Kilimanjaro Tips | Expert’s Advice

You may already be aware of this if you have been planning on climbing Kilimanjaro for some time, but it’s not a cheap endeavor.

Generally, your entire journey could cost anywhere from $1950 – $5,000 per person. This amount should include your flights, camping, accommodations, food, mountain guides and porters, park fees, and transport.

If you have found a tour operator deal that seems too good to be true, the general rule-of-thumb is that it is. One thing you shouldn’t skimp on is the quality of your tour operator and the services they offer.

Paying a little extra for you a high-quality, experienced, and knowledgeable tour operator is the difference between summiting Kilimanjaro and not.

During your trek, you need good sleep, nourishment, physical support, emergency support, emotional support, and good acclimatization knowledge. Your tour operator should be able to provide you will all of the above.

While you can climb Kilimanjaro all year round, it’s generally not recommended to do so in the wet months of April, May, and November. Some of the best months for a Kilimanjaro trek fall from January – March where the weather is cooler and the routes are far less crowded.

The second climbing season falls over June – October which tends to coincide with the summer holidays for those living in the northern hemisphere. The days are warm and pleasant, however, the mountain is much busier during this time.

Warm, thermal clothing is still required for the evening and at the summit of the mountain which remains arctic-cold year-round.No matter the time of year you choose to climb Kilimanjaro, you are most likely to encounter snow and freezing temperatures closer to the summit.

If you are choosing to hike during peak season (June – October) you will need to book your trip well in advance – at least a minimum of 6 months.

When it comes to the number of routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, climbers are truly spoiled for choice. In total, there are 7 different routes to choose from, all ranging in difficulty, scenery, route popularity, and length.This being said, choosing the correct route for your capabilities is, ultimately, the deciding factor in whether you’ll summit the mountain or not.

The length of your Kilimanjaro hike depends on your chosen route, but generally, the shortest routes take 5 days, while to longest takes up to 10 days. The routes with the highest success rate of summiting the mountain are the ones that are slower, ascending at a more gradual rate.

Acclimatization on Kilimanjaro is an extremely vital part of your trek, without it you will most likely not make the summit of the mountain. No matter how fit you are, how much you have trained and prepared for you Kilimanjaro trek, acclimatization can affect anyone – even pro athletes.

It’s best to choose a slower route, which allows for proper acclimatization in order to successfully hit your goal – the summit. Some of the most popular routes include the Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, and Northern Circuit for the highest success rates.

One of your most important factors when embarking on any multi-day trek is the amount you pack and have to carry on your back.Being highly selective in the gear you pack is vital to the success of your trek. However, your tour operator should supply each climber with its own porter who is only permitted to carry 33lbs (15kgs) of your belongings.

Anything over and above that, you will need to carry yourself. It’s recommended that you carry no more than 20lbs of your own gear and snacks each day. Lost luggage is a reality in Africa, so it’s a smart idea to pack your most important hiking gear in your carry-on luggage.

This includes your hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, fleece, and thermal layers, toiletries, medications, snacks, and travel documents. When it comes to hydration, this is yet another vital part of your Kilimanjaro trek. Plastic water bottles are a no-go in the park, therefore a 3-liter water bladder, camel pack of Nalgene bottles are ideal.