Climbing Kilimanjaro
- About
Climbing Kilimanjaro: The Ultimate Guide 2023
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcanic mountain in Tanzania. It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest peak in Africa. Out of three volcanic formations, Kibo is the summit of the mountain, and Mawenzi and Shira are slightly smaller peaks. Because mountaineering gear and experience are not needed in climbing Kilimanjaro tens of thousands of climbers ascend the mountain each year.
While ascending this majestic mountain you are going to meet 5 climatic zones from cultivation zones to arctic zones. Located near the equator the snow-capped Kilimanjaro has stunned the world with its natural beauty as the peak covered with a white sheet of glacier is the prime attraction of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable personal goal and a challenge that is desired by many hikers worldwide. The Kilimanjaro trek is a pure glory to behold, with spectacular views and world-renowned wildlife. Our Kilimanjaro adventure also includes an optional wildlife safari on our last day in Tanzania to fulfill the dream.
On this expedition, we will be climbing Kilimanjaro via the most popular route, the Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route”. It is a most scenic route with stunning views, offering a moderate pitch with plenty of time to acclimate. We will start at Machame Gate, which is located at the southern base of the mountain, featuring a lush, fertile rainforest. The route goes from savannah and tropical rainforest up to alpine deserts and finally across glaciers, leading up to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
It requires patience and endurance for climbing Kilimanjaro because the human body needs to adjust to the high altitude. Therefore, a successful ascent requires slow acclimatization to the altitude. In Swahili, the saying is “Pole Pole,” (meaning slowly) applies to this climb. Most people are able to reach the summit when they have enough time to adjust to the high altitude. With our suggested experienced guides, we can make a difference in the success rate for climbing Kilimanjaro.
Most experienced climbers say that the key to the Machame route’s success is its terrain, which allows hikers to scale high and sleep at lower altitudes to properly acclimatize the body.
You will find Africa Rooftop to be one of the best companies to climb Kilimanjaro. They will be leading you to the top and sharing interesting stories about the region along the way. Our lead guides are experienced and totally qualified. The porters will carry climbing gear and camping equipment. Our chefs will feed you tasty, high-energy-nourishing food during our expedition. Everything will be set up for climbers’ success on our journey up this mountain.
Facts to know about Climbing Kilimanjaro
- Kilimanjaro (5895 m or 19,340 ft.) is the tallest mountain of Africa located in Tanzania.
- It is the world’s highest Free-standing Mountain.
- It has three volcanic cones- Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo.
- Almost every kind of ecological system is found on this mountain: cultivated land, rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and an arctic summit.
- Mountain has seven routes to climb- Shira Route, Marangu Route, Machame Route, Lemosho Route, Rongai Route, and Umbwe Route.
- Approximately 25,000 people attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro annually. The two-thirds are successful.
- Altitude sickness is the most common reason climbers turn back.
- Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, in 1889, were the first people known to have reached the summit of the mountain
- Mount Kilimanjaro is the land of various wild species.
Who Can and how hard it is to Climb Kilimanjaro?
Anybody from over the age of 10 to people in their 60s and 70s with good health! All you need is determination and the will to get to the summit to chase your dream of climbing Kilimanjaro.
It is not hard to climb Kilimanjaro as long as maintaining good physical fitness with training for long hikes is practiced in advance. The genuine challenge with climbing Kilimanjaro is the height and the pace of climb with individual physical ability. Though, with professional support and guides, we are able to make it easier for you to get to the top!
Our qualified guides are high-altitude experts and are a key component to higher degree of success in climbing Kilimanjaro. Join the thousands of climbers who have stood on the top of mount Kilimanjaro Guided by our local professional experts. We are a Kilimanjaro Expedition company with many years of combined experience on the mountain. We specialize in climbing Kilimanjaro only, where our climbers’ success is our top priority.
This page provides details on how to climb Kilimanjaro. It begins with planning and picking the right time for arriving in Tanzania, and then to the mountain. You can check with our trekking office, select a course, etc. Of course, we will go through all concerning issues of the climb, preparation, physical fitness concerns, altitude sickness, and any other personal concerns. Most issues are explained in detail so you are able to understand and start your climb with a clear and relaxed mind to start the journey.
- Kilimanjaro
Why Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Many people climb Kilimanjaro to take on physical and mental challenges. Some climb with disabilities to demonstrate courage & perseverance, whereas some for climbing Kilimanjaro is to support a charity organization.
You need to make three important decisions before you start climbing Kilimanjaro:
- You have to decide on a date.
- You have to decide on the climb route and length (how many days/nights).
- You have to decide on a trekking agency/climb operator.
This world renowned icon is climbable by people from all walks of life and therefor, climbing Kilimanjaro for many is a huge accomplishment.
01
Choosing a date
The best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are the driest months of the year, particularly Jan-Feb and Aug-Sep. Generally, any time between January and March or between June and October offers reasonable possibilities of good weather for climbing Kilimanjaro.
02
Choosing a climbing route and the team of your Kilimanjaro climb
There are a few routes to choose from when it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro. If you’re looking for the best routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho route and Machame route are perhaps the best bet. Marangu Route is the shortest with dormitory-style accommodation but with a much lower success rate.
Generally speaking, a minimum of five days is required for the climb but, ideally, six to seven days is better. For the famous Machame highway type of route, six days is the minimum, but seven days is suggested for the best success rate.
Recommending an additional day for acclimatization will work in your favor to reach the top. There are longer trips accessible for the individuals who desire and can absorb the cost of it.
03
Choosing your trip’s tour operator organization/climb administrator
Mount Kilimanjaro lies in the Kilimanjaro National Park and access is restricted by park authorities. The average cost to be climbing Kilimanjaro does seem high at first glance but it varies from budget operators to large Western travel agents.
In any case, before you start your journey for a dream of climbing Kilimanjaro, read the entire page about the all expenses and how to plan it.
Climbing Kilimanjaro Expedition can begin with a registered guide/licensed organization. A decent tour operator will provide complete directions, a cook, porters, food, water, and camping equipment hardware while you focus on a hike enjoying nature around you.
There is a good reason not to get distracted with so much analysis of the climb since your body should be at a low-stress level and well-rested. Most Climbers will simply have to carry their day pack and nothing else, as it improves your chances of managing high altitude and reaching the summit. From setting up a tent to providing nutritional meals, and carrying your gear, it will be managed by support staff.
A lot of people book their trips to climbing Kilimanjaro trip from their home countries. For most climbers, this is the recommended way to get started on the expedition over trying to choose a tour operator after arrival in Tanzania. It also helps with your focus on climbing rather than losing precious time over onsite scheduling and planning.
The planning of climbing Kilimanjaro can be overwhelming. The quality shifts fiercely, from untrustworthy “rancher” outfits to deeply rooted tour operators with a much greater success rate. There are also extravagance tour operators who offer luxury Kilimanjaro climb options. You want to choose a company like Africa Rooftop which can choose one of the best tour operators with reasonable prices and can directly control the quality of the climb.
What you need to remember is that a quality operator who treats their staff well will deliver the best value. It is best to not just focus on a budget only as there are quite a few expenses tied with quality guides, the safety of climbers managing support staff, and insurance requirements. Overall, the cost will depend on the length of your route and the tour operator you use.
How to plan and prepare for your climbing Kilimanjaro Adventure
All you have to do is get to know a lot about mount Kilimanjaro, travel to Tanzania, and budgetary expenses by doing research online or asking companies like ours.
Before climbing Kilimanjaro, it’s important to ensure that you have a good level of physical fitness to manage longer hikes.
Here is how to do some preparation before you climb Kilimanjaro:
- You want to book your flights.
- You want to have a valid visa for Tanzania.
- You want to get the necessary vaccinations.
- You want to purchase or plan to rent the essential gear.
- You want to prepare for better physical fitness and long graded hikes in advance.
04
Booking your flights
Most travelers who are planning this trip to Kilimanjaro from overseas should contact their travel company which will help coordinate the entire Kilimanjaro trip for you. It is perhaps the best and easiest option.
Which airport to fly for this climbing Kilimanjaro trip?
The nearest airport to mount Kilimanjaro is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Kilimanjaro Airport is closer to Moshi but not too far from Arusha either. So based on your preference, a complete itinerary can be suggested.
Mount Kilimanjaro Park is closer to Moshi if you’re only focused on the Kilimanjaro hike as many tour organizations are located there. However, you may find a decent number of tour operators in Arusha as well. Arusha is additionally the “safari capital” of Tanzania and the doorway to Ngorongoro crater, Serengeti, and Tarangire parks.
If you’re planning for a longer journey in Tanzania trip you may choose to travel to/from one of the other major airports nearby like Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or even Nairobi, Kenya.
05
Coordinating your visa
All U.S. citizens may apply for an e-visa online in advance of travel to Tanzania as e-visa application online is pretty straightforward. Of course, as your travel company, we can also provide help answering any questions.
In case, where your home country has a Tanzanian consulate, you may contact them via telephone and get more information. These days, applying for and getting a visa online is super easy.
06
Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor a month or two prior to your trip to get the vaccines or medicines you may need. Your travel to Tanzania may require country-specific vaccines like yellow fever, Typhoid, or medicines for Malaria prevention.
What you may precisely need does depend upon the length of your stay and different places you plan to travel to other than Kilimanjaro, for example, Zanzibar or going on a safari, etc.
07
Arranging the necessary equipment for the hike
When you book Kilimanjaro climb expedition with a reliable tour operator, you want to make sure the type of service and package you’ve paid for. You will have to check hiking boots, well-suited mountain gear, and the type of camping equipment.
Numerous Kilimanjaro tour operators additionally offer the gear for rent that you probably only need during the climb. You can choose to purchase or use your own gear but that becomes a liability to carry around in Tanzania for an additional stay. Though, it is best to use whatever works for you.
Gear you can frequently rent include camping beds, sleeping bags, protection cushions, a warm jacket/down jacket, gloves, great shades, a day pack, hiking poles, fleece pants, and the other necessary gear.
Some personal items that you may prefer to bring with you like sunscreen, a warm hat, a poncho, water bottles, and layers of clothes.
All equipment rental is subject to the availability of specific sizes (small, medium, large, and X-large) so it is strongly recommended that all your rental equipment is booked well in advance of your planned trip or cash payment will be expected for an onsite rental.
Above all, you really want great climbing boots, and you definitely need to make sure in advance.
Here is a list of things and tips to know about the Kilimanjaro hike
08
You should be in good physical fitness
Mount Kilimanjaro is a gradual hike mostly assumed to require no unique technique of hiking or mountaineering gear. However, climbing Kilimanjaro is graded strenuous and most days require 5-8 hours of walking at altitude but summit day may become more strenuous with walking for 14-18 hours.
Essentially, extensive hill walking and longer hikes as part of preparation will certainly prove to be very helpful.
Definitely, one needs to know more about preparing for Kilimanjaro and adjusting to altitude based on their personal situation. If you are not physically fit then a few months of training with a personal gym coach may be better for you.
Though, climbing Kilimanjaro does not need prior mountaineering experience, yet, due to significant hiking distance and altitude, the climbing experience will certainly make a difference! That type of experience helps to assume you are accustomed to setting up camp and keeping your mind calm and clear resulting in reaching the summit in the shortest time.
- CAN YOU CLIMB KILIMANJARO WITHOUT A GUIDE?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to climb without a guide. In 1991, the Tanzanian government and Kilimanjaro National Park passed a guideline that all travelers should be joined by a registered and licensed guide. Travelers need to confirm with the Parks Authority prior to setting out, and sign in at each camp since they’re prohibited from wild setting up camps or using caves for cover. Park officers in the mountains will make sure that these guidelines are followed. Many different factors affect the climbing prices. You'll see a variety of charges add up and could appear a little too much at first glance, yet they are part of the unavoidable cost of climbing Kilimanjaro. The price of the Kilimanjaro climb comes from two kinds of costs: fixed (e.g. park fees) and variable (transfer, equipment, or gear) which are distributed between members of the group up to an extent. A larger group will bring down the variable cost. Truthfully, considering the safety and comfort of hikers it is best to assume using a licensed tour operator who may cost more but will help you reach the summit.
- COST TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO?
Undoubtedly, Kilimanjaro trips can be costly since there are National Park fees, guide charges, camping equipment rental charges, and support staff costs. Many tour operators use porters to assist with heavy lifting and setting up of camping hardware, as well as other care staff. Climbing Kilimanjaro likely costs somewhere in the range of $1500 (basic) to $7000 (luxury Kilimanjaro climb package), contingent upon the length of your course and the type of tour package you choose. We wouldn't suggest going for the least expensive choice as you’ll find many unlicensed companies too. When you choose guides - you pay for their experience and expertise for clients’ safety. Better additional support and accompanying staff will guarantee legitimate gear, knowing climate conditions, great food, and an appropriate time period for rest and change. Our goal is to completely satisfy clients for climbing Kilimanjaro expedition when booked with us.
- KILIMANJARO ROUTES
BENEFITS OF USING AFRICA ROOFTOP
We've worked with our local partners in Arusha for many years and have a reputation for being the best on the mountain, as well as working closely with the National Park Authorities in assisting others.
Additionally, an extended trip for Safari doesn't have to 'break a bank' sort of excursion so we listen and adjust based on your time and budget. Since we are a privately owned organization with no broker, we are able to keep our costs reasonably affordable.
MARANGU Route
MACHAME Route
MARANGU Route
Rongai Route
MACHAME Route
LEMOSHO Route
Lemosho Route
- Satisfaction Rates
99.9% Client Saticfaction Rate!
Undoubtedly, the most honest and accurate feedback comes from our clients themselves. With the goal of constantly improving our service, a post-climb surveys is taken from each client in order to assess our staff, equipment and food.
- #
- Overall Experience
- Chief Guide
- Assistant Guides
- Equipment
- Food
- EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
- 90.9%
- 94.1%
- 90.7%
- 59.9%
- 77.2%
- MET ALL EXPECTATIONS
- 8.9%
- 8.4%
- 9.3%
- 37.8%
- 23.0%
- MET MOST EXPECTATIONS
- 0.2%
- 0.2%
- 0.0%
- 3.2%
- 2.7%
- DID NOT MEET EXPECTATIONS
- 0.0%
- 0.0%
- 0.0%
- 0.2%
- 0.5%
- WHY CHOOSING US
01
REASONABLE PRICE
Safari doesn't necessarily have to be 'break a bank' type of vacation. We are a locally owned company with no middleman, so our prices remain fair and competitive.
02
COMMITMENT & SERVICE
We offer carefully selected lodges and safari camps to offer you a unique experience and adventure. You will be in a well-maintained 4X4 pop-up roof vehicle with enough comfort to make you forget the bumpiness of beaten tracks.
03
FINEST GUIDES
Each one of us is highly respected and well experienced in providing guiding safaris with the smallest details possible in wildlife, nature, and local culture in Tanzania. Our roots are in this soil which makes it so much easier.
04
TRAVEL EXPERTS
Being an expert on climbing Kilimanjaro gives a huge advantage to our accomplishments. We have carefully developed climbing tactics that will boost your chances for the summit and not compromise your personal safety during trekking and climbing to the top.
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