Everything You Need to Know About Trekking to Kilimanjaro

If you’re into trekking, there will be two destinations on your ‘do before I die’ list. Everest, or at least the Base Camp. And Kilimanjaro. Tanzania’s dormant volcano, Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, at 5,895 metres above sea level. And the highest mountain in Africa. It’s one of the most popular high-altitude treks. Partly because, well, it sounds like a pretty cool thing to have on your CV. But also because it’s one of the few high-altitude mountains that you can simply walk up. Yes, it’s high. And yes, it’s hard work. But you don’t need to have climbing experience, or even any specialist equipment to see it through.

Sound appealing? So, what else do you need to know?

Treks to Kilimanjaro: Your Questions Answered

How many miles is the Kilimanjaro trek?

Your Choose a Challenge trek will take you from Machame Gate to Uhuru Peak at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The entire ascent is approximately 62 km or 37 miles.

How many days does it take to trek to Kilimanjaro?

The Kilimanjaro challenge will typically involve six days of trekking. You will also have to factor in at least three days for descent and travel.

What are the Kilimanjaro trek routes?

There are a number of different popular Kilimanjaro trek routes. But we choose to begin our tour from Machame Gate. Set deep in the forests that surround Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s an incredibly scenic area. Within the first day, you will hike from Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Hut (2,980m). On the second day, you’ll move along the Machame ridge line, before spending the night at the Shira Hut, via the Shira Plateau. From there, you’ll progress to Lava Tower (4,600m) on day three, and on to spend the night at Barranco Campsite. On day four you will climb to Karanga Valley before heading to Barafu Camp (4,600m), which is the base camp for Kilimanjaro. On day six, you will ascend to the summit.

What to pack for a Kilimanjaro trek?

The first thing you need to know is that all food is provided for you on your Choose a Challenge trek. So, your main focus for packing should be comfort and practicality. We’d recommend that you pack lightly, with layering in mind. As a rough guide, your pack should include:

· A really good pair of worn-in walking boots with ankle support

· Underwear

· 3 or 4 short sleeved tops

· 2 long sleeved tops

· 3 pairs of trekking trousers

· A winter jacket

· A polar fleece

· Waterproof jacket

· Waterproof trousers

· A warm hat

· A sun hat

· Gloves

· Socks

· High-UV sunglasses

· Water bottles

· Water purification tablets

· A strong, comfortable backpack

· A quality sleeping bag

· A headlamp

· Hand sanitiser

How to prepare for a Kilimanjaro trek

Kilimanjaro isn’t a demanding trek in climbing terms, but it’s far from a walk in the park. If you’re contemplating this challenge, then you need to work on your cardiovascular health in the months prior to departure. So, hit the gym. Go for a run. Ride your bike. Then add in some endurance training. Because you’ll be on the move for hours at a time throughout your adventure.

One of the best ways to prepare is to break in your walking boots by going for long, local hikes, wearing your backpack. Altitude training can also be helpful. As can watching your diet.

When is the best time to trek to Kilimanjaro?

In terms of weather, the best times to embark on a Kilimanjaro trek are January to March, and June to October. It’s then that the weather is at its most stable, making conditions more enjoyable. Although the climb is doable the whole year round, it’s not advisable in the primary rainy seasons of April to May, and throughout November.

Trekking to Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The views are astonishing. The sense of achievement even more so. Whether you’re doing it for charity, or simply doing it for you, it’s a challenge that you will never forget and never regret.

Get in touch with Choose a Challenge to plan your next great adventure.