15 things to know before climbing Kilimanjaro | The best Kilimanjaro climbing tips

The once active volcano lies dormant on the equator
The highest mountain of Africa stands tall with ice around its old crater.
Climbing to its top is not as difficult as it may seem 
Read through these Kilimanjaro climbing tips to ascend it and live your dream.

Get prepared with these practical tips for climbing Kilimanjaro. These things to know before climbing Kilimanjaro covers packing tips, how to book, best time for hiking, best Kilimanjaro routes and more. 

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular activities that visitors to Africa aim to do. Over 30,000 people are estimated to attempt hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. However, unpublished stats indicate a failure rate of around 50%.

You might assume that this is because the climb is difficult. On the contrary, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the easiest climbs – especially among the seven summits of the world. The big failure rate is largely because people are unprepared for the climb.

In this blog post, I will share important things to know before you plan to climb Kilimanjaro mountain in Africa. These Kilimanjaro climbing tips are aimed at preparing you for a successful hike. I have covered everything from tips on training to climb Kilimanjaro, the best time to plan the climb, what routes to take for the hike, and how to choose the best Kilimanjaro operators.

In addition, I have included the estimated Kilimanjaro hike cost and other considerations that you will find handy when you plan to book a Kilimanjaro climb.

Interesting facts on Kilimanjaro in Africa

Before we get into the advice section of the blog, let’s look at some of the astonishing facts about Mount Kilimanjaro. These facts are also reasons to be well-prepared for a Kilimanjaro climb. You will soon see why –

• Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the seven greatest summits of the world. It is the fourth highest mountain among them. It is rightly called the Roof of Africa.
• Unlike the other summits, 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. The mountain itself was formed owing to volcanic activity.
• Kilimanjaro 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 Kilimanjaro (The ultimate Kilimanjaro climbing tips)

Well, as you can see, even Meyer had to prepare well for what is believed to be a not-so-difficult climb. With his experience and that of many others after him, we have enough tips to help you work towards making your first climb successful.

1) All Kilimanjaro tour operators don’t offer the same thing

You will find the internet brimming with several African tour operators offering Kilimanjaro climbing packages. Many offer low rates but these are not necessarily the best Kilimanjaro tours. You need to evaluate these various parameters before choosing the final one. Here are some important points that you should keep in mind

Check the reviews and recommendations on forums

Don’t just go with the number of positive reviews. Check the qualitative feedback and if it is a forum, then message the review owner with specific questions on safety, comfort and facilities.

Ensure the company offers experienced guides

The Kilimanjaro climb is not technical. It is easy enough for the beginners. However, you will legally still need a guide to take you through your chosen route to the top of the mountain. The best Kilimanjaro guides are the ones who understand the pace at which you can proceed, are certified to handle rescues and emergencies (if any), and know the terrain well.

Most companies actively display their guides’ credentials – their years of experience, feedback on the guide, their certifications, etc on their websites.

Review the facilities offered in your climb Kilimanjaro tour

The best guided Kilimanjaro climbs include a team of guides, porters, and cooks. Many like Altezza Travel offer a relaxing day or two after the climb and include the famed African safaris or a day in the Spa. This Kilimanjaro tour company has over 1500 positive reviews on the net and offers group tours every 2 – 3 days.

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.

2) You can fly to Kilimanjaro directly

You don’t have to fly to Nairobi (Kenya) or Dar-es-Salem (Tanzania) to get to Kilimanjaro. However, if you are already here for some other reason, all you have to do is – take an internal flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

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.

3) Rainy seasons may not be the best time to climb Kilimanjaro

Two high seasons are recommended for climbing Kilimanjaro. The first is between June to October when the weather is relatively cooler and there isn’t much rain. This time of the year also coincides with the holidays in Europe and thus the tours do tend to get booked faster

The 2^nd high season is between December to February when the days are warmer and there is better visibility. Most climbers say that this is the best time to hike Kilimanjaro.

The area has two rainy seasons – between March & May and November to December. The hiking routes tend to get slushy and it is not a very comfortable feeling with the wet clothes and gear. It is recommended that beginners and not-so-experienced hikers avoid this season.

4) You should ideally start training for climbing Kilimanjaro at least 8 weeks

Climbing one of the highest mountains in the world requires basic fitness. While you might be actively running or walking, this is not enough to prepare your muscles for the hike. Experts recommend working on your endurance and strength at least 8 weeks before your climb.

In addition to the running, you should add gym workouts to your Kilimanjaro climb training routine. Your stamina will not just be tested physically by the climb but also, by the changing climatic conditions that you encounter. It is highly advised that you get a medical check-up done before embarking on Kilimanjaro trekking.

5) There are seven different Kilimanjaro climb routes – so pick the right one.

Yes, there are seven routes to climb Kilimanjaro. There is a difference between them in terms of the time taken, the landscapes they offer, and the difficulty levels. These seven routes are – Marangu, Machame, Le Mosho, Umbwe, Northern Circuit, Rongai, and Shira.

Among these, the most popular routes are the Marangu, Machame and Le Mosho routes. Here are their highlights –

• – Marangu Route – This is popularly called the Coca-Cola route and is the only route that offers dormitories in small huts for a stay. The Kilimanjaro hike length is around 70 km and it takes around 6 days to cover it. The trail covers the same route that the first climber to Kilimanjaro took.
• Machame route –  This has been nicknamed the Whiskey route and is ideal for acclimatization  (more on this in the next point). On this route, you will climb higher altitudes but sleep at lower levels – making the Kilimanjaro climb slightly easier. A lot of climbers claim that this is the easiest Kilimanjaro route.
• Lemosho route – The route is believed to be highly scenic. Unlike the other two popular routes I have shared above, this is relatively less crowded. It starts from the west and takes around 7 days.

These three popular trails are believed to be the best routes to climb Kilimanjaro for all levels of hikers – especially beginners.

6) Acclimatization is highly essential to prevent AMS during your climb to Kilimanjaro

Climbing any mountain requires acclimatization to the altitudes. This was something that I explained in my post on Ladakh. As you ascend, the air gets thinner and thinner. You have to get your body used to the lesser amount of oxygen. Failure to do so, results in AMS (Acute mountain syndrome) that can be quite dangerous.

These are some essential tips for climbing Kilimanjaro and avoiding AMS –

• Drink a lot of water. Keep the blood levels thin
• Do not rush the climb. Ascend gradually.
• Eat a lot of high-energy food like chocolates.
• Diamox is the most commonly recommended medication for AMS. However, consult your doctor for a prescription and advice.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.

7) Be prepared for hot and cold – one of the essential tips for climbing Kilimanjaro

There is this popular notion that the rainforests are hot. It might be true at the base level but as you climb Kilimanjaro, you will find yourself experiencing a change from hot to extreme cold. In fact, there are five zones that 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.

You will find a drastic difference even in a single day with the mornings being hot and the evenings being cold. It is best to prepare yourself with layers.

8) Forget about showers and sometimes, even a toilet

Unless you take the Coca-Cola route, you will be camping at night. Most of the camps do not have a toilet. A few Kilimanjaro tour operators set up makeshift tents as toilets. However, many do not and you will have to just go behind rocks to relieve yourself. Be prepared for this.

There are several on-the-go-fold toilets that you can buy online and carry with you. Remember though, your remains will have to be carried back with you. There is a strict no-litter policy on the Kilimanjaro routes.

That said, showers are not available at all. So for seven days, you have to sponge yourself clean and live without those luxury baths.

9) Expect to be out of touch during your Kilimanjaro expedition

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

10) Ensure you pack smart and right – one of the essential Kilimanjaro climbing tips

You will get a suggested packing list from your Kilimanjaro climb provider. Most tour operators for Kilimanjaro offer sleeping bags, camps and first aid kits. Hence, you do not really need to worry about those.

You need to be mindful of the clothing layers required, essential medicines, sunscreen, energy food, toiletries and trekking poles. Make sure you have sturdy climbing boots for Kilimanjaro and warm socks and gloves for the night. Keep your backpack as light as possible so that you can preserve some energy when hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. Also, while picking a backpack – pick an all-weather, waterproof one.

11) Sleeping on a Kilimanjaro trek is not very easy

Even though you might be bone tired, you will likely experience a disturbed sleep. Some climbers even told me that they have weird and vivid dreams. This is all due to the altitude. As the days go by, you will find yourself easing up and getting better sleep.

Keep this in mind so that you don’t fret if you are having sleepless nights. Also, avoid sleeping pills.

12) Your mental resilience is put to the test -almost every day

Even though the hike is easy, it still requires some mental grit. The changing conditions, lack of regular amenities like showers and toilets, and the ache in your muscles will make you wonder why you are even doing this Kilimanjaro climb.

This is when you need to keep yourself strong. Before your climb, try some guided meditation to build a stronger resolve. Read and research about each day so that you are prepared mentally. During your hike to Kilimanjaro, make friends so that you have company to keep you going. Remember alone you might feel weaker.

13) The average cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro ranges between 2000 – 2300 USD per person

The Kilimanjaro hike price usually includes park fees and labor costs of the guides, porters, and other staff involved. The package cost does not include flights and any transport to Kilimanjaro.

Some tour operators do not include hotels in their Kilimanjaro hike costs. You might have to account for one – especially on your arrival and one after your hiking expedition.

14)  Remember it is not a race! Go slow and set your pace

One mistake that many hikers make is to take the shortest route or go fast on the hikes. The success rate of these climbers is low as they fall prey to AMS. It is important to climb at a relaxed pace and do so consistently. Follow your guide for the right pace and if you are still not able to keep up, let him know the same.

15) They say that the Summit day is not easy for anyone

This is the final ascend that takes at least 14 hours. You start at midnight when it is freezing cold. There is nothing visible except for a torchlight in front of you. Though the sun comes out, the Arctic cold still bites. This is when all your fleece, heavy jackets, gloves, and socks are needed the most.

Remember – this is the final day when you can achieve your dream. So push through it and you will have amazing memories for life.

Common FAQs about climbing Kilimanjaro

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