The mountain contains five distinct climate zones, from tropical, equatorial lands at the base to a glacial summit zone
Many trekkers call Kilimanjaro a life-changing experience
The seven summits are the tallest mountains on each continent; Everest is another
Kili is also the tallest freestanding mountain in the entire world
There’s no part of the climb that is more difficult than a challenging hike; it requires fitness but not climbing expertise
Many trekkers describe it as the most difficult thing they’ve ever done
Thomson has led trekkers as young as seven and as old as their early 80s to the top
The mountain contains five distinct climate zones, from tropical, equatorial lands at the base to a glacial summit zone
Coffee and bananas are commonly grown here
the volcanic soil of the mountain is very fertile
Vegetation is dense and lush year-round
Very humid with warm days
Many species of plants and animals found here live nowhere else on earth
Starker, with low-lying shrubs and fewer, smaller animals
Alien-looking species, like Giant Groundsel, give this zone a distinctive look
the Alpine Zone is often compared to the surface of the moon
Wintry and snowy no matter what time of year you trek
Stunning glaciers at the summit are rapidly disappearing
Trek before they’re gone!
Acclimatization is essentially random; whether you acclimatize quickly or slowly is based on your genetic luck
Most people choose 5-7 day routes up the mountain, and only about half of them reach the summit
This is primarily due to a lack of acclimatization time; their bodies can’t adjust that fast
Thomson builds acclimatization into our itineraries to give trekkers the best chance of reaching the top
The Marangu and Machame routes are both choked with backpackers
This route has far fewer trekkers, since it can’t be done in 5-6 days
You’ll be able to enjoy the stunning vistas from the southern face of the mountain
Because Lemosho is a longer route, you’ll have a chance to acclimatize better during your trek—this will give you the best chance of success
Some days will be longer, some will be shorter.
With increased acclimatization time, you’ll feel stronger for your night summit bid, and truly enjoy the views of dawn breaking at Uhuru Peak
Because of the variation in the different climate zones, you’ll need gear for warm, tropical weather in the rainforest, and gear built to withstand freezing temperatures for the summit
Full, closed-cell foam ground pads and reinforced zippers help keep wind and weather out, which keeps you warmer
Tents are big enough for 3, but we only ever sleep 2/tent
relax with your fellow trekkers at the end of the day
chairs with full backs are a mountain luxury
most companies provide only camp stools
other companies use mountain long-drop toilets
These are rarely cleaned and used by thousands of trekkers
many companies limit trekkers’ water consumption on the mountain
staying hydrated is essential for summit success
meals are designed by nutritionists to be balanced and calorific
you need to eat differently on the mountain to fuel your body; we’ve planned for that
snacks are provided on the trail
hot coffee or tea will be delivered to your tent every morning to help you wake up right.
the National Outdoor Leadership School and the Wilderness Medical Association certify Thomson guides annually
this is more than just first-aid knowledge; guides are trained to recognize and treat a wide variety of illnesses
training covers everything from altitude sickness to potentially life-threatening emergencies
hundreds of summits mean that the guides are prepared for any situation that could arise on the mountain
guides are trained in western group dynamics—many trekkers consider them friends by the end of the climb!
Thomson carries more medical equipment than any other trek outfitter
most of this equipment is for emergencies only, but we think it’s better to be safe than sorry
guides are trained in the proper use of all this equipment and much more.
Thomson has a step-by-step evacuation plan in place in the rare cases a trekker needs to descend before the trek is over
guides Assess the situation, Notify the appropriate authorities on the ground, Determine the best evacuation plan (from nearby roads to helicopter evacs) and Accompany the individual down the mountain
once Thomson receives registration forms, a personal Kilimanjaro planner will reach out
this person can answer any questions, address any concerns, and help work out travel details
Thomson will help every step of the way
our packing list includes detailed information on what you will and won’t need
we even offer specific gear recommendations
our training tips are designed with the mountain in mind
we can even help you with how to pack for your trek
call or email anytime; you’ll have dedicated trip planners working to make sure everything goes smoothly