How to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro: A Starter Detailed Guide

How to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro is detailed here. The first step is timing, followed by traveling to Tanzania and finally reaching the summit. Everything you need to know to successfully climb Kilimanjaro!

The difficulties of the trek itself, including preparation, physical condition, altitude sickness, and cost, are all covered in detail.

You can get a solid picture of what it takes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro here, but for every issue I describe here, there is another page, frequently several pages, explaining it in detail.

Northern Tanzania in East Africa is where you’ll find Mount Kilimanjaro, not too far from the Kenyan border.

(Kilimanjaro region map | Tanzania map)

Mt. Kilimanjaro, at a height of 5895 meters (19340 ft), is both the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. (A free-standing mountain is not part of a mountain range.)

You need to put in some time and effort to prepare for your Kilimanjaro climb.

How to PREPARE for Kilimanjaro | TRAINING & what you NEED to KNOW!

A successful ascent of Kilimanjaro requires careful planning and preparation.

And by “success,” I don’t just mean the possibility of reaching the pinnacle. How much you enjoy your trip from beginning to end is all up to how well you plan and pack for it.

How to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

There are three important choices you must make before attempting to summit Kilimanjaro:

• You should set a time and place.
• You’ll need to plan the climb’s route and duration (in terms of days and nights).
• A trekking company or climb operator must be chosen.

Deciding on a date

Jan-Feb and Aug-Sep, the two driest months of the year, are ideal for summiting Kilimanjaro. Good weather on Kilimanjaro can be expected, on average, between the months of January and mid-March, or June and October.

Deciding on a climb route and the duration of your Kilimanjaro climb

Multiple routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro exist. Length and difficulty might be somewhat different. Except for one, you’ll have to camp for the rest. You must stay in cottages along the Marangu path; camping is not permitted.

If you’re planning on hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, you should give yourself at least five days. The standard minimum time to do the popular Machame path is six days, although seven is advised.

Your chances of reaching the peak will be much higher if you give yourself an extra day to acclimate. Those with more disposable income can choose for lengthier journeys.

Selecting your trekking agency/climb operator

Kilimanjaro National Park serves to preserve the mountain. Because of its inaccessibility and the high park fees, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro may be quite costly.

But before you start looking for a cheap Kilimanjaro climb, check out the page that explains how much money you may expect to spend.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires the services of a licensed trekking company or guide. A reliable climbing service will provide you with guides, a chef, porters, food, water, and camping gear if you plan on doing any overnighters.

You have no time or need to fret over the particulars. Nothing beyond a daypack is required of you; there is no need to set up camp or prepare food. Pick a tour company and they’ll take you up Kilimanjaro.

Many travelers from other countries choose to climb Kilimanjaro. The vast majority of climbers would agree that this is preferable to choose a climb operator at the last minute.

There is a dizzying array of Kilimanjaro trips from which to pick. Climbing companies range from “cowboy” organizations that aren’t careful with your safety to high-end ones that almost carry you to the summit.

Ideally, you would find a reputable business that also provides good working conditions for its employees. Kilimanjaro is not the place to skimp. Climbing Kilimanjaro with a cheap tour company is not recommended.

(I get asked frequently if there is an operator I can recommend on an individual basis. It’s true. This page will connect you to my desired service provider.

Planning Your Climb Up Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro | 9 THINGS You Need To Know

Before you attempt to summit Kilimanjaro, there is much to do in preparation.

• Flight reservations are now required.
• Get your visa paperwork in order.
• You must receive the necessary immunizations.
• Obtain or arrange for the use of the required tools and machinery.
• You need to start working out regularly.

Booking your flights

Your Kilimanjaro flight may be arranged for you by your trekking agency if you purchase your trip from outside of Africa. If not, you’ll need to get on it.

Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) is, you guessed it, the nearest airport to the mountain. Kilimanjaro International Airport is conveniently located halfway between Arusha and Moshi.

Moshi is nearer to Kilimanjaro than the mountain itself. There are many hiking agencies in that area, while Arusha also has many options. (Arusha is also known as Tanzania’s “safari capital” since it serves as a departure point for trips to the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and other popular destinations.)

If you’re going to be in Tanzania for a while, you might wish to book flights to and from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or perhaps Nairobi.

Organising your visa

To enter Tanzania, you’ll need a visa and a passport valid for another six months past your intended stay.

If a Tanzanian embassy is located in your country, you can receive visa information by calling or visiting their website.

You can get a visa upon arrival in Tanzania if your home country does not have a Tanzanian embassy.

Getting your vaccinations

There are a variety of recommended immunizations, and a yellow fever certificate may be required. Some of them require months of preparation, so it’s important to start talking to your doctor right away.

You might also want to consider bringing anti-malaria medication along with you on your trip. Consult your medical professional.

The length of your trip and your plans after climbing Kilimanjaro (such as a trip to Zanzibar or a safari) will determine your precise requirements.

Organising the necessary equipment

If you go with a reputable tour company, you’ll get high-end camping gear for free.

In addition to climbing gear, many Kilimanjaro tour companies also rent out other equipment that you might not want to buy for a single use or to lug around Tanzania for a long period of time.

Down sleeping bags, insulating pads, and down jackets are common pieces of gear that can be rented.

In addition, you should bring a daypack, weather protection for your belongings, water bottles/a camelback, and gloves, a warm cap, decent sunglasses, sunscreen (for the lips, too!).

First and foremost, you’ll need a sturdy pair of hiking boots that have been properly broken in.

What you’ll need to climb Kilimanjaro, as well as some additional packing advice, may be found below.

Getting yourself into shape

Kilimanjaro is a popular peak to summit because it does not necessitate any advanced climbing skills or specialized gear. It’s more of a hike than a climb, in fact. You may easily reach the summit on foot.

That may seem simple, but it isn’t!

Learn more about how to prepare for a Kilimanjaro climb and how to deal with altitude sickness. You should prepare for your Kilimanjaro climb as well as possible beforehand.

While technical climbing knowledge is not necessary to summit Kilimanjaro, it is helpful. Those who are accustomed to camping and roughing it will find the Kilimanjaro climb more manageable.

Half of all climbers who attempt Kilimanjaro fail to reach the peak. Don’t be discouraged by that! There are businesses who say they have a 90% success rate with their customers, and they’re not lying. Although some may exaggerate, Kili may be climbed with a success rate of 90% or more with enough planning.

Most incidents of summit failure can be attributed to altitude sickness. Be prepared for Kilimanjaro by learning how to avoid the effects of high altitude.

Whether or not you make it to the peak of Kilimanjaro has nothing to do with chance, age, or your level of fitness or expertise. The choice is totally yours. You must be prepared to put in the time and resources required for study.