Fun things to do in Kilimanjaro Region

Chances are your trip to Kilimanjaro will start, end, or at least pass through the town of Moshi. Many of the area outfitters (for climbing Kili or going on safari) are based in this area. In addition, a lot of hiking routes begin or end not far from town. Finally, the town contains places to eat, shop, and sleep.

For more information, go directly to our Moshi page.

Of course, if you have intentions of climbing Kilimanjaro, you will have to go to the Kilimanjaro National Park. If you don't feel up to the summit, many places offer day tours of the rain forest or even a few overnights without going to the summit. If you really want to take it easy, some of the hotels in the area will arrange a day of walking and a luxury picnic, and you can be back in the comfort of your lodgings by nightfall!

Best time to climb is considered to be from August to October .......and January to March. It is wet in the rainforest during the rains in April, May, June, and November.

December through February are the warmest months.

Best to book well in advance either directly with the Park Rangers, or you can choose to go with the wide range of trekking companies.

There have recently been some measures to support a Porters union which provides better working conditions for the mountain porters. Historically, they have been known to be some of the most badly treated workers around Tanzania, and there are many organizations emerging that are out to change that..

This time around, I didn't have enough time set outside of my volunteer program to climb Kilimanjaro. I was able to do a day hike around the base and absolutely fell in love with the surroundings!

I'm setting aside a week to conquer this mountain very soon. I've got my posse all signed up for the challenge this time......and rest assured, if we make it to the summit, there will be an ebb and flow of champagne bubbles involved!

When you reach the gates at the base of the Marangu route, there are many signs visible to the climber that offer strict guidelines to follow before your climb.

Fees (payable in U.S. dollars or Tanzanian shillings) include park entrance, accomodation in guest houses along the route, guides, and porters. The fee does not include food and any equipment you might want to take for yourself. (a sleeping bag, for example)

Fees Breakdown:

$30 USD per person per day (Entry Fee)
$50 USD per person per night (Hut Fee)
$20 USD per trip (Rescue fee in case of emergencies)

The total climb normally takes 5 to 6 days and involves 4 or 5 overnight stays in comfortable mountain huts. It takes one day to descend the mountain.

(Although during my stay in Tanzania, it was reported that an Australian couple had made the climb in record time: 9 hours up to the summit and 3 hours down!!)

The important advice they give to avoid altitude sickness is to acclimatise by ascending slowly and steadily. It is always best to plan a stay at either a Moshi or Marangu hotel before you start the climb. Climbing straight after a long drive from Arusha is not advisable.