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Climbing Kilimanjaro Guide

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is something atop the list of many travelers’ bucket lists. Each year, the iconic mountain attracts thousands who spend days attempting to reach her snowy summit.

However, with a little planning and preparation, you can greatly increase your chances of reaching “the Roof of Africa.” Here’s everything you need to know Climbing Kilimanjaro Guide to make the most of your trip:

Kilimanjaro Key Facts

Before we dive head first into tips and tricks for Climbing Kilimanjaro, let’s start with some key facts about the mountain.

Where Is Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in North-eastern Tanzania near the border with Kenya. It is the highest mountain in Africa and is situated within Kilimanjaro National Park. Kilimanjaro lies just 205 miles away from the equator – which is why so many people are surprised to find glaciers at the top.

How To Get To Mount Kilimanjaro?

There are a few different options for Getting To Kilimanjaro. The nearest airport to Kilimanjaro is the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and it is located between Arusha and Moshi. Most people stay in Moshi before climbing Kilimanjaro, as it is the closest municipality, being a 45-minute drive from Kilimanjaro Airport.

Unfortunately, you cannot fly directly from the UK or US to Kilimanjaro Airport. But you can fly from any of the main airports in the area – Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Nairobi in Kenya. Bear in mind that you will need an extra visa if you go via Kenya.

How High Is Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is an eye-watering 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) above sea level. That’s 3.7 miles high! It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, as it’s not part of a mountain range. Towering over the plains, the mountain’s three peaks are covered with a variety of vegetation, from the rainforests of the lower slopes to the alpine vegetation that occurs just below the peaks of the glaciers. Is one of the Seven Summits, being the fourth highest – after Everest, Aconcagua, and Denali.

What is the height of the Kilimanjaro base camp?

Mt Kilimanjaro has four base camps or high camps:

  • Kibo Hut/Camp (4,700 meters/15,4196 feet): Kibo base camp is used by hikers on the Marangu and Rongai routes. It follows a slightly steeper and longer path up the slopes of Kibo to the sub-summit, Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters/18,651 feet).
  • Barafu Camp (4,670 meters/15,321 feet): Barafu base camp is used by hikers on the Machame, Lemosho, and Umbwe routes. It follows a zigzag route up the slopes of Kibo to the sub-summit, Stella Point (5,739 meters/ 18,829 feet).
  • Arrow Glacier Camp (4,903 meters/16,086 feet): Arrow base camp is used by hikers on the western breach routes. It follows a rock and steeper and shorter path up the slopes of Kibo’s volcanic crater to the sub-summit, Crater Camp (5,800 meters/19.029 feet).
  • Crater camp (5,800 meters/19,029 feet): Crater base camp is the highest camp on Mount Kilimanjaro and is situated in Kibo’s volcanic crater. Due to its altitude, one needs to properly acclimatize before sleeping at crater camp.

How Many People Climb Kilimanjaro Every Year?

Around 30,000-40,000 people attempt to Climb Kilimanjaro every year.

What is the success rate of climbing Kilimanjaro?

The overall Kilimanjaro Routes Success Rate is 75%. But this hugely varies depending on the climbing route. Kilimanjaro Success Ratings – Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing offers a true Adventure Experience during Your Tanzania Tours. Around 30,000 -40,000 people Climb to the Summit Every Year, but it is not an easy task.

It makes sense to plan your climbing adventure with summit success rates in mind, but it is also important to understand what “Kilimanjaro Success Rate” means in the context of a mountain, especially Kilimanjaro.

The success rate is not the only factor to consider when choosing a route on Kilimanjaro, but it is a very important one! However, a success rate on a route should be considered alongside climbing experience, previous acclimatization, and fitness level of climbers, all of which Kilele climb discusses in this article.

Which Kilimanjaro route has the highest success rate?

The Lemosho Route Success Rate is around 90% on the 8-day itinerary that we provide, and on the 7-day package, it is around 85%. The Kilimanjaro Routes Success Rates are highest on the northern circuit route. This is the newest and the longest route, taking 9 days to summit Kilimanjaro.

Picking the right Route on Kilimanjaro is one of the most important things for your climb. The route you pick is going to determine whether you will reach the summit successfully. And it will also affect how much you will enjoy the entire journey.

Why Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

There are lots of compelling reasons to climb the highest mountain in Africa. These include:

  • It’s an accessible adventure. You don’t need extensive training, and it’s suitable for first-time hikers as well as more experienced mountaineers.
  • Porters do all the heavy lifting. Great appeal lies in the fact that porters carry your big rucksack (you carry your daypack), tents, equipment, and food.
  • Easy to reach. Despite its remote location, Kilimanjaro is relatively straightforward to access, with a good surrounding infrastructure.
  • Supports the local economy. From guides, Kilimanjaro Porters, and cooks who join you on the mountain to hospitality, tour agencies, and many other companies within the area.
  • Great personal achievement. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is undoubtedly an extraordinary personal achievement. It’s a chance to challenge yourself and get away from the world for a few days.
  • Breath-taking natural beauty. The mountain is a truly spectacular sight, and the view from the top is the best you’ll ever see. Watching the sunrise over the Roof of Africa will forever be one of my fondest memories.

How Much Does It Cost To Climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro Climb Cost vary quite considerably depending on season, route, and the tour company you book with. You can also choose between group climbs or private climbs according to your budget.

Many people look for to know Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Cost. But if you have done some research, then you have already found that. And you probably have also discovered that there is a wide range of prices charged for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro by different outfitters.

Generally, the Kilimanjaro Climb Cost ranges between $2000 to $6000; the price varies from cheap, budget operators to large Western travel agents selling outsourced climbs at an inflated price. There are various, unavoidable fixed costs to any tour operator, and if a climb seems too cheap, you’ve got to ask yourself why.

What Is The Best Time of Year To Climb Kilimanjaro?

So, you’ve decided to take on the challenge of tackling Africa’s highest peak? Next, you need to think about the best time to climb Kilimanjaro in terms of weather, trekking conditions, and popularity.

You can climb Kilimanjaro year-round, but it’s best to avoid the wet and cold months. Kilele Climb generally advises that the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of the year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October. However, although these are considered to be the best times to climb the mountain in terms of weather, they are also the busiest months.

Kilele Climb suggests climbing Kilimanjaro in January-February or July-September when warmer temperatures and clear skies are most likely. But these are also the most crowded months. Climbing in March or October, just before each of the two rainy seasons, is the best hedge to avoid both crowds and foul weather.

Is it the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in the dry or wet season?

The best Seasons to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro are traditionally December through to March and June through to October. At this time, temperatures in Moshi, at the base of the mountain, are typically around 22 degrees C, and summit temperatures around – 7 degrees C.

It is generally advised to try and avoid November and April / May, which are when the short and long rains come. However, there is a caveat as the seasons are shifting, and the timing of the rains is definitely less predictable when compared to the past. And, of course, you must be prepared (as per any mountain) for rain (and higher-up snow) at all times of the year.

If you were to climb in a period when the weather would traditionally be wetter, then the northern slopes are not only less traveled, but they’re also less affected by the rains. Therefore, if you’d like to go at a quieter time, then November and April / May deliver fewer people, and if you use the Rongai Route, which starts on the northern slopes, it’ll be drier than the Umbwe Route, Machame Route or Lemosho Route that cross the southern flanks during the traditional rains.

Summiting Kilimanjaro – What Happens On Summit Day?

It is very common to attempt the summit during the night, as you can reach the top in time for the sunrise. You will be woken up at approximately 11 pm for ‘breakfast’. After putting on every piece of clothing you have with you, it’s time to start the ascent. With nothing but your head torch to light the way, you’ll walk ‘pole pole’ – very slowly. Due to the high altitude, oxygen is limited, and it’s important to stay at a slow and steady pace.

Read through the above. Still want to climb Africa’s Highest Mountain? Don’t know where to go from here? Then read on…

If you’re looking to organize your own Tanzania Adventure, then the next thing to read is our Countdown; this is Kilele Climb’s step-by-step Climbing Kilimanjaro Guide to planning for your trip. This tells you exactly what to do when planning your own expedition – and when.

After that, you may want to go through our site in greater detail. You’ll find that it’s divided into three main sections, which together provide you with all the basics you need to know to plan and prepare properly for your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing.