A Beginners Guide to Trekking Mt Kilimanjaro

If Kilimanjaro is on your bucket list, here are a few things you need to consider when planning your trek:

How to get to Kilimanjaro
- The closest international airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- It is also possible to fly into Nairobi and take a shuttle/car to Kilimanjaro (approx. 6 - 8 hours).

Best time of year to trek
- Jan - Mar (our favourite): fantastic weather, fewer trekkers and usually more snow/ice which makes for better summit pictures.
- Jul - Sep: best weather with least rain, peak season with lots of trekkers (particularly August) and most expensive.
- Shoulder seasons of Jun, Oct & Nov - Dec are a great way to avoid the crowds and save money.
- Avoid Apr - May due to high rains.

Routes with the best success rates
- Lemosho | 8 or 9 Days
  - Best acclimatisation, resulting in a higher success rates and less safety issues
  - More scenic than Machame
  - Fewer trekkers than Machame
- Machame | 7 Days
  - Quickest route without compromising on safety (do not trek under 7 days)
  - Cheaper option
  - Fantastic views and camping spots
  - Joins Lemosho on day 3
  - We do not recommend the Machame 6 day option. This trek combines day 4 & 5 into the same 24 hours as when you summit, resulting in poor acclimatisation and no flexibility for unforeseen issues.
- Northern Circuit | 10 Days
  - Best acclimatisation
  - Fewer trekkers after you leave the Lemosho route on day 4 or 5
  - Harder summit approach than Lemosho or Machame
- If you are trekking in the rainy season (Apr - May), consider the Rongai Route.

Acclimatisation and altitude sickness
- Trekking above 2,500m has significant health and safety risks.
- Low oxygen levels may result in pressure on your brain or fluid in your lungs. Both can kill you if untreated.
- The best treatment is to descend quickly.
- Here are a few practical tips on how to avoid/minimise altitude risks:
  - Trek high and sleep low
    - Golden rule: do not sleep more than 500m higher than the previous night once you exceed 2,500m.
  - Start the climb in good health
    - Ensure you are well rested, do not have a cold or any other sickness and your iron and red blood cell levels are healthy.
  - Take it easy while hiking
    - The last person to camp usually has the best chance of success.
  - Drink plenty of fluids
    - Min 3L per day.
  - Eat well
    - Your trekking company will take care of this with nutritious meals prepared fresh each day.
  - Sleep well