Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro : Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Tanzania and Africa and is located in the northern part of Tanzania.
The mountain is one of the best hiking destinations of Tanzania and is known for its snow capped peak on the Uhuru peak and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. It is part of Kilimanjaro national park and hiking is a popular activity done around the destination.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be done by experienced hiker and beginners and hiking to the top of the mountain is an achievement for hikers since it is one of the seven summits of the world.
Hiking routes on Mount Kilimanjaro
During the hiking adventures on Mount Kilimanjaro different routes are used to hike to the summit of the mountain.
Hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro can be done as part of group tours and or individual or private tours. Guides and porters accompany the hikers as they trek to the top of the mountain. The routes used during the hikes on the mountain include Machame route, Marangu route, Lemosho route, Umbwe route, Rongai route among others.
Day hikes and long hiking tours are done during tours around Mount Kilimanjaro which can range from 1 day visits to over 10 days hikes. Apart from hiking around the national park, tourists can also engage in guided nature walks around the destination and also cultural tours with tribes such as the Chagga people who live around the slopes of the mountain.
The routes are on different sides on the mountain and each of them offers a unique experience throughout the year. The Marangu route is the only one with hut accommodation and has one of the best success rates of the hikes on the mountain.
Best time for hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro
During the year, hiking around Mount Kilimanjaro can be done in the dry season and also in the rainy season.
The dry season around June to October and also in December to February are considered the best time for hiking on Mount Kilimanjaro. The hiking routes are easy to navigate during the hikes on the mountain and the weather conditions are also favorable. It is also a good time to enjoy wildlife viewing around the forests on the mountain.
Hikers tend to avoid the rainy season due to the muddy trails when visiting Mount Kilimanjaro and it is also a time of the year when there are fewer crowds of tourists on safari around Tanzania.
How to prepare for climbing Mountain Kilimanjaro
- Physical Fitness
Mount Kilimanjaro is at an altitude of 5,895 meters above sea level he highest mountain in Africa making the hike to the top strenuous.
Hikers may require adequate physical training to prepare for the hike on Mount Kilimanjaro which is essential for managing the effects of altitude, handling difficult terrain, and withstanding lengthy hiking days.
This also allows the body to be prepared for the difficulties of the climb on Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Acclimatization
Acclimating to the high altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro is another way to make it through the hike to the summit and back.
Because of the lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes, hikers may experience altitude sickness at different stages of the ascent on Mount Kilimanjaro. Selecting an itinerary that allows tourists to acclimatize is also important.
Including rest days for acclimatization, and hydration and eating well is crucial to reducing the risk of acclimatization.
- Choosing the right hiking route
There are different trekking routes used during hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro and each of them offers distinctive terrain, features, and success rates.
The Machame, Marangu, Lemosho, and Rongai routes are well liked routes during hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro that differ in length, topography, and success rates. A good climb requires careful consideration of your interests, fitness level, and time limits while researching and choosing a route.
Marangu route is the easiest route to use for hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro and it takes 5 to 6 days to hike to the summit of the mountain. It is important to choose a route which allows time for acclimatization during the hike on the mountain.
- Guided hiking expeditions
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is done as part of organized trips with knowledgeable local guides and porters.
In addition to offering knowledge of how to get to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, experienced guides also manage logistics, guarantee safety, and provide support during the whole trip at the destination. It is crucial to select a trustworthy safari organization that has a history of environmental responsibility and safety.
- Carrying proper hiking gear and equipment
For a secure and comfortable ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, it is essential to bring the appropriate tools and equipment.
Other items to carry for the hike on Mount Kilimanjaro include warm clothes that may be used in a variety of weather situations, strong hiking boots, a cozy sleeping bag, trekking poles, sunglasses, a headlamp, and a high-altitude medical kit.
Hikers can also buy the hiking equipment from the local shops during their tours to Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Mental Preparation
Kilimanjaro climbing is a mental as well as a physical challenge during tours in Tanzania. Hikers will need resolve, patience, and endurance during the hike on the mountain.
It is also essential to psychologically prepare oneself for discomfort, uncertainty, and setbacks to remain tough and focused during the climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. For motivation to successfully hike to the summit, it is important to keep a good outlook, establishing reasonable expectations, and finding inspiration in the surrounding area’s natural beauty.
- Respect for the Environment
Mount Kilimanjaro is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is home to a wide variety of plants and fauna in a delicate ecology.
Hikers are encouraged to observe local laws and customs, leave as little trace as possible, and follow Leave No Trace principles during their climbing expeditions on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also important to stick to the designated routes of hiking and not veer off during the hikes.
