One of the most popular activities for visitors to Tanzania is climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Well, not all those who attempt are successful (failure rate is estimated to be about 50%) but that doesn’t stop people from attempting to ascend the world’s tallest free-standing mountains.
Let’s clear the air for you – failure to reach the top is not because it is a difficult climb, but because of the lack of preparedness. The climb itself is only moderately difficult (there are 7 routes to the top with varying difficulties and challenges), but often it is lack of preparedness (mental and physical that ultimately decides your success).
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro was my first challenging high-altitude trek and I chose the Marangu Route. (I wrote about this trek in my book Almost Intrepid, and later posted it on this site).
In this blog post, I will share some important tips to help you plan your climb.
This post includes tips on training, the best time to climb, routes to take, how to choose the best operators and a packing list.
In addition, I have included the estimated hike cost and other considerations that you will find handy when you plan to book a Kilimanjaro climb.
Interesting facts about Mt Kilimanjaro
Before we get into the details of climbing, you might want to get familiar with the mountain itself, right? Mt Kilimanjaro isn’t just a mountain you are going to climb; it is a mountain with a lot of interesting facts and figures. Getting to know the mountain and making friends with it is a sure way of ensuring success.
- Mount Kilimanjaro, also called the Roof of Africa, is one of the seven greatest summits of the world. It is the fourth highest mountain among them.
- Kilimanjaro is not a mountain range. It is in fact, the World’s highest freestanding mountain.
- The Kilimanjaro summit is called Uhuru Point at 5895m above sea level.
- Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano, formed by volcanic activity and lies 300 km south of the equator.
- The first successful climb to Mount Kilimanjaro was done in 1889 by a German geologist Hans Meyer. He had made two prior attempts before this – the first in 1887 where he failed because he was inadequately prepared for the snow and ice around the summit. The second was in 1888 when he was ambushed and captured by the African and Swahili tribes.
Things to know before climbing Mt Kilimanjaro
See, even Meyer had to prepare well for what is believed to be a not-so-difficult climb. So here goes –
- Not all operators offer the same things, and low rates need not necessarily mean best service. Use your head and evaluate various parameters before choosing the right operator.
- Always check (and double check) abut your tour operators. Read reviews, join online forums and get as much info on everything. It is so much easier now than it was when I did this –
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions with your operator. Sign up only when you are fully satisfied. Review their facilities (your team should consist of guide, porters and cooks)
- Speak with people who have already undertaken this trek. remember, your safety should always come first.
- Ensure the company offers experienced guides. The climb itself is not technical (except for one route), but you will legally need a guide for the trek. Ensure that your guide has enough experience to recognise when you need to stop and help you pace your climb and be able to help in evacuation or any other emergency.
That being said, go with a positive and open mind. The Park regulations are strict, so there is very little chance of compromise.
***Most companies also, offer a complimentary pick-up and drop facility from the airport. They may or may not include hotels for your initial stay.
You can fly to Kilimanjaro directly
Kilimanjaro International Airport has direct connections to destinations across the world. It is best to fly in directly and avoid the stress of excess travel before your climb. The airport is close to the towns of Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania.
Best Seasons to climb
Rainy seasons may not be the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, for obvious reasons! When I did my trek, it was the rainy season, and we did encounter rain showers between Horombo and Kibo Hut (and slushy tracks as a result). But it was NOT pouring all the way and we had clear days.
The best season is between June to October when the weather is relatively cooler and there isn’t much rain. The second popular season is between December – February when the days are warmer and there is better visibility. Most climbers say that this is the best time to hike Kilimanjaro.
Training for a minimum 8-10 weeks (if not more)
I am going to write a detailed post about the training (and packing list) soon, but briefly said, to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, you need more than just ‘basic fitness’ and mental strength. While both are essential, you need to focus on your endurance, core and muscles. I highly recommend going to the gym, climbing stairs or short hikes around your home. Give yourself a minimum training of 10 weeks (the more the better).
This climb will not just be a test of your stamina – the bigger challenge is the climatic conditions and altitude. if you are on any medication, please consult your doctor before going on this trek.
Picking your route
Depending on your fitness, time and interest, you can select your route to the top. There are seven different routes – so it is important to know what is right for you. These routes vary in difficulty levels and landscapes they offer.
The most popular routes are the Marangu, Machame and Le Mosho routes and suitable for beginners.
- Marangu Route – Also called the Coca-Cola route. This route offers small huts for a stay (with toilets and dining area). Hans Meyer took this route (no wonder it is popular).
- Machame route – Nicknamed the Whiskey route, this offers more time to acclimatize. On this route, you will climb higher altitudes but sleep at lower levels – making the Kilimanjaro climb slightly easier. Climbers claim this route to be the easiest one.
- Lemosho route – The route is believed to be the most scenic, is less crowded and takes about 7 days.
- Rongai route – This is the only route that climbs the northern slope and so it’s one of the quietest routes.
- Shira route – This route has the highest starting elevation. It begins on the western slope and then skirts around the south of Kibo Peak. You descend the mountain’s southeastern slope via the Mweka route.
- Northern Circuit – This is the newest and longest route starting on the west side of the mountain.
- Umbwe route – This is the shortest, steepest and hardest Kilimanjaro route. It goes up the southern slope.
Acclimatization and its benefits
Acclimatization is key. I can’t say this enough, but this is very essential to prevent AMS during your climb.
Climbing any mountain requires acclimatization to the altitudes.As you go higher, the air gets thinner and your body needs time to adjust to less amount of oxygen. Going slow (Pole, Pole is a word you will hear a lot, take it seriously) and taking long breaks will ensure your body doesn’t run out of oxygen quickly. Failure to do so will result in result in AMS (Acute Mountain Syndrome) which can have dangerous results.
These are some essential tips to avoid AMS –
- Stay hydrated.
- Ascend gradually.
- Eat a lot of high-energy foods.
- Diamox (commonly recommended medication for AMS. Consult your doctor before the trek and listen to your guide at all times)
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Be prepared for hot and cold – one of the essential tips for climbing Kilimanjaro
Interestingly, when trekking from from base to top, you will be going through 5 climatic zones – which means you will experience rapid changes in temperatures – going from hot to cold rapidly.
Below are the 5 zones you will encounter.
- Base Savannah grasslands with dry, hot weather
- Rainforests between the altitudes of 1700 – 2800m above sea level. These are humid and hot
- Moorlands between 2800m to 3900m above sea level with dry air and cooler climate.
- Alpine deserts at the altitude of 3900m to 5000m. Hot during the day and cold at night
- The Artic tundras at the highest level – with ice and snow.
Since you will experience 1-2 different zones each day, prepare yourself with layers. Remember, maintaining body heat is crucial to prevent hypothermia.
Physical and mental strength
Even though the hike is easy, it still requires a lot of mental strength. There will be times you will wonder why you signed up for this – considering that you won’t be showering for 6/7 days, sleeping erratically, sometimes throwing up. Your mental strength will be put to test everyday. There are ways to overcome this – speak to your teammates. Motivate each other. Well, I went solo and there were not too many trekkers on the trail, but my guide and assistant guide stayed by my side always, motivating me when I wanted to give up.
Imp: Remember it is not a race! Keep your pace. Pole Pole.
The summit day is the hardest – You start at midnight when it is freezing cold. There is nothing visible except for a torchlight/headlamp to guide you through the snow and cold.
Going basic is key
This is the best part – trekking Mt Kilimanjaro allows you to “go back to nature” – (trust me, the climb is so overwhelming that you’ll forget not having showered for 5 days).
Often, you might not find a toilet (unless you are choosing the Marangu Route) – which means you will end up squatting behind a rock or a bush or worse, in plain sight as you go higher up. Forget about showers (if you want to clean up, carry wet wipes). Most of the camps do not have toilets. Be prepared for this.
There will be no electricity or mobile signals during your trek. Hence, there will be no charging point for your camera, mobile and other devices. Stock with extra batteries and a power bank -if you must, at least for your essential gadgets
Pack smart. Pack light. Most operators for Kilimanjaro offer sleeping bags, camps and first aid kits. However you need to make sure these will be provided.
Remember layering is key. Double check everything you have – layers, medicines, energy bars, toiletries etc. Always pack trekking poles and invest in sturdy climbing boots.
Remember you might experience disturbed sleep on the mountain, despite being tired. This is all due to the altitude. This gets better as your body acclimatizes. Avoid sleeping pills at all costs.
Cost of trekking
The average cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro ranges between 2000 – 2300 USD per person. This includes park fees, permits, porters and guide fee. (Some operators might throw in the airport pick up and drop and a night’s stay in Moshi).
Common FAQs about climbing Kilimanjaro
- How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro: It takes an average of 6 – 8 days for a Kilimanjaro climb.
- Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro: Yes, Kilimanjaro trekking can be done by beginners
- Can you do Kilimanjaro without a guide or tour operator? No. The rules require you to have a guide.
- How many days early should you arrive: Atleast one or two days. That way you can get enough rest or even go on a short trek nearby. (I hiked the Materuni Falls near Moshi)
- Is a visa needed for Tanzania: Yes. Some nationalities can get Visa on Arrival, while other may need to apply earlier. To be on the safe side, get a yellow fever shot (and bring your certificate).
- How is the food on the trek: Healthy, wholesome and nutritious and prepared fresh. However, you can bring along energy bars, dates and energy drinks to supplement your nutrition intake.
