Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of the unique tracks on the globe. Located in Tanzania, right next to the border to Kenya in the Eastern part of Africa, Kilimanjaro has become a top destination for many hikers trying to better their game. Kilimanjaro is 19,340ft. For quick context, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is 2,722ft. So Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain on the African continent and the 4th highest peak on the globe. That makes for a steep hike. 

Unlike so many hiking spots on the globe, Kilimanjaro is not an armature’s feat. The trek on this mountain can break even the stiffest soul, especially if they come unprepared. It is the sort of hike where preparation has to be top-notch for a high success rate. Most hill walkers and trekkers are apt enough to hike Kilimanjaro. However, it must be approached ideally. You will need an excellent guide to advise you on the correct approach and which route to take.

Ultimate Kilimanjaro reports that about 50% of hikers will fail in their attempt to trek to the peak. However, that is down to choosing shorter steep routes which have high failure rates. That can, however, be mitigated by choosing longer routes. The best courses take 8 to 9 days but have an 85-95% success rate. Some travel agencies encourage visitors to book the cheapest and shortest five-day Marangu Route, which has the lowest success rate since it is too dumpy for acclimatization for most people.

The odds favor you if you have walked 6-7hours a day over the undulating ground in the past. You might just beat the beast. There are no technical skills or equipment required unless you go for the western breach, which requires helmets due to loose rocks on the track. The trick to bettering the Kilimanjaro job is choosing a route best suited to your physical abilities. On the Machame and Lemosho routes, some hikers will find the Barranco Wall a bit too lofty just as you meander up a defined path. You will require three points of contact and a bit of scrambling. However, there are other way more accessible routes like Rongai.

  • How to prepare for a hike on Kilimanjaro

Preparing for a hike on Africa’s highest peak might require a bit of practicality before you leave your country. It is essential to know your kit, know how it works, and test it in all conditions before you arrive for the hike. Get your raincoats on and go for a walk on a windy day to test your kits. Jackets, trousers, gaiters, and other apparel have different tweaks when pushed to extremes. Hiking Kilimanjaro does require quite a bit of gear. The hike goes through several distinct ecological zones, starting in the rainforest and peaking in the arctic zone. The clothing you take on the trail needs to be able to keep you warm and dry through cold and wet conditions. You will need technical clothing (waterproof, insulated, breathable fabrics), suitable footwear, a sleeping bag, day pack.

While stuffing the bag for the hike, it is essential to keep in mind that this is quite a steep one, unlike most routers. That means only packing what you need, light footwear to help build your endurance. The travel agencies provide things like tents, stoves, lighting.

  • Weather on the Kilimanjaro trail

This trail is found in a region of only two seasons; wet and two dry seasons. Kilimanjaro’s weather is heavily inclined by the interaction of trade winds with the mountain. The primary dry term is from July to October. The second dry term is from December to February. March, April, May, June, November constitute the wet term. I recommend that you plan your hike in any of the two dry seasons.

  • Hiking routes and their success rates

Kilimanjaro routes have varying acclimatization transition profiles, which often results in different success rates. However, the best courses usually offer “walk high-sleep low,” which is essential for acclimatization.

It is the least frequented and therefore less crowded. It starts on the southwestern slopes of Kilimanjaro. Lemosho features nearly intimate trekking experiences with Kilimanjaro, ultimately converging with Machame in Shira 2 Camp. It is a 6 to 8-day hike with a 65-90% success rate.

It is the most popular on Kilimanjaro. 50% of hikers are reported to take this route per year. Machame offers a fantastic “walk high-sleep low” trekking style, resulting in a safe acclimatization transition. It is a 6 to 7-day hike with a 53-85% success rate.

It is the only route that starts in the northern foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The walk high-sleep low trekking style is inferior to Lemosho and Machame. It is a 6 to 7-day hike with a success rate of 65-80%.

The Northern Circuit route is the lengthiest and physically. However, it is covered with quaint landscapes and wildlife on its trail, even though the least visited. It is a 9 to 10-day hike with a success rate of 85% and the safest course.

Marangu is the first-ever route taken by the first hikers for Kilimanjaro expeditions. It is the most challenging route statistically ever recorded on Kilimanjaro, even though it is one of the most advertised travel agencies. It is a 5 to 6-day hike with a success rate of 45-55%.

Umbwe is known to be a choice for hardened mountaineering experts with vast climbs under their belts. Unfortunately, the route provides the fastest yet steepest way to Uhuru Peak and has a poor acclimatization transition. As a result, there are no reliable success rate statistics on the course. However, what is known is that majority of experienced mountaineers with prior acclimatization mainly reach Peak Uhuru.

 

  • Cost of hiking in Kilimanjaro

The costs will vary from one agency to another. However, the eight-day Lemosho route retails for around $3000, but some luxury agencies go up to $6000 for a similar course. Park fees account for much of the cost, as do staff wages. It would be best if you were skeptical of agencies lowballing for less than $2000 because these more than habitually offer poor services that might derail the experience of reaching the highest point on the continent.

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