Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain at 5895 metres (19,354 feet) and one of the “Seven Summits”.

There are numerous routes up the mountain of varying duration. We always favour the longest routes to enable sufficient acclimatisation to altitude to maximise summit success and reduce the risk of medical complications. To that end our favoured route is the Lemosho Route which is conducted over 7 nights and 8 days.

Some people trivialise Mount Kilimanjaro as a “walk up a very big hill”, which essentially it is in that there are no technical elements to the climb, however it does present dangers. Climbing to extreme altitude is challenging and presents the need to mitigate risk.

We have conducted many, many successful climbs of Kilimanjaro. The supervision and safety of climbers on the mountain have been central tenants to our success.

All of our climbs are tailored to a luxury specification and supported by a full complement of mountain guides, camp staff and porters. Our guides are the most experienced on the mountain.

Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year but the rainy seasons are best avoided (mid-March to mid- June and late October through mid-December.)

Of course, a climb of Kili also provides an opportunity for an African safari thereafter, given its proximity to iconic game parks like Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, also in Tanzania. At a minimum it is worth considering 3 to 4 nights in the Serengeti to take in the migration.

Climbing Kilimanjaro with Epic 

When you climb with Epic, you can be assured that your endeavours are guided all the way. We mitigate extensively against risk and include thorough pre-climb briefings and suggested training programmes. And importantly, we monitor your progress in advance of your departure. We provide comprehensive gear lists, equipment advice and personally check your kit before you climb.

Our guides and crew are the very best on the mountain – experienced and very highly trained.

Safety is the key concern. Our guides test oxygen blood saturation twice daily and carry oxygen en route. We also have our own resident doctor, Dr Rob Barbour, who has climbed Kili many times and can advise medically should the need arise.

Lemosho Route (via Stella Point) and Machame Route 

The Lemosho Route is the surest of routes for summiting. The longest of the routes on the mountain, it enables good time for acclimatisation and hence maximises a climber’s chance of summiting. Coming from the west, the Lemosho joins the Machame Route on the Shira Plateau. The two routes are undoubtedly the most scenic of the mountain.

Both routes enable two half days (between Barranco and Karanga, and Karanga to Barafu) which increases acclimatisation.

To summit Mount Kilimanjaro on a breathless, blue sky dawn is surely one of life’s great experiences.  

Read about Everyman’s Everest as seen in Departures magazine – May/June 2017 issue or ‘How climbing Kili can change your life’ on our Travel Blog.