{"id":21153,"date":"2024-10-18T12:49:56","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T17:49:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/?p=21153"},"modified":"2026-01-12T10:18:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T15:18:59","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-a-trek-in-kilimanjaro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/how-to-prepare-for-a-trek-in-kilimanjaro\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for a Trek in Kilimanjaro"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":21609,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[66,67,224],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hiking","category-gear","category-destinations"],"acf":{"post_flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"Travelling to Tanzania means encountering Mount Kilimanjaro, the king of the African continent. This majestic, mysteriously named giant towers at 5,895 metres and overlooks the savannah. Uhuru Peak, its summit, attracts countless hikers each year. Karavaniers offers a unique way to approach Kilimanjaro: an escape from the crowds through the north, where you can touch the stunning peaks of Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo. Explore the trails of Mount Meru, the country\u2019s second-highest peak, with their lush vegetation and breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro, before making your final ascent! Next, head to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti to admire the incredible Tanzanian wildlife. Let your trekking journey be a complete and unique exploration, blending personal challenge with exceptional natural wonders.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis article was written in collaboration with Karavaniers<\/a> travel agency.<\/em>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_anchors_list","anchors_section_title":"In this article, you will learn more about how to prepare for a trek in Kilimanjaro:"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"The best times of year to trek Kilimanjaro","text_content":"

[stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/hiking\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Hiking gear[\/stag_button] [stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/travel\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\u201dbefore\u201d]Travel essentials[\/stag_button]<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"The best times of year to trek Kilimanjaro","text_content":"

What's the best time of year to trek Kilimanjaro?<\/h2>\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nTechnically, there are two dry seasons in northern Tanzania, and these periods are the best times to trek Kilimanjaro.\r\n\r\nThe first one, known as the \u201cshort dry season,\u201d takes place around January and February, so it is indeed rather short. Note that weather conditions can still vary during this time of year, particularly in January; the rainy season (which occurs in December) has just ended, and a few humid stretches might still happen.\r\n\r\nWe often send groups to hike Kilimanjaro during the holiday season, for instance, as this is a beautiful time in Tanzania, despite the end of the rainy season and some weather instability. The landscapes are lush and green, especially in the safari portion that typically concludes the trip.\r\n\r\nThe second one, known as the \u201clong dry season,\u201d runs from June to September and is another great time to travel. In general, we mainly focus on the months of July and August for our trips. When it comes to equipment, there\u2019s no significant difference for travellers between these two dry seasons.\r\n\r\nAt Karavaniers, we limit our trips to these periods to support and preserve our local teams. While some agencies offer year-round travel, we know that our team members aren\u2019t always as well equipped as Western travellers, which makes trips more challenging for them in the rainy seasons."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Travelling with Karavaniers","text_content":"

Any ideas for a trip with Karavaniers?<\/h2>\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nWithout a doubt, we recommend our \u201cMeru and the three peaks of Kilimanjaro\u201d trip. In short, it's a super complete adventure for anyone looking to take on the Kili challenge!\r\n\r\nTravellers who have Kilimanjaro in mind often think only of this specific peak. But let\u2019s not forget that there\u2019s also Mount Meru (4,566 m), Africa\u2019s fifth-highest peak and Tanzania\u2019s second, which is absolutely stunning and features a superb crater!\r\n\r\nThis trip involves a total of 11 days of walking, including an initial four-day trek to Mount Meru. This first part of the trip serves as an excellent acclimatization, with Mount Meru rising to 4,566 m and offering an incredibly rich variety of scenery. The landscapes of Mount Meru are almost more breathtaking than those of Kilimanjaro, with the four-day hike offering an extremely varied experience - from hyper-dense old-growth forests filled with monkeys and buffalo to increasingly moonlike horizons! On the crater side, the climb follows a magnificent ridge offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro, the ultimate goal of the trek.\r\n\r\nFor hiking Kilimanjaro itself, we have long offered the Machame route, but it has since become very busy, so it no longer aligns with Karavaniers\u2019s DNA. That\u2019s why we've decided to take the Northern route, which circles around Kilimanjaro. We tackle the mountain at an altitude of 3,500 m, made possible by our acclimatization on Mount Meru! This route lets us escape crowds of hikers and sleep in the crater, just below Kilimanjaro\u2019s last glaciers!\r\n\r\nIt's worth mentioning that, in addition to the stunning scenery and physical challenge, a trip to Kilimanjaro is also about the group experience and our enthusiastic, high-energy local team. Life in the camps is always vibrant and cheerful.\r\n\r\nWe conclude the trek with a safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where we encounter lions, hyenas, gazelles, giraffes and elephants."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Who can climb Mount Kilimanjaro","text_content":"

Who can climb the Kilimanjaro?<\/h2>\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nAnyone in good physical shape who enjoys hiking and trains properly can consider a trek up Kilimanjaro. There is no \u201ctypical profile\u201d; we\u2019re not in the mountaineering or ultramarathon business. The key is mostly to be disciplined and not overestimate your training\u2026 while also planning ahead!"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"How to prepare for a trek","text_content":"

How to prepare for a trek in Kilimanjaro?<\/h2>\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nIf it\u2019s your first big trek, we recommend booking at least 8 months in advance so you have time to prepare properly. The best training for a long hike\u2026 is simply to go hiking. The more you practise on different types of trails (with rocks, tree roots, etc.), the better you can test your gear and train your body. Ideally, you should also try to hike in various weather conditions, training with rain, wind, snow, heat, etc., to put both your mind and equipment to the test! People living in southern Quebec, for instance, could train in the Montagnes Blanches for a bit of elevation variation.\r\n\r\nAs for altitude, it\u2019s okay if you can\u2019t experience it before the trip - it can be managed on the spot.\r\n\r\nTo prepare for camp life, travellers should try and get in shape for camping and practice sleeping in a tent \u201cmummy style\u201d with the hood of their sleeping bag over their head.\r\n\r\nAnd lastly, throughout the preparation process\u2026 skip the elevators and take the stairs!"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"The equipment you need","text_content":"

What equipment do you need for a Kilimanjaro trek?<\/h2>\r\nThe foundation, of course, is to start with good footwear that fits well and feels comfortable. High-profile, three-season hiking boots<\/a> are a perfect choice.\r\n\r\nAs for the backpack<\/a>, travellers only need to carry the essentials for the day, so a 40-litre pack will suffice for their water, meals, spare equipment, jacket, etc. The rest of their gear should be packed in a duffle bag, without frames or wheels, so that porters can carry it smoothly.\r\n\r\nThe necessary equipment can be organized based on weather conditions.\r\n\r\nQuality gear to keep you dry in case of rain:\r\n