude sickness is the main reason people don’t reach the summit, it’s crucial to allow your body to acclimatize properly. Check out the routes below to find the one that’s best suited to you.
Activities to Do in Kilimanjaro
- Mawenzi Peak Technical Climbing
- Nature walks in the Mountain Forest
- Shira Plateau Day hike
- Mountain climbing
- Mountain cycling
- Paragliding
- Crater camping
Climate
The climate of Mount Kilimanjaro varies greatly due to its vertical range, with five distinct ecological zones:
- Tropical Zone (Base to 1,000 meters)
- Climate: Hot and humid
- Temperature: 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
- Weather: Warm with occasional rain and thunderstorms.
- Montane Forest Zone (1,000 to 2,800 meters)
- Climate: Mild and humid
- Temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
- Weather: Heavy rainfall, especially during the long rainy season (March to May).
- Heather and Moorland Zone (2,800 to 4,000 meters)
- Climate: Cool
- Temperature: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)
- Weather: Cooler, with occasional rain and fog.
- Alpine Desert Zone (4,000 to 5,000 meters)
- Climate: Cold and dry
- Temperature: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
- Weather: Winds, low humidity, and little rainfall.
- Summit Zone (Above 5,000 meters)
- Climate: Very cold and windy
- Temperature: -10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F)
- Weather: Snow, ice, and extreme cold winds.
Best Time to Climb
The best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro for a comfortable summit experience is during the dry season, from June to October, when conditions are generally clearer and more stable. This period is ideal if you prefer a comfortable summit, though it comes with the cost of no snow at the peak, as the temperatures are milder. Many climbers choose this time, leading to a higher volume of trekkers. However, if you’re looking to avoid larger crowds and desire snow at Uhuru Peak during the summit, the best months would be January and February. This also comes with the cost of unpredictable rain and weather, which can make the climb more challenging.
How to Get there
The best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro for a comfortable summit experience is during the dry season, from June to October, when conditions are generally clearer and more stable. This period is ideal if you prefer a comfortable summit, though it comes with the cost of no snow at the peak, as the temperatures are milder. Many climbers choose this time, leading to a higher volume of trekkers. However, if you’re looking to avoid larger crowds and desire snow at Uhuru Peak during the summit, the best months would be January and February. This also comes with the cost of unpredictable rain and weather, which can make the climb more challenging.
Facts About Mount Kilimanjaro
- “Uhuru Peak” is the highest point on Kilimanjaro, the name “Uhuru” means “freedom” in Swahili, symbolizing Tanzania’s independence in 1961.
- Mawenzi, at 5,149 meters (16,893 feet), is Kilimanjaro’s second-highest peak and harder to climb than the main summit.
- Hans Meyer, a German geographer, is credited with being the first white person to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in 1889.
- The Kilimanjaro Marathon is held annually in Moshi, attracting runners from around the world.
- Tallest Mountain in Africa & the World’s highest freestanding mountain
- The snow melting Crisis was documented by National Geographic in 2000.
- Area size of 1,688 square kilometers (651 square miles).
- Established in 1973 as the National Park.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987
The Story of Coca-Cola’s Effect on Mt. Kilimanjaro
The story of the “Coca-Cola Effect” and its connection to Mount Kilimanjaro is a blend of truth and myth, but it undeniably shaped the mountain’s iconic status.
In the 1930s, Coca-Cola launched a global marketing campaign featuring an expedition to the summit of Kilimanjaro, led by the legendary explorer Hans Meyer, who was the first to reach the peak in 1889.
Climbers were famously depicted drinking Coca-Cola at the summit, creating an image that became synonymous with adventure and Coca-Cola’s worldwide reach. While the exact details of the campaign, such as whether climbers drank Coca-Cola at the summit, have been somewhat exaggerated, the marketing effort undeniably contributed to Kilimanjaro’s global recognition.
It cemented its association with both the spirit of adventure and the iconic brand. By the 1960s, the Marangu Route was the only established route on Kilimanjaro, with its hut system making it a popular choice for climbers, and it quickly became known as the “Coca-Cola Route” due to the marketing campaign’s influence. This historic campaign continues to fuel Kilimanjaro’s mystique, becoming an enduring part of the mountain’s modern lore.
