Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's iconic safari destination, attracting over 50000 visitors every year. Being the tallest mountain in the continent, standing 16,100 ft high, the peak of Africa attracts hikers, climbers, and other travelers visiting just to enjoy the stunning views. From the mountain, travelers can have incredible opportunities of capturing some epic pictures of the spectacular landscapes, unique diverse wildlife, as well as plant species. Visitors get to experience the changing climate as they climb and descend the mountain. After exploring the peak of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, travelers will have an unforgettable experience and a sense of achievement.
Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is located near the northern border of Tanzania, a popular safari destination in Africa. To get to this Iconic Mountain, travelers fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, located in the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, on the northern side. The mountain is about 50 km from the airport, and one can take a taxi or a bus to get there. Travelers can spend a night in the two nearby towns, Moshi and Arusha - which are almost equidistant from the airport. Most visitors spend their nights at Moshi, preparing for a long beautiful day of climbing Africa's peak. Another way is bordering a bus or a train from Tanzania’s Capital; Dar es Salaam.
- The time it takes from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi: is 45 minutes
- The time it takes to get to Kilimanjaro from Dar es Salaam: The bus takes 12 hours, the train 11 hours.
Another possible but challenging way of getting to Mount Kilimanjaro is flying to Arusha Airport, which only serves internal flights. Of course, there are few flights connecting from Kenya, but this is a long shot, and travelers choosing this way may struggle to get to the main attraction. Direct International flights to Kilimanjaro are not many, and none is serving the United States or the United Kingdom. Visitors from the Northern Hemisphere can use the most convenient and budget-friendly way of getting to Kilimanjaro – a direct flight from Amsterdam leaving at 10:00 am and arriving at around 8:30 pm - on the same day. The flight; KLM travels every day and is the best shot for visitors from the UK, Europe, and the United States. Use a flight from a nearby major airport, get to Amsterdam, and catch the KLM to JRO connecting flight.
When to Visit and Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The most popular months to climb the Tallest Mountain in Africa are January to February and July to September. These months are associated with favorable weather (mostly warmer) and clearer skies, making it easier to climb the mountain and explore the surrounding. The only drawback of visiting Mount Kilimanjaro during these times is crowded, as many tourists travel during this period. March and October (just before the rainy seasons) are also great months to climb the mountain because there are fewer crowds and the weather is also pleasant.
The Documents Required
For smoother entry into Tanzania and explore Mount Kilimanjaro, present the following:
- The Tanzanian Visa is extremely essential. Check with the embassy of Tanzania or the traveler's country of origin because there are citizens who don't need a visa to explore Mount Kilimanjaro. Travelers can apply for Visas online or at the Kilimanjaro International Airport upon entry.
- Travel Insurance. Travel insurance is mandatory in some safari companies. Travel Insurance protects tourists against accidents and other circumstances that they may face, including airfare cancellation, trip cancellation, loss of baggage, evacuation, and trekking at a high altitude.
- Visitors should bring their travel itinerary and ensure passports are up-to-date.
- Also, bring records of vaccination and immunization papers.
- Medical Insurance. Travelers should carry with them their medical insurance card. Include a written medical history. This will help if a tourist suffers a health condition while on Mount Kilimanjaro safari.
The Best Company to Book Your Expedition With
Many companies offer Kilimanjaro expeditions, but Altezza Travel, the leading Tanzania safari service provider is the trekker's best choice. The company offers quality services and ensures that travelers are safe and comfortable. They are top rates on TripAdvisor for offering the best outdoor activities in Kilimanjaro region's capital, Moshi.
The Cost of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
The Kilimanjaro Park fees are paid directly to the authorities and are non-negotiable. However, children under 16 can always enjoy discounts. The price of trekking Africa's highest peak varies depending on the number of days one is planning to spend around.
- The cost of 7 or 8-day trek packages, excluding flights: Is about $2,400.
Tanzanian Visa is required to get to Mount Kilimanjaro, and visitors can buy it once they arrive at the airport. It is, however, advisable to buy it before arriving to avoid long queues at the airport.
- Cost: $50
Hiking equipment costs will vary, depending on the quality and the number of those already in a traveler's possession. Also, tipping tour guides is something common in Africa, and Tanzania is not an exemption when visiting Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Cost of tipping guides and porters: $300
Kilimanjaro Routes
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro continues to gain popularity, and potential hikers and climbers struggle to decide the best route to take. There are seven main trekking routes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro as designated by the park authorities. The routes include:
- Marangu/Tourist/ Coca-Cola Route (Popular)
- Rongai Route
- Umbwe Route
- Machame/Whiskey Route (Popular)
- Shira/Shira Plateau Route
- Northern Circuit Route
- Lemosho Route (Popular)
The Marangu Route is also known as the "Coca-Cola route'' due to the soft drinks available along the way. It is the oldest of all the routes and the only one that provides travelers with sleeping huts – not camping. Machame Route is long and exhausting but has the most incredible views of the surrounding, including lakes, vegetation, and glaciers. Lemosho route, on the other hand, is much easier to trek and offers the most amazing experience as it passes through remote and spectacular scenery. It is a better choice for travelers looking to climb up to the mountain top. Whether it is for the love of hiking or the need to achieve something great in life, Exploring Mount Kilimanjaro gives a remarkable and unforgettable experience of a lifetime.