Can I climb Kilimanjaro during the rainy season?
Kilimanjaro Climb During The Rainy Season: Can It Be Possible? Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, even during the rainy season. I think that many people refrain from climbing during the rainy season, but there is a big merit for those who are okay with rain.
The period from December to March and from June to October is considered the best time to climb Kilimanjaro because the climate is warm and dry. Long rains continue from March to May, and November is a short rainy season.
It is extremely tough to climb Mount Kilimanjaro during the rainy season. The walkways become muddy, slippery, and potentially hazardous. The rain makes it harder for hikers to stay warm, which increases the risk of hypothermia. Clouds, fog, water, and wind reduce visibility, denying climbers a panoramic perspective.
THE RAINY SEASON OF MOUNT KILIMANJARO
The long rainy season begins in mid-March and lasts until early June. The short rainy season begins in November and lasts until early December. The extended stormy season dumps significantly more water than the brief rainy season. Hence, between the two, coming in November or December is preferable to March or June.
If you arrive during the rainy season, the harsh weather and climate make climbing significantly more difficult and less appealing in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for preparing for a rainy-day Kilimanjaro hike and remaining safe on the Kilimanjaro Trails.
CHOOSE YOUR KILIMANJARO HIKE WISELY
During this difficult rainy session, the northern half of Kilimanjaro receives less rainfall than the southern part of Kilimanjaro.
While ascending during the wet season, the Rongai Route is favored. Likewise, the Marangu Route is a good route with hut lodgings, and the greatest part is that the majority of these hut accommodations are empty for you and your company.
CHECK THE WEATHER WHILE CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
With bad weather and environment, the difficulty of climbing Kilimanjaro increases. To be on the safe side, hikers should plan less strenuous itineraries during the wet season.
CHECK YOUR KILIMANJARO ROUTES CAREFULLY
Even during the rainy season, it is preferable to use Kilimanjaro hiking routes that are largely dry.
Also, make sure the route has some huts for the night because rain can get you wet and cause you to lose body heat. As a result, the risk of hypothermia will increase.
You should also wear good body warmers to protect you from the perils of the wet season when climbing to the top.
HIKING KILIMANJARO DURING OR AFTER A HEAVY RAIN
Given the difficulties that rain imposes while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, why would anyone choose to climb during the rainy season? To begin with, personal schedules may prevent someone from climbing during the dry season. Furthermore, because the mountain is accessible all year, individuals can resume their Kilimanjaro climbing at any time.
During the dry season, Kilimanjaro is also a very popular and congested peak. Individuals who want to avoid crowds should visit during the rainy season to enjoy the lovely recreation activities. There are times when there is no one, yet our personnel at the camp transforms the entire energy of the adventure. It is quite silent.
CLOTHING: WHAT DO YOU NEED DURING THE RAIN SEASON?
You don’t need to buy new clothes before embarking on the Kilimanjaro Trail, but you will need the basics to stay safe and comfortable. You’ll almost certainly get wet while climbing during the rainy season, but following the advice below will help you stay warm and safe.
- Base Layer: These could be long thermal underwear tops and/or bottoms if you’re hiking in chilly temperatures during the rainy season.
- Warm, Insulating Layer: Do you own a fleece jacket and a cozy wool sweater? Both of these perform quite well since the insulating layer offers warmth when it gets cold.
- Waterproof/Windproof Layer: This contains rain coats as well as rain pants. On rainy days, the jacket will keep you warm, and the pants will keep you toasty and mud-free.
- Socks: Hiking socks are softer and more breathable than cotton socks, and they prevent blisters.
WHY CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO DURING THE RAINY SEASON?
- Fewer travelers during the rainy season
During the wet season, Kilimanjaro attracts very few visitors. The mountain, which is generally busy with trekkers during the dry season, is usually deserted during the wet season. Tourists choose wet seasons to escape crowds on Mount Kilimanjaro. There’s a chance you’ll get the entire campsite to yourself, which would be a very wholesome and serene experience.
- Feasible for your schedule
Tourists like to plan their trips during the rainy season. Some travelers like damp weather because they may not be available during the dry season.
- higher probability of snowfall
During the rainy season, there is a greater chance of snowfall. The vista of the snow-capped peak is worth all of the difficulties of climbing Kilimanjaro in humid weather. The bottom line is that the mountain can be climbed all year. Although the seasons are often separated into dry and wet seasons, this is not always the case. The environment surrounding Uhuru Peak is unusual and unpredictable. The weather patterns are determined by the mountain. As a result, even in dry weather, the risk of rain exists.
THINGS YOU MUST KNOW IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO DURING THE RAINY SEASON
- Pick a suitable date.
You are indeed preparing for the rainy season. What you need to know is that Kilimanjaro has two wet seasons, known as the short rainy season and the long rainy season. It is preferable to plan your hike during the brief rainy season, which begins in November. During this time, the rain normally falls in the evenings, after you have finished your journey for the day and are safely inside your camp.
- Choose an optimal route.
The mountain receives more rain on the southern side than on the northern side. As a result, climbing Kilimanjaro through the Rongai route is the best option because it approaches the summit from the north. You can also climb Mount Kilimanjaro through the Marangu Route; staying in huts allows you to avoid sleeping in the damp grounds. We do not recommend taking the Lemosho or Shira routes because rain can make these trails impassable.
- Plan a less strenuous itinerary.
The walk to Uhuru Peak becomes quite arduous during the humid season. As a result, we propose that you take an extra day or two. This will allow your body to adjust to the cold and the elevation, boosting the likelihood of a successful ascent.
- Stay warm and hydrated.
It is critical to keep your body warm at a higher height, atop the pouring rain, to avoid hypothermia. You must safeguard your body from getting wet. As a result, you must be prepared with high-quality rain gear.
You can also place your valuables in trash bags and Ziploc bags before placing them in waterproof daypacks and duffel bags.
It is possible that you will not feel thirsty when walking in the rain. Nonetheless, you must ensure that you stay hydrated at all times. Consuming enough water will keep you from getting altitude sickness.
LISTEN TO YOUR KILIMANJARO PORTERS/ KILIMANJARO GUIDES
Kilimanjaro porters and guides are there to keep you safe. They are familiar with this type of Kilimanjaro activity. Always believe them and obey their commands. They know whether or not it is safe to climb Kilimanjaro. They know whether or not it is safe to reach the highest point. Always listen to your guide with an open mind.
CONCLUSION
Sure, you may climb Mount Kilimanjaro during the rainy season. Planning your climb at this time of year may be the best approach to avoid crowds and enjoy a beautiful view of snow-covered mountains. Yet, the routes can be risky and stressful to climb. We recommend that you extend your hike by one or two days. To make your trip more enjoyable, you may always schedule a custom-made private hike to Mount Kilimanjaro.
As previously stated, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an enjoyable pastime. In any event, it is more pleasurable if we are aware of our limitations and always keep safety in mind. Everyone has a great time climbing! Grasp yourself and others with so much mud while climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy season! Call Focus East Africa Tours for the best guide during this difficult season!