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.
ROUTES Marangu Route
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro
Arrival point you will meet our Company crews who will pick you to your Siesta Lodges for your Dinner and overnight, Here You will have shortly brief from your Mountain guide concerning your Mountain trip.
DAY 2: Mandara Hut
this morning you drive (about 2 hours) through Kilimanjaro semi-tropical foothills to Marangu (1,372m), situated on the south-eastern side of the mountain. As you drive, there are usually some excellent views of the snow-capped peak. On arrival at Marangu gate, you meet your team of guides and porters, pick up any last minute supplies for the trek, and head to the entrance of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park to register for the climb. From the cluster of buildings at the gate it is some four to five hours walk through patches of coffee plantation and dense rainforest to Mandara Hut. The forest teems with brightly-coloured bird life, colobus and other varieties of monkey. The flora includes numerous mosses, lichens and flowers, as well as delicate orchids. If the skies are clear you may have fine views over the town of Moshi lying at the edge of the plain far below.
Mandara Hut is a collection of basic, A-frame mountain huts with bunk beds - quite adequate for your needs - where you inevitably meet up with fellow trekkers who are bent on the same goal.
Overnight stay Mandara Hut - 1 night (Brekfast, Lunch and Dinner).
DAY 3: Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Your second day on the mountain starts with a steep climb through the last swathe of rainforest, though this soon gives way to rolling alpine meadow dotted with giant heather. Once you leave the forest canopy, Kilimanjaro\'s twin peaks - snowcovered Kibo and rocky Mawenzi - lie directly ahead, dominating the skyline. Further on you cross a zone of open heath with stunted vegetation, before emerging onto bleak moorland. Today you gain roughly 1,000m in altitude, and your walk can take anything from five to seven hours - depending on your pace. Tonight you stay at Horombo Huts - another collection of buildings similar in style to those at Mandara - which offer shelter and basic accommodation to those on the mountain.
Overnight stay at Horombo Hut (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
DAY 4: Horombo Hut
A day here provides an opportunity for you to acclimatise gradually to the altitude. Statistics show that an acclimatization day like this effectively doubles the chance of making it to the summit, so this time is well spent! The day is not exactly wasted as there are a few walks you can make in the vicinity of the hut - the most popular of which is to the base of Mawenzi Peak, the dramatic eastern summit of Kili. This walk takes four to five hours (round trip), and will get you to an altitude of 4,600m before you return to the hut - this will stand you in good stead later on.
Overnight stay at Horombo Hut (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
DAY 5: Kibo Hut (4,705m)
The landscape becomes progressively more rocky and rugged as you leave the ?everlasting flowers? And other bizarre alpine plants behind. Giant
groundsels and lobelias appear in the sparse moorland. Today\'s trail up to Kibo will again take anything between five and seven hours. Skirting
Mawenzi Peak, you pass ?Last Water? then cross a stark, almost lunar landscape onto "The Saddle", a broad tundra desert between the two peaks of
Mawenzi and Kibo. From here you start to get fantastic views of the upper reaches of the mountain before arriving at Kibo Hut (4,705m), a dry-stone-walled hut with dormitories and limited facilities. Tonight you prepare for tomorrow\'s final assault - THE SUMMIT - re-packing to leave any non-essential items with the porters; you need to summon all your energy to get to the summit so there\'s absolutely no point in carrying anything you don\'t need! An early night is imperative as you must make a midnight start in order to reach the summit in the morning before the cloud cover settles, and then have time to get back down to the hut.
Overnight stay at Kibo Hut for 1 night (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
DAY 6: Uhuru Peak (5,896m)
This is a long and demanding day! The guides wake you soon after midnight and you start out in darkness, zigzagging up a long scree slope by the light of your torch in the extreme cold. At this time of day the scree is still frozen - which makes it easier to walk on! After roughly two hours you should reach Hans Meyer\'s Cave - named after the German geologist who made the first successful ascent in 1889 - where he found the remains of a frozen leopard. The gradient gets steeper and three hours on (this is the hardest stretch of the ascent!) you should reach the crater rim at Johanne?s Notch. From here it\'s a short scramble to Gillman\'s Point (5,685m) in time for dawn. Your reward is the dramatic spectacle of the sun rising over the ice fields and craggy peaks of Mawenzi - the profusion of colors and shapes make all the suffering seem worthwhile! For those who still have the energy and drive, it takes another couple of hours along the crater rim to reach Uhuru (Freedom) Peak (5,896m). Your descent (approx 3 hours) retraces the route back down past Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight stay at Horombo Hut for 1 night (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
DAY 7: Back to Moshi/Arusha.
The pace quickens as you continue your triumphant way back down across alpine meadow and past Mandara Hut through the rainforest to Marangu Gate where you board the vehicle for the journey back to Siesta Lodges/Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Breakfast and Lunch are included in this day.
Machame Route Day 01: Amsterdam/Other-Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Arrive from your destination where you are met and transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Preparation for the climb and a briefing will be held at night at the Siesta Lodges
Day 02: From Arusha To Machame Gate
At 08:00am After breakfast we will pick you up from your hotel to our office were you will have briefing about daily routine during your trek and there after we depart Arusha town for Machame Gate for completing the all necessary registration formalities at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park - Machame gate. Begin trekking Mount Kilimanjaro through the rain forests on a winding trail, to the Machame hut campsite (3100m) overnight camping. (Approximant estimated 4 -6 hours walking) Day 03: Shira Hut.
Early today leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather. The route then turns west onto a river gorge at 3658m, Overnight camping at Shira Hut campsite. (Approximant estimated 5 -7 hours walking) Meal Plan: Bed, Lunch, Dinner Day 04: Barranco Hut.
From the Shira Plateau, continue trekking Mount Kilimanjaro east towards the lava tower called "the shark's tooth". Shortly after the tower you come to a junction leading to the arrow glacier. Continue to Barranco Hut campsite (3950m) for overnight camping. (Approximant estimated 5 - 7 hours walking) Meal Plan: Bed, Lunch, Dinner Day 05: Barafu Hut.
Leaving Barranco continue walking on a steep ridge passing the Barranco wall, through the *Karanga Valley and the junction which is connected to the Mweka trail. Continue trekking Mount Kilimanjaro to Barafu Hut campsite (4600m) for overnight camping. The two peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this point. (Approximant estimated 8 - 9 hours walking) Meal Plan: Bed, Lunch, Dinner Day 06: Uhuru Peak The Summit 5895m-Mweka Hut.
Just after midnight trek to Stella point (5745m) on the way to the Summit, the Uhuru Peak. This part of the climb takes about 8 hours. You have now reached the highest point in Africa (5895m)!! From the summit descend to Mweka hut campsite (3300m) for overnight camping (Approximant estimated 6 - 7 hours walking) Meal Plan: Bed, Lunch, and Dinner Day 07: Mweka Hut To Moshi/Arusha.
The day is spent descending to the Mweka park gates (5-6 hours). From Mount Kilimanjaro transfer to town of Moshi/Arusha which is start point of northern Tanzania Safaris and centre point of Cape to Cairo, drop off to the hotel of your choice at your base point in Arusha Town or Moshi Town. (Approximant estimated 4 - 6 hours walking) Meal Plan: Bed, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 08: Siesta Lodges.
(www.siestalodges.com)
After breakfast say farewell to your Mount Kilimanjaro climb, check out your room at your hotel End of services or possible extension to Safari or Zanzibar beach holiday or transfer to Airport take your flight back to your home.
This route is worlds away from the heavily touristy Marangu (Coca-Cola) Route. Thomson makes it special with our experienced staff, safety equipment, food and all the services that make us stand apart from other companies. Day 1: Arrive Arusha Arrive in Amsterdam this morning and check in for your connecting flight to Kilimanjaro, arriving in the evening. You are met by your guide and transferred to Siesta lodges/Ngurdoto Mountain Lodges located in the hills just outside of Arusha, set in a stunning location with magnificent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Siesta Lodges/Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Day 2: Arusha National Park Full day wildlife viewing and walking in Arusha National Park. This park is one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets, with beautiful landscapes ranging from lush woodlands and lakes to the dramatic black cliffs of Mount Meru. Moreover, this day is a great chance to acclimatize to higher altitude, and recover from the long flights.
Overnight: Siesta Lodges/Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Day 3: Umbwe Caves Camp After a hearty breakfast and a comprehensive climb briefing, you’ll be transferred to the Umbwe Gate (5,900 ft.) to begin your climb.
This first trekking day is through dense rainforest, under the tangled canopy of moss-coated vines which are home to the black & white colobus monkey, blue monkey, and a vibrant array of exotic birds.
Stemming from Umbwe village on the south side of the mountain, the rugged path leads through thick forest of roots and rocks, to reach the forested Umbwe Caves camp set in the lower heather belt. A hot dinner awaits you in your mess tent.
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Trekking:6-7 Hours
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Overnight:Umbwe Caves Camp (9,500 ft.)
Day 4: Barranco Camp You will be woken with a steaming cup of tea or coffee at around 6am, before continuing up through the forest. Soon the taller trees will give way to Giant Erica and Giant Heather, and the air will become drier. The ridgeline forms steeply on this day and on either side of the trail the ground drops away. At some point the forest and the clouds will part to give you a fabulous view of Uhuru Peak, seemingly "overhead". After lunch, you will encounter giant groundsels and giant lobelia as you continue your journey into the Moorland zone.
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Trekking:6-7 Hours
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Overnight:Barranco Camp (12,800 ft.)
Day 5: Karanga Camp The day begins with a scramble up the steep ’Barranco Wall’ exposing you to altitudes upwards of 14,000 feet in the Alpine Desert zone. We then traverse up and down the slopes of valleys that have carved their way into the mountain’s southern face.
Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left and the jagged peak of Mawenzi appears just over the southern slope of Kibo. We stop in the Karanga Valley at the end of this day.
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Trekking:4-5 Hours
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Overnight:Karanga Camp (13,000 ft.)
Day 6: Barafu Camp We begin this morning and the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on an exposed ridge, acting a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Our cooks will help you eat and drink as much as possible before retiring to your tent for rest and sleep.
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Trekking:5-6 Hours
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Overnight:Barafu Camp (15,100 ft.)
Day 7: Summit Mount Kilimanjaro You’re awoken before midnight and after a hot cup of tea, you set out up the steep scree covered slopes for the summit.
As you near Stella Point on summit rim, at 19,000 ft., the sun will begin to rise over the jagged spires of Mawenzi (the second biggest volcano of Kili’s three volcanoes) at your back, and as dawn comes the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers will begin to take form.
At Stella Point, you’ll have a rest and a cup of tea, and then you'll summon your strength for the relatively flat path to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft.). Descend the Mweka Route to Barafu Camp for lunch before continuing to your camp nestled in thick heather on the southern slopes.
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Trekking:6-8 Hours to Summit / 5-7 Hours to Reach Mweka Camp
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Overnight:Mweka Camp (11,000 ft.)
Day 8: Depart Tanzania Complete your descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you will be met and transferred back to your Siesta lodges for a much-needed shower and some merry convalescence. In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Amsterdam/your home station or you will start to Zanzibar/Wildlife Safari.
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Lemosho Route
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro
Arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport we will meet you and pick you up then transfer to Siesta Lodge after arrival you will have shortly brief from your Mountain guide.
DAY 2: Your guide will meet you at your hotel about 7:30 AM and we will proceed to the Londorrosi Gate (7,415 feet), where we will sign in and continue in our 4 wheel drive vehicle to Lemosho Glade. From here we start hiking along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Campsite (9186 feet). We will set up camp, have dinner and retire to our tents.
DAY 3: After breakfast, we will continue ascending through the beautiful rainforest. Soon we will reach a wide moorland zone and we will cross many streams before reaching the Shira Ridge. We will descend a little to Shira I Camp (11,840), which is located near a stream on the Shira Plateau. Here we will meet up with many other hiking teams for the night. Dinner and overnight. lala salama.
DAY 4: After breakfast we will begin hiking across the Shira Plateau, the flat caldera of the volcano that was actually was bigger and much older than Kilimanjaro. The plateau is one of the highest on the earth (12,500ft). We will complete our day hiking to Shira Camp 2 (12,600ft). Again, you will be greeted by your crews and guided to your camp site. After a short rest (there will be an opportunity to clean up a little) and lunch, we will organize a guided tour pointing out the unusual flora and fauna. Be sure to bring your camera. Dinner and overnight. Don’t forget to take a little time to write in your journal.
DAY 5: Today will be an easier day. After breakfast, we will have a short half day of hiking through the traverse across valleys which have been gouged out by glaciers. We will be traveling at a slower pace in order to allow for gradual acclimatization. We will reach our next camp at Lava Tower (15,000ft) around lunch time. After lunch, we will take a short rest, and then climb to the top of the Lava Tower. The views from the top are unbelievably spectacular. If you choose, you can ascend to Arrow Glacier (15,600ft) for further acclimatization. We will return to the dining hall for dinner, then to bed for lala. Lala salama. (OPTION) You can descend to Baranco campsite in 2 hours but you may lose some acclimatization benefits.
Day 6: This day, we will continue to Barafu Camp, (15,088 ft) passing through the desert zone and seeing the closest view yet of the great mountain. On the way, we will cross easy rocks and snow (winter season). We will have a nice lunch at the camp followed by a short trek in the area. We will have an early dinner after which your guide will tell you what to expect on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft). You will have time to ask questions before heading for bed. Lala salama.
Day 7: We will wake you at 11 PM with some hot tea and cookies as you prepare for your final ascent. We will all gather at the assigned site at midnight to begin our hike. Do not forget to take a good long look at the night sky as the stars are the big attraction at the beginning. You will be excited as you make your way up through the cold mountain air. As the sun rises, your views of Mt Meru and Mawenzi Peak will be spectacular over the summit with Kili’s huge glacier. We have completer the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. After a short stay there, we will descend to Barafu Camp where we will stop for a lunch of hot soup, bread, fruit and juice. You will have enough time for a short rest. We will resume our hike to overnight in Mweka camp (10,168 ft). This is a long day of hiking and you will be rewarded with a hot meal and long awaited sleep.
Day 8 : After breakfast, we will be descending through the beautiful rain forest (be sure to look for the famous blue and colobus monkeys.) Also be sure your guide points out the famous Kilimanjaro Everlasting, which is one of the most beautiful flowers on earth. Our trek will end when we arrive at the Mt Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to receive your certificate. Congratulations!!! You have accomplished one of the greatest adventures in the world. After lunch, you will return to Siesta Lodges for your long awaited hot shower.
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