Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing: All the info you need on conquering the mountain : This is one of the great accomplishments to have once in a life time most especially for climbers, Mount Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa and people refer to it as “the roof of Africa”.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant Volcano and also the biggest free standing mountain in the world, getting to experience and climb Mount Kilimanjaro is a great trip to have regardless of whether you are a mountaineer with good skills or just looking for the inclusion of an exercise in your journey.
This article lists the normally asked questions regarding climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
How long does it take to hike to the top with Kilimanjaro Climbing?
The duration taken to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is the commonly asked question by climbers wishing to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, the time taken depends on which route you end up taking. It is always a good idea to plan your whole trip accordingly.
During this trip, you may need up to 9 days to handle the entire climbing experience, some routes will get you there in a week’s time which is around 5 days. But be wary of those route because Mount Kilimanjaro is so high up that you may feel exhausted or nauseous due to the extreme altitude and rushing to the top.
Also you do not need to rush everything when it comes to this adventure of a lifetime, always consider taking one of the more extended route options. Most climbers take a route that lasts around 7 days, this is the optimal time frame for the average person to have a successful trip.
The major routes to the top for Kilimanjaro Climbing
There are about 7 routes that you can take based on several factors that is the duration, difficulty and scenery you are taking to complete the trip.
Keep in mind that each route can vary in length and difficulty, you also need to keep in mind the altitude sickness and how it may affect you.
It also depends on whether you are looking to peacefully ascend the mountain or be part of the sometimes large swaths of people that may be climbing up the mountain at the same time.
Machame Route: The Most Climbed Route
The Machame Route is considered to be one of the most popular routes, it is a better option for tourists than the previous most popular and oldest route – the Marangu route. This is because the climb is gradual and therefore giving your body a chance to get used to the altitude, this route also offers beautiful views and unique hikes that the Marangu route will not offer.
Still you will be able to camp and enjoy the surrounding nature as you trek your way up there, you will have a total travel time of around 7 days, climbing according to the walk high, sleep low principle. This gives your body a chance to acclimatize to the high altitude, the route starts on the southern side of the mountain.
Keep in mind that the climb, despite its more gradual construction, will require a lot of effort so as a climber, prepare yourself.
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route starts from the West and is one of the best Mount Kilimanjaro climbing route, this route usually attracts fewer people as it is one of the newer, lesser known routes. Although there is less climbing on this route. This route is claimed to have the best views of all.
On Lemosho Route, you get a feeling of really being in the wilderness and one with nature, all alone without being disturbed by other climbers. This route is one of the longer journeys, so it is always a good idea to dedicate the full 8 days to hike. You can less the journey if necessary, but it may not give you the time to be able to enjoy everything.
The Northern Circuit Route
This is the longest, toughest and most rewarding route used when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, this route requires 9 days similarly to the Lemosho Route. This is a very scenic route as the Lemosho Route.
The Northern Circuit is the least used route meaning you will have a truly intimate experience with it, after the starting point you split up with the Lemosho route group and go up the mountain via the north side. Due to the length of the climb, this route is the best possible option when it comes to acclimatization of the body.
Others routes to consider when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Marangu route and Umbwe Routes are regarded as the easiest and hardest routes respectively. However these routes are not always recommended as there are better and newer routes to enjoy.
Marangu Route
The Marangu route is the best option for climbers who want a simple exploration expedition and sleep in huts during the journey, this is the oldest and simplest route and is called the “Coca Cola route” because they are commonly served as refreshments.
This route is relatively a short hike to the top and can be 5 days, however it is always recommended to stay longer to acclimate.
Umbwe route
Umbwe route is the only route for the hikers that are truly active in nature – climbers with experience, this is one of the shortest routes with the least number of people taking it. This route is quite a challenge with a minimal success rate primarily due to the steep climb and the lack of days to properly acclimate.
Note: this route is truly a challenge and you need about 6 to 7 days to complete it.
There is also a possibility that due to the situation on Mount Kilimanjaro or with fellow travelers including yourself, there may be a point that you are not going to be able to reach the summit.
So although everything is done to make that a reality, the trek may not be for everyone so keep your expectations possible.
When is it a good time to go Kilimanjaro Climbing?
The best time for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is between January and March, in this period the weather is at its best and the temperatures are acceptable (not too hot) and you will still possibly see snow-capped peaks when you get to the top.
If you are looking to climb Mount Kilimanjaro during the peak summer months (June through August), you will be able to enjoy the climb with other fellow travelers.
How should I pack?
When going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, your packing should include the appropriate clothes and gear for both day and night, it will get very cold at night so make sure you have got yourself a nice thermal sleeping bag. Also, appropriate layers to wear as you get closer to the top. If you do not have all the proper gear and dnt feel like buying it, you can rent out the gears to make sure you can climb the mountain properly.
Make sure you have good containers to carry water as need, your guides will help you will any ancillary supplies.
