You must be having numerous doubts to be answered related to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Jerry Tanzania Tours understands your concern of learning about a completely alien land located across oceans where you have never been before.
Kilimanjaro is a pretty tricky climb you know, most of its up until you reach the very top, and then it tends to slope away rather sharply.
Keeping this in mind we have compiled the most frequently raised queries by our clients and we have tried the best possible ways to answer them below:
Where is Kilimanjaro located?
Located in the north-eastern part of Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro rises out of the African plains and stretches to over 205 miles south of the equator. Mount Kilimanjaro and the Kilimanjaro National Park are closer to the cities Arusha and Moshi. To get to the region trekkers usually fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Dar es Salaam International Airport. Our Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for Beginners will assist you in getting to the airports in Tanzania with utmost ease and our drivers at Jerry Tanzania Tours will pick you up directly from the airports and take you to the hotels.
How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro up to one of the tallest summits in the world, part of the seven summits and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain is the real adventure! If you are wondering how tall is Mount Kilimanjaro then imagine stacking at least 20 Eiffel Towers one above the other reaching the height of 19,340 feet above sea level. That is how tall Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,895 m.
How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Wondering How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Life on Kilimanjaro for even a day may seem very long because you completely lose track of time, spend more time in nature, disconnected from the busy city life. But it takes anywhere from 6-7 days to for Kilimanjaro Climbing. Some experienced trekkers may even complete the climb in 5 days upon choosing the shorter routes and itineraries like the Marangu Routes. But it is better to give more time to your body to acclimatize and depending on the route you choose the duration of the climb will vary.
What are the Kilimanjaro Routes?
There are over seven routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. We have listed some of the duration and route choices that we offer below for a better understanding:
7-8 Days Lemosho Route
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro may take around 7-8 Days on the route with the least traffic called the Lemosho Route. It is also popularly considered the Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro. This route then joins the Machame route at the Barranco Camp where you will see plenty of other hikers. We suggest you choose the Lemosho Route 8 Days for better acclimatization.
6-7 Days Machame Route
The Machame Route which is also known as the most popular route up Mount Kilimanjaro hosts around 15,000-20,000 people annually, and depending on the season (peak or low) it can get a little crowded. On Machame, you will be hiking through some of the most scenic parts of the mountain, and through the best trails up the summit.
7 Days Rongai Route
The Rongai Route starting in the north from the Kenya side of the mountain has numerous Rongai Route Pros and Cons and the first few days are a bit easier than the southern side of the mountain. The summit night is much more challenging though and once you get to Gilman’s Point it is another 2 hours to Uhuru Peak.
6 Days Marangu Route
The “Coca Cola” or the Marangu Route isn’t very scenic, it’s overcrowded, and pretty much the worst way to go up Mount Kilimanjaro. The Marangu Route Success Rate is also very low but many choose this route to date as it is the shortest and oldest route to Mount Kilimanjaro. We suggest you take time to acclimatize to raise your chances to reach the top of the Uhuru Peak.
Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.
What is the Kilimanjaro Climb Cost?
Kilimanjaro Climb Cost ranges from $1650 to $3000 with Jerry Tanzania Tours depending on various factors such as the duration of your trek, number of climbers, and the route of your choice for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. At first, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Cost may seem a bit too expensive but understanding the detailed aspects affecting the cost and the Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Packages will help you plan realistically for the trek.
When is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?
The Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of the year, starting from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October. Due to the pleasant aspect of seasons that these months have to offer, these months are also the busiest, and therefore for those climbers wishing to avoid the crowd can climb during the period just before the low season.
What is Kilimanjaro Weather?
Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing Season is during the dry summer and dry winter period when the average temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). However, as you start Climbing Kilimanjaro you will come across five different climatic zones and the temperature will thereafter keep decreasing to reach up to zero or minus degree Celsius on the summit.
What should I pack to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
Protective Clothing
Getting the right clothing is the first aspect while preparing your exclusive Kilimanjaro Gear List that includes protective layering against cold, winds, and some rain, which you are likely going to face on the mountain. What you need most is a windproof, waterproof, and breathable rain jacket that will keep you dry, and a heavyweight down jacket will keep you warm. You need a buff, beanie (toque), and wrap-around sunglasses to protect your head and face the ever-changing weather. Apart from this you also need windproof and waterproof gloves that will protect your hands as well.
Hiking Boots
While Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro you need a good, comfortable pair of hiking boots which are must footwear and should be mid-weight, waterproof and provide some ankle support. We suggest you go on at least 3 long training hikes before you climb Kilimanjaro as very important to break in your boots before the climb to avoid blisters, lost toenails, and discomfort.
Sleeping Bag
You need sleeping bags as the nights can get cold on Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Tours, especially once you get above 10,000 feet. What you need is a warm sleeping bag rated to at least 0 ºF. You can choose synthetic or down sleeping bags. Although the down bags are lighter, they’re also more expensive while the synthetic bags are slightly less expensive and dry but they’re also heavier and bulkier.
Medication
While on Kilimanjaro Group Climbs you will be provided with safety equipment by Jerry Tanzania Tours which includes – pulse-oximeters, a portable altitude chamber, oxygen tanks, and a stretcher. Some other medications that you can carry are:
- Zithromax (for traveler’s diarrhea)
- Anti-malarial pills
- Ibuprofen or Tylenol
- Personal prescription medications
- Diamox (for help with acclimatization)
- Decadron (just in case you develop a severe altitude-related headache)
- Phenergan or Zofran (just in case you develop altitude-related nausea)
What do I do for Training for Kilimanjaro?
While Training For Kilimanjaro you can try a mix of stair masters, uphill treadmill climbs, and breathing exercises. The more aerobic, stretching, and strength training exercises you include the better. Choose alternate days for the stair master and the treadmill, but we suggest you do these exercises with around six kilograms of weight on your back. Start training at least a month or two before the actual day of your trek to increase your level of fitness.
What are the signs of Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness?
The signs and symptoms of Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness include headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, loss of appetite, and possibly palpitations. In case you are experiencing any of these signs of sickness and do not see any improvements in your condition we recommend you not to ascend and start descending if your symptoms get worse at the same altitude.
Should I add a Safari or others on to my Mount Kilimanjaro climb?
Of course, you must consider combining a Safari with Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro as most of all it saves money and helps you explore complete Tanzania, its wildlife, nature and so much more! The diversity you will experience in a combined tour is beyond going to make your vacation the best one of your entire life.
Some people add Safari in the initial part of the trek, i.e. before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro while some choose to trek after enjoying their Tanzanian Safari. In both cases, it’s a double fun and thrilling experience that simply cannot be missed. For more such amazing Tips For Climbing Kilimanjaro contact our travel experts right away!
With Jerry Tanzania Tours all Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro queries will be answered
We suggest you secure your climb by buying the Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance that covers delays, medical expenses, and much more. For more such queries visit our Kilimanjaro Faq’s page where we have answered all your doubts in the best possible way. Our Climb Kilimanjaro Guide helps you provide unique facts about the mountain. Jerry Tanzania Tours can even make Climbing Kilimanjaro Solo an effortless dream to achieve.
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