5 Simple Ways To Avoid The Crowds While Climbing Kilimanjaro

5 Simple Ways To Avoid The Crowds While Climbing Kilimanjaro : A lot of tourists visit Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. They envision a solitary trek up the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. They anticipate some quiet, at the very least. The mountain, however, is teeming with other hikers, porters, guides, and trash. Your climb may be a little disappointing as a result. So how does one ascend Kilimanjaro without encountering crowds?

We have all the information you need, including how long it takes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and how to reserve a Kilimanjaro climbing trek without the crowd, if you’re looking for the best time to climb Kilimanjaro but also want to avoid climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with the crowd.

WHY IS THE MOUNTAIN SO CROWDED?

No mountaineering expertise is necessary to ascend Kilimanjaro’s 19,341-foot summit. As a result, the summit is reachable by anyone who is moderately fit and persistent. Providing their bodies can adjust to the rapid elevation change.

 Second, of the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro is the easiest to climb. Many people find this appealing. Before COVID, the Tanzania National Parks estimated that 50,000 people attempted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro each year on average. That is roughly 50 times more people than attempt either Everest or Alaska’s Denali.

Thirdly, there are plenty of porters on the mountain to transport the supplies for each group’s food, water, and equipment. A mountain crew of 36 people, for instance, can accompany a group of 10 hikers. 30 porters, two cooks, one guide, three assistant guides, and so on

RULES AND REGULATIONS

It is a significant challenge to control the effects of so many people on the mountain. To aid in this, the park has put in place a number of rules and regulations. Hikers are required to follow pre-mapped routes and rest at designated camps. There are now weigh stations in every camp where porters and guides sign in. These weigh-ins safeguard the mountain from litter and prevent porters from carrying loads that are too heavy (no more than 33 pounds). Groups must weigh their trash to make sure that what goes up Mount Kilimanjaro also comes back down.

A persistent issue is human waste. Each campsite now has a permanent composting toilet that was recently installed by the park. If you haven’t rented a private toilet tent, these are for the trekkers. For the porters, there are also older, mobile long-drop restrooms.

FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES FOR A CROWD-FREE KILIMANJARO EXPERIENCE.

1. Book a private climb.

The simplest way to avoid a crowd is to not be in one. Kilimanjaro group climbs typically range from 10 to 16 climbers. Each client requires the assistance of three to four porters, as well as a team of cooks and guides. As a result, the number of clients in a trekking party is multiplied by the number of people in the group.

When you book a private climb, you can climb with as few or as many people as you want, even alone. On the mountain, you have more freedom in terms of when to set out for the day, how fast to hike, and when to take breaks—subject to the lead guide’s discretion, of course. All of these elements can be used to separate yourself from the crowd.

• TIP: If you start your daily hikes before 8 a.m., you will be on the trail before 90% of the other climbers on a group climb schedule.

2. Choose a less-traveled route.

The majority of people who climb Kilimanjaro stick to just three routes: the Marangu route, Lemosho and the Machame route. By ascending Kilimanjaro via alternate routes, you can avoid many other trekkers until the routes converge higher up on the mountain.

Other established routes to consider include Shira, Rongai, Umbwe, and the Northern Circuit. Any of these routes will help reduce crowds not only on the trail but also at the campgrounds. When selecting a route, make sure it fits your experience and ability to acclimate to altitude for a better overall experience.

• TIP: The best routes with the fewest people are Rongai, and the Northern Circuit.

3. Climb during the shoulder seasons or the short rainy season.

Kilimanjaro has two dry seasons: July to October and December to February. You can climb Kilimanjaro during the transitional periods between the dry and wet seasons or during the short rainy season if you are willing to take a risk. You still have a chance of good or fair weather if you do this.

The months of March and June are considered shoulder seasons. The short rainy season takes place in November. At these times, most operators do not offer group climbs. Furthermore, during the rainy season, the mornings are usually clear, with rain falling in the afternoon and evening. Fast hikers may be able to arrive at camp before the afternoon showers start. If you don’t mind hiking and camping in the rain, this is the time to go because the mountain will be almost entirely to yourself.

• TIP: Because the northern side of Rongai receives less rainfall during the rainy season, it is a good choice for climbing during the rainy season.

4. Do not summit on a full moon.

Because the final ascent of Kilimanjaro is usually done at night, timing the summit to coincide with the full moon provides hikers with enough light to see the mountain while hiking in the dark. This appeals too many people.

Other operators focus on scheduling full-moon summit climbs for their clients, which means that on these days, hundreds of climbers will arrive at the summit at the same time. Plan your summit to avoid the full moon.

• TIP: Starting your climb in the middle of the week will help you avoid crowds because most group departures start on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.

5. Use alternative campsites.

Some campsites are overcrowded, while others are barely used. You might be able to find space for yourself if you choose a less popular site. For example, instead of Shira 2, use Moir Hut, Kosovo Camp instead of Barafu Hut, Millenium Camp instead of Mweka Camp, or sleep at Crater Camp after the summit.

It should be noted that staying at some sites, such as Kosovo and Crater Camp, requires a special permit and thus additional fees. These arrangements must be made ahead of time.

• TIP: For safety reasons, Crater Camp should only be used on longer routes.

CONCLUSION: HOW TO AVOID THE CROWDS WHILE CLIMBING KILIMANJARO?

Mount Kilimanjaro is best climbed during the driest and warmest months, which are December to mid-March and mid-June to October. However, keep in mind that these are also the busiest months of the year. As a result, if you want to avoid crowds on your Kilimanjaro trek, these months are not ideal. However, there are other options for avoiding crowds on the mountain even during these months. Use the suggestions above to find the best option for you, or contact Focus East Africa Tours for more information. Our Kilimanjaro specialists will help you plan your adventure from start to finish!