About Kilimanjaro
History
The geological origin of the Kilimanjaro massif is strictly related to the formation of the Rift Valley, dated back to the early Pleistocene, about one and a half million years ago. Since those times the mountain's volcanic activity was merely concentrated in three locations: the craters of Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi. They evolved separately but, a few hundreds of thousands of years ago, their summits were all above 5000mt. Slowly Shira first, and Mawenzi later on, became extinct, whereas only Kibo remains active.
Kibo’s eruptions covered up with lava parts of the eroded Shira crater, originating the plain today known as "Shira Plateau" and creating the almost flat lava plain called "The Saddle", towards Mawenzi.
Kibo’s last eruption occurred 100 000 years ago, when it reached a height of more than 5900mt. In all, nine lava groups associated with earlier eruptions have been identified by geologists. At present Kibo is a dormant active volcano: a strong sulphur smell sometimes prevails inside the crater and fumaroles still escape from the inner Ash Pit.
The origin of the name "Kilimanjaro" is still shrouded in mystery. In Kiswahili, the word Kilima literally means "small hill", while -najaro means "greatness". The last word also means "caravan" in Kichagga, the language of the skilled people settled around the lower slopes. According to ancient myths, Njaro is also the name of a fearful demon who was living on the summit. Last but not least: for the Waswahili people, drivers of caravans during the past centuries, the word Kilimajyaro was meaning "landmark".
Climate on Kilimanjaro
Likewise the whole northern region of Tanzania, also the ecosystem of the Kilimanjaro National Park, benefits from two rainy seasons (the short and the main rainy seasons) interspersed with two longer dry ones. And weather conditions on the mountain are, of course, a direct result of each season of the year related to the side and altitude of the mountain itself.
Within the range of a few kilometres, conditions vary from equatorial to arctic. In general the temperature steadily decreases at about 1 Degree Celsius for every increase in altitude of 200 meters. The belt of dense forests around the lower slopes, from 1800 to 2800mt, benefits from a wet tropical climate, characterized by the highest average of rainfalls but, proceeding upward it will be noted that vegetation drastically decreases and finally disappears. And not as a consequence of height but because it is colder and dryer. Around the summit snow, permanent glaciers and below freezing temperatures offer quite a moon-like scenario.
January, February and March are the warmest months, almost clear of clouds and with brief rain showers, followed by the main rainy season, which lasts from the beginning of April to mid-June. The temperature is still relatively warm but huge clouds drastically reduce visibility. Dense cloud formations massed over Kilimanjaro are dropping snow on the summit and heavy rains on the lower slopes: the monthly rainfall average could easily reach 200mm during up to 20 rainy days.
The longest and driest season follows soon after: by late June and through July and August it can be very cold at night, but the sky is completely clear above 3000mt. It steadily gets warmer between September and the end of October, when daytime could also be clear but a dripping belt of soft clouds is usually girdling the whole Kilimanjaro above the forest or the moorland contour, leaving the summit and a few other distant peaks poking through.
The short rainy period lasts from November to December, when afternoon thunderstorms are often dropping heavy showers. But, in general, the clouds will disappear around evening leaving an excellent visibility during nights and mornings.
Best Months to Ascend
The best months of the year to ascend Kibo, even though one could easily succeed throughout the year, are definitely January, February and September. Also good are July and August, but much colder, and November and December, which could be wetter.
Kilimanjaro National Park
Uhuru Peak (5896mt - 19 344 ft) is the highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest African mountain and one of the highest volcanoes of the world. It is also one of the few summits of the world which can be easily reached by trekkers, with the right preparation but without ropes or any kind of technical experience. The highest peak of Mawenzi, instead, is Hans Meyer Point (5149 mt), which - like all of the other Points nearby - cannot be reached by trekkers. It is rarely climbed by skilled mountaineers only.
Since 1973 the entire area above the 2700mt contour has been declared a national park, while the external forest belt (between 1800 and 2800mt) has been forest reserve and game reserve since 1921. Regardless of the route chosen to ascend, all trekkers must register at one of the three gates where permits are available: Marangu, Machame or Londorossi.
The Park Headquarters are at Marangu Gate just 6km north of the homonymous local village. On your way back here, and here only, you will be awarded a CERTIFICATE stating you successfully reached Uhuru Peak or Gillman’s Point.... But only if you really made it !!
Park Fees and Regulations
All trekkers must be accompanied by an official guide (and eventually, by local porters): these are available at the Park HQ, at Marangu, or possibly at Londorossi Gate. You should book with them well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Better if you have your climb organized by an experienced local tour operator, but check if all the park fees are also included. Otherwise you will have to pay them at Marangu Park Gate, in USD. Fees include entrance fees, hut fees or camping fees, rescue fees and park commission. Guides and porters do pay fees too but this will be handled in local currency and directly by your trekking company.
Physical Preparation
Although Kibo’s summit is normally reached simply by trekking, without any technical climbing experience, the ascent always involves long walking distances along lower slopes and very steep and strenuous climbing close to the summit. This hike will put considerable strain on your lungs and legs. Adding to this the effects of the lack of oxygen typical of the higher altitudes, do not underestimate this mountain! It is advised that people suffering from stress or breathing, heart or lung problems, should not attempt ascending the mountain.
Proposed Itinerary
You must follow one of the established routes. There are more than 6 major trekking routes starting on the lower slopes but, at present, none of those leading up the mountain from the north are utilized, as visitors are prevented to enter Tanzania from the Kenyan border at Rongai or Naremoru. Each route reaches the paths of the southern or northern circuits, which circle the Kibo dome. Only three main routes continue all the way up to the summit, and take 5 to 8 days to complete.
Guides and Porters
At present there are more than 80 official guides. They are not park employees, like the rangers or rescuers. Once you have chosen your own it is customary to arrange any aspects of the climb with him first, including tipping. Porters are independent too. The ANP, their association, is quite strong: in no way will they carry more than 15kg of weight plus their own luggage. If you wish to perform the ascent with a little more comfort, you may need a few of them, usually one or two for every trekker.
Equipment
Although you can hire it, it is much better to bring your own. Please see the equipment list page for further details.
