From the field

Guides, stories, and practical knowledge from our team on the mountain.

All Mountains Routes Health & Prep Experiences

Crystal-clear turquoise water of the Chemka Hot Springs surrounded by dense green forest canopy near Moshi, Tanzania

By Cosmas Charles · 15 May 2026

Chemka Hot Springs — the best day out from Moshi

First light breaking over Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the glaciers catching the dawn gold above a sea of clouds

By Godfrey Mariki · 14 May 2026 · 5 min read

Summit night on Kilimanjaro — what the final hours actually feel like

Every Kilimanjaro climb ends the same way — a midnight departure, hours of darkness, and a slow walk toward the highest point in Africa. Here is what those hours are actually like.

The volcanic cone of Mount Meru's summit with Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds on the horizon at sunrise

By Wilence Shirima · 13 May 2026 · 5 min read

Climb Mount Meru before Kilimanjaro — here is why

At 4,566 metres, Mount Meru is Africa's third highest peak and one of its least visited. It is also the best preparation you can do for Kilimanjaro. Most people skip it. They should not.

Wide panoramic view of the Shira Plateau on the Lemosho route with Kibo peak rising through the clouds at dawn

By Justin Lasway · 12 May 2026 · 5 min read

The Lemosho Route — Kilimanjaro's finest walk

If you have eight days and want the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak, the Lemosho Route is the answer. Here is what makes it different — and what to expect day by day.

Silhouettes of climbers at dawn on Kilimanjaro with Mawenzi peak rising behind them against the sunrise

By Emanuel Mlay · 10 May 2026 · 5 min read

How fit do you need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?

You do not need to be an athlete. But you do need to be honest with yourself. Here is what the mountain actually demands — and how to prepare for it.

Climbers ascending moss-covered stone steps through the dense rainforest of the Machame route with trekking poles

By Baraka Moshi · 8 May 2026 · 4 min read

Machame vs Marangu — which route is right for you?

These are the two most popular routes on Kilimanjaro — one earned the nickname Whiskey Route, the other Coca-Cola. Here is how to choose.

Sunrise over Mawenzi silhouetted against an orange-gold horizon, with a sea of clouds far below, viewed from high on Kibo

By Baraka Shoo · 20 April 2026 · 5 min read

Altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro — what you need to know

Altitude sickness affects most climbers on Kilimanjaro to some degree. Here is what it feels like, how to prevent it, and the one rule that keeps you safe.

Kilimanjaro's summit lit amber at sunrise, a crisp blue sky above the glaciers

By Amani Lyimo · 15 April 2026 · 4 min read

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro

Two dry seasons, one mountain. Here is how to choose the window that matches your goals, your budget, and your tolerance for crowds.