Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
that paths through the forest will be slippery, and that routes up to the summit, especially
the Western Breach, will be covered by snow. That said, you can also have a streak of beau-
tiful, sunny days during these times. Overall, the best time for climbing the mountain is
in the dry season, from late June to October, and from late December to February or early
March, just after the short rains and before the long rains.
Don't underestimate the weather on Kilimanjaro. Conditions on the mountain are fre-
quently very cold and wet, and you'll need a full range of waterproof cold-weather clothing
and gear, including a good-quality sleeping bag. It's also worth carrying some additional
sturdy water bottles. No matter what the time of year, waterproof everything, especially
your sleeping bag, as things rarely dry on the mountain. It's often possible to rent sleep-
ing bags and gear from trekking operators. For the Marangu Route, you can also rent gear
from the Kilimanjaro Guides Cooperative Society stand just inside Marangu gate, or from
a small no-name shop just before the gate. However, especially at the budget level, quality
and availability can't be counted on, and it's best to bring your own.
Apart from a small shop at Marangu gate selling a limited range of chocolate bars and
tinned items, there are no shops inside the park. You can buy beer and soft drinks at high
prices at huts on the Marangu Route.
THE (MELTING) SNOWS OF KILIMANJARO
Since 1912, when they were first measured, Kilimanjaro's glaciers have lost
85% of their ice and the loss has accelerated over the last decade. If nothing
changes, they'll disappear sometime in the 2020s. The main factors are believed
to be an increase in the Indian Ocean's temperature and a loss of forest cover on
the mountain's lower slopes: Fewer trees means less moisture in the air, which
means the ice sublimates (turns from ice directly to vapour) faster. For now, per-
haps the only certain thing is that if you want to see the top of Kilimanjaro as
Ernest Hemingway described it in his classic
The Snows of Kilimanjaro
('wide
as all the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun') you shouldn't
wait long to book your trek.
Costs
Kilimanjaro can only be climbed with a licensed guide. Unless you're a Tanzanian resident
and well versed in the logistics of Kili climbs, the only realistic way to organise things is
through a tour company. For operator listings and some tips
Click here
. No-frills five-day/
four-night treks up the Marangu Route start at about US$1100, including park fees, and no-
frills six-day budget treks on the Machame Route start at around US$1400. Better quality
six-day trips on the Marangu and Machame routes start at about US$1500. The Umbwe
