In your Kilimanjaro climbing preparation considerations fact is, most of the months have a few rainy days, which makes it possible for climbing all the year round.

During the rainy period of March and May, cloud tends to pile up and over the summit, dropping snow on top and at the base. Visibility can be limited by cloud cover even when there is no rainfalls. The temperature at this time of the year is relatively
warm.

Best time to climb Kilimanjaro is the dry season, beginning in the late June and through July can be very cold at night but usually is clear of cloud.

August and September are also cool and can have completely clear days, but usually a dripping cloud belt girdles the mountain above the forest moorland. The summit can be totally clear.

The shorter rainy period of October to December often has thunderstorms that pass over the mountain, dropping rains as they go. Typically the cloud disappears in the evening leaving the nights clear and mornings with excellent visibility.
January and February are usually dry, warm and clear with brief rain showers which makes a good climbing condition.

Even though one can climb through out the year, January, February and September are the best months with July, August, November and December are good too.

In rainy season we’re recommending Rongai route on trekking Mount Kilimanjaro in April and May which starts on Northern Kilimanjaro and is generally drier than the southern routes, and can be opted during these rainy months.

Kilimanjaro’s weather is heavily influenced by the interaction of trade winds with the structure of the mountain. The South-east trade winds traveling over the Indian Ocean carry loads of moisture. When they hit Kilimanjaro, around March, are then forced upwards where they condense, form clouds and precipitate. This means March through to May is the wettest season on Kilimanjaro. The southern slopes are particular susceptible to rain during this time of the year.

Anti-trade winds from the North-east carry very little moisture but blow strongly. The strength of these winds which last from April through to October keep the South-east trade winds below them, hence these months are usually dry and cloud cover and precipitation is generally restricted to the lower slopes

The North-east monsoon arrives in November and brings some light rains to the northern Kilimanjaro.

Most of people have been asked how many days it takes to climb Kilimanjaro. The answer to climb Mount Kilimanjaro take five to eleven days depend on the route you’re taking to climbing the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Below is the summary of Kilimanjaro routes with route description and number of days recommended.

Below is the summary of Kilimanjaro routes with route description and number of days recommended.

Summary of Routes and descriptions.

This list consists of items that are necessary on a Kilimanjaro climbing, climbs to high altitude . These items are not optional , they are essential for your comfort and safety . You may rent items on the list from Kilimanjaro Brothers. We have all in Kilimanjaro climbing list, used but in good condition Kilimanjaro climbing climbs. You may contact us with any questions about mountaineering equipment .

1. Basic Equipment Backpack with an internal or external frame. Find a pack that fits you well and that can hold all your gear. 2500 – 3000 cubic inches is a good minimum size. Sleeping bag. Down or synthetic fill, Rated to at least 15 degrees Fahrenheit Sleeping pad. Duffer bags. A large one for your mountaineering gear and clothes and a smaller one for your city clothes. Please keep combined weight to approx 100 1bs. It is essential to keep gear separated for storage purposes.Luggage locks. For locking your duffer bags.

2. Sun Protection, Warm hat, Balaclava for neck and face covering Sun hat with good brims are essential for protection from the equatorial sun Sunglasses – Dark, glacier glasses with side shields. Choose glasses with full UV and IR blockage. Lip Balm with SPF rating of I5 or more.

3. Clothing – upper body T-Shirts. Two T-shirts. Synthetic is best. Long sleeve underwear top. Light or medium synthetic. Absolutely no cotton. Light weight long sleeved shirt made of fleece or wool. This is the mild layer between a base (underwear) layer and a heavy top layer. Heavyweight Jacket. This should be a heavy fleece or wool jacket. Waterproof /windproof /breathable shell. A outer layer made of Gore Tex or equivalent with full hood. Insulating outer layer. An insulated down or synthetic parka. Sports bra for women. No cotton. Rain parka or poncho. Water proof nylon that has been “seam sealed” Gloves or mittens (wool or pile). One pair of heavy mittens and one light pair of gloves work well. Mitten shell. These are for use against the winds on the way to the summit.

4. Clothing – lower body Quick dry hiking shorts. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain. Long underwear bottoms. Wool or synthetic. Light or medium weight. Wool, bunting or pile pants. One pair that fit loosely and are comfortable Rain pants. Waterproof nylon Wind pants. Tights. Lycra type are best. These are comfortable while hiking to prevent needle stings, or to provide warmth on cool misty days under a pair of pile pants. Undergarments enough for proposed days.

5. On Your Feet Socks. Synthetic or wool, at least 3 pairs. Liners if you wear them. Absolutely no cotton. Hiking boots. High–top heavy duty hiking boots with a good sole for traction. These should be well worn-in by trip departure. Gaiters. Must be knee length with Velcro closures Lightweight shoes, sandals, or other shoes for crossing rivers and for base camp.

6. For drinking Water bottle. Four bottles, one liter size. Can be purchased in Moshi. Water treatment tablets. Not essential, but good to have on hand. (We provide tablets as part of the trip service.)Water flavoring. (The water treatment tablets tend to leave a small aftertaste, so having your favorite drink powder can help to mask this. Also not essential.)

7. For personal health Toiletries.

Bring enough for the entire trip. Keep it simple and light, but bring enough for your needs.

Biodegradable soap.

Headlamp. Be sure to bring extra batteries and extra light bulbs. Some clients have reported their batteries being confiscated from hand luggage while traveling through Kenya, so be sure to check extra batteries if you have more than four

Sunscreen. Minimum of SPF 15.First Aid.

A complete personal first–aid kit containing any drugs prescribed by your doctor (see the “letter to your physician for high altitude meds, antibiotic and the like”).

Towel for washing in camp. (A small one.) You can also use a bandana.

Moist towelettes or baby wipes for additional hygiene.

Pocket Knife. Simple Swiss Army type with scissors.

Trail Munchies. Although plenty of snack food is provided, trekkers like to have a taste of home in their packs. It is also advisable to bring at least three energy bars to assist you on summit day.

Hot drink mixes. We provide plenty of coffee, cocoa and tea, but non caffeinated drinks are not readily available here. Bring a supply of your favorite herbal teas.

Ear plugs. To block out snoring and hut noise and ensure peaceful rest.

Hepatitis A or Immune globulin (IG).Transmission of hepatitis virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact: through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water: or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.

Do I need Vaccination

Hepatitis B Especial if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example health-care workers) have sexual contact with the local population) or be exposed through medical treatment. vaccine is now recommended for all infracts and for children ages 11-12 years who did not receive the series as infants.

Malaria is high in all countries in East Africa ,including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug.

Meningococcal ( meningitis) if you plan to visit countries in this region that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June.

Rabies, per-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas ,such us might occur during camping ,hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.

Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food ,or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected .Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors.

Yellow fever, viral disease that occurs primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus is also present in Panama and Trinidad and Tobago .Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers to endemic areas and may be required to cross certain international borders (for country specific requirements, see yellow fever vaccine Requirements and information on malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by country.)

Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals if there is on-going risk .As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adult.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. All travelers to East Africa, including infants, children and former residents of East Africa, may be at risk for malaria. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against.

vaccination

Please, consult your local immunization doctor before you travel abroad. You can also check update at the Center for Disease control (CDC) and receive the guidelines at their website or by calling 1-877-394-8747 FREE

You may ask yourself how hard is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? The answer is, Mount Kilimanjaro has several different routes, of which you can climb without mountaineering experience. But you have to prepare well for your climb, and understand the fact of high altitude.

All nationals of the countries or territorial entities mentioned below. Stateless and those holding non-national travel/refugee documents or passports issued by an authority not recognized by the United Republic of Tanzania, must obtain a valid visa on each occasion they need to enter Tanzania.

The countries whose nationals require visa for Tanzania are

Citizens of the following Nations require referred Visas for Entry to Tanzania

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa for stay up to 90 days:

Where to Get Tanzania VISA Nationals of any Country not listed or described above please consult
the Commission for further information. Tanzania High Commissions / Embassies and Consulates abroad.

These are types of VISA for intering Tanzania for Tourist Business Research and Visa information to Tanzania. In Tanzania, visas are required by most foreign nationals whether visiting for a holiday or to conduct business.

Tanzania does permit visa free travel for a period of up to three months to some foreign nationals, mainly those from African and Asian countries however in most cases, with the exceptions of Kenya and Uganda, these visitors will still to obtain entry permit clearance. A Global Visas immigration will be able to advice you of the exact visa requirements for citizens of your country of residence traveling to Tanzania.

Visit our online Tanzania visa assessment form now to get started on your visa application. Our assessment form is quick and easy to complete, just answer a few simple questions and one of our immigration consultants will respond to your enquiry.

Types of VISA provided are for Tanzania are Tourist, Business, Research etc. For foreign nationals from countries who do not receive the three-month visa exemption it will be necessary to apply for a Tanzanian visa.

In Tanzania, tourist visas may be issued as single or multiple entry permits and are valid for a maximum period of three or six months respectively. As with short-term visit visas and business visas is many destinations, these time limits are the maximum period for visas may be granted but do not necessarily reflect the grant that will be issued.

Type of Visa Immigration on travelling to Tanzania

George with Paddy and friends from Australia.

Requirements: – Photocopy of round-trip, airline tickets or itinerary. – Photocopy of the statement showing sufficient funds for the trip.Tanzanian Business visa.

Tanzanian business visas are also issued for either a single entry of multiple entries and are granted a maximum duration of three of six months. As with short term business visit visas in most destinations a visa of this kind does not constitute a work permit or employment visa and does not entitle the holder to work in Tanzania whether in paid or unpaid employment.

Business visas are a temporary immigration solution designed to allow applicants to engage in a range of business related activities including attending meetings and business conferences and researching potential buyers or suppliers.

Requirements: – A letter on company letterhead addressed to the Embassy of Tanzania, Visa Section, Tanzania High Commission / Embassy your applying, signed by the company executive, stating the nature of the business, duration of the trip, companies to be visited, guaranteeing sufficient funds.

Visas for research will only be granted after the applicant has been cleared by the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH): P.O. Box 4302, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Tel.: 255-22-270.0750 or 270.0745 Fax: 255-22-275.313 E-mail: // costech@costech.or.tz n costech@costech.or.tz //

Visas for journalism will only be granted after the applicant has been cleared by the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH): The Tanzania Information Services (MAELEZO) P.O. Box 9142, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Tel.: 255-22-211-0585 or 212.2771 or 211.2860 Fax: 255-22-211-3814 or 211-6474. E-mail: costech@costech.or.tz

Eligibility All Tanzanian visa applications must be accompanied by a valid passport form the applicant’s country of origin. For candidates who are living in a country which is not their country of origin, proof of residence must also be supplied. In all cases, passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after the duration of the visa. Where candidates are applying for Tanzanian business visas, a letter from the business contact in Tanzania will be required. The letter must detail the proposed duration and purpose of the trip to Tanzania.

All foreign nationals traveling to Tanzania should be aware that it may be necessary to attend an interview and that supporting documentation may be required.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration.

Short-term visit and business visas for Tanzania do not make specific provisions for family members of the main applicant to travel with them. Short-term visas do not lead to long term or permanent settlement and require their holders to return to their country of residence when their visa expires. If the spouse, common law partner, civil partner, or dependent children wish to travel to Tanzania with the main applicant, they will need to apply for a visa individually.

VISA Processing Time and Fees Visa fees and processing times are subject to change at short notice and both fees and processing times may vary according to the type of visa you require and your nationality. Your Global Visas consultant will be able to provide precise details of the visa fees and processing times involved for your specific application. At Global Visas, we provide visa and immigration services for a continually expanding range of destinations worldwide. Our team of specialist immigration layers and migration experts will manage your visa application from beginning to end and will ensure that you embark upon the right visa service for your individual needs. You can begin your application today by visiting the Global Visa online assessment area and completing our assessment form. It takes minutes to submit your enquiry and a Global Visa consultant will contact you.

VISA Section The Visa Section (Depend on the country the Embassy is) open to the public for logging of Visa Applications from 10.00am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday, with exception of local Bank Holidays and Public Holidays falling under the national holidays’ calendar of the United Republic of Tanzania and country your applying.

Yes, you can get a Visa on arrival at the airport or at any entry point into Tanzania such as at Dar-es-salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport, Namanga (Tanzania – Kenya Border Post to the North), Tunduma (Tanzania – Malawi Border post to the South), Taveta and Holili (Tanzania – Kenya Border post to the North East)

Can we get our visa on arrival

Lisa and his huband William Foster from oand their friends from Atlanta, GA USA on Kilimanjaro clim Lemosho route 8 days.(Lava tower camp 15,000 feet)

Visa Application.

Applicants for the entry visa to Tanzania must meet all the necessary requirements. These include the submission of the following: 1. Filled in application forms – download 2. Valid passport (at least not less than six months from the date of entry) 3. Two passport size photographs 4. Supporting letter (for Business visas) 5. Special delivery – prepaid self-addressed envelope for return of the Passport (for postal application) 6. If applied by post please send the original receipt from bank or postal order.

How to Apply

1. Personal Application: In this category applicant have to fill in the forms available free of charge from the High Commission Visa Desk or downloading VISA FORMS here. 2. Postal Application: the fee in this category must be in cash paid in dedicated bank or postal order payable to the Tanzania High Commission. Visa fee payments must be made to bank dedicated, using the counters pay-in slips and Original receipt sent with the Application Forms and supporting documents.

NOTE It takes three (3) working days to process a Visa in Personal Application category, but express service of 24 hours is available at extra charge.

Postal Application: visa process takes 10 working days. Any failure to comply with the stated requirements may result in unnecessary delays or returning of unprocessed application to the sender. Calls will not be entertained within the time mentioned above. Please do not call us about the development of your application. For all Visas that will expire before being used, a fresh application has to be made, fulfilling all previous conditions without exceptions.

– Tanzania High Commissions / Embassy Abroad – VISA application forms

The Kilimanjaro trail is Standard hiking, so you have to train yourself according to Mount Kilimanjaro training programs. Start exercises to make your shape and easy for your legs to work downhill and uphill with your daypack will build your physical and mental strong.

How do I prepare for mount Kilimanjaro climbing

Again the very best way to train yourself as a Kilimanjaro climbing preparation, is to prepare for climbing to high altitude. Although this is difficult for most people, remember that the higher the altitude and the longer the hikes, the better. Whether it be to hike 2,000 feet to the top of the local hill or climbing larger mountains further a field; just being out hiking up hill is the best. This also allows you to get used to your backpack and boots, running and biking are also very good and at least take you outdoors so you can test your equipment. Stair masters and climbing machines at the gym will work if outdoor hiking isn’t an option.

Try not to go for short hard blasts of exercise but long sustained workouts instead. An adequate training regime is to maintain 80% of your max heart rate (220 minus your age) for an hour, three to four days a week. Remember high altitude mountain climbing requires acclimatization and a strong mind is as important as a strong body.

So we are recommending you to:

1. Do aerobic exercises of the body to function with less oxygen as on summit day there is less oxygen.
2. Hike on hills and mountain or on gym trail machine to practice hiking
3. Increase hiking distance and time of hiking to increasing your stability as on mountain you will have long hiking days.
4. Wear your boot and day park on hiking as you hiking with daily on mountain.
5. Eat more fruit and vegetable. Reduce red meat, smoke and alcoholic.
6. Getting your body shape and physical trails.
7. Rest and sleep well

If you are fairly fit and choose a climbing itinerary that allows plenty of time to acclimatize you have the formula for success.

You have many options for pre climb safari depending with you time you have. You can do one day trip in Ngorongoro crater or Arusha National Park as your Kilimanjaro climbing preparation.

Everything you need on a day climb will need you to pack on your day park, as our porters will hiking to the camp and hence you will always access your duffer bag/day park in the morning and as well as in the evening when you arrive to the camp.

Here with our suggestion on what to carry on your day pack/duffer bag on Kilimanjaro climb;

• Camera
• Water for drinking
• Sun hut
• Sun glasses
• Sun cream
• Compass
• Toilet paper
• Towel
• First aid Kit
• Rain wear; Rain coat, Rain trousers, or poncho
• Walking stick
• Watch
• Whistle
• Simple solar power
• Lunch-box on some longer days

Food and water for Kilimanjaro climbing.

We provide fresh fruits and food on the Kilimanjaro climb with a lot of carbohydrates, food diet for vegans and vegetarians as well as special food for client with food allergy, Halal and Kosher are offered.

Breakfast

Breakfast is tea, coffee, porridge, sausages, bread, toast, eggs and fruit.
Longer hiking days will a picnic lunch along the route.

Lunch
A typical lunch is cheese, bread, crackers, peanut butter and jam or honey, mustard, potatoes, chips or Chevda, canned fish, fruit, peanuts, cashews, or cookies. On shorter hiking days we will have lunch in camp with hot drinks, soup, cheese, sandwiches, vegetable sticks, and cookies.

Dinner

Dinner is served buffet style inside the mess tent, beginning with soup and bread or crackers, and followed by a main course of rice with stew or curry, or pasta with sauce, cooked vegetables, or salad and potatoes. Desert and hot drinks follow the main course.

Food

We use olive oil to prepare the food The benefits of olive oil over other vegetable oils are its low levels of saturated fat and high levels of unsaturated fat. Minimizing the intake of saturated fat has been shown to lower cholesterol, and therefore reduce the potential for heart diseases.

Nutritional preparation before an endurance event should be:

Glycogen storage: Storage of carbohydrates in the liver and muscles as glycogen is essential. The glycogen is converted to glucose for energy utilization during the event.

Balanced nutrient intake: Provide your body with the essential nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals) as a prerequisite for optimal performance.

A balanced pre-event meal that ensures stable blood sugar levels for the start of the day and the event.

Insurance on Tanzania Travel

Any travel insurance policy you purchase should at least, cover trip cancellation, loss of baggage, accident/life coverage, travel delays, and non-refundable airline tickets carriers for travel insurance include travel guard and Travelex.

Other resources for travel insurance include the American Alpine Club. You may also consider insurance that covers emergency medical evaluation. Travel insurance information will be contained in the trip confirmation packet. Insurance?

Staying at the Mt. Kilimanjaro camps need some outfit to cover the body and some personal equipment. See the recommended list.

• Tracksuit pants
• T-shirts
• Sun hat (peak caps do not offer enough protection)
• Woolens socks
• Fleece beanie
• Water bottle

Staying at the Mt. Kilimanjaro camps need some outfit to cover the body and some personal equipment. See the recommended list.

• Tracksuit pants
• T-shirts
• Sun hat (peak caps do not offer enough protection)
• Woolens socks
• Fleece beanie
• Water bottle

For you comfortably climbing in Kilimanjaro summit night, you can consider to wear 4 layers on top and 3 layers on the bottom depending with weather and advisable to be clean and dressed properly.

Temperature at summit day may drop below -15°C depending on climbing Month.

Using a wide mouth water bottle for easily drinking of water on summit night walk and pack it upside down as usually water frozen starting from the top of bottle. Once you pack upside down and if frozen on top still you will turn and access regular water.

If you using camel back on Kilimanjaro summit night you can keep wrap it at shirt and tuck hand warmers. Choose the ones which have pipe cover to keep insulation and protect from freezing.

Wind proof is essential and the point you crossing saddle as well on crater rim where may have strong winds.

Be sure to pack the following items;

Leather or thermal boots
Gore-Tex, Microtel or K-Tech Trilaminate jacket
Gore –Tex, Microtel or K-tech pants
Fleece jacket
Fleece pants
Gore-Tex mittens or gloves
Head torch
Thermal flask
Fleece gloves (use as inner for Gore-Tex glove)
Thermal glove liners (use as inner for Gore-Tex gloves)
Gaiters
Fleece balaclava
Thermal balaclava
Thermal top
Thermal long johns
Thermal socks
Sunglasses with UV protection
Day pack

We are inviting climbers to summit Kilimanjaro with full moon in their life time, as it is very beautiful and bright. You need to start climbing before full moon, if you are taking a 7 day climb so you will start 5 days before and if you take a 6 days climb, you need to start 4 days before the full moon date.

The Kilimanjaro trail is Standard hiking, so you have to train yourself according to Mount Kilimanjaro training programs. Start exercises to make your shape and easy for your legs, to work downhill and uphill with your daypack, will build your physical and mental strong for your Kilimanjaro climbing preparation.