Climbing Kilimanjaro: Routes, Difficulty, Packing List and More

Fair enough, we did it to show you that you shouldn’t but still - there was a very fair chance that Rintsje and I didn’t make it to the summit at all. The time it takes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro can vary depending  on the route chosen, your fitness level, and how well you acclimatize to the altitude. The number of days to climb Kilimanjaro is practically mostly determined by the route you choose. This varies between 5 and 9 days, but most people do it in 7 or 8 days. The fact that there is one guide for every two trekkers mean everyone can go as fast as they like, subject ot the pace set by the guide. Besides, in my experience older trekkers tend to be the most popular members of any trekking group.
Besides sleeping in tents, you will have to adjust to a diet that is suitable for hiking. And above all, there are chances of getting Acute Mountain Sickness or altitude sickness throughout the climb. Another factor that determines the difficulty of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is time and the environmental mount kilimanjaro climb conditions. The diverse ecology surrounding the volcano is open all through the year for tourists. However, that doesn’t mean it is always a favorable time to climb the mountain. On that note once again, does it mean that Mt. Kilimanjaro is really difficult to climb or a daunting task?

This will lead you through the booking process step-by-step. If you know your budget but don’t know what company to choose within that budget, or aren’t sure which route to take, then drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help. Or you can buy the book, which has a rundown of all the main operators and agencies working on Kili. Your trek operator will probably include airport transfers and transfers to the airport, and that is all most people will require during their trip. One thing that definitely improves in this price bracket from those offering treks below US$2000, is that the safety procedures tend to be superior. This measures the oxygen saturation in your blood which is a useful way of telling how well someone is coping with altitude.
Since our summit is done during the day, we will start the preparation at 4 am where we will have a quick breakfast and start our hike just before the sunrise. After seeing a promising summit, you will strategically start to prepare for the summit by resting well. You will have the entire afternoon to rest and prepare for the early morning summit. Although not technical, this is the only section of the climb where you will use your hands to pass through beautiful rocks. Beyond the wall, you will begin to see the sparkling mountain glacier indicating that the roof of Africa is now within reach. After breakfast, we will leave our camp and head towards the northern side of the mountain.

Traditional rituals and ceremonies continue to be an integral part of their culture. These indigenous tribes offer visitors unique cultural experiences and opportunities to stay in their homestays. By sharing their rich knowledge and traditions, they actively contribute to conservation efforts. This harmonious coexistence showcases the importance of preserving the heritage and natural beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro, although currently dormant, is not extinct.
Rising in absolute isolation, at 5,895 m , Kilimanjaro is one of the highest walkable summits on the planet. Go hiking in them, wear them around the house, on the treadmill, whenever you get a chance. Additionally, make sure you carry your weighted pack and get used to its adjustments, and how it fits with different layering combinations.

Climbing Kilimanjaro does not require any technical skills  or special equipment, just some physical fitness, determination, and the right guide service to help you along the way. Offered as a six or seven-day trek, the Machame Route has in recent years become the most popular route to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. According to statistics from Kilimanjaro National Park, about 50% of Kilimanjaro hikers choose to take the Machame Route. For the intrepid trekker, there are several routes to the summit of the highest mountain in Africa.
However, very few people are lucky enough to have access to hills every weekend. Try to find some local hills or stairs to walk up and down if possible. Gradually increasing the duration of your walks will help to develop your stamina and also assist in preparing you for being on your feet over long distances. Ian has climbed Kilimanjaro 40+ times and our head guide on the mountain was voted Kilimanjaro’s Number 1 Guide. At Ian Taylor Trekking we run over 30 quality Kilimanjaro climbs each year.

The key is to protect the mouth piece from freezing, make sure to always blow back residual water after each drink. It might also be worthwhile  taking a spare water bottle in your daypack on summit night. You can insulate this with a warm sock and keep it buried in your pack, not on the outside. Note that most tour operators include one night’s board at a local lodge or hotel both before and after the climb. Be sure to ask any operator you’re considering if this is included or not in their fee.
There is an option for a spectacular sunrise balloon ride. We enjoy a game drive in route to Seronera, where we fly back to the local airport in Arusha for a farewell lunch at the Arusha Hotel and then prepare for late-night international departures. Today we climb to 15,100 ft. at Lava Tower while crossing a ridge and viewing the plains far below. Here we eat lunch and admire the ancient glacier ice of the Breach Wall before dropping to our 12,900-ft. Moir Camp is tucked away at the end of a large gorge, below a giant lava flow. We travel through the upper range of the moorlands zone, crossing the large Shira Plateau, and ascend gradually on easy terrain.
Thus, semantically Kilimanjaro tours are both climbing and trekking. One-day adventures to the lower camps may be classified as “hikes”. Ultimate Kilimanjaro® recommends adding an extra day or two to your trip to help you acclimatize to the altitude.

The very fit, adventurous trekker, preferably with some high altitude trekking experience as one must acclimatize well to sleep at 18,700 ft. crater rim camp . We ascend through the upper moorland zone into the alpine desert zone arriving at Lava Tower Camp (15,090 ft.). As noted, this day takes us out of the heath zone and into alpine desert.
I successfully ascended Mount Kilimanjaro and gained a wealth of knowledge in the process. A great way to dive into your Kilimanjaro experience is to come to the mountain having learned a few Swahili phrases. Everyone appreciates it when someone else makes an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few greetings and pleasantries.

We then spend a day in the famous Ngorogoro crater all the while staying in some of the finest game lodges Africa has to offer. We traverse the rugged landscape in converted Landcruisers in search of the “Big Five.” We may even get a chance to peak into the local Masai culture whilst stopping by one of their villages. In short, we do it all in an action packed couple of days. Anyone trekking on Kilimanjaro must be accompanied by a Kilimanjaro National Park-qualified guide.