Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: get ready for your adventure!

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will for sure be a life changing experience. You will make new friendships, challenge yourself, create amazing memories and see views that you didn’t believe possible. 

The planning of this once in a lifetime adventure is one of the most important things you should do to have the best experience possible. Here you will find everything you need to know for your climbing and the best tips to reach the top! 

Best time for your climbing

One of the most important things you need to know is what is the best time for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. We recommend avoiding the peak seasons: July to September and January to February.

Taking this into account and considering the weather, the best time to climb is before or after the peak season, so the first part of March, the beginning of June or the end of October. You will find good weather, not so cold as at other times, avoid the rain and find less climbers for a more intimate connection with nature.

What should you pack?

The fascinating thing about Mount Kilimanjaro is that you go from tropical and usually hot weather to a land of glaciers and snow in a matter of a week. This is why you shouldn’t underestimate the cold. 

Be sure to pack layers and thermal clothing since the temperatures can get to -15 degrees Celsius as you reach the top. Don’t forget gloves, a hat and sunscreen. A great tip is to break in your thermal socks and the trekking boots before your adventure so that you are sure they are comfortable. 

How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

There are several routes to climb this volcano. The shortest ones last 6 days but are only suitable for advanced trekkers, the ones adapted to beginners take 7 or 8 days and there are also options that last around 10 days. 

The routes for reaching the top

 Mount Kilimanjaro has 7 different routes, most of them have the option for different durations:  

  • Lemosho: one of the most popular routes because of the beautiful scenery and the fauna you will encounter like black and white monkeys. It begins on the western slope. 
  • Marangu: this route ascends the eastern slope. It’s the only route that has dormitory-style huts instead of tents. It is the shortest one because of the rapid ascent but is not recommended for beginners. 
  • Rongai: It is the only route that climbs the northern slope so it is one of the quietest. It is less scenic than the other ones. It is also not recommended for beginners. 
  • Machame: This one goes up the southern rope. It has steeper ascents than others but a high success rate. It is very scenic with diverse landscapes that include rainforests, moorlands and the alpine desert. 
  • Northern Circuit: It is the newest and longest route. It starts on the west but then circles the north of Kibo Peak. 
  • Shira: This route has stunning landscapes but it has the highest starting elevation, so it can be harder than other ones. 
  • Umwe: It is the shortest and steepest route. It has a dramatic landscape and it is very hard to succeed.  

Tips for choosing the best route

For choosing the best route for your climb you should first think about your expertise level. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and as you are reaching the top, you will see that your body has to do more work because the levels of oxygen get lower. Your body needs to adapt to this change and that is why if you are a beginner, a longer route is the best option because the acclimatization will be better and less dramatic. 

After taking your experience into account, you can choose the routes depending on what type of experience you want. For a more scenic route you can choose Lemosho, but if you care more about having a more secluded experience then the Northern Circuit or Rongai would be the best choices for you! 

How difficult is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

You may think that Kilimanjaro is an impossible mountain to conquer, but don’t worry! It is actually more accessible than other great peaks like Aconcagua and even a great challenge for first-time climbers. With good health and proper training anyone can reach the top. 

The hardest obstacle of the climbing is the altitude so as long as you choose the correct route that has good acclimatization, you will be fine. You just need to keep in mind that if you are a beginner, you should give your body time to adjust to the new oxygen conditions, that’s why a slower route is the better option.

We recommend you train for at least three months before you adventure, but most people do it for at least 4-6 months before. Be prepared for really long hikes, of around 5 or 6 hours each day and when it is summit day, it can get to 12 hours! 

You should also be prepared to feel a little weird due to the altitude. Common symptoms are: dizziness, nausea, headaches and poor sleep. Whatever you are feeling, be sure to communicate with your guides that will be able to help you and make sure it doesn’t get worse. 

Final tips for a successful climb

Here are the final tips you should keep in mind if you intend to climb Kilimanjaro:

  • Choose good guides: don’t make saving money a priority, choose professionals that will be prepared to help all of the way 
  • Drink plenty of water: around four litters each day
  • Bring snacks for the day 
  • Don’t forget wet wipes: you won’t be able to fully shower so these will help a lot to feel clean after a long day of hiking 
  • Train with the boots, socks and backpack you will be wearing in the climbing: you need to be sure you are comfortable
  • Prepare yourself for a life changing experience! 
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