Climb Mount Kilimanjaro The ultimate experience of a lifetime
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro :
Choose your route
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro the ultimate experience of a lifetime. A life time dream to stand on the summit of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro will bring you euphoria like you never felt before. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an amazing experience that allows you to both push your physical limits and take in the amazing scenery that only Africa can provide. If you’re thinking about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (one of the Seven Summits) you’ve come to the right place! To get to the rooftop of Africa, it takes five to nine days depending on the route you choose. Here our 4 top routes that will lead you to watch an unforgettable sunrise on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro
Everything you need to know about how to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
We will guide step by step to know how to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It all starts with picking the right time, getting yourself to Tanzania, then to the mountain.
Before getting into how to successfully climb mount Kilimanjaro, some people wonder if it is safe to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The answer is a resounding yes. Since the opening in 1949, there have been no reported incidents of serious injury or death on or around Mt. Kilimanjaro from causes directly related to climbing. You can safely enjoy one of Africa’s most famous landmarks. It will be worth every step!
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in northern Tanzania in East Africa, on the border of Kenya.
At 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), it is Africa’s highest peak and probably its most stunning sight as well. To successfully climb Mt. Kilimanjaro you have to plan it carefully and do some preparation.
This is how to plan a Kilimanjaro Climb :
You need to make two decisions before going on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:
- You have to decide on which season you want to go
- You have to pick which routes and the duration of the days you want to go with
1. Which season should I climb mount Kilimanjaro
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro could be done any time around the year. We would advise you to climb Kilimanjaro during the warmest and driest times of year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October. Find out more here.
2. Pick on a climb route and the duration of your Kilimanjaro climb
The specific route you choose will mostly depend on your level of experience, fitness, budget and time frame. It’s important to know about each of them to pick the best way to climb Kilimanjaro. Five days is the absolute minimum duration for a Kilimanjaro trek. Taking an extra day for acclimatisation will greatly improve your chances to reach the summit.
Machame route Miles: 48km Round
The Success Rate is 90% on 6 days itinerary. Known as the Whisky Route, this is one of the most scenic and therefore popular routes on the mountain and offers adventurous climbers stunning scenic outlooks.
- Highly recommended, best success rate.
- best for acclimatization.
Marangu route Miles: 48km Round Trip
The Success Rate is 65% on 5 day itinerary. Known as the Coca Cola route is more popular because it can be done in fewer days. It is a shorter route with a steeper incline and less time for acclimatization it tends to have a lower summit success rate.
- less time to acclimatize.
- lower success rate.
Umbwe route Miles: 53 km Round Trip
The Success Rate is around 95% on 6 days itinerary.It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. However it is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful.
- short route with low success rate.
- Poor acclimatization
Lemoshe route Miles: 47.5 Round Trip
The Success Rate is around 90% on 8 days itinerary. As a newer route, it is more remote and arguably more beautiful, but a bit longer and slightly more expensive. Because this route can be done over a longer period of time for acclimatisation, it has a higher success rate of summit.
- high success rate.
- better acclimatization.
- spectacular views of west Kilimanjaro.
Here our suggestion to choose the best route
- If you want to get the highest chance to get to the top of Kilimanjaro: Lemosho route and Machame route from 7 to 8 days. This route offer a good acclimatization.
- If you are not comfortable with the crowd and prefer quiet route; then you should go with Rongai route. However the success rate is low compare to the others routes.
If you are looking for the best view while climbing, then Lemosho route has to be the one.
You might want to check our latest posts on Instagram , our other social media and read TripAdvisor reviews of our company to learn more about Africa bucket list.
How to Prepare yourself to climb mount Kilimanjaro
1. Book your flight
If you are planning to climb Mount Kilimanajro, you need to book your flight to the the closest airport to Mt. Kilimanjaro. The Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). Kilimanjaro Airport is situated half way between Arusha and Moshi.
We are based in Moshi which is around 1.30 half from the airport.
2. What are the visa requirements to enter Tanzania ?
- Citizens of most Western countries need a visa for travel to Tanzania for visits up to 90 days. Here the list of countries which their Nationals require Referral Visa. The cost is $50 USD for all nationalities and $100 for USA citizen. And is valid for 30 days after issue.
- All travellers will need a passport which will remain valid for at least 6 months longer than your expected visit.
- Each traveller is responsible for sorting out their own passport and their visa requirements. And we cannot offer much assistance in this matter.
3. What vaccination are needed in Tanzania ?
- Officially no vaccinations are mandatory regarding yellow fever or malaria. However we highly recommend you to get vaccinated against the yellow fever before you travel to Tanzania.
Here the Travel Vaccines and Advice for Tanzania.
4. The Climbing Equipment and Gear List you need
- The most important thing on a mountain is having a good hiking boots.
- A good backpack where you can put your personal items (camera, clothes and other items)
- Two piece of Thermals for the cold nights
- Warm jackets are needed especially for the summit night hike. The temperature on the summit can reach -20 degrees Celsius.
- Beanie and gloves.
- Don’t forget to bring basic toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste)
- A head torch for the summit night.
- Get yourself some medication (paracetamol and some vitamins)
5. Drink plenty of water
The most important tip you will ever get before going on climbing mount Kilimanjaro is to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated will help you with your oxygen intake; keeping you from getting light headed and dizzy.
The altitude on Kilimanjaro can be quite hard to adjust too; and your body may take a bit of time for it to regulate. Altitude sickness can strike starting from around 3,700 m. On climbing mount Kilimanjaro your are very likely to experience at least mild altitude symptoms at some point during your trek. Hydration will helps you cop with the altitude sickness. The guides will reminds you to be drinking at least three liters a day.
By staying hydrated and taking it slow in taking in deep breaths through your nose, you can avoid altitude sickness by keeping all those around you healthy!
“Drinking lots of water is part to a successful Kilimanjaro climb“
6. Be prepared mentally for the summit night
Mt. Kilimanjaro is a popular climb because Kilimajaro requires no special expertise or mountaineering equipment.
However it is not as easy as it sounds !
If you’re going to climb Kilimanjaro and get to the summit you’ll need your mindset and your mental that you need the most; more than your physical condition, strength at that point. The guides will help you as much as they possibly can. Their goals is to take you to the top of mount Kilimanjaro. They will surely remind you to go “pole pole ” which means “step by step, take it step by step”.
The Questions Every Climber Asks
It’s impossible to say exactly how hard it is to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro because there are so many factors, including your fitness level, how long you’ve been preparing for your trip and even your travel company (some are better than others). However, we can tell you that Mount Kilimanjaro should not be taken lightly. This climb requires both physical and mental strength. And while there aren’t any technical aspects to worry about on Kilimanjro, difficulty level lies in its altitude—which means you must be prepared for life at high altitudes. In fact, acclimatization is one of Kili’s most critical components.
Yes, however you should be aware about all the conditions that requires you to be at at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing. (The climate, the altitude sickness, the costs )
You do not need oxygen to climb mount Kilimanjaro or to get to the summit. However, the team must bring some oxygen tanks in emergency case (very rare).
The best way is to use the acclimatisation technique by walking slowly as Tanzanian said “pole pole” climb high, sleep low.
Join the hundreds of climbers who have stood on the Mount Kilimanjaro summit
