Kilimanjaro rainy season climb

A Kilimanjaro rainy season climb is possible to arrange. Some hikers just don’t have the luxury to choose their dates. They must hike Kilimanjaro during the rainy season. Because of the challenging weather conditions we recommend hikers to avoid a Kilimanjaro rainy season.

When is the Kilimanjaro rainy season

The long Kilimanjaro rainy season typically begins in mid-March and lasts until early June. Heavy and sustained rainfall, especially on the lower slopes of the mountain, characterizes this period. Trails can become muddy and waterlogged, making the trek more strenuous and less predictable. This makes the Kilimanjaro rainy season climb challenging for many hikers.

In contrast, the short rainy season occurs from November to early December. While this season does bring rainfall, it is generally less intense and more sporadic compared to the long rainy season. As a result, trails are less affected, and the overall climbing experience tends to be more manageable.

Between the two, the short rainy season is the better choice for climbers aiming to avoid the peak crowds of the dry season while still minimizing the challenges posed by excessive rainfall. For those considering a rainy season climb on Kilimanjaro, preparation is key—appropriate waterproof gear, sturdy boots, and a flexible attitude can go a long way in ensuring a successful ascent.

First choice route option

If the Kilimanjaro rainy season is the only option, our first recommendation will be the Marangu route. The main reasons we recommend the Marangu route during the rainy seasons are as follows:

• It is the only route that offer accommodation in A-frame huts and meals are served in communal dining halls. The A-frame huts and dining halls are more comfortable especially during wet periods that tents. You have more space to move around, you can hang items up to get dry etc. Tents in the rain is a problem. We use 4 season mountain tents that are waterproof. However if you erect a tent during rain, the tent can get wet inside. When you arrive to camp after the day’s hike, you will be wet and muddy because of rain. You enter the tent wet and it is very possible that your sleeping bag might get as well. You have no space to hang wet clothes. Going out to use a toilet or enjoy a meal in mess tent, will add mud and water to your sleeping tent.
• The Marangu route is located on the eastern side of Mt Kilimanjaro. The Eastern side of Kilimanjaro receive less rain than the Western side.

Second choice route option

The second route we recommend is the Rongai route. The Rongai route also ascend Uhuru peak on the eastern side of Mt Kilimanjaro. The Eastern side of Kilimanjaro is dryer and receive less rain than the Western side.

Whether you choose the Rongai or Marangu route, you will still need to deal with hiking in the rain and on wet, slippery trails during a Kilimanjaro rainy season climb.

We don’t recommend the Lemosho or Northern circuit routes during the Kilimanjaro rainy season. The access road leading to the starting point can become a problem for vehicles during the rainy season. This means you must then hike 4 or 5km before the actual hike start.

Precautions to take during a Kilimanjaro rainy season climb

If you choose to hike during the Kilimanjaro rainy season you must make sure your gear is up to standard:

• Your hiking boots must be waterproof and offer good traction.
• Use waterproof gaiters, it will help keep mud, water and stones out of your boots.
• Your duffel bag must be waterproof. As extra precaution you must use a waterproof liner bag inside your duffel bag. This will make sure items like clothes, sleeping bag will remain dry.
• Your day pack must have a waterproof cover
• You must bring 2 sets of proper rain gear (or a poncho). Using the same rain gear every day allows moisture to accumulate inside.
• Your warm jacket and warm pants must be waterproof
• Bring an umbrella. This is very helpful if you need to leave the A-frame hut or tent to go to the toilet or go for a meal.