and one of the highest volcanoes in the world, attracting trekkers and climbers from every corner of the world. The attraction is even greater because with time and adequate preparation, it is possible to walk all the way to the summit without technical mountaineering equipment or experience.

The Kilimanjaro massif has two main peak areas: Kibo, the flat topped dome at the centre of the massif, and Mawenzi a group of jagged points and pinnacles on the eastern side. The top of Kibo dips inwards to form a crater which cannot be seen from below. Although Mount Kilimanjaro lies just three degrees south of the equator, both Kibo and Mawenzi have permanent caps of snow and ice.

The highest point on Kibo and the whole Kilimanjaro massif is Uhuru Peak. Also on Kibo is the slightly lower peak of Gillman's Point, both are goals for most trekkers. The peaks of Mawenzi are for mountaineers only.

Kilimanjaro has been designated as a National Park by the government of Tanzania.

MOUNT MERU

Mount Meru only 40 kilometres away from it's more famous neighbour is Tanzania's second highest mountain and at 4566m(14979ft) can provide spectacular view of Mt Kilimanjaro and the surrounding countryside. It is a classic volcanic cone with a dramatic horseshoe crater or caldera. The trek to the summit takes three days with two nights on the mountain either in tents or mountain huts.

A trek up Mount Meru is an ideal way to acclimatise for the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, although not to be considered lightly and should not be rushed, or the effects of altitude may be a problem.

Mount Meru is situated in Arusha National Park.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR TREKS ON MOUNT KILIMANJARO AND MOUNT MERU

Seasons and Weather Conditions

The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, especially just after the rains have finished and the vegetation is lush and green. East Africa has two rainy seasons, the long rains which normally start at the end of March and last until June, and the short rains which normally occur in October and November. The rainy seasons are the months when rain can be expected as opposed to the dry seasons where it will be unlikely, but it does not mean that it rains all the time. Naturally conditions on the mountains can become very slippery in the rains and snow can become a problem on some of the routes to the summit. Dry season months of June to September and December to February can usually be counted as the best months for trekking.

Temperatures

Being only three degrees south of the Equator, it is the altitude which affects the temperature as the trek progresses. Day-time temperatures on the lower parts of the mountain are often pleasantly warm, even hot, although a brief rain shower in the afternoon is always possible. As soon as the sun goes down the air temperature becomes cold and as the trek progresses, on the higher parts of the mountain the temperatures often drop to below freezing. Warm clothes and a warm sleeping bag are essential.

Altitude

Although many thousands of trekkers successfully reach Gillman's Point or Uhuru Peak every year without any real difficulty, many others do not make it to the top because they suffer from altitude sickness, which is caused by a combination of the decrease in atmospheric pressure and the decreased oxygen content of the air. To avoid this it is very important to acclimatise by ascending slowly and steadily, even if you are fit, you should not try to rush up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Altitude can produce some very serious problems so it is essential to prepare properly for you climb. For the best information on training for your climb we recommend The Altitude Centre who have experts who can advise you on the best ways to prepare as well as having a fantastic pre-acclimatisation course. Click the image below for more information.

Maps and Guidebooks

The Ordnance Survey Worldmaps Series map of Kilimanjaro ( 1:100,000) and the Kilimanjaro Map (1:50,000) published by Mark Savage ( published by West Col) are both recommended. For comprehensive background information and specific route details, "Trekking in East Africa" (Published by Lonely Planet) is recommended. The "Guide to Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro" (Published by the Mountain Club of Kenya) is mainly for technical mountaineer, but also has information on glaciation, geology, wildlife etc.

First Hand Information