Climbing Kilimanjaro from Kenya
Kilimanjaro is an easily accessible high mountain, a beacon for visitors worldwide. However, most climbers use a walking stick, proper clothing, and determination to conquer the summit.
But there is so much more to Mount Kilimanjaro than just conquering the summit. The slopes are a climactic world tour from the tropics to the Arctic. Climb Kilimanjaro from Kenya via Loitoktok, cross the border to Moshi, and start the climb. After the ascent, cross the board back to Loitoktok and visits the Amboseli National at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro on the Kenyan side. Go on a safari in Amboseli and combine with Kilimanjaro from Kenya. Combine Kilimanjaro with Ngorongoro crater, with Kilimanjaro, technical and walking to Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya, and Kilimanjaro. We have been organizing the Kilimanjaro hike for the last fifteen years. Who knows Kilimanjaro better than Kilimanjaro experts? Most climbers prefer to do mt Kenya climbing and climb Kilimanjaro after.
You are climbing Kilimanjaro, a comprehensive guide to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro situation inside Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. Kilimanjaro is higher than any other mountain in Africa. The tallest freestanding MountainMountain in the World. This guide provides the Kilimanjaro climber with valuable information on climbing Kilimanjaro, which can increase your chances of a successful summit attempt. Detailed itineraries from Marangu, Machame, Umbwe, Mweka (only for descending), Shira, Lemosho, and Rongai (Nalemoru) to Arrow Glacier routes.
Preparation
Further, for good prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro, we have included the following:
- All the climbing routes.
- The best time to trek.
- The types of equipment you need to prepare.
Climbing Routes, Distance, duration
Difficulty: Low
Distance: 73 km
Duration: 7 days
Success rate: High
Difficulty: Low
Distance: 72 km
Duration: 5 days
Success rate: High
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 70 km
Duration: 7 days
Success rate: High
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 62 km
Duration: 7 days
Success rate: High
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 56 km
Duration: 7 days
Success rate: High
Difficulty: High
Distance: 53 km
Duration: 5 days
Success rate: Low
Difficulty: High
Distance: 98 km
Duration: 9 days
Success rate: High
The kilimanjaro asked questions
Is there any recommended easiest route?
Though Northern Circuit is the longest route and takes nine days, we regard it as the easiest because it gives the climber time to acclimatize and adjust to the altitude, increasing the success to the top peak. Also, days 5 and 6 help you climb down a little in elevation, which allows your body to adjust to the high altitude and gives a very high summit success rate. Also, this route does not have steep sections, and the trail slowly leads you up the mountain. The path does not have steep sections, and the track slowly leads you up the hill.
Are you an experienced trekker?
If you are a seasoned trekker, then all routes will work for you, but if you are a first-timer, try the Marangu route, the most popular huts accommodation, to reserve your body temperature for the challenge ahead.
How many days do you need to climb Kilimanjaro:
It ranges from 5 days to 9 days. For example, the Marangu route will take five days; it can complete the Lemosho within seven days and the Northern circuit up to 9 days.
How much is it to climb Kilimanjaro from Kenya?
Depend on the route and the number of days in the mountain. But more importantly, choose wisely, considering this is a lifetime experience and unforgettable memories.
What is the accommodation while climbing?
All Kilimanjaro routes will be camping, except the Marangu route, where accommodation will be in a hut. The tour operator will provide the necessary camping equipment except for a sleeping bag and mat.
What time of the year is it possible to climb Kilimanjaro:
Kilimanjaro is all year-round trekking, and during the rainy season, you can opt for the Rongai route, which is known to have less rain.
Kilimanjaro has five climate zones:
- Arctic ice
- Alpine desert
- Moorland
- Rainforest
- Civilization
It will be difficult for climbers to figure out the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, but it is essential to know that you will experience five climate zones on your trail. The wind patterns affect the climate zones differently, but we are here to help you and advise you on the right climbing time.
Is it hard to climb Kilimanjaro?
The most common question which comes to your mind when you think of Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro may look hard to climb. Still, our guide will give expert advice is your physical training, vaccines, and medications, choosing a route, putting together a budget, choosing a good tour operator, and preparing yourself mentally and physically for the challenge.
Can a first climber reach the summit?
Kilimanjaro, at 19,341 ft above sea level and 16,076 from the base, is a tall mountain that does not require technical climbing; it is also known as the mountain where first climbers can reach the summit with just a walking stick which makes Kilimanjaro very popular.
How to Choose kilimanjaro route
How do you choose which route to take?
Deciding on a route up Kilimanjaro depends on your schedule and experience. Each of the seven Kilimanjaro climbing routes has its beauty but varies in challenges, duration, climate, most popular, and accommodation.
- Identifying your interest is vital in climbing Kilimanjaro and will determine which route to take; High elevation photography, climate zones, or just achieving the highest summit in Africa.
- Are you looking for a good acclimatization route? Most climbers consider acclimatization before approaching the summit. Climbing the mountain at your pace and sometimes climbing up and down before the higher peak is the best way to acclimate.
- When it comes to the beauty of flora and fauna, Marangu, Lemosho, Shira, and the Northern circuit are stunning, the Rongai and Northern Circuit routes allow you to see the slopes of Kilimanjaro. In contrast, Marangu will provide comfortable accommodation in the huts.
What time of the year is it possible to climb Kilimanjaro:
Kilimanjaro is located near the Equator, and it is not a surprise Kilimanjaro is all year-round trekking during the rainy season. However, you can opt for the Rongai route, known to have less rain, because mt. Kilimanjaro rises to 5895 ft above sea level, and the trekkers can experience extreme heat and cold at the same time. But mid-December to mid-March is the best month with little rain and cool weather.
The rainy season
In April and May, the heat in the lower climate zones can be intense, and there’s; lots of rainfall, and the climbers experience a tough time.
At the summit, it is freezing no matter the time of the year. Only some months are snowier than others.
When is the dry season?
Great trekking months are June and October, as there is very little rain and not very hot, and the cloud is clear to the photographers; these are the best months. But be aware that the routes are crowded; for most climbers, these are the most popular months. For less crowded, choose January to March.
Do you want a less crowded route?
Try the Northern circuit, though somewhat occupied compared with Lemosho, Machame, and Marangu, which is the most popular; the northern course is less congested but takes nine days.
Which route does MountainMountain climbing Kenya recommend?
Our goal is to send fewer climbers to Kilimanjaro than possible. Instead, we want happy clients to return with unforgettable memories to last a lifetime and a successful summit. We, therefore, regularly promote and recommend Kilimanjaro routes to our clients:
- Marangu route (starters and regular climbers five-day itinerary)
- Machame route (the seven-day itinerary)
- Lemosho route (the eight-day itinerary)
- Northern Circuit route (the nine-day climb)
These routes give us an excellent opportunity to acclimatize and the incredible scenery.
How safe is Mount Kilimanjaro
Note that you are in a remote location when trekking Kilimanjaro. So if anything happens and you become sick or injured, there is no hospital near you.
Usually, you will have to descend the MountainMountain before being driven (air-rifted) to the hospital.
It is essential to have reputable mountain operators with trained mountain crew who will respond effectively and efficiently to accidents and, illness, incredibly high altitude sickness, which is very dangerous.
The Kili Medair offers evacuation services, but they are limited places for the helicopter to land. Left with no other alternative, the mountain crew must help descend the MountainMountain on foot or by stretcher.
Extreme and unpredictable weather is another factor; night can be freezing, windy, and snowy; it is essential to have the right climbing equipment, dress warmly, and have a hot drink.
Mount Kilimanjaro is 5895 m above sea level, which is exceptionally high, and of course, high altitude sickness is likely to occur for some climbers, especially the first timer.
The body needs enough time to adjust to the oxygen intake per breath. Therefore, climb slowly as the body automatically adjusts, but it is essential to be prepared and to communicate to the guide in case your feel the mentioned symptoms.
Every group member may experience the symptoms in one way or another, so take that you are not alone and communicate to the guide as soon as you experience the symptoms.
Extreme and unpredictable weather is another factor; night can be freezing, windy, and snowy; it is essential to have the right climbing equipment, dress warmly, and have a hot drink.
Mount Kilimanjaro is 5895 m above sea level, which is exceptionally high, and of course, high altitude sickness is likely to occur for some climbers, especially the first timer.
This illness develops when you don’t allow your body enough time to adjust to the diminished oxygen intake per breath. While mild altitude sickness isn’t a problem, moderate to severe altitude sickness is. You can die from altitude sickness, so it is essential to be prepared.
From an altitude of 3000m, it is possible to have mild mountain sickness, but the guide will monitor the climbers to determine if the hiker will take a break or continue the trek.
Advice from Mountain Climbing Kenya guide; climb slowly and enjoy the moment.
From an altitude of 3000m, it is possible to have mild mountain sickness, but the guide will monitor the climbers to determine if the hiker will take a break or continue the trek.
Also, visit your Doctor before your Kilimanjaro trek and tell the Doctor that you will be doing a high-altitude hike. The Doctor may recommend Diamox drug to help alleviate the symptoms,
Symptoms of altitude sickness: Dizziness, nausea, headaches, and loss of appetite.
Mt Kilimanjaro climbing checklist
Other Checklist (limit yourself)
1 set of thermal underwear (top & bottom, e.g., poly pipeline thermos)
One sleeping bag (rating -0 degree or four seasons goose down sleeping bags)
One warm jersey puff jacket, e.g., the North Face Types of Jackets
One sleeping pad/mat
One pair of track suit top & bottom
One light towel
One polar fleece/down vest
One pair of light, loose-fitting cotton trousers
One waterproof jacket (with a hood) & pants
1 to 2 T-shirts (cotton/wool)
Four pairs of thermal hiking socks
Two pairs of thermal socks liner
2 to 3 pairs of shorts (with pockets)
One pair of hiking boots
One wide-brimmed hat/baseball cap
One pair of sneakers/trainers/takkies
One pair of warm heavy, weight gloves/mittens
One pair of gaiters
One pair of lightweight gloves (inner gloves)
One bandana
One pair of sunglasses/mountaineering glasses
One balaclava
One wool hat
Warm scarf