Conquer Kilimanjaroin Arusha, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro is the highest alone standing mount in the world. Climbing the mount takes from 3 to 7 days.

Mount Kilimanjaro has three hills - Shira (3962 meters), Mawenzi (5149 meters) and Kibo (5895 meters). Conquering Kilimanjaro means climbing Kibo hill with its highest point at Uhuru peak.


Photo: Kilimanjaro climbing, © Follow Alice

1. Northern and southern Kibo slopes are covered with ice, and the bottom - with tropical jungles. Duration of the climbing depends on the level of your alpinism skills - tough itinerary takes 7 days and easier one - 10-14 days. Climbing Kilimanjaro on your own is forbidden. Each group (6-10 people) is accompanied by a few guides, porters (they can carry things not heavier than 15 kilos) and cooks to prepare food for the group during climbing. At the end of the itinerary you should leave tips (about $100 from a person) for servicemen.


Photo: Check points on the way to summit, © Uncornered Market

2. Conquering Africa's top starts at the gates of Kilimanjaro national park - Marangu Gate. Here you'll get a permission to enter the territory of the preserve and get acquainted with guide team. First 18-kilometer trekking is from Machame Gate (1490 meters) to the first overnight spot, Machame camp (2980 meters). Next day you'll have to walk another 4 hours to the next camp Shira at a height of 3840 meters, then you'll have some free time in the middle of green fields. The third day - 15-kilometer trek to the main camp Barranco (3950 meters), it is in the middle of the itinerary.


Photo: Baranco Camp at a height of 3950 meters above sea level, © Follow Alice

3. From Barranco camp to Uhuru peak you'll have to spend another 2 days going up. Climbing Kilimanjaro Mount is at night to reach the top early in the morning to greet the dawn over Africa here.


Photo: Sunrise over Kilimanjaro

In the morning each conqueror of Uhuru peak get certificate

The best time to conquer Kilimanjaro is dry season - from the middle of December till the middle of March and from July till September.

The cost of arranged climbing (about $2000) includes guide service and guiding staff, staying in hotels with breakfast, camping, return transfer, meal on the way between camp spots, permission to enter the territory of the park.

The cost doesn't include flight to Kilimanjaro airport and visa ($50).

• 10 days before climbing get yellow fever vaccination and take proving certificate with you.
• grab some $1-20 cash and malaria pills (take them as a precaution).
• guides and porters gladly take presents like clothes, footwear, backpacks (even if they're a little worn).