Complete Guide on Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

If you are keen on mountaineering, the best place to start is to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Yes, the highest peak in Africa that rises to 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). Lying in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro National Park, this mountain formed by three now dormant/extinct volcanoes is a major climbing destination for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts. It is believed that Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller were the first to summit this peak in 1889.

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Why choose Mount Kilimanjaro?

In comparison to peaks like Mount Everest, K2, Kanchenjunga, Mount Kilimanjaro is a toddler in terms of height and difficulty. However, this makes it ideal for novice climbers and climbers who want to take it easy and enjoy the climb. Also, the sense of achievement associated with conquering the highest African peak is hard to resist and makes it an attractive proposition!

That said, Mount Kilimanjaro is not really a cakewalk and requires thorough preparation and training. To this end, the mountaineering experts at Climbing Kilimanjaro, a climbing agency that can be accessed at https://www.climbing-kilimanjaro.com/ makes it easy for you. All the hassles of getting the requisite permits, providing guides and climbing gear, organizing the climb and other essentials are taken care of to make summiting Mount Kilimanjaro a success.  

Climbing Kilimanjaro not only provides professional, experienced and licensed guides, but also the best quality equipment. What more the agency’s strong emphasis on safety keeps you safe throughout your climb.

Valuable climbing tips for Mount Kilimanjaro

#1 Physical fitness

Your physical training should start much before you even set your foot on the mountain. Since Mount Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak and requires no technical training, you will need to prepare yourself to endure the long-drawn treks. So, start with undertaking intense physical exercises for at least three to four months before you climb.

#2 Mental preparation

In addition to physical fitness, you also need to train yourself mentally for living outdoors. This includes enduring bugs, dirt, going toilet outdoors and other things associated with camping. This is because all the accommodation for this climb is mostly in tents without running water. However, huts are available in one of the routes.  

#3 Choosing duration of the climb

How many days you want to spend on summiting the mountain is your choice. However, it is better to go for an eight-day climb. This will not only be safe but will allow you the best experience possible. Also, a longer duration will allow you to get properly acclimatized to low levels of oxygen. The downside is your climbing costs may go through the roof since every extra day you spend on the mountain escalates the cost.

#4 Selecting the best route

The six climbing routes have different levels of difficulty and may also vary in length, cost and scenery.

• The Marangu Route: This route offers hut accommodation.
• The Machame Route: This is the most popular climbing route.
• The Rongai Route: This is the easiest route.
• The Shira Route: This route has sharp steep that is encountered on the first day.
• The Lemosho Route: This is the most scenic, but also the most expensive route.
• The Umbwe Route: This is the most difficult and demanding route.

#5 Selecting the right clothing and accessories

Of all the items of clothing and accessories, three items are most important – sturdy trekking boots, good quality down jacket and a good water bottle. These three will ensure success, even if you are deficient in other items.

#6 Pacing your climb

Never rush up the mountain and tire yourself, since it will be difficult to recover from fatigue with increasing altitude. Going at a steady pace will not only keep you energetic but help you get acclimatized along the way.

#7 Keeping hydrated while climbing

Make drinking water your top priority while climbing, since the body dehydrates much quicker at higher altitudes. Drinking five liters of water throughout the day on the mountain is recommended.

Conclusion

The more prepared you are for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the more you will enjoy the trip. So, if you follow these tips and tune your body and mind for the climb, you will certainly enjoy yourself and make the climb worth your while.

Author: Merin Mathew