KILIMANJARO AND BEYOND

FAQ:

• What kinds of animals will I see on safari in Tanzania?
• What kind of weather can I expect on my safari?
• What is the migration? When is the best time to see the migration?
• Will I experience altitude sickness on my Kilimanjaro trek?
• What is the national language in Tanzania?
• What medical precautions should we take when visiting Tanzania?
• Is drinking water safe in Tanzania?
• What does “Kilimanjaro” mean?
• What is the climate on Mount Kilimanjaro?
• What is not included?
• Do I need travel insurance?
• Will I need a passport or VISA to visit Tanzania?
• How difficult is climbing Kilimanjaro?

The weather on Kilimanjaro is quite diverse. The climb starts through a wide belt of wet tropical forest then goes through zones with generally decreasing temperatures and rainfall to the summit where there is permanent ice and sub-freezing temperatures. Our trips avoid the rainy season, which runs from March to May, and the short rains in November.

Because Kilimanjaro is so close to the equator it not only has more stable weather with no marked winter months but also offers a wide range of vegetation zones on the ascent. You will travel through equatorial forests, alpine heath, moorland, deserts and permanent ice caps in the 6 days that you are on the mountain.

The main seasonal differences are caused by the wet season which lasts from March to the end of May or early June. Clouds tend to pile up and over the summit, dropping snow on top and rain at the base. The temperatures at this time of year are relatively warm but cool down slightly in the dry season.

January and February are traditionally the driest months with warm clear days and brief rain showers making for good climbing conditions.

August and September are slightly warmer and can have completely clear days, but the forest and moorland are often blanketed in cloud. It is peak climbing season on the mountain.