When to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro

When to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro

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Mount KIlimanjaro

Hiking
Best Times for Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing

The main trekking seasons on Kilimanjaro correspond with the mountain’s two dry seasons (an imprecise term, the weather being occasionally inclement during these periods too) namely January to mid-March and June to October. Of course you can trek up Kilimanjaro in the rainy season but not only is there a much higher chance of trekking in the rain, the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi are likely to be wreathed in thick cloud too. Indeed, several agencies even suspend their operations in November and December, deciding that any trek up Kilimanjaro is foolhardy at this time and the rewards for the trekkers considerably less. Curiously, however, Christmas and New Year, when the weather is far from perfect, are actually the most popular times for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Which is the best season on Kilimanjaro?
The January-to-March trekking season on Kilimanjaro

As to the relative merits of the two trekking seasons, the differences are small though significant. The January to March season tends to be (slightly) colder and there is a much greater chance of snow on the path at this time. The days, however, are often clearer, with only the occasional brief shower. It is usually an exceptionally beautiful time to climb and is often a little quieter than the other peak season of June to October, which coincides with the main academic holidays in Europe and the West. In this latter season the clouds tend to hang around the tree-line following the heavy rains of March to May. Once above this altitude, however, the skies are blue and brilliant and the chance of precipitation minimal (though still present).

The June-to-October trekking season on Kilimanjaro

Although the June to October season tends to be busier, this is not necessarily a disadvantage. For example, if you are travelling independently to Tanzania but wish, for the sake of companionship or simply to cut down on costs, to join up with other travellers for your Kilimanjaro trek, then the high visitor numbers in the June-October peak season will give you the best chance of doing this.

While if you do crave solitude when you walk, it can still be found on the mountain during this peak season. The trails are long, so you can always find vast gaps between trekkers to allow you to walk in peace; some of the routes – Rongai, for example, or the two trails across the Shira Plateau – almost never have more than one or two trekking groups on them at any one time, and are often completely deserted.

And besides, Kilimanjaro is just so huge that its presence will dwarf your fellow trekkers to the point where they become, if you wish them to be, quite unnoticeable.

Snapshots from Our Tour Experiences
recommend Time to climb Kilimanjaro
We recommend climbing Kilimanjaro in the months of January to February. These months are the driest in Kilimanjaro, offering you the best views and many perfect-pictures opportunities. Furthermore, December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October are also the best times to visit the mountain. If you would like to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and have your own dates in mind, get in touch with our team of Kilimanjaro specialists here at Golden Bamboo Tours

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Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Tours

Travelers Reviews
Oliver R
Oliver R
2023-12-12
Verified
THE BEST TOUR AGENCY FOR KILIMANJARO TREKKING AND WILDLIFE SAFARIES This was the first time I had travelled with Mr Lyimo . The company specialises in expert-led cultural and wildlife tours in Tanzania East Africa. Group numbers are small, accommodation at the hotel in Moshi Kilimajaro was comfortable and food excellent. The expert mountain and safari guide who accompanied us was outstanding - passionate, informative, engaging and entertaining. The itinerary for 6 days Climbing Kilimanjaro and 5 Days wildlife safari was very well thought out, combining leisure time with activity and not-to-be-missed opportunities to swim in the Kikuletwa Hot springs ( Maji Moto) . The client is obviously at the heart of the itinerary planning, and attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting a fun, relaxed, educational holiday with fine food - they will deliver! Thanks Mr Lyimo for your good arrangement.
TRAVEL J
TRAVEL J
2023-11-09
Verified
KILIMANJARO TREKKING , MATERUNI WATERFALLS,KIKULETWA HOTSPRINGS AND WILDLIFE SAFARI We booked a trip to Tanzania East Africa with Mr. Mboya the owner of Golden bamboo tours is the best corporate travel agent i have everworked with ..From a customer experience perspective, hes service is superlative.. He is the most responsive agent i have ever worked with 10 years, and he makes every transaction 100% stress free. This trip was incredible ,from day one our tour guide was amaizing. caring and very knowledgeable ..the hotel and food was good .actual your was also incredible.. Thank Mr Mboya , Lyimo And everyone who made possible this unforgettable experience.
Mary M
Mary M
2023-08-02
Verified
5 DAYS LUXURY LODGE SAFARI AND DAY HIKKING MATERUNI WATERFALL AND CHEMKA The. Trip was very well organised and everything went to plan.. We enjoyed the site's The first hotel was very basic but very friendly and helpful.. The hotel had very friendly staff and lovely room.. Abdi, Exaud, was a great guide, genuinely loved his country and interested in its history. He was very courteous,considerate and informative throughout our travels..he appeared very well read and informed on current affairs generally with a good command of English.. Our trip to Tanzania was amazing! This was our first trip to Tanzania and it been the best trip in our life.. All thanks to the local agent in partnership with Abdi in Tanzania..... Excellent recommendations and customer service,
Pinary T
Pinary T
2023-07-25
Verified
6days Mount Kilimanjaro trekking via Marangu route and Coffee tour at Materuni village.. Thank you Godliving for making the Tanzania trip a wonderful Mount Kilimanjaro trekking experience for us. We had absolutely great time and the hotels were Salinero to stay at. The hotels were is located outside the city and were very easy to commute around. Despite the time difference, you helped us with all the queries and there were no hiccups throughout our trip. We are sure will come back to travel Tanzania East Africa and take your help in the future to book our trips. A big thanks to you once again. wishing you the best. .....
Katerin Jamie
Katerin Jamie
2023-07-19
Verified
Kilimanjaro trekking And Safari We traveled to four locations in Tanzania East Africa.. Kilimanjaro mountain, Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro conservation area., Tarangire national park. Trip arrangement Was good, The hotels in all locations were fantastic. We had a mountain Guide and safari driver Who took us to some wounderfull locations, top of the mountain Kilimanjaro the highest peak of Africa, endless plan area The home of wildlife, (Serengeti national park), we saw some beautiful scenery and wildlife and ate some amazing food.... Thank you so much all are made our trip memorable.......
Marlin Alexander
Marlin Alexander
2023-07-19
Verified
Trekking and wild safari Excellent.....this was the first time to travel with golden_bambootrekkingandsafaris ,it was a wounderfull organized trip to Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti national park Tanzania. The choice of accommodations and the dinning locals never disappoint. It is the best holiday we have ever hard,,many thanks for all..