Tag: Kilimanjaro

For a variety of purposes, Kilimanjaro is well-known. First and foremost, since it is Africa’s highest point and one of the Seven Summits. Second, the mountain has a permanent ice cap that is shrinking, which is rare for a country with such a warm year-round climate. Third, in 1936, Ernest Hemingway published “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” a short story that was adapted into a film in 1952.

There are a number of reasons why most enthusiasts have Kilimanjaro on their bucket list. The idea that it is the world’s highest free-standing summit is perhaps the most evident of these factors.

It could be because Kilimanjaro is Africa’s crown jewel among the seven summits (the highest peak in each continent). You would really want to visit a mountain with so many different habitats ranging from rainforests to alpine deserts to the arctic.

It may also be the allure of an African safari experience, including those mentioned in John Henry Patterson’s journals. The true beauty of Kili, however, lies in its intricacies. They commence even before you reach the mountain’s base, when you enter Tanzania’s rural areas.

Here you become fascinated with the Swahili people’s charming expressions, which you will remember forever. Their upbeat demeanor and easygoing rhythm will only add to the enjoyment of the journey ahead of you.

Tanzania is a country that has seen relative stability in comparison to its neighbors. The people credit their first president, Julius Kambarage Nyerere, affectionately known as “Baba Wa Taifa,” with bringing them peace (the father of the nation).

From campfire songs and soul-soothing laughs to gentle evening goodbyes of “lala salama,” or good night there’s always something for everyone.

When is the Perfect Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Tanzania is iconically tropical, with wet and dry seasonal variations laid over a hot, muggy weather. Kilimanjaro sits 300 kilometers south of the equator.

Tanzania has two rainy seasons: one that lasts from November to mid-December and another that lasts from March to May. During these seasons, Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes are known to be wet and muddy.

If you are less concerned with monsoonal climate and more concerned with peace and less traffic, these are the best times to climb because there are far less people.

Since it coincides with European summer vacations, the months of July to October are the busiest on the mountain. It’s drier and cooler than the Christmas season, but expect some chilly nights.

June is an ideal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro if you want to experience similar weather but with far less crowds. It is just before the summer holidays but nonetheless still high Mount Kilimanjaro climbing season.

The months of December through February are a little bit warm and have a better visibility. However, since the short rainy season will last into December, it may still be damp. Such periods often happen to fall during the Christmas season, so things can get hectic.

Which Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Route is Right for You?

The path you take up Mount Kilimanjaro will primarily determined by your level of experience, health, budget, time available, and personal preferences. On most trails, the number of trekking days as well as food and comfort choices is adjustable.

You will be paying for experience, which entails doing it the right way. Good guides can have adequate facilities with other factors like climate and climbing experience, good food, and a reasonable time period to allow for rest and adjustment being important

When climbing Kilimanjaro, you have a choice of seven routes.

Marangu Route

The Coca-Cola route is the other name for Marangu. It’s a really touristy route that gets its name from the tiny cottages where you can sleep and buy bottled cola. The only route with resting huts is this one.

The path on your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing is a gradual ascent that most people consider to be the most straightforward way to climb the mountain.

Machame Route

The whiskey route is also the other name for Machame. It’s a more difficult ascent than Marangu, and it is somewhat crowded.

As you travel through the mountain’s various habitats, the path provides breathtaking views. The walk offers excellent acclimatization opportunities, with high elevation days followed by low elevation camps at night.

Rongai Route

Rongai is also thought to be a more gentle path. Since the path reaches the peak from the far north, there is much less chance of rain, so you’ll be able to remain dry.

It takes far longer to get to the starting gate than most other hiking, which would add to the cost, but it is far more remote, giving you a better chance of seeing wildlife.

Shira Route

Shira begins at a height of 3,600 metres. This gate will be much elevated than the others, and this is a major contributor to altitude sickness, particularly when you drive up to it rather than hiking and acclimating. On the second day, it follows the Lemosho road, and on the third day, it gets into Machame.

Lemosho Route

Lemosho was developed as a substitute for Shira. This has a lower gate, which helps climbers to acclimate to the elevation more slowly. It’s a more rugged path with chances to see animals, like elephants, along the way. On the third day, it also enters Machame.

Northern Route

The Northern Circuit route is a relatively new route compared to the others. Instead of taking the busier eastern path, it starts on the Lemosho route, passes the Shira plateau, and afterwards loops around the northern slopes.

Umbwe Route

Many people regard Umbwe to be the shortest, steepest, and also most challenging path. First day entails some strenuous climbing. The Machame route is typically joined on the second night at Barranco camp by the majority of operators.

How to Get to Mount Kilimanjaro

Treks to the summit of Kilimanjaro usually begin in one of two major northern cities. Arusha is located to the south west of the mountain, while Moshi is located to the south.

There’s a lot to see and do in these places, including massive waterfalls, monkey forests, and volcanic waterholes… not to mention a few of the worlds most beautiful and flora and fauna rich national parks!

Both towns are easily accessible from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). There are numerous buses and flights available from Dar es Salaam, and also flights from both the island paradise of Zanzibar and bordering Kenya.

Most Mount Kilimanjaro climbers stay in town for a few nights to prepare for the hike and familiarize themselves with the region, but always be wary of this because it may cause you wish you had booked a longer journey so you could stay longer.

What Would You Need in the Way of Clothing and Equipment?

Don’t let the fact that Kilimanjaro is a walk-up mountain fool you into thinking its simple. Planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is essential, particularly if you have a limited amount of time or are taking a more difficult path.

Porters can transport food and cooking utensils, and also your sleeping arrangements. Many climbing agencies have more than enough surplus equipment if you’d like, but individual gear that has been tried and true is invaluable.

• Hiking boots that are waterproof and breathable, as well as more than enough thick socks. These must be tested and checked even before hiking starts, as the last scenario you would want to do is discover they are undesirable and unpleasant two days in.
• A nice waterproof pouch and hydration sack – one that can carry all of your personal belongings. This should include camera, head torch, clothes and the food you are given for the day.
• Thermals for hiking on cold nights (and some climbing days).
• Even if you’re hiking in the warmer months, you should wear waterproof/windproof pants and a shell because the weather can easily turn cold.
• Hiking pants and clothing that dries quickly. For the first and last days of the treks, zip-off trousers are ideal.
• Whenever the temperature decreases, you’ll should have a fleece or down jacket. It’s easy to overlook these things when you’re sweating just at foot of a tropical mountain. It could be as low as -30 ° C at the peak.
• Gloves and a beanie
• Many people overlook the importance of sunscreen and sunglasses. Other days can be really exposed, so you wouldn’t want to get sunburned during your period upon this mountain.
• It’s a good idea to have a warm set of clothes for the evenings. They keep you warm and allow you to split up the time you spend in your climbing gear.
• Bring simple toiletries, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, as with any trek, but not too much you strain to bear the weight.
• For both the evenings and peak night, bring a head torch.
• A simple medical set containing necessities such as plasters and second skin could be extremely useful. You don’t need any more blisters!

There are about 30,000 people climbing Mount Kilimanjaro every year using different Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes. This therefore makes Mount Kilimanjaro one of Africa’s most popular attractions.

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and a member of the fabled Seven Summits. Uhuru, the summit is also one of the most challenging attractions to reach!

This Tanzania’s iconic mountain stands at 5895 meters but despite the height being intimidating, conquering it is entirely feasible. This comes with a good level of fitness and a decent amount of determination.

To climb Kilimanjaro, you’ll need both physical and mental strength, but that rewarding feeling and sense of achievement at the top will be completely worth it.

There are nine different Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes of which seven are ascent routes and two are used for descent. Not all these Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes are recommended, one is now shut and quite a few merge with each other, but they do have their own particular pros and cons.  We will tackle 6 of the 9 Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes

There is no single best Mount Kilimanjaro climbing route. Which route up Kilimanjaro is the best for you depends on several factors: The time and money you have available, previous experience and fitness, the time of the year, personal preference…

Let’s look at the individual Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes and who they are suitable for:

• Marangu Route: the only Kilimanjaro climb route that offers hut accommodation.
• Machame Route: the most popular climbing route up Kilimanjaro.
• Rongai Route: the easiest route on Kilimanjaro.
• Shira Route: this one catapults you to some serious altitude on the first day.
• Lemosho Route: hands down the most beautiful Kilimanjaro climb route, but expensive.
• Umbwe Route: the most difficult and demanding route on Kilimanjaro, and the most spectacular.

The Marangu Route

Marangu Route has often been referred to as the “Tourist Route” or “Coca-Cola Route.” This is for two reasons. The major reason is simply its popularity, it makes this climb route somewhat touristy.

The Marangu route is also the only climbing route that uses the same path up and down, which contributes to it being the most crowded climb route on Kilimanjaro.

The Marangu route is a comfortable walking path with a very steady, gradual slope this is until you reach the last camp. This gave the Marangu route a reputation as an “easy” climb route.

The other reason is because it is supposed to be “easy”, the Marangu route is used by many shockingly unprepared “tourists”, rather than trekkers.

The name “Coca Cola Route” stems from the sleeping huts along the route. You will easily find the coca cola soda being sold here. The Marangu route is the only Kilimanjaro climbing route that offers hut accommodation on this Kilimanjaro climbing route, camping is not allowed.

A climb on the Marangu route is comparatively cheap. You need no camping equipment therefore no cost for extra porters to carry the equipment. You can do the climb in five days/four nights. Also, many cut throat budget operators run treks on this route.

Please do not underestimate the trek: the Marangu route is NOT easy and it is NOT for tourists! It is a serious climb with very low success rates. It is only a quarter to a third of the climbers on this route reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. The reason being lack of proper preparedness and planning for mount Kilimanjaro climb. The “tourists” on this route are shockingly unprepared.

A five day climb does not allow for sufficient acclimatization.  You will need to add an optional acclimatization day to increase your success level.

The Machame Route

The Machame route is also called the “Whiskey Route”. Machame is “tougher” than the Marangu route.

Machame is indeed a more difficult climb in some respects, but it does have much higher success rates than Marangu. This is especially if you choose the seven day version. According to estimates about 60% of the climbers on Machame make it to the summit, and over three quarters reach the crater rim.

The seven day version gives you a very short day before your summit attempt, which leaves plenty of time to recover, acclimatize and get ready. The six day version has the same problem as the Marangu route in that respect.

The Machame route is not technically difficult but is more strenuous. The trail is often steeper and it involves many ups and downs, crossing a succession of valleys and ridges. But that’s why it is also one day longer than Marangu.

Still, for people who have never done any longer hikes in their life and are not well prepared it can be demanding and tiring. There is also the Barranco Wall to cross, a very steep, one and a half hour climb that will require you to occasionally use your hands for balance. This makes it sounds and looks a lot more difficult than it actually is!

As for scenery, the Machame route is absolutely spectacular. There is the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall… You start from the west, circle Kibo on the southern side, and then descend on the Mweka route in the south east. The variety is hard to beat. Machame is considered the most scenic  Mount Kilimanjaro climbing route.

For that reason the Machame route has become the most popular climb route on Kilimanjaro. The advantage of that is that prices have dropped and you can find many budget operators on it. The disadvantage is that the Machame route is very crowded.

If you are confident in your ability to hike in difficult terrain for days in a row and like camping and nature, but money is very tight, then Machame may be the Kilimanjaro climb route of choice for you. The down side is that you will have to put up with the crowds.

The Rongai Route

The six day version of the Rongai route is the route of choice for those looking for an easy climb with excellent success rates, but away from the crowds. This Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing route comes with great scenery and a wilderness feel to it. It is slightly more expensive.

The Rongai route is the only climb route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. The descent is in the south-east via the Marangu route, so you get to see both sides of the mountain.

Because the climb starts from the North there is an extra transport cost which makes a Rongai operators who use this route .

The Rongai route has a reputation of being less scenic, but even if there is not quite as much variety as on Machame, it is still a spectacular route, especially on the later days. The camp beneath Mawenzi Peak is one of the most scenic on the mountain.

Rongai is also one of the routes where seeing wildlife on Kilimanjaro is still possible.

The Rongai climb has the same easy, gradual climb profile as the Marangu route. It rises very steadily; there aren’t any steep climbs involved, no major ups and downs.

However, the camps are staggered a lot better than on Marangu. On your last day before the summit attempt you only ascend a few hundred metres, and you have all afternoon to rest and acclimatize.

With a good tour operator you have an 80 – 90% chance to make it to the crater rim, and 70 – 80% will make it to Uhuru Peak.

With some trekking experience your chances to make it to the summit could be as good as 90%. The remaining 10% come down to weather, individual preparation, individual altitude tolerance and unforeseen mishaps.

The Rongai route has another important advantage: the northern side of Kilimanjaro is a lot drier than the other side. Your chances NOT to get soaked on the first days are excellent. Especially if you climb Kilimanjaro during one of the wetter periods of the year, using Rongai route makes a lot of sense.

The Shira Route

The Shira route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and then joins the Machame route, thus everything that has been said about the Machame climb route also applies to the Shira route.

There are several variations to the Shira route. It can be done in six days but most operators also offer a longer version of it. A really good operator will also time their departure and stagger their camps in a way that avoids the heaviest traffic on the Machame trail.

However the variation, the staggering  and the added transport cost can make Shira a more expensive option.

The first day on the Shira route is different to other climb routes: It follows a four wheel drive route. So you either walk on the road for most of the day (not very attractive) or you opt to drive as far as possible.

The latter not only means you skip the first stage of the climb, the rainforest zone. It also means that you catapult your body to a height of over 3500 m/11500 ft without time for proper acclimatization. If you live at low altitude near sea level and you only flew into Tanzania the day before, this may hurt.

Overall, Shira has excellent success rates if the schedule involves a night at Karanga Valley. This will make for a short and easy day before the summit day. However, the good success rate is partly due to the operators on this route being higher level than on the more crowded routes.

Like the Machame route, the Shira route is for people who are confident in their ability to hike in difficult terrain and camp out for extended periods. It has less traffic but it is a more expensive option. You should also be confident about the way you will react to the altitude on the first day.

The Lemosho Route

Like the Shira route, the Lemosho route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and then joins the Machame route. Hence everything that has been said about the Machame climb route also applies to the Lemosho route.

The first two days on the Lemosho route take you through beautiful and very remote rainforest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. The start of the trail is also known as the Lemosho Glades.

Lemosho is usually a longer trek, seven or eight days, and there are many variations of it. Which one you take depends on the operator. A really good operator will also time their departure and stagger their camps in a way that avoids the heaviest traffic on the Machame trail.

The length, the remoteness and the added transport cost makes Lemosho a rather expensive option. However, the longer itinerary and the fact that there are no budget operators, you can’t do this route Kilimanjaro climb on a budget. This lead to excellent success rates on this route and it has become quite a popular one.

It is a route for people who are confident in their ability to hike in difficult terrain and camp out for extended periods. This is for those who want a superb wilderness experience and for whom cost is not the main consideration.

The Umbwe Route

The Umbwe route is not a technical route, but it is a very direct, very steep, very tough, and in parts very exposed route. This Mount Kilimanjaro climbing route joins the Machame route near the Barranco Camp on the second night.

On the other routes Barranco Camp is reached on the third or fourth night. Goes to show how much steeper Umbwe is…

Parts of the trail on the first day are so steep, they can only be negotiated because the tree roots provide something like steps. The tree roots also serve as handle bars to haul you up where needed…

The second day is also steep and uphill all the way. The exposed ridge is not for people uncomfortable at heights… And have a guess why the “Rope Rock” (Jiwe Kamba) is called “Rope Rock”…

This is the most difficult and demanding of all Kilimanjaro climb routes. Don’t even think about it unless you have experience climbing mountains.

Having said that, it is a spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro climbing route and worth trying!

Climbing Kilimanjaro is graded strenuous and you should be in good physical fitness. You may need to have experience of multi-day trekking or walking trips prior to undertaking a Kilimanjaro climb.

Most days on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro involve 4 – 7 hours of walking at altitude and the summit day is very strenuous with most people walking for between 14 – 18 hours. Even for fit people, the effects of altitude can make the climb very tough.

The most challenging day of your Kilimanjaro Climb, regardless of which Kilimanjaro route you choose, will be the summit day. Because the time for acclimatization is limited most people will suffer from mild Acute Mountain Sickness. This may combine with a very long day of walking will make it one of the toughest days of your life. 

The trails on Kilimanjaro are generally clear and well maintained, although they can be slippery lower down and, you will be walking over shale closer to the summit. The Barranco Wall on the Machame and Lemosho routes involves an easy scramble for 1.5 hours and the final climb to the summit is on loose scree and rock and can be snowy/ icy.

 The climb is a hike so no specialist climbing skills are necessary. You must have done extensive hill-walking or aerobic exercise in the run-up to your Kilimanjaro Climb. If you do not currently enjoy a good level of fitness it may take many months of training to reach a suitable level of fitness to enjoy the walk.

It is important to start slowly and gradually increase your fitness. Try to exercise for between 30 and 45 minutes three times per week (walking, running, cycling or swimming) and go for long walks on the weekends which should include some hills.

Where to Start From Before Kilimanjaro Climbing

You must consult your doctor prior to embarking on a fitness program for Mount Kilimanjaro.  What may make you not undertake your Mount Kilimanjaro climb?

• Has your doctor ever told you that you have a heart condition?
• Have you had any pains in your chest or heart?
• Do you frequently lose your balance, feel faint or have spells of severe dizziness?
• Has your doctor has ever said that your blood pressure is too high?
• Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?
• Are you taking any prescription medications, such as those for heart problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes?
• Do you know of any other reason why you should not engage in physical activity?
• Are you pregnant?

How to Prepare for Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Many people who are interested in hiking Mount Kilimanjaro are probably relatively fit. Training for at least two months before the climb, even if you’re in good shape, is recommended.

If you’re a little out of shape, start earlier. If you’re in great shape, keep training and focus on increasing duration (not intensity).

With training 6 months before the climb and you will hardly feel muscle soreness or joint achiness on the mountain. While summit night is physically and mentally draining and your endurance will be put to the test, your body has to be prepared.

We recommends training for a minimum of 12 weeks, with hiking being the basis of your training.

If you live by mountains, practice both uphill and downhill hiking a couple times a week when possible. If you live in places devoid of mountains and hills, use long walks on the beach or any other uneven ground as your closest substitute.

Don’t forget to incorporate some cardio into your training. Regularly engaging in aerobic exercises strengthens your cardiovascular system, which in turn will help your body efficiently process less oxygen.

You should aim to do at least a couple of long hikes or walks that span 6-7 hours long on back-to-back days as part of your preparation. Stair climbing, lots of walking, and other exercises for 30-45 minutes 3 times per week are all great ways to help you be in the shape you need to succeed.

Not only is hiking Kilimanjaro easier when you have trained for it, but studies have also shown that you are less likely to struggle with the elevation gain and therefore, less likely to have problems with Acute Mountain Sickness.

The altitude presents the biggest challenge for most climbers. High altitudes may diminish your appetite; disrupt your sleep, cause headaches, dizziness, and even nausea.

Altitude sickness doesn’t discriminate and even the fittest person may have to be rushed back down. However, effectively preparing your body for the difficulties on the mountain will maximize your likelihood of making it to the top and increase your overall enjoyment along the way.

Pre-climbing training will build your confidence and help you maintain a strong mental state when the hardships of Kilimanjaro arise.

Don’t Forget to Your Pack and Shoes

While you train do not forget to hike or walk with the backpack you plan on wearing on Kilimanjaro. Put everything you plan on bringing with you inside your pack to get used to the weight. Your backpack on the mountain shouldn’t weigh more than 15 pounds.

Your bag will definitely be lighter on summit night than it had been on the prior days. It will however feel significantly heavier at high altitude. You will need a backpack that distributes weight properly on your body with waist and chest straps. It should have a secure fit so it’s not moving around.

Also as you train, wear the shoes you will be using on the mountain during your training to break them in. Comfort is key to a great Mount Kilimanjaro climbing. If your shoes cause blisters or other issues, find a pair that fits better.

In Conclusion

Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is challenging, but very doable, even for the common person. By preparing your body you give yourself the best chance to conquer the rooftop of Africa.

Don’t be intimidated by its height or by other people’s tales of grit. It’s not as hard as you imagine. One step at a time is all you need to do at any given moment to keep making progress. Use the advice above to train effectively and adequately and your team will take you the rest of the way.

So how hard is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. The roof of Africa as it is called stands at 19,341 feet. Despite being the highest free standing mountain in the world, it’s just a “walk up.” There is no technical climbing required. The secret however is in the preparation.

To climb Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenge and if you’re new to trekking, camping, living outdoors, or high altitude then you may find it tough. The specific challenges are mainly due to the altitude, your attitude and fitness but with the correct preparation and a good guide team, then the vast majority of people will successfully summit.

Most hill walkers and trekkers are fit enough to climb Kilimanjaro, but it must be approached in the correct manner. You must have a good guide and support team to ensure that you have the correct equipment, are well rested, fed and guided.

This ensures that by the time you reach the high camp, from where you’ll launch your summit bid, you’ll be in good health, well acclimatized to the lower levels of oxygen in the air, hydrated and full of energy.

In general, if you can easily walk 6 – 7 hours a day over undulating ground, for several days in a row at home, then you should be in good stead to tackle Kilimanjaro.

Factors that will Determine How Hard Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Will Be

The number of Days

Climbing mount Kilimanjaro can take anywhere from 5 to 10 days depending on the route and how many days you want to spend each route days can be extended.

Short route for 5 days are very difficult as they have less than 40% summit success rate while longer routes from 8 days have a 90% summit success rate.

The Route

There are 6 Mount Kilimanjaro climbing route. Each route has its own different landscape, advantages and disadvantages.

While route like umbwe route are left for experienced mountain climbers some route are much easier for normal tourist to climb up mt Kilimanjaro

Acclimatization

Acclimatization is the process or result of becoming accustomed to a new climate or new conditions. Each route has different in acclimatization days. The Marangu route in its 5 days and machame route 6 days have no acclimatization day.

All other routes have an extra day for acclimatizing in order to increase your chance of summiting

The Weather

Weather is a very important factor which can make your trek more difficult or less difficult. A good weather summer time it is less difficult to climb Mount Kilimanjaro but during the rainy season it is more difficult to climb mount Kilimanjaro and it can also be deadly if you are wet up mount Kilimanjaro

Preparation

How well prepared are you for your Kilimanjaro trek that another important question. You should be well prepared before Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

Fitness Level

It’s important to climb mount Kilimanjaro during the times when you are most fit in terms of health, You should also be physically fit in order to climb mount Kilimanjaro. How to train for Mount Kilimanjaro full details

Tour Operator or Agency

Many people have been asking how it relates to difficulty right. Yes it is a factor some operate use less porter and only the guide with no assistant guide well this means you will first have a larger luggage to carry,

Two, if your guide misses out on the symptoms of mountain sickness and does not give you an extra day for acclimatising you will get acute mountain sickness. That may be the end your trek since you will have to descent and exit the mount

Trekking Straight Up

Mount Kilimanjaro is difficult to climb because it takes you straight up to high altitudes in a very short period of time so your body does not get enough time to acclimatize.

You can choose longer routes and more days to for acclimatization this will improve your chances of summit success.

Its very Cold

Yes cold contributes in difficultly, People who climb Mount Kilimanjaro during winter have lower summit success rate than people who trek Mount Kilimanjaro during summer time.

It can get very cold on top of Mount Kilimanjaro so you should have the right clothes. See clothes for Mount Kilimanjaro

Many Ups and Downs

Trekking mount Kilimanjaro has many ups and down, many hills, ridges, valley and even the baranco wall. The trek is not always about going up the mountain at some points your will be descend. Many camps are at low points in order to follow the golden rule of acclimatization which is walk high sleep low.

Summit Success Rate

Another factor we use to determine how hard is it to climb mount Kilimanjaro is the summit success rate with an average of 52% it is fairly hard to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Did you carry oxygen?

Oxygen is important and makes your Kilimanjaro climb a bit easier because it is used in a higher elevation on the mountain to give your muscles a bit more energy during the climb also to reduce risk of mountain sickness.

Therefore is very crucial having oxygen available to treat climbers who have developed moderate or severe mountain sickness for the Emergency purpose. Without it your Kilimanjaro Climb gets harder.

The pace of your group

This important thing to know is pace of you are climbing up the mountain. Slow pace makes your Kilimanjaro climb easier than running up the mountain.

This is very important and most guides will manage the pace of the group and balance of maintaining lowest heart rates which is essential to a successful Climb a good pace on Mountain.

The luggage you carry

Climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro with Luggage can be extremely difficult. You need a minimum of 4 porter. They also should carry a maximum of 20 kg

Whilst clients or climbers may need to have at most 10 kg of their luggage going up, during the higher altitude you will not carry anything.

The food you eat

Having a good dish is very important. You should not suffer from diarrhea or stomach ache as it can make your climb extremely hard.

We will offer you soup, breads, salads, rice, pastas, potatoes, fried chicken, meat/beef, green vegetables, fruit with custard, coffee, tea and chocolate.

The number of people in the group,

The number of people in a group can also make your climb a bit harder or bit easier. Maximum of 10 people per group is the best so as you can get the one on one support you need with your guide and assistant guide.

The ultimate determinant of how hard climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is will be your attitude. With the right attitude, you will conquer the roof of Africa with ease. Without the right attitude, your climb is doomed to fail.