When climbing Kilimanjaro, one can book a private trip or join a scheduled group climb. Group climbs are open to the public – anyone can join. The itineraries operate on specific routes on set dates. At Ultimate Kilimanjaro®, we group climbs on…
If you’ve seen our gear list, you know there are lots of things on it. The list contains optional, recommended and required items. Though the required items are all mandatory, there are things that are more significant than others when it comes…
On your Kilimanjaro climb, the mountain crews will sing songs, dance and cheer to celebrate the accomplishments of their guests. You might witness these events when you arrive at a campsite, after a successful summit, during the tipping ceremony, or before you…
Kilimanjaro National Park was established in 1973. It initially comprised the parts of the mountain above the tree line as well as six trails descending through the rainforest. Now, the park covers the mountain in its entirety from 6,000 feet high to the…
The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro lies at 19,340 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level. It is called Uhuru Peak. In Swahili, uhuru means “freedom.” However, to truly understand the meaning behind the name, we have to go back in history. German Colonization…
You mention to someone that you’re climbing or have climbed Kilimanjaro. And the usual question is, “Where is Kilimanjaro?” Not, “What is Kilimanjaro?” Most people have heard of Kilimanjaro. They know it is a mountain. They know it is tall. And they…
More than 30 million tourists visit Africa every year, drawn by the chance to witness wildlife in its most primal form. While the thrill of observing such beautiful animals is undeniable, it also raises important safety considerations. As the premier destination for…
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, making it one of the famed Seven Summits (the highest peaks on each of the seven continents). In fact, it is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, meaning that it is not part…
The origin of the name “Kilimanjaro” is a little bit of a mystery. Several theories exist about how the mountain got its name and what the word means. Any number of possible explanations, which we will discuss below, could have some truth…
One of the most common questions we receive when it comes to planning a Kilimanjaro climb is what route to take. We definitely have our favorites. Of the seven established paths to the top, we highly recommend two – the 9 day…
The term “Big Five” refers to five animals that early big game hunters considered most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt in Africa. Today, the phrase represents the core animals that first time safari goers want to see. Whether you are touring…
Ultimate Kilimanjaro® group climbs are usually filled to capacity, numbering 12 participants in total. On any given climb, most if not all of the 12 team members will make it to the top without issue. However, it is pretty common that one…
It’s tempting to think that Kilimanjaro tour operators are a commodity. Aren’t all companies the same? No, they’re not. There are drastic differences between the best and the worst Kilimanjaro operators. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a significant and potentially risky activity. Therefore,…
Most of our clients do not need a yellow fever certificate to enter Tanzania. According to Tanzania’s entry requirements, if you are traveling from a place where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission, or if you are simply transiting through…
The Machame route is the most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It can be done as a 6 day or 7 day itinerary. If you’re interested in climbing the Machame Route, we highly recommend opting for the 7-day variation. Attempting the Machame…
We often get booking inquiries for the popular Marangu route. This classic route up Kilimanjaro is also known also as the “Coca-Cola” route. It mimics the original path Hans Meyer trekked to become the first European to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. The Marangu…
