Climbing Kilimanjaro on a Full Moon
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a remarkable adventure, but climbing under the light of a full moon takes the experience to a whole new level. Most summit bids begin in the early hours of the morning, typically between 2300 and 0100, depending on the group’s pace and the guide's assessment. Given the early start, much of the climb to the summit takes place in darkness.
However, for those who want to make the most of the experience, a full moon summit offers a magical opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the mountain in the soft, ethereal glow of the moonlight.
Why Climb Kilimanjaro on a Full Moon?
There are several reasons why climbers choose to align their summit attempt with the full moon:
Increased Visibility: The full moon provides additional light, making the ascent safer and allowing you to appreciate the stunning landscapes as you ascend.
Aesthetic Beauty: The sight of Mount Kilimanjaro bathed in moonlight adds a mystical atmosphere, enhancing the experience of reaching Africa’s highest peak.
Memorable Experience: Watching the sunrise from the summit after a full night of climbing under the moon’s glow is an unforgettable moment.
Where Will the Full Moon Be in the Sky?
To help climbers better visualize their ascent under the full moon, we recommend using a moon tracking tool. By entering your proposed climb dates, the tool shows you exactly when the moon will be full and provides a slider to track the position and elevation of the moon as you make your way to the summit. This allows you to plan your climb around the full moon and make the most of the available light during the night.
🌕 Use the Moon Tool to plan your full moon summit.
Summit Bids Don’t Have to Be in Darkness!
While many climbers choose a night-time summit attempt, we understand that some people prefer to avoid the darkness of a midnight start. This could be for reasons like the cold, the difficulty of staying awake, or simply a desire to experience the landscape in daylight. If you prefer a daytime summit, we can arrange for an earlier wake-up time, usually around 0430, with the climb beginning around 0500 - 0530.
Daytime Summit Preference: A daytime summit may be particularly appealing during months when the mountain sees heavy traffic, such as July and August, when the number of climbers can be higher.
Excel Series Climbs: For certain groups (such as the Excel Series), we may operate a daytime summit policy, as there's no need to descend all the way to Mweka, Millennium, or Horombo Camps after the summit.
Why Some Choose a New Moon Summit
For those who love the night sky, a new moon summit is often the better choice. The new moon offers the darkest skies, perfect for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts. Many climbers opt to summit during the new moon when the sky is at its clearest and darkest, providing exceptional views of the stars.
Best Time for Star Viewing: For those prioritizing star gazing, we recommend climbing during the driest months (from June to September) and scheduling the summit for the new moon phase.
Climb Kilimanjaro on the Full Moon with Shalom Trekking
At Shalom Trekking, we offer full moon summits throughout the year. Simply select the month you’d like to climb, and we’ll provide you with the approximate dates of the full moon for that time. We will help coordinate your trek to ensure that you experience the mountain in all its full moon glory.
How to Book Your Full Moon Trekking Adventure
Planning a full moon summit on Kilimanjaro? Here’s how you can get started:
1. Select Your Preferred Month: Choose the month you'd like to climb Kilimanjaro.
2. We’ll Provide Full Moon Dates: We’ll share the approximate full moon dates for your selected month.
3. Customize Your Climb: Based on your preferences (full moon, new moon, daytime summit), we’ll help plan your climb around your desired experience.
4. Book Your Adventure: Once you’ve selected your dates, we’ll take care of the rest, ensuring a safe, guided, and unforgettable ascent.
Start Your Journey Today!
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro under a full moon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re chasing the beauty of the moonlit landscape or looking for the best stargazing opportunity, a full moon summit on Kilimanjaro is the adventure of a lifetime.
Contact us today to plan your full moon climb and make your Kilimanjaro journey truly unforgettable!