Tanzania Unleashed

Full Moon

Full Moon Info’s

The best sources to get the actual full moon date on Kilimanjaro would include: 

  1. Astronomy Websites/Apps: Websites like Time and Date or apps like SkySafari or Stellarium can provide accurate full moon dates specific to your location, including Kilimanjaro. 
  2. Local Tour Operators: Tour companies specializing in Kilimanjaro treks often schedule trips around the full moon, so they have up-to-date information on the full moon dates specific to the mountain. 
  3. Astronomical Calendars: The U.S. Naval Observatory or other national astronomical institutions provide lunar calendars that list the exact times of the full moon for various locations worldwide. 
  4. Google Earth & Moon Phases Add-ons: Using Google Earth with a moon phase overlay can give you precise lunar information for Kilimanjaro or any other location. 

You can cross-reference these sources to ensure the accuracy of the full moon date for your Kilimanjaro trip 

Shira Day Hike

Here are the upcoming full moon dates for Kilimanjaro:

2024:

  • January 25
  • May 23
  • September 18
  • February 24
  • June 21
  • October 17
  • March 25
  • July 21
  • November 15
  • April 23
  • August 19
  • December 15

2025:

  • January 13
  • May 12
  • September 6
  • February 12
  • June 10
  • October 6
  • March 14
  • July 10
  • November 5
  • April 12
  • August 8
  • December 4

To plan your climb around these dates, it’s advisable to begin your trek about 5–7 days before the full moon date, depending on your chosen route, so that you can summit on or just before the full moon. This timing allows you to benefit from the moonlight during your final ascent.

Comparison

  • Altitude: The Marangu hike is lower in altitude compared to the Shira hike, making it more accessible for those worried about altitude sickness. 
  • Terrain: Marangu leads through lush rainforest, while Shira offers open moorland and sweeping views. 
  • Difficulty: Both hikes are moderate, but Shira is more challenging due to the higher starting altitude. 
  • Wildlife vs. Views: Marangu is better for wildlife and forest scenery, while Shira provides dramatic landscapes and expansive views of Kilimanjaro.

Both hikes offer a great introduction to Kilimanjaro, providing a chance to explore the mountain’s incredible landscapes in just a day! 

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