If you want a high-adrenaline adventure, look no further than Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro, at an astounding 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) in height, is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Over 25,000 individuals just like you visit Tanzania every year to attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
Any group is open to you! Contact us if you’re unable to find a group trip that works with your schedule, and we’ll arrange a private tour.
The prices and dates for our scheduled Kilimanjaro tours are listed below. You need not be concerned about crowds. Our hikes are limited to 10 trekkers so that the guide can carefully check everyone’s health, and make sure all your requirements are addressed.
We run our own trekking excursions with professional mountain guides. We will be by your side every step of the journey till the summit of Kilimanjaro – and provide you with detailed advice on packing, fitness, anticipated weather, and trail conditions. After your once-in-a-lifetime trip, we will also transport you to the airport.
When is the best time of year to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Have you finally made up your mind to climb the highest mountain in Africa? Next, you must decide when, in terms of weather, trekking conditions, and crowds, you will attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania can be climbed at any time of the year; however some months are better than others because of the weather (colder, wetter, and possibly snowier).
It is generally agreed that the months of December through the middle of March and June through the end of October are the best periods to attempt a Kilimanjaro ascent due to the favorable weather conditions.
These are the months with the finest weather for mountain climbing, but they are also the busiest.
How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed in anywhere from five to ten days, depending on the route taken and the hiker’s pace. Some exceptionally daring people have even managed to complete it in a single day! The time and distance of treks varies widely. Gradual slopes tend to be the slowest in terms of rate of ascent. Climbers need that time to acclimate to the higher altitude as they progress. The success rate of reaching the peak is also higher on the longer hikes.
How hard is it to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro
If anyone tells you that Kilimanjaro is simple to summit, it won’t be us. Climbers have struggled to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro for over 130 years. A few unfortunate mountaineers were sucked in and spat out, forcing them to trudge all the way back to the base. To reach the summit of Kilimanjaro can be challenging. However, you are capable of simplifying matters. Being there, reading this piece, and doing the necessary preparation will make things simpler for you. Learn as much as you can about acclimatization, pack the appropriate hiking and climbing gear, and investigate your route alternatives.
Climbing Kilimanjaro could prove challenging for those who are extremely elderly or young. That said, the youngest person to summit Kilimanjaro was just 6 years old. Conquering Uhuru Peak if you’re extremely obese or severely physically impaired could be complicated, as such our trekking experts can help you locate a custom Kilimanjaro climbing trip. Generally fit people have no problem reaching the peak of Kilimanjaro.
Pole Pole
Simply saying “pole pole,” which means “slow slow” in Swahili, will have the desired effect. The most physically capable males have a tendency to be haraka haraka, which is far too quick. Make sure your heart is in good shape, that you’ve done your lunges and squats, and, most importantly, that you’ve done a good amount of trekking in the months leading up to your ascent. Endurance also plays a role in the outcome.
How to get to Tanzania for your Mount Kilimanjaro climb
Many airlines travel to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Near to Kilimanjaro National Park are the cities of Arusha and Moshi which are the main starting points for any Kilimanjaro adventure.
International flight that fly to Kilimanjaro Airport are KLM Royal Dutch, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airways, Turkish Airlines, Condor Air, Rwanda Air, Kenya Airways. As an alternative, you might research flights to Dar es Salaam (DAR) in Tanzania or Nairobi (NRO) in Kenya. It’s easy to get to Moshi or Arusha from Nairobi, and flights there are probably cheaper, even during peak season.
Which route offers the best chance to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho and Machame routes, which can be completed in 7 or 8 days, offer the best chance of reaching the peak of Kilimanjaro, thanks to superior acclimatization and a less challenging summit night. Since the summit is the ultimate goal, this route has been chosen as the greatest Kilimanjaro route overall.
HOW MUCH DOES COST TO CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO
How many days your climb will be and what route you pick can greatly affect the final cost. You’ll learn in a later section that daily rates are used to determine costs for hut stays and conservation program. Climbers who are especially swift can complete the ascent in 5 days, however taking your time is highly encouraged. Because of this, you won’t have to worry about getting altitude sickness, increasing your chances of success.
Prices for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro range from $2,000 to $6,000.
Camping equipment, park entrance fees, camping fees, rescue fees, guides’ and porters’ salaries, all meals, and transportation to and from the airport are all included.
Having a good level of physical fitness will make your ascent easier and more pleasurable, but it doesn’t mean you need to go to the gym every day. Many people who are not in peak physical condition have successfully scaled this peak. Even though the routes are lengthy and challenging, they are not technically demanding and so require no special expertise.
If you can comfortably walk for six or seven hours uphill at a rate of one thousand metres, you should be physically capable of climbing Kilimanjaro. If you’re already a dedicated walker who clocks regular miles and can keep up with an hour-long cardio class at the gym, you’re well on your way to achieving your fitness goal.
You may rest assured that local porters will be on hand to help carry your gear, but you’ll still be required to walk with a daypack weighing in at 30 to 40 litres. The last ascent is made up entirely of scree and loose boulders, but the trails are often well defined except when rainy. Even with the most supportive pair of walking boots, your ankles and knees will get tired after a while.
Being mentally prepared is just as important as being physically fit. For a walking schedule of up to seven hours per day, seven days per week, the “feed, walk, sleep, repeat” mantra is a need. Your appetite may decrease at high altitude, but it’s still important to make sure you get enough to eat and drink. You’ll need all the mental fortitude you can muster to make it through this walk.
Before you set out on your walk, the crew at Brilliant Adventures will do a comprehensive inspection of your gear. Our on-site rental services ensure that you will always have access to the gear you need, whether you forgot it at home, or you have a pressing need for it.
Gear List:
Get ready with a duffel bag or a backpack. Please, no suitcases! The maximum weight for a bag that a porter can carry on his head is 20 kg.
We have had custom trekking bags made in Tanzania to protect your backpack while on the trail.
Equipment like trekking poles are useful. We provide rentals if you don’t have access to them on your own.
Gaiters are used by some hikers so that their feet stay dry, and by others so that they may walk more safely over gravelly or rocky terrain, especially when descending. Rental gaiters are inexpensive, but not required.
A reliable day pack is necessary for transporting warm layers, beverages, and snacks throughout the day.
On Kilimanjaro, you cannot bring any PET plastic bottles. You should bring water in aluminium or Nalgene bottles. Water will freeze, so bring bottles (or a camelback) with you. Minimum daily water intake should be 3 liters.
You should always bring along polarized sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen with a high SPF.
Bring along a headlamp and two spare batteries.
Pack some energy-boosting snacks like energy bars, powdered drink mix, and dried fruit, nuts, and candies.
A toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes, and toilet paper are all you really need for toiletries. Many service providers offer soap, but porters only give you enough water to wash your face. If you want to maintain your toenails short, we advise using a nail brush and a nail cutter. Pack a compact, lightweight towel. Also, ladies, remember that the altitude can affect your monthly cycles, so pack accordingly.
Both the cold and the high altitude are devastating to cameras and their batteries. Be sure to pack extra batteries and memory cards.
Having a quality first aid kit is mandatory.
To pass the time, it’s helpful to have a book or a deck of cards on hand.
Duct tape and a pocketknife are two other handy items.
Clothing List:
You should pack accordingly, as the temperature might fluctuate widely along your path, from 30 degrees Celsius at the base to -20 degrees Celsius at the peak. Take the complete range into consideration.
Have some thermal tops and bottoms handy? Although unattractive, it serves its purpose of keeping you toasty.
Bring along three fleece tops: two thin ones and a heavier one. Breathability is essential for a good fleece. This will help keep you dry by preventing sweating.
Use an effective windbreaker to protect yourself. Attempt it on with your fleeces on. If you don’t already own one, you can rent one.
Buy some sturdy jeans for your hiking adventures. Be careful to wear heated underwear underneath them for the best results.
Don’t get wet. Having adequate protection from the weather is crucial. Clothing that gets wet on the mountain is not easy to dry. An ultralight pair of waterproof pants that can be worn over your trekking pants and a waterproof jacket will do the trick. In the wet forest, our guides prefer to go about with umbrellas. If regular rain gear makes you too hot, a poncho is cheap and will keep you and your belongings dry in the rainy woodlands.
Keep your hands warm on the inside with a pair of thermal gloves and keep them dry on the outside with a pair of windproof and watertight gloves.
Please remember to bring a brimmed hat and a warm knit cap. A beanie made of fleece is superior than a wool one since it dries faster.
Protecting your neck and face with a versatile buff is a win-win.
When the weather begins to drop, it is not a good idea to wear cotton t-shirts. If you sweat, it will cling to your skin and make you cold. Choose workout shirts that dry quickly instead.
To avoid getting blisters, liner socks should be used. Quality thermal socks are an absolute necessity.
For the first day’s hike in the humid rainforest, shorts and a vest could come in helpful due to the high temperatures.
Other than the proper attire and many layers Comfortable, well-insulated hiking boots are a must for cold weather. Leather is durable yet can be cumbersome. Many people choose for Gore-Tex. Hiking boots, not sneakers, are required due to the necessity for ankle support and warmth. To begin with, you need to break in your boots.
Our extensive knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro will help you achieve your goal of summiting the highest point in Africa. Our lightning-fast service and unrivalled knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro is yours. Contact us to start planning your Kilimanjaro climb.
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