Thinking about Climbing Kilimanjaro?

And Wondering how to do it and where to begin……?kilimanjaro-trekking

Let’s say you know someone or heard a friend who made it to to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and your also desperate and want to be next . First thing is to Relax, be calm ! Below we have composed a simplified kilimanjaro trekking guide which has all the all the information and instructions to prepare you from beginning to end. You don’t want to be those people who rush into things then end up failing and disappointed because of one thing…..they did not do any research or prepare . It costs allot and it takes time. You also want to enjoy the trek, so planning ahead of time is the key.

Lets begin…

Where is Mount Kilimanjaro and how big and high is it?
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, a country in East Africa. The mountain Size is 1668 sq km /641 sq miles and its one of the seven summits (the highest peaks on each of the seven continents) Mt kilimanjaro rises 5,895 meters or 19,340 feet above sea level. It is a dormant volcano , Its last eruption was 200 – 300 years ago. Comprised of three cones – Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. The highest point is on the Kibo cone, and is named Uhuru , which means freedom in Swahili.

How to get to Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is a major tourist attraction for experienced and beginning climbers. To get to the mountain, the most convenient way is to fly into Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport) , and then travel to Arusha or Moshi, Kilimanjaro’s gateway towns, by vehicle. Both cities are approximately 40 minutes away from the airport and taxi services are readily available. Tanzania Expeditions offers expert travel planning and guides for getting here!

Best time of the year to Climb Mount KilimanjaroKilimanjaro Routes
The best times for climbing Kilimanjaro are the driest months of the year, especially Jan, Feb and Aug, Sep. But any time between Jan—mid March and June—October offers reasonable chances of good. The most important issue is safety, being able to enjoy the hike and have a great experience. We don’t recommend trekking when its a rainy season as The effects of rain, mud, snow, ice and cold can be very strenuous on the body. Correspondingly, your chances of a successful summit also increases significantly with nice weather. Of course, the mountain gets more foot traffic during these periods as well.

Which route to take while climbing Kilimanjaro and how many days does it take?
There are six established routes to use while climbing Kilimanjaro. They vary in length and difficulty. All except one require you to camp. If you climb Kilimanjaro on the Marangu route your accommodation is in huts and camping is not allowed.

Five days is the absolute minimum duration for a Kilimanjaro climb, six is better. If climbing using the Machame route six days is the minimum, seven days is recommended.

Taking an extra day for acclimatization will greatly improve your chances to reach the summit. There are longer treks available for those who can afford them. Take a look at our Kilimanjaro climbing Itineraries and packages

How do i prepare for climbing kilimanjaro
Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and does not require any technical climbing! All you need is walk slow but steady. For the summit to be reached, your body must sufficiently acclimatize itself. It is important to be physically, emotional and spiritual prepared for the Kilimanjaro Expedition. Another important part of the preparation is having the proper equipment before you depart to Tanzania. See the Mount kilimanjaro packing list for details.

Physical preparation

It is very important that your body is properly prepared for the physical challenge of the Kilimanjaro. The better prepared you are, the better you plan to conquer the highest point of Africa. Good preparation will make a significant contribution to your own confidence and your mental strength.

Mental preparation

Mt kilimanjaro is an amazing experience and anyone is able to reach its summit(Uhuru peak). Think about this when you prepare yourself for the expedition. You will not be alone as Tanzania Expeditions kilimanjaro Dream Team will make you feel welcome and will be there with you all the way. Always think positively and you WILL enjoy the climb! Remember to make it a journey and not a destination.

How will i get fit?

The type of condition is more important than the degree of fitness.Kilimanjaro is a walk and the interesting part of it is you take your time, no rush , so the best preparation you can have is to walk, preferably under simulated conditions. Although to some extent it helps to go running/jogging, your muscles are still not preparing for seven days of quiet but heavy walking. I suggest that you will regularly walk long distances. Ignore the elevator and take the stairs or even take your dog for a walk,

Go walk, for example, in addition to regular fitness to let your muscles develop more. And try to opt for regular walks with altitude, so you can practice walking up and down at different incline levels.

If you can walk 80 kilometres (50 miles) in one week, you have done the Kilimanjaro Machame Route. Train your body for extra resistance for your muscles, because on the mountain the inclination varies.

In a period of eight weeks, using the gym and the many hikes, you can become fit enough for Mt Kilimanjaro climb.

Medical check-up

Before starting a physical training program, it’s always wise to get the approval of a doctor. Also knowing your health conditions from the doctor is avery essential key as you will be hiking at a high altitude and its very risky if by a mistake you didn’t consult a doctor and found out you have heart or lung problems and you need evacuation from kilimanjaro.

What to know about Altitude Sickness while climbing kilimanjaro
If you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro we highly recommend reading our altitude sickness (Acute mountain sickness) guide to be familiar what it is, its cause and prevention.

The definition of altitude Sickness (Acute mountain sickness)

Is an illness that ranges from a mild headache and weariness to a life-threatening build-up of fluid in the lungs or brain at high altitudes. Acute altitude sickness is the mildest and most common form. Because more people are traveling to areas of high elevation like climbing kilimanjaro.

High Altitude: 1500 – 3500 m (5000 – 11500 ft)
Very High Altitude: 3500 – 5500 m (11500 – 18000 ft)
Extreme Altitude: above 5500 m (18000 ft)
What to do to Acclimatize and prevent altitude sickness while climbing kilimanjaro
Acclimatization is the process in which an individual organism adjusts to a gradual change in its environment . So while your climbing kilimanjaro your body undergoes a process of trying to adapt the altitude transformation.

So, physiologically, what happens during acclimatization is, As you ascend higher into the atmosphere, there is less atmospheric pressure pushing all the air molecules together, so oxygen molecules become few and far between. Read more about acclimatization and how prevent altitude sickness while climbing kilimanjaro to get your self informed and prepared you for your trek.


Contact us today to begin planning your Kilimanjaro trek or if you have more question