6 Tips for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
6 Tips for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
In northern Tanzania stands a giant dormant volcano, Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft) above sea level, Kilimanjaro is no doubt everyone’s dream hike. Most people come here to test their climbing abilities and to start their journey to beat the Seven Summits. We’ve guided thousands of hikers up this fascinating mountain. We’ve learnt from the success stories of our clients and from failures. Here are our tips for hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro successfully.
- Train, train, train.
We hear this more often. “Kilimanjaro isn’t a technical climb.” Yes, Kilimanjaro is a walk-up climb. No technical climbing skills required. Just stamina will get you to the top. However, it’s no small feat, and the reason many people fail is due to a lack of proper training. Let’s be crystal-clear on this: you don’t have to be an athlete to be ready for the hike.
Just start light by lifting small weights, running, and doing more activities to make your leg muscles strong. If you’re someone who visits the gym more frequently, then you’re on the right track. Just add a few activities to your regular program. But if you’re someone who can’t visit the gym more often, don’t worry much. To clear the air, even people in their 80s have successfully hiked this spectacular mountain.
- Choose the best route.
Sometimes it’s not the level of fitness that matters: it’s the trail you choose. Kilimanjaro has seven trekking routes, each with unique inclination, length, and view. The choice of the route often depends on your level of fitness, how long you want to spend on the mountain, and the views. If it’s your first time going up Kilimanjaro, then choose Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, or Rongai. The first two are more popular. So, expect to hike with other fellow hikers. The last two are remote and more scenic.
And for seasoned hikers, Northern Circuit, Shira, and Umbwe are the best. The first is the longest route so far, while the last one is the shortest. In terms of summit success, the Northern Circuit beats all other routes because hikers spend a longer time on the mountain than normal. And for the case of expert climbers, Umbwe is perfect because it’s short and more direct, putting your hiking skills to the test.
- Include an extra day of acclimatization.
The average Kilimanjaro climb often takes 5 days. But that isn’t always successful. Why is this? A 5-day climb is possible on the Marangu route. It doesn’t always include an extra day of acclimatization. As a result, climbers fail due to altitude sickness.
To address this, extend your climb by at least one day: we mean spend one extra day on the way up, especially one day before the summit attempt. This changes your body’s rhythms. You cope with the oxygen supply at higher altitudes as well as atmospheric pressure.
- Choose experienced tour operators.
Experience matters. By the way, you’re going on a hike, not a safari (which is always led by a driver). Your operator should know the route uphill very well. And they should have expert mountain guides who know everything about climbing, from packing lists to specific challenges that drain most climbers. With the help of this expert, your climb will go swiftly and smoothly.
So, the next time you’re planning a Kilimanjaro climb, do your homework. Start by checking reviews on reputable platforms like TripAdvisor and SafariBookings to see what past hikers say. Next, look for professional affiliations. Why? Because reliable operators are members of organizations, such as the Tanzania Porters Organization (TPO) and Kilimanjaro Guides Association (KGA). More importantly, ensure the company is registered to operate.
At Focus East Africa Tours, we proudly hold all the memberships and registrations required. And we don’t just join associations. We value our workers – we pay decent salaries and ensure they’re in a safe working environment.
- Plan your hike at the right time.
Picking the right time is good to make sure you have an unforgettable climbing experience. If you choose the wrong time, you’re one step ahead of failure. Plan your climb from June to October and January to February when the conditions are perfect for hiking: clear skies and dry trails.
Crowds are common in the peak months of the dry season: July and August. You can avoid the crowd by trekking on Kilimanjaro from January to February. For safety, avoid wet months such as November, April, and May unless you’re okay with getting rained on. Our pro tip for those traveling in these months is to follow the Rongai route. This route is in the north of Kilimanjaro, a side which receives less rainfall.
- Drink plenty of water.
This is a small act, but it can change the whole thing. Even science backs this. Why is this important? We explain everything. First, as you hike up, the air dries and gets thinner, making you lose moisture quickly through breathing. Second, drinking water reduces the risk of headache, fatigue, and nausea, hence preventing the likelihood of altitude sickness. Finally, water boosts your energy and thinking.
You become more active by sipping water more often as you go up. So, make sure you drink at least three litres of water every day of your hike. Drink every now and then instead of gulping.
Now that you know what to consider when planning your Kilimanjaro hike. Our mountain guides have incredible experience in taking clients through five vegetative zones. We are very proud to help you beat this wonderful, snow-capped mountain. Call our experts to start planning.
