The snow-topped peak of this inactive volcano in Tanzania is a huge draw for peak-baggers the world over. Those that conquer Africa’s highest peak remember the life changing experience forever.
Choose a reputable tour company to maximise chances of reaching the peak and, if time permits, consider a trip extention like an African wildlife safari to help unwind after the gruelling hike.
Mount Kilimanjaro
"Kili", as it is fondly called by those who have scaled it, towers 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) above the plains of Tanzania. It is the world’s tallest walkable mountain and therefore one of the most popular adventure treks offered by specialist trekking companies. First conquered by Hans Meyer in 1889, the Mount Kilimanjaro trek demands a good level of fitness together with strong determination and awareness of the dangers of altitude sickness, which prevents many people from reaching their goal.
Routes and Best Times to Climb Kilimanjaro
- Easiest options are the Marangu route and the Rongai route. The first is the most popular walking route up Kilimanjaro as it offers accommodation in huts rather than camping in tents.
- Harder options include the Machame, Shira, Umbwe and Limosho routes where scrambling is involved on several sections. All these longer trails require camping.
- When choosing a route, check the number of days trekking involved. A minimum of 6 days is advisable to include an extra acclimatisation day half way through the trek.
- Best times for Kilimanjaro trekking are January-March and Sept-October. Weather is more settled in the 753 square kilometre Kilimanjaro National Park in these high season months and the chance of summiting therefore much greater.
What to Expect when Climbing Kilimanjaro
- Experience four different ecosystems whilst ascending the mountain from vegetal rain forest and moorland heather on the lower levels to remote alpine desert and arctic glacier en route to the peak.
- Adopt the Swahili mantra "pole pole" – slowly, slowly – and stick to it! Taking things slowly whilst drinking plenty of water (4-5 litres per day) maximises chances of reaching Uhuru peak, the highest point on the mountain.
- Expect an early start on summit day. Most tours begin the "day" around midnight when the scree on "Kili" is still frozen and therefore much easier to ascend. Guides will move at an excruciatingly slow pace, toe to heel, toe to heel. This is totally necessary to ascend the steepest part of the mountain without succumbing to altitude sickness.
- It is common to experience slight nausea and a headache at heights above 10,000 feet but anyone experiencing extreme nausea, vomiting, dizziness, severe headaches, pins and needles and swelling of the limbs should descend immediately.
- Complete elation when reaching the summit and gazing at the majestic view below.
- A long walk or run down the scree slopes before descending to a lower camp to recover from the most gruelling day of the hike.
Successfully Climbing Africa's Highest Mountain
Choose the correct route, acclimatise well over several days and approach Kilimanjaro with respect and a strong "can do" attitude to make it to the top of the roof of Africa.
Related Articles
Keen hikers may also like to read our other articles on amazing trekking destinations:
Simien Mountains Trek, Ethiopia
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Nepal
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