A Comprehensive Guide to Climbing Kilimanjaro

Are you thinking of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Located in Tanzania along with three volcanic cones Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo. This is a dormant volcano and is the highest peak in Africa. It is about 5,895 meters above the sea level and is about 4,900 meters from the base.

The grand beauty of this Mount attracts trekkers from all over the world. Many trekkers come to this Mount dreaming of a grand adventure in the wilderness. Though people think they will be alone on this journey, it is actually very crowded. This can be disappointing for some people.

When it comes to climbing the mountain, you need no technical skill. However, there are several factors you need to consider before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. For someone who is physically fit, and has a positive attitude to have a higher rate of success.

So, it is no surprise that you have to plan and prepare for becoming successful in climbing the Mount Kilimanjaro. This post is a guide for climbing Kilimanjaro successfully and safely. Have a look!

Planning is the Key

Planning is everything, this will make sure you enjoy your trip. It is the most crucial step as your safety depends on it. When you are planning to climb the mount, you need to make three imperative decisions.

Decide the Date

The first thing you need to focus on is the weather of the area. You don’t want to climb the mountain in a rainy or harsh climate. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is when the weather is dry. It is during January/February and August/September.

Choosing the Climb Route

Since it is a popular trekking area, there are several climbing routes. The difference is in the length and difficulty of the route. So, you need to decide the route you will be taking. It is better to take professional help as they have comprehensive knowledge and will be able to guide you better.

Duration of the Climb

The duration of the climb must be 5 to 6 days. The route of your climb has a key role to play in deciding the duration. For instance, the Machame route will require at least 6 days. It will be better to if you spend 7 days.

It is suggested to have an extra day for getting used to the climate. This will increase the chances of reaching to the top.

Carefully Choose the Trekking Agency

The Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the Kilimanjaro National Park. The access to this area is restricted and the cost of climbing is expensive. This is why you need a trekking agency to climb Kilimanjaro. It is essential to know the actual cost of climbing before you can select the agency.

There are numerous factors that you need to when selecting the agency. An expert guide will make sure you have all the required supplies. They will ensure you have a cook, water, food, porters, and essential camping equipment.

You need to focus on the quality of the operator who will treat their staff well. It is crucial that you don’t risk your safety by choosing a cheap agency.

Preparing for the Adventure

It is essential to prepare for your adventure beforehand, here the things you need to prepare:

Book Your Flight

There are some agencies that will book the flight for you; however, some of the companies will not do that. In such circumstances, you need to book the flight yourself. The closest airport to the Mount Kilimanjaro is the Kilimanjaro Airport. Mostly trekkers land at this airport.

Visa

You will need to have a visa that it is valid for at least 6 months. If there is a Tanzanian embassy in your country you can contact them for the visa. On the other hand, your country doesn’t have an embassy, you can get a visa when you arrive at the airport.

Getting into Shape

When climbing the Kilimanjaro, you don’t require any special equipment. Though many people consider it as a climb, it is a hike. You can easily walk to the top. It might seem easy, but it is not that simple. You may not any equipment; however, you will need hiking and trekking experience. This is the reason why you need to be in good shape to make the climb.

According to a survey, only 50% of the trekkers make it to the top. Nonetheless, most operators ensure the climbers make it to the top, having success rates of 80 to 90%.

This is the reason why it is advised to walk every day. You can even go for hiking on weekends to gain hiking experience before you can climb Kilimanjaro. It will be better if you start swimming, it will help you exert your body with restricted oxygen supply.

Tips for Climbing Kilimanjaro

Here are some tips that will help you climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • You must have the right gear to climb the mountain. This is why you must be dressed in layers, it will keep you warm. A thermal base, mid fleece layer, and a jacket are essentials. Down jackets are also good, and you could visit the website for suggestions on lightweight ones. Moreover, you need to have the right hiking boots and gloves.
  • You must go slow because you don’t want to exert yourself.
  • You should stay hydrated because if you are dehydrated, it might cause Acute mountain sickness.
  • It is common to get sick when you are coming down. So, you should inform your guide when you feel sick. They are experienced and highly-trained, they will make sure your health concerns are properly addressed.

Therefore, when looking for a reliable guide for climbing Kilimanjaro, we are the right choice. We have a team of experienced and knowledgeable guides who will make sure you get the adventure you were looking for. Our experts will be throughout the journey. We will ensure you are prepared and have planned everything. This will help in ensuring how much you enjoy the trek.

If this tallest freestanding mountain is on your bucket list, then use this guide to safely and successfully climb it. Head to Kilimanjaro today and have a thrilling experience that you will never forget.