Last Updated on November 27, 2022 by tawhid
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tanzania. But what many people don’t realize is that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no easy feat. In fact, it’s quite challenging and requires a lot of preparation.
So, how hard is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Well, it all depends on your level of fitness and experience. If you’re reasonably fit and have some hiking experience, then you should be able to complete the hike without too much trouble.
However, if you’re not very fit or have no hiking experience, then you might find the going quite tough.
The tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular destination for climbers from all over the world. But how hard is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
While the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is over 19,000 feet above sea level, most climbers will use one of the seven established trails to reach the top.
The Marangu Route, also known as the Coca-Cola Route, is the most popular and shortest trail at just five days. However, it should be noted that this route has a lower success rate than some of the longer routes.
The Machame Route, often called the Whiskey Route, is slightly longer at six or seven days but offers stunning views of glaciers and alpine forests.
This route also has a higher success rate than Marangu.
For those looking for an even greater challenge, there are longer routes like the Shira Plateau or Umbwe Route which can take eight days or more to complete. These routes are more strenuous with steeper ascents but offer a truly unique experience.
No matter which route you choose, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no easy feat. You need to be in good physical condition and properly acclimatized to make it to the summit successfully. But if you’re up for the challenge, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable experience that you’ll never forget!
What I Wish I Knew before Climbing Kilimanjaro
What I Wish I Knew Before Climbing Kilimanjaro
By Susie Kearley
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an amazing achievement.
At 5,895m, it’s the tallest mountain in Africa, and the highest freestanding mountain in the world. The views from the summit are breathtaking. And it’s a great way to test your limits and find out what you’re really made of.
But it’s not easy. In fact, most people who attempt to climb Kilimanjaro fail. So if you’re thinking about giving it a go, here are a few things you should know first…
You need to be fit
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is tough – both physically and mentally. You need to be reasonably fit before you even think about starting the climb.
That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete or super-fit – but you will need more than a basic level of fitness.
You can train for months in advance and get yourself into excellent physical condition, but if you don’t have at least a basic level of fitness to begin with, then your chances of summiting are pretty slim.
It takes longer than you think Most people underestimate how long it will take them to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The average time taken is seven days – although some people do it in as little as five or six days (although this is not recommended). But however long you spend on the mountain, make sure you add an extra day or two onto your itinerary in case bad weather means you have to take a rest day (or two).
You might get sick There’s no getting away from it – being at high altitude makes some people very sick indeed.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is caused by lower air pressure and less oxygen at high altitudes, which can lead to headaches, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue and dizziness. If left untreated AMS can become very serious indeed – so always heed the advice of your guides and porters when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
You could die Yes, sadly death on Mount Kilimanjaro does happen – although thankfully it’s relatively rare given the number of people who attempt to climb every year (around 25-30 fatalities each year according to reports). Most deaths occur due to avalanches, rockfalls or falls; while others may be caused by exposure after getting caught out in bad weather without proper clothing or shelter; dehydration; hypothermia; orAMS . So while death on Mount Kilimanjaro is relatively rare , please bear these risks in mind before setting off on your adventure .
Credit: www.intrepidtravel.com
Can a Regular Person Climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes, a regular person can climb Kilimanjaro! Although it is considered one of the Seven Summits – the tallest mountains on each continent – Kilimanjaro is not technical, which means that climbers don’t need any special equipment or training to reach the summit. In fact, about 30,000 people attempt to climb Kilimanjaro each year, and around two-thirds of them are successful.
That being said, climbing Kilimanjaro is no walk in the park. The mountain is over 19,000 feet tall, and even the shortest route (the Marangu Route) takes five or six days to complete. Most climbers need at least a week to acclimatize to the altitude and have a good chance of summiting.
And while there are huts along the way where you can sleep and get some basic amenities, you should be prepared for long days of hiking and simple camping.
If you’re thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro, start by doing some research and making sure you understand what you’re getting into. Then begin working on your fitness level – even if you’re generally active, hiking at high altitudes will be a new challenge.
Finally, make sure you have all the necessary gear before setting out; renting or buying everything once you arrive in Tanzania will be much more expensive.
Can a Beginner Climb Kilimanjaro?
A beginner can absolutely climb Kilimanjaro! In fact, many people who have never even been rock climbing before attempt and successfully summit Mount Kilimanjaro each year.
That being said, it is important to remember that Kilimanjaro is not your typical hike.
It’s a long, strenuous trek that will take you several days to complete. You need to be in good physical shape and mentally prepared for the challenge.
If you’re thinking about climbing Kilimanjaro, we recommend signing up for a guided tour.
A professional guide can help you better prepare for the climb and increase your chances of success. They can also provide invaluable support during the actual ascent.
How Much Does It Cost to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?
The cost of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro will vary depending on the route you choose, the length of your climb, and the company you book with. Generally speaking, prices start at around $1,500 USD for a 6-day climb on the Marangu Route. This price will typically include your park fees, guides, porters, accommodation, and meals.
If you opt for a longer or more challenging route (such as the Machame or Umbwe Route), prices can increase to $2,500 USD or more. It is also worth noting that most companies require a deposit to secure your spot on the mountain – this is usually around 50% of the total cost.
So, how much does it really cost to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?
It depends on a number of factors – but you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500-$2,500 USD for a standard 6-day climb.
How Long Does It Take to Climb Up Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and stands at a whopping 19,341 feet. So, how long does it take to climb up Mount Kilimanjaro?
Most people take anywhere from five to nine days to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.
The actual climbing time depends on which route you take up the mountain. The most popular routes are the Machame Route and the Marangu Route.
The Machame Route is considered to be the more scenic route, but it is also more challenging.
It typically takes seven to nine days to reach the summit via this route.
The Marangu Route is shorter, taking five or six days on average, but because it’s not as challenging, many climbers don’t find it as rewarding.
So there you have it!
It takes anywhere from five to nine days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, depending on which route you choose.
Is Mount Kilimanjaro hard to climb?
Conclusion
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no easy feat – it’s one of the tallest mountains in the world, after all. But just how hard is it, really?
Well, according to those who have attempted the climb, it’s not as tough as you might think.
Yes, it’s a long and strenuous hike, but with proper preparation (and a bit of luck with the weather), anyone can do it.
That being said, there are still some challenges that need to be overcome. For instance, the high altitude can cause some people to experience altitude sickness.
And then there’s the matter of dealing with cold temperatures and potentially dangerous wildlife.
But at the end of the day, if you’re up for an adventure and willing to put in the work, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an achievable goal.