When to Go
January February and September are considered the best times of year to visit and climb the mountain due to the fact that they are both warm and relatively dry.

Climate
Weather conditions on Kilimanjaro are relatively unpredictable and storms have been known to occur year in and year out. The two rainy seasons occur from March to June and then again from October through to December. These periods are best avoided due to the fact that visibility is poor and climbing conditions generally more treacherous.

The Higher one travels up the mountain, the thinner the vegetation becomes. The wispy grasses and giant succulents of the heath and moorland areas are gradually replaced by resilient grasses and orange lichen. By the time one reaches the summit area, the only vegetation one will see are the most resistant of lichens which cling desperately to the formations of volcanic rock which characterize the mountain.

Like the vegetation one comes across on Kili, so the wildlife on the mountain also varies greatly according to altitude. Whilst the lower slopes and rainforest are teeming with both bird and animal life, conditions on the Upper Slopes ensure that they are inhabited by only the most resilient of creatures. Habitants of the heath and moorland areas include small rodents and birds, while the only organisms to survive the temperature extremes of the alpine desert are insects and spiders. On the rims of Kibo, and Mawezi themselves there is little if any sign of life, due to the fact essential elements such as liquid and oxygen are far too hard to come by.

Getting There
A flight to Kilimanjaro is relatively easy to come by. Due to the fact that body of Mount Kilimanjaro is split by the border between Tanzania and Kenya , it is possible to access the mountain from either of these two countries. Although most Routes to the summit begin in Tanzania , the most practical means of getting to Kilimanjaro is still via the town of Nairobi on the Kenyan side of the border.

Travelers will fly directly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi , after which they will usually spend an evening in a hotel or guesthouse in the town. Depending on which tour operator they elect to travel with, groups will then either fly or travel by shuttle or bus to Tanzania . One of the most popular means of getting to the border is via the Davanu Shuttle which runs all the way into the towns of Arusha and Moshi on the Tanzanian side of the border. The journey to the border takes approximately 5 hours, after which it is another hour or two before one reaches the Tanzanian town of Arusha.

Another means of getting to Kilimanjaro which is fast growing in popularity is via Kilimanjaro Airport (KAI) which is situated between the towns of Arusha and Moshi. Airlines such as KLM and Ethiopia Airlines frequently make use of the airport, although it is advisable to book well in advance, as seats are generally limited. The advantage of this option is that it will save travelers the time and money they would otherwise need to expend on overland travel from Nairobi.

If you are going trekking and need to get there from your accommodations, then no matter where you decide to stay before the trek, there will be some driving involved to get to the trailhead.

If you are wondering how comfortable your ride from the hotel to the trailhead will be, here's some info: Depending on the number of hikers, the tour companies will employ either a bus or van. Duffels will be loaded on top or in the rear storage compartment. You will probably have to sit with your daypack on your lap or alongside you for the ride. Be prepared! Carry plenty of water and have yourself a nice big breakfast before you head out.

Budgeting
Estimating the Cost of visiting and climbing Kilimanjaro is difficult due to the fact that foreign exchange rates are constantly fluctuating. The rates also fluctuate according to the number of individuals in a group and the time of year at which the expedition is made.

Costs vary between different tours, with some being far pricier than others. Indeed, it is important to keep in mind the fact that just because a tour is more expensive, does not necessarily mean that it will be better than a more economical option.

As a rule of thumb, those climbers electing to climb the mountain via the Machame or other less well known Routes can expect to pay more than those who opt for the more commercial Marangu Route. Typically total costs will include Flights, accommodations for one to two nights prior to and following the climb, accommodation and food on the mountain, as well as porters' and guides' basic wages. Visa costs, tips and money for extra food and beverages will generally not be inclusive.

Anything from $800 to $3000 dollars is considered an acceptable rate, depending on the route that is being taken and the amenities included. It is possible on most tours to extend either one's ascent or descent by a day or two for somewhere between $100 and $200. Some tour operators may also allow for the option of a Safari package, which affords for the further exploration of either Tanzania or Kenya subsequent to the completion of the actual climb.

Dining
Welcome to the Coca-Cola country! Coke and Fanta you can buy anywhere, but they may not always be cold. Of course, after a long day of trekking, you may not care!

The food differs in Kilimanjaro so make sure that the fruit is fresh and not washed with dirty water. Near Moshi, people eat a lot of rice, vegetables and meat.

If you will be trekking up the mountain during your visit to Kilimanjaro, then most likely you will be bringing your own food with you. Here's a list of what you can expect to eat on your journey (especially if traveling on a tour):

Breakfast
Toast (with jelly, jam and/or butter), French toast, pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, cooked vegetables, fruit, cold and hot cereal, tea, coffee, cocoa and juice.

Lunch
Cold meat sandwiches, tuna or chicken salad sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruits, eggs, chips (a.k.a. French Fries), tea, coffee, cocoa or juice.

Dinner
Beef, chicken, pasta, rice, vegetables, potatoes, corned beef & cabbage, Ugali (local dish), fruits, tea, coffee, cocoa and juice.