We do not recommend climbing Kilimanjaro during this time for other routes except Rongai route which looks arid during the rainy season, as for the other routes can be very wet, muddy and snowy. Climbing in the rain can be decrease enjoyable and means you will miss the spectacular good views and photo opportunities so if you do choose to trek at this time of year, you will avoid the crowds on the routes (even the most popular routes can offer solo, peace and tranquility) and at the campsites and Hut
CAN IT BE POSIBLE TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO DURING RAIN SEASON
Rongai Route is the first choice during the rainy season and the rainy season lasts from April to May and November to December The Rongai Route is not affected by the season as some other routes are. As such, the Rongai Route is a route which really can be enjoyed throughout the year. It is the first choice during the rainy season and it can definitely be done in the dry season as well.
See the below structure that’s show the best time t climb Kilimanjaro
Extract for planning a best trip and choosing the best Route for trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro
-General Planning the Mount Kilimanjaro trip
Lifetime Climb and Safari recommends clients to prepare as earlier as possible the necessary gears for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro having in mind that their high altitudes with gradual whether change. Bring those items that are not optional but essential for your comfort, safety and enjoyable climbing. Try to research and chose the route with enough number of days on the mountain. This will give you more chance to summit. When you have enough number of days your body adapt to the high altitude environments so you won’t struggle much.
-Physical Preparations
It’s very important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. Remember at some points you will have to cover long distances from one camp to another.
-Mental Preparations
This is the most important that it is possible to summit Kilimanjaro successfully, before you have succeeded this should be topmost in your mind while preparing for the summit attempt. Staying positive always is the most important advice. Plan the trip with Miwalen Travel. -Travel insurance
Very important!!Make sure that you have travel and medical insurance in especially for Kilimanjaro climb that covers 6000 meters (19685 ft) .Go for a reputable company.
The following are travel insurance companies that we recommend.
1. ripcord rescue travel insurance
2.globalrescue
3.worldnomads
-Arrivals and the airports and transfers
Upon your Arrival in Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Lifetime Climb and Safars staff will pick you up and transfer you to Moshi town where you will spend the first night at the arranged hotel and for those who will arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Kenya, we will pick you up and get transferred to Moshi by Shuttle.
-Drinking enough water
Prepare your body with water; make sure it stays hydrated always. On Kilimanjaro make sure that you drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water a day Go slowly (Pole pole) as it’s very important to ensure you enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kilimanjaro while learning the geographical features and give your body time to acclimatize.
-Weight on your day pack;
Try as much as you can to climb lightly as possible. This becomes even more and more important on your summit night/day. Note that an extra weight will slow you down and will also cause you breathing more difficult and struggle more.
-Packing of gears.
You need to take enough clothing for all type of weather and packed items should be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in case of rain. Have a day pack of around 35L and duffel bag or big backpack of around 85L to 90L which will be enough to carry your items. The items not needed on the mountain carry remain safely at the hotel or our office. Valuable staffs can be kept I safe until you return from the mountain.
-Clothes & items
You absolutely need underwear(enough for the days) thermal hiking socks, gloves and mittens, warm head protection, rain coat (poncho), sunglasses and sun protection cream and hiking boots, walking sticks, and ski pants.
Choose the outer jackets that keep you warm enough, protect you at temperatures of low minus 20 degrees Celsius, keep the wind out and yet you can still breathe well. Other clothes like shorts, sweaters and T-shirts are recommended to wear during hiking on the lower slopes, when the day temperatures are still high.
-Acute Mountain sickness (AMS)
AMS is a common effect to people at high altitude like on Kilimanjaro. Be sure to prepare well by filling our medical forms and seek medical advice from doctors and most importantly to follow the advices.
-Vaccination
---Yellow fever vaccination;
This vaccination is important when you cross through Kenya our nearby country
---Malaria
This has no vaccinations but please consult your doctor about these so that you may be recommended pills to use. Currently, there are various preventative medication products available which will be effective against the malaria strains currently found in Tanzania.
-Other useful tips
Wet wipes
At some points you will use them .There is no every time washing water at Barafu, Kibo and Arrow Glacier camps. Wet Wipes will be very useful.
-Snacks
Carry with you enough snacks like energy bars etc. Avoid the toffee like energy bars as they get very hard and then become very difficult to eat in low temperatures but rather prefer to carry the cereal type energy bars.
-Sun protection
Carry with you and wear a good quality pair of sunglasses (with UV protection) and use enough sun protection cream with a protection factor of at least 20++.
-Thermal Flask or Nalgene bottles.
Use a thermal flask or Nalgene bottles for your water on the summit night, other water bottles might freeze solid and you won’t be able to drink.
-Camera
This is very important. Pictures keep best memories you had. Taking pictures with fully automatic cameras at the summit of Kilimanjaro is possible and most people do this. Using phone cameras is also possible. Keep safe and covered your battery in your camera or phone when going into cold areas at high altitude. Whenever Cameras are exposed to cold do not cease functioning but remember that if you keep your camera inside your jacket and the lens becomes warm, chances are that it will form condensation when suddenly exposed to extreme cold. This condensation will freeze under conditions at the summit and therefore, keep your camera dry at all times. Moisture freeze at the summit will cause your camera to stop functioning if it’s not kept dry at all times.
-Mount Kilimanjaro Trails
On Mount Kilimanjaro the trails are well marked and maintained periodically. No any technical skill required to climb Mount Kilimanjaro like the use of ropes but only some sports like Machame trail at Barranco wall where you need to scramble a bit even with hands for about an hour from 13,000 feet to 14,000 feet, top of Barranco wall.
