Standing tall as the “Roof of Africa”, Mount Kilimanjaro is more than just a mountain; it’s an adventure icon and a symbol of the raw beauty of the natural world. Measuring 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) above the Tanzanian plains, Kili, as it’s known, is the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Summiting Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list item for many, from the most experienced mountaineers to those looking for their first great trekking challenge.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro offers you one of the best ways to explore one of the world’s most magnificent landmarks with a blend of grit and grace. In this guide, we dive into what makes this dormant volcano so special and how you can prepare for the climb of a lifetime.
The Magic of the Seven Summits
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s Seven Summits, yet unlike Everest or K2, it doesn’t require technical climbing skills, ropes, or harnesses. It is considered a trekking mountain, meaning that anyone with good physical fitness and a strong will can reach Uhuru Peak.
But that doesn’t mean that climbing Kili is a walk in the park, either. At the summit, the oxygen level is 50% of that at sea level, which means altitude sickness is always a risk. And then there’s the weather. At the base, the temperature in the rainforest can reach 30°C (86°F); at the summit, it can go as low as a very windy -20°C (-4°F).
That summit is covered in a cap of ice. Five glaciers carry snow down the mountain’s flanks.
The ecological diversity is what makes this journey truly unique. As you trek up the mountain, you pass through five distinct climate zones, from lush tropical rainforests at the base to moorlands, alpine deserts, and finally, the freezing summit zone where glaciers cling to the volcanic crater.
Choosing Your Path: The Routes
There are seven established ways to reach the top, each route offering a different perspective of the Tanzanian landscape. They differ in length, cost and scenery, as well as in difficulty and success rates. The eighth route,Mweka, is only used for descents.
Choosing your route is probably the most important decision you’ll have to make.
- The Machame Route: Known as the “Whiskey Route”, this is the most popular choice for stunning scenery and is considered by many to be the best route. But this also means it’s the most crowded. It is challenging but offers great opportunities for acclimatisation by “walking high and sleeping low”, a mountaineering strategy where climbers ascend to higher altitudes during the day to stimulate the body to adapt and then descend to a lower elevation to sleep. It’s tougher than the Marangu route.
- The Lemosho Route: This is considered by many to be the most beautiful path, but it’s also the most expensive. It starts on the west and crosses the Shira Plateau, making it longer, so it gives time for proper acclimatisation. It often has a higher summit success rate.
- The Marangu Route: Referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route”, it’sthe only one that includes hut accommodations rather than camping. It is also the shortest route, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that makes it the easiest. Being short makes acclimatisation more difficult. As a result, it’s got the lowest success rate.
- The Rongai Route: This is probably the easiest route up Kili, as it has time for good acclimatisation and it’s away from the crowds. It joins the Marangu Route at Kibo hut camp. It’s got a great success rate.
- The Shira Route: You go up to high altitude on the first day – 3,500 metres (11,482 ft) – which can be unpleasant. But foot traffic is low until it merges withthe Machame Route at Baranco.
- The Umbwe Route: It’s the most spectacular route up Kilimanjaro, but it’s also the most difficult and demanding – direct, steep, tough and exposed. Don’t do it unless you’ve got a bit of experience climbing mountains. This route also joins the Machame Route.
- The Northern Circuit: The newest route is also the longest, making it good for acclimatisation. It’s also not crowded. It’s the only route that traverses all the northern slopes, circumnavigating the mountain. The success rate is high.
Preparing for the Ascent
Trekking Kilimanjaro is an endurance feat, and although you do not have to be an elite athlete, cardiovascular training and long hikes, stair climbing and strength training in the months before you leave are recommended.
On some days, you’ll only walk for four or five hours. But when you summit, the longest day, expect 12 to 15 hours.
But the greatest obstacle isn’t fitness; it’s the altitude. The dangers of high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) are very real, and we encourage you to take your time, or pole, pole (slowly, slowly) as the local Swahili guides put it, and let your body acclimatise to the lower levels of oxygen.
The Summit
You’re usually woken up at 10pm. It’s a gruelling, steep climb that can take six to eight hours – in the dark. But you reach the top by dawn for the ultimate sunrise.
What to Pack
The weather on Kilimanjaro is known to be unpredictable. You will need to be prepared for it all. All trekkers will need a layering system to handle everything from 30°C (86°F) heat in the rainforest to -20°C (-4°F) winds at the summit.
High-quality waterproof gear that will keep out the wind, rain, sleet and snow, a thermal sleeping bag, and broken-in trekking boots are non-negotiable essentials for your kit. We also strongly advise you pack a good sun hat, a beanie for warmth, a balaclava for face coverage, and a headlamp, as well as gloves and sunglasses with 100% UV protection to combat strong sunlight and snow reflection.
Final Thoughts
Scaling Mount Kilimanjaro is a physical feat, but it’s also an emotional one. The sunrise over the African clouds from Uhuru Peak is a moment of pure, unadulterated triumph and a reminder that with the proper preparation and a steady pace, any summit is within reach.
When you’re ready to summit the Roof of Africa and the spirit of adventure calls, know that Kilimanjaro is your window to one of the world’s most amazing places. Pack your bags, put on your boots, and get ready to reach new heights.
