Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be an incredible experience. There are many different routes to choose from. Here, you’ll find information about equipment and routes, Altitude sickness, and getting in shape. Once you know what to expect, you can choose the right route for your trip.
Routes
There are several routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, which each offer their own advantages and disadvantages. The Northern Circuit, the newest route on Kilimanjaro, climbs the mountain by bypassing the southern traverse and traversing the mountain’s rarely visited northern slopes. This route takes nine days to complete, which gives climbers an excellent acclimatization period. In addition, it has one of the highest summit success rates of any route.
The Rongai route has the least amount of rain than the other routes. While this route has a higher success rate, it also has the least scenic views. Additionally, some months are colder near the summit and may have snow. This should be considered when deciding which route to choose.
The Rongai route begins in the north and is the least trafficked route. As a result, it is more expensive. However, it has a gentler slope, making it easier to acclimatize. It is also the shortest route, so many climbers consider it the best choice.
The Lemosho route is the newest trail, derived from the traditional Shira route. It starts at the Londorossi Gate and ascends through a rain forest to Shira 1 Camp. It then merges with the Machame route near the Lava Tower. This route offers better acclimatization than the Shira Route. From there, you will descend via the Mweka route.
Equipment
For a successful climb, you need the right equipment. While you don’t need to bring all the materials you need to get to the top, it would be nice to have a few essentials on hand. If you need to borrow some equipment, it’s easy to do. In addition to the proper clothing, you’ll also need to be prepared to deal with the varied climate and environment of Tanzania. While many people may think that Tanzania is mainly savannah, this country is surprisingly diverse. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will expose you to a variety of vegetation and landscapes.
You can rent the right equipment from local gear shops or tour operators. You’ll need a pair of comfortable hiking boots, layered clothing, warm gloves, a beanie, and a water bottle. Hiking poles are also helpful. You can also hire sleeping bags for the night, though you don’t necessarily need a tent.
You’ll also need a day pack. Some people use porters to carry their daypacks and other gear. If you’re planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro alone, you should consider hiring a porter. Porters usually carry all of your supplies for the entire trip. They’ll also carry all the water you need for cooking, since there’s no fresh water nearby.
Altitude sickness
When you are climbing the world’s highest peak, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. The early symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, and a lack of appetite. More serious symptoms can include fever, vomiting, and retinal haemorrhage. Altitude sickness can also cause loss of coordination, confusion, and even coma, so proper health precautions are essential.
The severity of altitude sickness varies with elevation, rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility. Generally, symptoms begin 12 to 24 hours after reaching the altitude. They will lessen over the course of the second and third days. On average, about 75 percent of climbers will experience some form of altitude sickness, although the symptoms will vary from person to person.
To avoid altitude sickness, you should gradually climb higher each day and descend lower at the end of the day. Doing so allows your body to acclimatise and recover from the high altitude. In addition, you should avoid panting and slow your respiration. You should drink plenty of water.
Getting in shape
Before you start climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it is crucial to be in good physical shape. This means doing exercises that will make your body fit and strong, and avoiding any injuries. It is also important to have proper clothing for the climb, including sturdy boots. The right clothing will also help prevent soreness and blisters. In addition to physical training, you must also adjust your diet to reduce the consumption of red meat and increase the amount of fruits and vegetables. Finally, it is important to get at least eight hours of sleep per day.
To prepare for the climb, you should start training eight to nine weeks before your climb. You should increase your cardio exercise intensity and duration about a month before the climb. It is important to avoid injuries that might cause you to give up the trek. The earlier you start your training, the better your chances of summiting the mountain.
It is also important to keep your body hydrated. Drinking at least four litres of water a day is essential. Make sure to hydrate in the morning and rehydrate in the evening. You should also take extra vitamins and minerals to boost your energy levels.
Cost
Before booking a climb to Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s important to consider the total cost of the trip. Many tour operators will offer cheaper packages, but they may not have the best gear. Equipment can range from broken transfer vehicles to poorly maintained sleeping bags. These factors may affect your experience on the mountain, and they will add to your total Kilimanjaro climbing cost.
You should also consider the cost of the crew members you’ll need to climb the mountain. You’ll likely need two guides and three to four porters to complete the trip. These personnel costs add up quickly. Other expenses that climbers should take into account are regular maintenance of vehicles, wear and tear on camping equipment, and administrative costs like insurance and license fees. In addition, you’ll need to factor in additional government taxes.
If you’re a North American citizen, you can expect to spend about $5,000 to $6,000 on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. However, you should be aware that flights to Tanzania will cost you around PS3,000 to PS3,500. Fortunately, there are cheaper options for climbing Kilimanjaro for Europeans and British nationals. However, if you’re a South African, expect to pay between R50,000 for a climb to the summit. The cost for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will also include the costs of camping and park entrance fees. Moreover, you’ll need to pay $20 for a rescue fee per hiker.
Full moon climb
A full moon climb on Mount Kilimanjaro is an experience that is truly unforgettable. It is especially beautiful because the moonlight illuminates the mountain and helps make the last night’s climb much easier. If possible, you should plan your climb for the full moon so that you can experience the breathtaking views of Kibo.
The climb is also possible during rainy season, though the views will not be as spectacular. Nonetheless, many Kilimanjaro climb operators are now offering summit night treks under the full moon. The summit night trek is often the most difficult part of the climb, and the moonlight helps climbers see more clearly and safely.
Many climbers prefer to summit during the full moon. The moonlight is especially bright during the few days before and after the full moon. However, you don’t have to summit on a full moon to experience these views. You can always start your climb 5 days before the full moon.
If you’re looking for an easier route to the summit, you can try the Lemosho or Machame routes. These routes avoid the crater rim and will leave you at Stellar Point, which is less than an hour’s walk from the summit.
Getting to the summit
There are no set dates for climbing the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. However, the peak climbing season is between mid-June and mid-October, when the temperature is pleasant and the mountain is least likely to be covered in snow. Climbers should avoid the rainy season during this time, as the mountain will be muddy and wet.
The climb takes about 7-8 days and covers 38 miles. It passes through cultivated farmland, equatorial forest, alpine heath, and lunar-like volcanic desert before reaching the glaciated summit. There is no need for specialist equipment, although the trek can be exhausting.
Mount Kilimanjaro is classified as a dormant volcano, which means it could erupt again in the future. It has three volcano cones, which are Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo, the highest peak. Its last eruption occurred about 400,000 years ago. Climbers choose from one of seven official routes to the top.
Getting to the summit of Mount KiliManjaro is an experience of a lifetime, but it takes a lot of self-belief to complete the journey. You must understand the challenges and work through pain and discomfort. Creating a vision board or journal is a great way to motivate yourself to succeed.
