WHICH IS THE BEST ROUTE UP KILIMANJARO?

Each route up Kilimanjaro has its benefits and drawbacks. Your choice will very much depend on what you’re looking for.

If you’re climbing Kilimanjaro for the first time, we’d recommend either the Machame, Lemosho, or Rongai routes. They are less busy than the Marangu Route, have higher success rates, and they ascend and descend via different routes.

We’d likely steer clear of the Umbwe Route, due to its difficulty level and risk of altitude sickness, but ultimately, the choice is up to you.

What do I carry in my daypack?

Our porters will run ahead with your main luggage to the camp. For that reason, it is very important to choose your daypack with care. Our recommendation is to use a 25-liter pack, which is more than sufficient if packed correctly. Our guides will also give you day-by-day advice on what to pack depending on altitude, weather, etc. Take a look at the list to give you an idea of what is carried in general.

• Water bottles (2 liters minimum)—wide-mouth bottles are ideal since their opening is less likely to freeze. Camel bags are great, but they may freeze on the summit night.
• Headlamp: You will need a headlamp for the climb on the summit night and in the evenings. Make sure you have enough batteries with you
• Packed lunch (if no hot lunch camp is served in the camp)
• Snacks, i.e., chocolate bars and/or energy drinks
• Personal medical kit
• Camera
• Sun protection (glasses, hats, and crème)
• Rainwear
• Toilet paper
• Wet wipes (for cleaning your face and hands)
• MP3 player or iPod (for the long walk to the summit, it is nice to listen to music)
• Mobile phone / tablet (to post your summit success to your friends)
• Power Bank