Kilimanjaro and other sites
 

I am going on a 9 day safari/trip in Botswana and South Africa, ending the first week in November.

I would like to spend another week or so in Africa and had considered climbing Kilimanjaro. However, I have been told it's not recommended due to weather on the mountain in November.

Does anybody have thoughts on the feasibility of climbing Kilimanjaro in November? If not viable, suggestions for alternatives (know that's a broad question)?

Thanks.

It depends. What is it that you are doing in South Africa?

Peterman

See www.go-kili.com where you will find "everything you ever wanted to know about Kili" - routes, time to travel, reputable outfitters, estimated costs, etc. etc.

Kilimanjaro "makes" its own weather!

As it is in the rest of the world, weather on the mountain is unpredictable. In recent years there have been blinding snow storms in February and clear skies in May/November!

Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year. A bit of snow makes for a beautiful climb and I am not aware of snow preventing climbers from reaching the summit from the eastern approaches. The Western Breach (now closed) were dangerous in ice and rain.

Rain is always possible on the first 3 or 4 days anyway.

The bigger problem is the access roads to the mountain especially at Shira and Lemosho and sometimes even Machame. Driving is near impossible.

In November, I suggest the more eastern routes such as Rongai (or maybe Marangu) where it is drier.

Hi

I went there a couple of years back and I did the trek in October and we were very lucky with the weather :-) You can read about my trek in my trip report http://www.gardkarlsen.com/kilimanjaro_index.htm

Where in South Africa are you going?

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Thanks for responses.

For first part of trip, I'll be spending about 5 days on safari in Botswana and about 4 days in Cape Town.

So other activity / destination recommendations (besides Kilimanjaro) appreciated.

Thanks again.