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How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro takes at least five days to climb. But there’s a far higher probability of reaching the top if you give yourself at least six days, and ideally seven or eight. There are a number of more leisurely and picturesque climb routes that can be completed in ten or more days for those with more time.
Kilimanjaro is a remarkable natural landmark. Almost 5km/3mi above the scorching, dusty plains of northeast Tanzania, this volcanic mountain is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. A year-round blanket of snow is maintained by the angular glacial peaks that encircle the expansive Kibo Crater. Even though it is only 400 km/249 mi south of the equator, this is the case.
Things to Think About Before
Many avid hikers and peak-baggers—those who are trying to reach a number of summits—have Mount Kilimanjaro at the top of their bucket list. In addition to being Africa’s highest point at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), Uhuru Peak is also reachable without the need for specialized mountaineering gear or experience.
Despite all of that, one should not undervalue this magnificent peak. Climbing Kilimanjaro demands a considerable amount of fitness and perseverance. Additionally, hikers need to be aware of the health hazards linked to the abnormally quick elevation rise.
A authorized Tanzanian operator must be used for all Kilimanjaro climbs; they will supply porters and guides, as well as food, water, and camping supplies. A Kilimanjaro climb’s duration is virtually always predetermined and will rely on a number of variables. These include the path you choose, your financial situation, your level of fitness, and the amount of time you give yourself to acclimate.
The Swiss mountain runner Karl Egloff broke the world record for a Kilimanjaro climb in 2014 when he finished the entire ascent and descent in less than seven hours. On the opposite end of the schedule spectrum, easygoing mountain goats would consider spending two weeks circling Kilimanjaro’s top slopes prior to reaching the summit. However, these are extremes. Commercial hikes often last five to seven days.
Suggested Time Frame & Success Rate
The likelihood of reaching the summit increases with the amount of time spent on a Kilimanjaro trek. Kilimanjaro National Park data shows that less than 30 percent of people who do a five-day climb make it to the summit. The success rate rises to about 45 percent for climbs lasting six days and 65 percent for climbs lasting seven days.
On the other hand, almost 85% of people who set aside eight days or more make it to the top. There are various benefits to allowing seven days or more for a Kilimanjaro. Compared to a shorter ascent, it is safer because there is a lower chance of accidents caused by exhaustion and altitude-related illnesses.
A lengthier ascent also gives you the opportunity to choose one of the more picturesque and peaceful options instead of the crowded Marangu Route. It offers you more chances to enjoy the plants and scenery, which include Afro-alpine moorland dotted with enormous lobelias and heathers as well as green montane rainforest. Additionally, it increases the likelihood of seeing birds, chameleons, monkeys, and other wildlife.
A longer climb has two primary drawbacks. The first is that the total cost of the trip rises with each consecutive day spent on the mountain due to increasing park fees. The second is that it leaves less time for visiting other well-known Tanzanian destinations like Zanzibar, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park. Despite this, we strongly advise dedicating at least six, if not seven, days to Kilimanjaro because the climb is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Choice of Kilimanjaro Route
The route you select has a big impact on how long it takes to climb Kilimanjaro. Each of the six primary pathways has advantages and disadvantages. The Marangu Route is used by most hikers since it is faster, less expensive, and more convenient overall.
Regretfully, overcrowding also affects the Marangu Route. Machame is a well-liked middle ground among the other routes for budget-conscious tourists who wish to stay away from the crowds. The Shira, Lemosho, Rongai, and Northern Circuit routes are more picturesque, slower, and more sedate choices that are ideal for lonesome outdoor enthusiasts with substantial funds.
Umbwe and Mweka are two other routes. Only highly experienced mountain hikers who don’t need much acclimatization do these quick but steep routes again. However, those who ascended via Machame, Shira, or Lemosho frequently take the Mweka path as a rapid descending path.
Marangu Route (Recommended: 6 Days; Minimum: 5 Days)
The most well-traveled route up Kilimanjaro is Marangu, which draws more climbers than the other five routes put together. It begins close to the well-equipped town of the same name, at Marangu Gate. Overnight stays at Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,858ft), Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft), and Kibo Hut (4,703m/15,430ft) are part of the five-day, four-night trek.
On the descent, it comes back to Horombo Hut. A second night in Horombo on the ascent is added in a six-day version. This extended version raises the likelihood of a successful summit and lowers the danger of altitude-related problems. It also gives you a whole day to explore the Afro-alpine zone’s strange vegetation.
Marangu is superior to the alternatives in a number of ways. It is by far the least expensive choice for climbers on a tight budget, in part because it can be finished in five days. The only route where you can sleep in actual huts with bathing facilities all along the way, it is also the easiest and has the greatest rescue service. The “Coca Cola Route” gets its moniker from the fact that several of the huts even offer bottled beverages.
On the down side, a lot of hikers believe that Marangu has fallen victim to its own fame. Particularly during the busiest hiking seasons of August, September, late December, and early January, it is frequently packed. Additionally, you are unlikely to observe much wildlife due to the tourist traffic, and ugly litter can be an issue.
Machame Route (Recommended: 7 Days; Minimum: 6 Days)
Although it has some challenging parts, the second-most-traveled path up Kilimanjaro is more picturesque and offers a more gradual ascent than Marangu. More acclimatization is possible in terms of altitude, particularly if you choose for the seven-day, six-night option.
Machame Hut (2,890m/9,482ft), Shira Hut (3,840m/12,598ft), Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,959ft), and Barafu Hut (4,600m/15,092ft) are the overnight stops on the ascent. You must camp along this path because, despite the misleading nomenclature, there are no longer any working huts.
Shira Route (Recommended 8–10 Days; Minimum 6 Days)
Shira Gate (3,590m/11,778ft) is the starting point of this beautiful but rarely used path up Kilimanjaro’s western flank, which joins the Machame path just before the summit. It entails a slow, multi-day climb across an area of Afro-alpine moorland that is rarely seen but is notable for its remarkable volcanic rock formations.
Seeing buffalo, eland, and other huge beasts is another option. The Shira Route begins above the 3,500m/11,483ft contour in terms of altitude, giving you ample time to acclimate before reaching the summit. Though an extra day or two is suggested, it can be completed in six days.
Lemosho Route (Recommended: 8–10 Days; Minimum: 6 Days)
Similar to Shira, Lemosho begins on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro but at a much lower elevation, making it one of the most picturesque routes up the mountain. This implies that you’re less likely to encounter problems on the first day due to altitude. It also offers the benefit of spending the first day in the woodland area, which is located beneath the Shira Route’s starting point. On the second day, the Lemosho Route meets the Shira Route.
Northern Circuit (Recommended: 10–11 Days; Minimum: 9 Days)
Starting in Lemosho, the most isolated path up Kilimanjaro circles the peaks to the north before reaching the summit from the east. It takes at least nine days, making it the longest journey. To spend the night inside Kibo Crater, which is a highly recommended experience, the program can be extended by one or two days. You can wait a whole week before attempting Uhuru Peak. Although it is the most costly alternative, this route has the highest success rate due to its gentle elevation.
Rongai Route (Recommended 7 Days; Minimum 6 Days)
The only way to climb Kilimanjaro from the north is via Rongai. Because it receives significantly less precipitation than any of the southern routes, it excels throughout the rainy season. At other times, it’s a good option because it offers a fairly steady rise and a higher than usual possibility of seeing large species. It is also incredibly uncrowded, at least until the day before the summit, when it meets the Marangu Route at Kibo Hut. Compared to the six-day basic method, the seven-day version has a significantly better success rate.
Factors Influencing Kilimanjaro Climbing Time
For almost all Kilimanjaro climbs, the number of days allotted is predetermined. Other than the possibility that sick or injured climbers will have to shorten their ascent in order to get back to base, there are rarely any surprises about duration. But a lot of things will influence your chances of reaching the summit, so it’s good to consider them beforehand.
Elevation
The quick elevation rise from the base to the summit is the largest challenge to successfully climbing Kilimanjaro. Altitude has an impact on almost every climber. These include headaches, dyspnea, and sleeplessness, as well as more uncommon and potentially lethal illnesses like brain or pulmonary oedemas.
Acclimatization is the most effective strategy to reduce the more severe effects of altitude. This entails giving the climb as many days as feasible. Climbers who take eight days have a thrice higher chance of reaching the top than those who take at least five days. Prior to the ascent, it is also beneficial to spend a few days at a mid-altitude site, like Marangu, Arusha National Park, or Ngorongoro Crater. Instead of pushing yourself to get to camp early, climb steadily and slowly once you’re on the mountain.
Seasons Kilimanjaro’s weather conditions change significantly throughout the seasons. It is much better to climb in dry circumstances, but severe winds and sub-zero nighttime temperatures are common throughout the year.
Because of this, hiking is far more enjoyable from January to March or July to October than it is during the rainy seasons of April to June and November to December. If circumstances compel you to plan a climb during the rainy season, consider the Rongai Route, which is the only one that stays on the drier northern slopes.
Fitness
To effectively climb Kilimanjaro, one must be reasonably fit. It is advisable to start a training program if you are a novice hiker and work your way up to the point where you can climb in steep terrain for about five hours without feeling uncomfortable. The training treks should ideally be used to break in the boots and acclimate to the daypack you will use on the mountain. You can also improve your aerobic fitness by running and cycling.
Additional Preparations
At higher elevations, Kilimanjaro experiences a harsh tropical sun during the day and can be extremely damp at night. For a successful trek, the following goods are either essential or highly desired:
A jacket and pants that are waterproof and windproof
Several layers of warm clothing Waterproof gloves
Each day, wear one pair of heavy hiking socks and one pair of thin inner socks.
Sunglasses and a broad hat
A pair of well-worn hiking boots that are completely waterproof and lighter shoes for the evenings
Trekking poles that are adjustable
A premium ground mat and sleeping bag for all seasons (if not provided by the operator)
A water bottle or waterproof bladder with a capacity of 2L (68 oz)
A medical pack that includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, blister plasters, chapstick, sunscreen, and medication to lower the risk of issues associated to altitude
An ample supply of high-energy foods, like energy bars, chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit
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