Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, The majestic Kilimanjaro, which is the highest peak in Africa, is a naturally occurring volcano that is covered with snow and is dormant. Being situated in the northeastern part of Tanzania, it is visible from a considerable distance into Kenya and Amboseli National Park.

There are approximately 5,000 climbing enthusiasts that climb Kilimanjaro every year, which means that it is not the mountain that is the most difficult or the most untouched. On the other hand, it is undeniably a test of one’s stamina, with altitude sickness being the primary reason why hikers do not make it to the peak of Kilimanjaro. We continue to strongly recommend it to everyone who has an interest in climbing, despite the fact that it has become a very popular challenge and the experience has grown little crowded with other climbers.

It would be a shame to miss the opportunity to visit the northern parks of Tanzania and experience the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro because Kilimanjaro is situated in the northern region of Tanzania, which is adjacent to some of the best safari parks in Africa.

The number of operators who work on Mount Kilimanjaro is in the hundreds; but, throughout the course of the years, we have made the decision to collaborate with only two organizations due to the safety record, guides, and cost of these firms. Due to the fact that climbing Kilimanjaro can be quite hazardous, it is essential to be accompanied by a reliable group of people.

KILIMANJARO: A GUIDE TO CLIMBING TO THE TOP

What is the height of Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, and after you reach the peak, you will be standing at a height of 5,895 meters, which is equivalent to 19,340 feet when you reach the top. To put that into perspective, the highest point on Everest is 8,848 meters above sea level. As a result of its towering presence above East Africa and the entire continent, it is often commonly referred to as the roof of Africa. If you are standing at the bottom, you will typically not be able to see it very well because it is so large…

Kilimanjaro is located where?

If you do not climb Kilimanjaro, it is actually fairly difficult to see the mountain in Tanzania. If you are able to put up with the crowds, you should go to Amboseli National Park in Kenya to get that famous Kili backdrop vista. This will provide you with the best sight. It is located on the Tanzanian side of the border with Kenya, to the east of Arusha, so if you are at all fortunate, you will be able to see it from a plane departing from Nairobi. After arriving in Tanzania, it is not difficult to reach in order to start your ascent…

The Price of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro ($)

There are two options available to you when you are beginning to consider climbing Kilimanjaro: you can either go on a climb with a group that has a fixed departure or you can go on a climb that is private. The set departure dates start at approximately $2,500 per person and are available for purchase. There are a variety of private climbs, and the number of climbers involved and the route chosen both play a role.

It is possible that a private climb may be more cost-effective for you if you are a group of more than two people; nevertheless, if you do let us know, we will be able to calculate the cost for you. We don’t go with the most affordable operator; rather, we go with one that we have been working with for twenty years and have complete faith in to provide the highest level of service to our customers.

When is the ideal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?: The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro

The wet season on Mount Kilimanjaro lasts from the beginning of March until the end of May, and it is not a good time to go trekking. However, the remaining months of the year are still enjoyable, with the absolute peak season being comparable to the finest game viewing, which occurs from the beginning of July until the end of October. In the end, you want to make sure that you have a good probability of reaching your summit on a day when the sky is clear so that you may enjoy the breathtaking view from the highest point in Africa.

Kilimanjaro: How long does it take to climb the mountain?

Although this does depend on the route, the quickest assent can take up to four nights, but the majority of people take between six and eight nights, depending on the route.

The overall fitness level required for mountaineering

Although it is feasible to simply travel a route to the peak of Kili without relying on professional climbing equipment, it is still a challenging and serious endeavor that requires a level of physical fitness, stamina, and a realistic awareness of the potentially detrimental effects of high altitudes when being undertaken. A great number of tour companies need their customers to seek medical advice and undergo a physical examination in order to determine their overall level of fitness before attempting to climb the mountain.

Kilimanjaro Climbing | The Most Popular Routes

There is a fair balance in the height of the camp sites along the Lemosho path, which is a slightly more relaxing path that allows for eight days of acclimatization. As you travel through the woods and traverse the terrain, the sight is just breathtaking. To reach Uhuru Peak, the success percentage is 88%, whereas to reach Stella Point, it is 94%.

The Machame road is the most traveled road, and as a result, it is prone to seeing a high volume of traffic. It has surpassed the Marangu Route in terms of popularity, and despite the fact that it offers breathtaking vistas to the west of the mountain, we have the impression that its popularity has slightly diminished the quality of the experience.

Northern Circuit: Because the Northern Circuit climb takes place over the course of nine days, almost everyone makes it to the top of the mountain. You are able to complete it in eight, but nine is a little more laid back! As a result of the fact that solitude on Kilimanjaro is difficult to come by, this is a pleasant complement to the Northern Circuit route. It is for individuals who are passionate about mountains and also for those who are looking for alone on the mountain.

The Rongai Route is our preferred route for a period of six days. It marks the beginning of the trek up the northern side of the mountain and is unrivaled in terms of the beautiful landscape and the success of reaching the peak. There is also some leeway in this regard, as you have the option of adding a day, which will provide you with more time for acclimatization and will elevate your chances of reaching the summit. There is a success percentage of 74% for the seven-day journey to Uhuru, and an 88% success rate to Gilman’s Point.

Shira Route: This is an eight-day plan that will take you through the pristine nature of the Shira Plateau, as well as around the mountainous and magnificent Moir Hut and the Lent Hills. After that, you will traverse underneath the Kibo icefields and reach the summit by way of the Barafu Camp. Those who are looking for a route that offers unobstructed views and to get away from the throng can consider taking the Shira Route, which approaches the summit from the western side. For Uhuru Peak, the success rate at the top is 86%, whereas for Stella Point, it is 93%.

How to Climb Kilimanjaro | The Different Phases

The Initial Phase, the Tropical Forest

The first encounter of the mountain environment begins with the dense foliage of tropical montane forest between 1850 meters and around 2800 meters. This is because the majority of the previous lowland forest has been cultivated and populated.

As a result of the fact that cloud condensation tends to congregate around the forest, this region is typically wet or drenched with rainfall, which results in the formation of a fascinating mass of plant life and rivers that run between endemic tree species. Additionally, the region of heath that is located just beyond the tree line is characterized by a very misty and damp atmosphere due to the fact that cloud clings to the densely packed trees. This is covered with heather and bushes like Erica Arborea and Stoebe Kilimandsharica, as well as a number of Proteas that have a dramatic appearance.

The open moorlands

After reaching an altitude of around 3,200 meters, a vast stretch of moorland extends beyond the heath and the cloud line. As a result, the sky here are often bright, which results in the intensity of the sunshine during the day and the clarity and coolness of the night.

The elevation of the rising is still modest, but the oxygen supply is decreasing, which means that there is less fuel to energise the muscles and can significantly slow down the activity of walking. This moorland zone is home to a number of hardy indigenous species, including Lobelia (Deckenii) and Giant Groundsels (Senecio), which can grow to heights of up to four meters and lend an air of primitive wonder to the surrounding landscape.

An Alpine Desert with Very Little Vegetation

At even greater elevations, over 4,000 meters, the oxygen levels continue to decrease as the terrain transforms into a more peculiar alpine desert, with sandy loose dirt. There are very few plant species that are able to live, with the exception of everlasting flowers, mosses, and lichens. The weather conditions are both so strong and the temperature changes are so dramatic. Beyond 5000 meters, after Kibo Huts and beyond the Saddle, where the environment is primarily composed of rock and ice fields, the only lichen that persists is the occasional mushroom. Here, climbers make their final, most difficult ascent to the peak of the mountain.

The climb to the summit

All of the routes that head east, including Marangu, Mweka, Loitokitok, and Rongai, come together west of the saddle close to Gillmans Point, which is located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Approximately circular in shape, Kibos crater has an inner cone that extends to a height of 5,800 meters, which is 100 meters lower than the peak of Uhuru Peak.

An inner crater that has walls that are between 12 and 20 meters high is located in the center of the ash pit. Within this inner crater is another concentric minor cone, the center of which disappears into the 360-meter span of the ash pit. This is the center core of the volcano, which is 120 meters deep and emits sulfurous boiling smoke from its depths, despite the fact that the surroundings of the volcano are frozen and covered in snow.

Prolongations of the Tanzania safari

Climbers who have completed the entire process of climbing Kilimanjaro typically choose to extend their stay by going on a safari in Tanzania or even spending some time at the beach in Zanzibar or on the coast of the mainland. The African vacation of a lifetime would not be complete without this great method to cap it off.

Tanzania is not the only country that we are familiar with!

The most effective way to acquire additional information about Tanzania is to give us a call and have an objective conversation with us. Although we have a strong affinity for Tanzania, we also have a strong affinity for the rest of Africa and have specialists in all of the major safari countries. We would appreciate it if you could send us an email or give us a call if you are still unsure about where you would like to go.