Mount Kilimanjaro is the most visited place in Tanzania and it is the main attraction in Tanzania. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not for everyone, you will need to have the determination with mental and physical fitness. There are few best Kilimanjaro Routes for trekking that take you from different circuits.
However, there are a few factors which you should know before considering choosing the best Kilimanjaro Routes:
Who is Climbing?
Kilimanjaro Climb is not for everyone, if you are super young or ridiculously old, obsess, or severely disabled, you will not be able to cope up with the things which Kilimanjaro throws at you.
So, let’s know a few details of who is eligible for Climbing Kilimanjaro:
- Lower age limit: The official lower age limit set by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority for trekking to Uhuru Peak is 10 years old. However, most of the operators recommend 13 years.
- Upper age limit: There is no upper age limit, and people in their 70’s and 80’s normally making it to the summit. However, above the age of 70, it is advisable for extra health checks.
- Fitness level: When we say about fitness level, it includes physical and mental fitness. Trekkers come from all shapes and sizes. However, the fitness level should be good and adjust to altitude sickness.
So, anyone above the age of 10 who has a better fitness level can easily attempt Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
What Limitations Surround Your Climb?
The main limitations are which can surround your climb are budget or the number of days in which you would like to complete the summit. The main thing here which you should consider: if you are taking a longer route you should pay expensive, but have a high success rate and if you take a shorter route you will have to pay less but more chances to suffer from Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness as you will not have time for acclimatization.
The best things which you can do are:
- Check the review of people who have made it successful at the summit.
- Make sure which routes are using most of the time for a successful summit.
- Check which route offers the best success rate.
- Crowded routes also make a difference in climbing.
- Make sure what type of accommodations are offering.
How Do You Perceive Your Trek?
The best way to perceive your trek is, you will need to make thorough research regarding the routes, camps, acclimatization, days, and fitness (both mental and physical). Here are a few things which you can do to perceive your trek:
Determination
Getting to the top of Kilimanjaro needs a lot of determination, you may feel to give up on Stella’s point, but your determination should not supersede your health. Be prepare for the key success of Kilimanjaro.
Water
Water is critical on the mountain; you should aim to drink more than 3 liters a day.
Acclimatization
You will need to give enough time to your body so that it adapts to change in altitude. Understand the symptoms associated with AMS.
Climb high, Sleep Low
This technique helps the body to experience altitude for a short period before descending.
Kilimanjaro Routes
There are seven different Kilimanjaro Routes, some start their climb from the East using Lemosho and Shira route.
Climbing Skills
Mount Kilimanjaro does not require any special skills, it can be considered as a big hike.
Why Are You Climbing?
First and foremost make sure why are you Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, are you climbing as a professional trekker, draw attention to a worthy cause, or charity, raise money to cure cancer, or bring attention to a condition such as autism.
Here are a few reasons that why you should be Climbing Kilimanjaro:
- Kilimanjaro is both remote and accessible.
- This is the easiest summit compared to the other 7 summits in the world.
- This is a beautiful snow-covered mountain and you can walk from the equator to the North Pole in one week.
- Its high altitude has created a habitat for strange and unique life forms, such as delicate elephant flowers and bizarre Kilimanjaro trees.
- Kilimanjaro is the best place to study climate change.
- People also Climb Kilimanjaro to mark their personal accomplishments.
- Many people climb to draw attention to a worthy cause, or charity.
- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro inspires transformation. A mountain top is a place for vision, inspiration and a new beginning.
When Are You Climbing?
The best time for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing is on a full moon day and this makes your summit more beautiful than any other day. You can take the best Kilimanjaro Route for a successful summit.
The general advisable time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warm and dry time of the year that is from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October.
We have made a list of month by month climb:
- Climbing Kilimanjaro in January and February – They are the warmest month and you can expect a clear sky in the morning and evenings.
- Climbing Kilimanjaro in March, April & May – The long rain starts at the end of March and continues through early June. Kilimanjaro Trekking in the rain is less enjoyable.
- Climbing Kilimanjaro in June: This is the transition period from rainy to dry season. This month is much drier than March.
- Climbing Kilimanjaro in July, August, September or October – From July till the end of October, conditions are generally colder but much drier than the previous months.
- Climbing Kilimanjaro in November – The short rains start in the month of November and continues for a month. This is not considered as a good month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro as conditions can be very muddy, wet, and slippery.
- Climbing Kilimanjaro in December – The short rain continues but it will be good to climb during this month.
- Climbing Kilimanjaro During Full Moon – During a full moon, climbing Kilimanjaro is beautiful indeed. The glaciers are lit up by the bright moon and the views are absolutely stunning.
Picking for the wrong route can mean an unnecessarily difficult trek, a failed summit, or getting sick and/or injured. So it is necessary to compare the different elements that make each route unique. Before choosing any Route, you need to go through Pros and Cons for superb Kilimanjaro Climbing. So remember to pick the best Kilimanjaro Routes that is right for you! For more information visit us @ Jerry Tanzania Tours