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How Hard Is Climbing Kilimanjaro? Altitude, Routes & Prep Tips

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How Hard Is Climbing Kilimanjaro? Altitude, Routes & Prep Tips

Mount Kilimanjaro – The Roof of Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro, also known as the ‘Roof of Africa,’ is the tallest mountain on the continent and the highest free-standing peak in the world, rising to 5,8985 meters above sea level. Situated in the northern part of Tanzania, this legendary mountain is a dormant volcano made up of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.

Its snow-covered summit, despite being close to the equator, brings adventurers from around the world who dream of climbing Uhuru Peak and witnessing the sunrise from above the clouds. Kilimanjaro is not just a climb; it is a journey through several ecosystems, beginning with the fertile rainforest, the alpine desert, and culminating in the most extreme, the arctic summit zone.

To climb Mount Kilimanjaro is a dream for many, a journey of both physical challenge and stunning natural beauty. However, a frequent question that comes up is: How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?

What Makes Kilimanjaro Challenging

Altitude & Physical Demands

The altitude of this peak is one of the major difficulties in understanding how hard climbing Kilimanjaro is. Uhuru Peak, which is the summit, is approximately 5,895 meters above sea level. At that height, the air is thinner, and oxygen levels are lower, and it takes time for your body to adjust. Altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue, is real. The faster you ascend, the higher the risk is.

Then there are some drastic changes in terrain, you’ll pass through different climatic zones, from rainforest, through moorlands, the alpine desert, to the arctic summit. The weather can move from hot and humid at lower altitudes to bitterly cold at night at higher altitudes. Walking long days, carrying backpacks around, and hiking over the rocks requires stamina, good footwear, and strong legs.

Route Choices & Their Difficulty

Another big part of responding to the question of how hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro is the route you choose. Kilimanjaro has several established trails to choose from to reach the top. Some of the most popular ones include Machame, Lemosho, Marangu, Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Umbwe. Each of these has different lengths, inclines, acclimatization characteristics, and landscapes.

Route Duration (Approx) Difficulty & Acclimatization
Marangu 5-6 days One of the shortest routes needs less time to acclimatize, and there’s a higher risk if moving quickly.
Machame 6-7 days Offers better acclimatization, though it has steeper sections.
Lemosho 7-9 days Offers a more gradual rise and gives your body more time to adjust, resulting in a higher success rate.
Umbwe 6-7 days This is physically demanding and offers less time for acclimatization.

Generally, routes that are longer with the possibility of ascending during the day and sleeping during the night give you a better chance of reaching the summit.

Tips to Prepare Yourself Physically & Mentally

There is a difference between knowing how hard it is to climb Kilimanjaro in theory and preparing yourself practically. Here are some tips from Majestic Wins Adventure that can help you:

1. Train Ahead
  • ● Start your preparation with cardio, including hiking, running, and cycling, to build lung capacity.
  • ● Move forward with strength training, especially legs, core, and back, as you’ll be carrying a backpack and trekking through rough terrains.
  • ● If possible, practice hikes at high altitude. Even if you don’t have big peaks nearby, elevation gain in hikes or stairs could help.
2. Acclimatize Properly
  • ● Don’t rush the climb. Select a route that has extra days for acclimatization.
  • ● Take your time to move, especially as you get higher.
  • ● Stay well hydrated, eat enough calories, and rest when you feel like.
  • ● Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, and get down if they become serious.
3. Gear & Clothing
  • ● Be well prepared with layered clothing. Take breathable layers for day hikes and warm layers for summit night.
  • ● Proper trekking shoes or durable shoes. Broken-in.
  • ● Sleeping bag with a good rating for cold.
  • ● Trekking sticks, gloves, a hat, and sun protection.
4. Mental Preparation
  • ● Keep in mind that some days will be harder than others, with steep sections, cold, low oxygen levels, and long summit nights.
  • ● Even having a positive mindset, taking your time, and relying on your guide/team can make a difference.
  • ● Don’t ignore your boundaries; sometimes it's much safer to retreat.

Best Seasons & Weather

The time you pick to climb the peak will affect how hard is Kilimanjaro likely to feel:

  • ● The months of January to March and June to October are considered the dry season and are more popular as the trails are more stable and the weather is much more predictable.
  • ● Rainy Season leads to muddy weather, slippery tracks, and possible near the summit. But if you’re someone who doesn’t mind the weather and crowds, these seasons have their own beauty.
  • ● The mornings of the summit are cold, sometimes even below freezing. Even a night at mid-altitude can be cold. So, you should be prepared for big temperature differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a beginner can climb Mount Kilimanjaro as it does not require much technical skills. The main issue is altitude, so proper preparation, fitness, and selecting a longer route for acclimatization are the keys to success.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be said as moderately difficult. It does not need any technical skills, but the high altitude makes it difficult. The factors such as route, acclimatization, fitness, and mental stamina determine how hard it would feel to climb.

Kilimanjaro is not as difficult as Mt. Everest. It does not require individuals to have technical climbing skills, ropes, or oxygen tanks like Everest. Kilimanjaro is difficult, but Everest is much more challenging and dangerous.

The Marangu Route is considered the simplest route for Kilimanjaro. This route has a gradual slope and is not too steep, includes hut accommodations instead of tents, and is shorter in duration.

When you go for a climb on Kilimanjaro, you either get to sleep in a mountain hut or a tent. Many climbers sleep in tents only, as the only route that offers huts is the Marangu route.