Mount Trekking Preparation

Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest free-standing mountain in the world – has been enticing adventure-seekers for over a century. Glacier-covered peaks dissolve into alpine meadows, which, in turn, contrast the formidable mass of verdant rainforests and darker gorges that cover the slopes of this volcano. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable experience. Here, trekkers enjoy the wonders of African nature through varying climatic zones and the experience culminates as the morning sun gleams off the snow-covered glaciers at the summit of the highest point of the African continent.

There are many things to consider while planning your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Lack of information, and, consequently, failure to make proper preparations is the main reason why even young and fit trekkers sometimes fail to reach the summit. On the other hand, armed with the right information, climbers of all ages and physical fitness levels confidently make their way to the top.

In addition to that, numerous operators market Mt Kilimanjaro too aggressively, often failing to inform the hikers about the required safety measures and preparation. The hiking challenge is often described as “easy” and hardly a thing is ever told about high-altitude acclimatization and its impact on climbers. Everything is made to maximize the number of clients, while safety aspects are often forgotten.

As the number of those eager to climb Kilimanjaro is rising, we decided to make this guide so that future adventurers can avoid common pitfalls. It answers the most frequently asked questions: what is “high altitude acclimatization”; what equipment is needed; what is the best time for a comfortable and safe Kilimanjaro hike and how to get to Kilimanjaro. Our guide also explains the differences between Kilimanjaro climbing routes, gives you a sneak peek into the inner workings of a successful climbing expedition and prepares you for the camping experience.

How Long Does It Take To Climb Kilimanjaro?

You can choose your comfortable and preferred time for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. However, we would highly recommend you to take an 8 days or 9 days itinerary if you are a beginner and 7 – 8 days if you are a professional climber. The extra days will give you time for proper acclimatization and allow you to get adjusted to the climatic and weather conditions on the higher altitude. Hence, prefer 8 – 9 days while climbing Kilimanjaro. The day’s preference also depends on the route preference, the Lemosho Route and Northern Circuit Route gives you 8 – 9 days and Machame Route and Marangu Route gives you 7 days. However, you can opt for an additional day for proper acclimatization. The number of days also depends upon How Fit to Climb Kilimanjaro.

Which Kilimanjaro Route Of Suitable For You?

All the Kilimanjaro Route has its own unique attractions. Some gives you more time to climb, while some allows you to ascend very quickly. Some of the routes has highest success rate with 97% while some has 60-70% success rate. So, you need to check the detail specifications of each route while Preparing To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The Machame Route is a bit difficult compared to Marangu Route but has the highest success rate with 80-85%. The Lemosho and Northern Circuit Route has longer itinerary which allows you to sleep in the lower elevation and spend more time on mountain. It also gives you more time for proper acclimatization which also helps in summit success rate with 95% and above. The Rongai Route is the only route starting from the north and cross the diverse wilderness at the starting point.