How hard is it to climb mount kilimanjaro In order to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, an estimated 30,000 individuals travel to Tanzania each year, and statistics Apr 4, 2025 · Kilimanjaro is a big climb. We hear it repeatedly quoted that less than 50% of climbers make it to the top, indicating that climbing Kilimanjaro is a difficult achievement. How hard is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Kilimanjaro climbing is a hike so no specialist climbing skills are necessary to get to the Uhuru summit. Mar 3, 2025 · The higher you climb, the thinner the air gets, which can make breathing more difficult and increase the risk of altitude sickness, which can make your Mt Kilimanjaro hike too hard. 03% and 0. For example, if you live in Denver, don’t schedule a December through February climb. At 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s largest free-standing volcanic peak. For the highest chance of success and the lowest risk of altitude sickness, choose a longer journey to the summit rather than a shorter one. Dec 12, 2018 · As stated above, injuries and fatalities do occur, so it is well worth thinking seriously about the suitability for the difficult climb! The Cost of Climbing Kilimanjaro. Apr 24, 2025 · How Hard Is It to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro? When considering how hard it is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the answer largely depends on the trekker’s physical fitness, acclimatization to high altitudes, and the route chosen. Climbing Kilimanjaro does not require any technical skills or special equipment, just some physical fitness, determination, and the best tour company to help you Apr 17, 2024 · The average duration for climbing Kilimanjaro is 7-8 days. Every issue that I mention here is explained in detail on another page, often several pages, but this is the place to start! Weather at Kilimanjaro - When to climb The weather on Mt. Proper planning and preparation will reduce most risks significantly. There’s no way around it. The physical demands of the climb are significant. Jan 17, 2018 · Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing mountain at 5895m (19,340 feet). This African gem, located in Tanzania, is the highest peak of the entire continent, and climbing to the top of its staggering 19,341-foot-high summit is guaranteed to take your breath away and make your jaw drop. But it’s also a summit that rewards with visions of African ice caps, wanderings through moss-caked cloud forests, encounters with elephants, and – of course – a chance to stand at the highest point on the continent. The hard truth is that climbing Kilimanjaro requires a substantial financial I've climbed both Kilimanjaro and Cotopaxi. Sep 27, 2022 · Mount Kilimanjaro is not technically difficult as it is a walkable mountain, but that doesn’t mean it is a walkover. It is just three degrees south of the equator. Here is How to Approach Mount Kilimanjaro’s Biggest Obstacle. 3. Hope for the best. Feb 14, 2025 · Mount Kilimanjaro is the fabled Roof of Africa. Jan 23, 2021 · Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Its steeper inclines and lower oxygen levels require a higher level of skill and preparation. Having summited Mount Everest and climbed Kilimanjaro over 40 times, I can guide you through the key factors that determine the challenge of this trek. I am happy to say that our entire group all made it to the summit. Africa's highest mountain rises to 5,895 m (19,340 ft) above sea level, more than a kilometre higher than Mt Blanc! So you have to trek a looong way uphill to reach the summit. It’s a hike. We humans love superlatives – the biggest, the tallest, the oldest. After all, that is what you will be doing on the mountain. First of all, you should come prepared and expect to experience rugged terrain, extreme weather conditions, a test of stamina over varied ecological zones, and above all it is a huge mental test. I’ve been trekking up Kilimanjaro for more than 20 years and have hiked to the summit more than 30 times now, on every At 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s largest free-standing volcanic peak. But always be prepared for the worst. Each year, the iconic mountain attracts thousands who spend days attempting to reach her snowy summit. This is why mental preparedness is important. Instead, book your climb for August through October so you’ll have the summer to train. Compared to Kilimanjaro, Denali (Mount McKinley) presents a significantly more challenging climb. Remember that on Mount Kilimanjaro, you will walk slowly for prolonged periods, and carry probably no more than 20 lbs. Kilimanjaro have been captured from the Kenyan side, all trailheads lie in Tanzania. Apr 1, 2022 · How Technical of a Climb is Mount Kilimanjaro? It can be easy to look at Mount Kilimanjaro through the lens of the tallest peaks on other continents and think that it will be a difficult and technical challenge, when the reality is that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t a technical feat at all, and is considered more of a “walk up”. It is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, meaning that it is not part of a mountain range. The former is important as you will be trekking between 5-10 miles a day for the duration of your climb (which can be up to 9 days if you have booked onto a long route - see my overview on Kilimanjaro routes). Because of it’s challenging nature, Machame tends to attract adventurous and experienced hikers. But how hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro? Oct 8, 2024 · Hiking Kilimanjaro is something atop the list of many travelers’ bucket lists. Kilimanjaro 2023–2024 updates on how hard it is to climb “the Roof of Africa”—Mount Kilimanjaro: Many tourists want to hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing peak in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. The Kilimanjaro death rate is estimated to be between 0. This means on average Oct 10, 2024 · How difficult is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is considered a challenging trek, primarily due to its high altitude. Kilimanjaro isn’t already at the top of your bucket list, it should be. Between January and March, the weather is cooler and the routes are less crowded. Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft) from Moshi (2,932 ft), which is a gain of more than 16,000 ft in elevation. Located in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this dormant stratovolcano offers a once-in-a-lifetime trek through five distinct climate zones, from rainforest to arctic summit. Ideally, you should try to hike as much as possible on hills or mountains to simulate climbing Kilimanjaro. It’s a complete experience, that lets you soak up the incredible natural beauty of Tanzania over the course of a week (or more). Jun 13, 2024 · “It’s difficult to pinpoint the best route for climbing Kilimanjaro as it depends on individual preferences and fitness levels,” Jon says. Routes vary in length, steepness, popularity and So just how hard is Kilimanjaro? Some simple facts: It is a 3-mile vertical climb. It requires no technical climbing skills and therefore remains a genuine trekking challenge for anyone to reach its lofty summit. Our group did not find the hiking too challenging, with the exception of summit day, which was mostly hard because it was so cold & dark, and there was a scree/rock portion about halfway through the route from school hut that was a Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, stands tall at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Mental Weakness. To succeed, physical and mental strength, endurance, and the ability to acclimatize are required. Additionally, there is no real knowledge needed other than being able to walk. To give you an idea of what we were up against, there was another group of 22 people at our camp and only 9 of them reached the summit. What are the physical challenges of climbing Kilimanjaro? The biggest physical challenges of climbing Kilimanjaro include high altitude, long distances, and varying terrain. Learn about the factors that affect the difficulty of climbing Kilimanjaro, such as altitude, fitness, weather, and camping. ; There are 5 different climatic zones from Bushland to the Arctic. While some of the most iconic panoramic shots of Mt. Kilimanjaro affects your climb and your success Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most awe-inspiring sights on the African continent, and perhaps on the entire planet. Kilimanjaro. Depending on the route, it takes 4 to 6 days to ascend Mt. Standing at 5,896m, it’s Africa’s tallest mountain and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Travelling in Uganda will be more difficult than Kenya or Tanzania unless you’ve arranged a guide service to get you from Kampala to western Uganda. What is the success rate for climbing Kilimanjaro? Mar 19, 2023 · Yes, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was difficult, but it was also one of the most exhilarating moments we’ve ever had. The things that can make climbing mount Kilimanjaro more difficult or simple are listed below. Kilimanjaro fatality rate. Mount Kilimanjaro is famous for being the home of Africa’s highest peak and being the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Also, it would be a much longer trek if you carry all the necessary equipment yourself! Conclusion - Is it really difficult to climb Kilimanjaro. This magnificent site is located in northeast Tanzania, one of Africa’s most popular tourist attractions, and the site of thousands of attempts each year to It was hard enough going up. Training hard before your climb will make your time on the mountain less strenuous. 1. They really aren't comparable. Mt. When climbing Kilimanjaro, your chances of success increase significantly depending on the number of days you spend on the mountain. So you'll want wet wipes and perhaps a urinating device if you're a woman, as we discuss in Advice for women climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. There isn't really anything technical about it, it's not brutally cold, there is little objective danger, etc. A trip up Mount Kilimanjaro is also costly. Mar 18, 2025 · But because Kilimanjaro National Park has a 'leave no trace' policy, you cannot leave toilet paper behind (not even buried), and must carry it to camp in a little baggie to be disposed of in the camp bin. Mount Kilimanjaro is a fair difficult mountain to climb – recent research suggests that over 50% of those who attempt it suffer from mountain sickness and just over 65% of them are unable to reach the summit. in your day pack (usually it’ll be closer to 15 lbs. Therefore, tourists can only climb Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Mar 2, 2009 · But while it's fair to say that climbing the nearly 6,000m Kilimanjaro is not akin to climbing Everest or K2, it's still something to be approached with care. It’s as simple as that. Sep 9, 2019 · It is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro all year round, but some months are distinctly more comfortable than others. Find out how to prepare, train, and acclimatize for the trek. #4 – It’s Going to be Pretty Expensive. Is Kilimanjaro climbing harder than Everest Base Camp trek? Comparably, while climbing Kilimanjaro you will be reaching to higher altitudes much quicker than on Everest base camp . The psychological barriers that people face can be just as tough as the physical ones. Nov 25, 2023 · Most climbers want to have a great experience climbing Kilimanjaro, which is what we prepare with our climbing team. Jan 29, 2020 · How Hard is it to Climb Kilimanjaro. If reaching the summit of Mt. This allows for proper acclimatization and increases the chances of a successful summit. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro is the work of Henry Stedman, author of the bestselling guide book Kilimanjaro – The Trekking Guide to Africa’s Highest Mountain, which is now in its sixth edition. Altitude is the key, says Simon Mtuy, who as well as leading trips up the mountain holds the record for the quickest ascent and descent, managing in eight-and-a-half hours what takes the Sep 9, 2019 · About Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. How to Climb Kilimanjaro for Beginners Where is Mount Kilimanjaro? Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, a country in East Africa. It rises over 19,000 feet above the surrounding terrain, and its peaks consist of two dormant and one extinct volcano. To prepare for the Kili climb, you must have done extensive hill-walking or aerobic exercise as you get into shape for your Kilimanjaro Climb. Climbing a mountain like Kilimanjaro is not only a physical endeavor but also a mental challenge. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is in northern Tanzania, East Africa. If you’re planning a trip to this wonderful country, you might be wondering – is Mount Kilimanjaro hard to climb? To climb Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenge and if you’re new to trekking, camping, living outdoors, or high altitude then you may find it tough – however the specific challenges are mainly due to the altitude, your attitude and fitness but with the correct preparation and a good guide team, then the vast majority of people will successfully summit. Apr 14, 2023 · How difficult is Kilimanjaro? To reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is no easy task. The mountaineering isn’t difficult - the glacier on summit day has steeper parts, but it’s maybe 40 degrees at worst and the scrambles have fixed ropes. Despite not requiring technical climbing skills, Kilimanjaro is not an easy trek. Do you want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Every year, over 30,000 people just like you come to Tanzania to scale the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and Africa’s highest peak. The question, How difficult is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?, can be challenging to answer because difficulty varies from person to person. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is about so much more than just getting a great photo at the summit. . I think that the best part about climbing Kilimanjaro – and what makes is so popular – is that it’s accessible to almost anyone. Tanzanian weather patterns mean that there are two optimum seasons for trekking Kilimanjaro—from January to March, and from June to October. I’ve been trekking up Kilimanjaro for more than 20 years and have hiked to the summit more than 30 times now, on every If you're relatively fit & used to multi-day backpacking trips, Kilimanjaro will not be particularly difficult. May 26, 2022 · Training to hike Kilimanjaro is as much about your physical endurance as it is about your mental stamina. Approximately 50% of climbers experience altitude sickness, and over 65% do not reach the summit. Climbing a mountain comes with inherent risks. While Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb requiring elite fitness or mountaineering skills, it does test your endurance. Book your dates. Kenya is also great, though. Imagine soaring to a whopping 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level and clocking up a prominence (the distance from the base of the mountain to the summit) of 16,000 feet (4,900 meters) – it’s a monster of a peak that needs some dedication to complete. So, how hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route? Compared to the other routes, it is relatively easy. Kilimanjaro is very much a trail hike where breathing gets hard. One of the first questions people ask when contemplating climbing Kilimanjaro is, “How hard is Apr 22, 2024 · What You’ll Wish You Knew Before Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. 1% — for context, the Everest death rate is around 1%. The body needs time to adjust to lower oxygen levels, and improper acclimatisation can lead to serious health risks. Harder than any single day on Denali, and a massive step up from all the days leading up to it. Trekkers must hike for between four and ten hours a day for multiple days in a row and experience significant changes in altitude. It’s estimated that 30,000 people come every year to climb it. ; The ascent to the summit: 6 – 7 hrs, a 1300m – 1400m ascent, it’s dark, it’s cold, and it will be below zero on the summit. In terms of Mount Kilimanjaro, that would be during the two dry seasons. Things like selecting a longer route, training for the hike, and having the adequate gear go a long way in keeping yourself safe. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list adventure for many, but how difficult is it? ? In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the challenges associated with climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, covering everything from technical difficulty to mental fitne Apr 16, 2024 · If you compare the Kilimanjaro climb to the Everest Base Camp Trek, you will find that the Kilimanjaro climb gets you to higher altitudes considerably more quickly. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro demands determination, dedication, and energy. Unlike Kilimanjaro, acclimatizing to the harsh weather conditions on Denali can be more daunting. He has climbed nine routes on Kilimanjaro and circumnavigated the peak. Jul 10, 2024 · With 5,895 metres (19,340 ft), Mount Kilimanjaro is the biggest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest in Africa, shining bright on the map of Tanzania. ). About Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro presents several challenges, but all of them are manageable. Since I’ve never hiked the mountain, I’ve invited my community manager, Chris, to share his tips and advice to help you save money and boost your chances of Everybody is different, but personally I found the summit day on Kili (Lemosho/Machame routes) to be really hard. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a fairly difficult yet achievable challenge for the average person. Interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Wondering what it is like to be on Africa’s highest peak? Here are 12 important things you need to know before booking your expedition. It’s a real adventure that brings unforgettable highs and challenging lows. The answer to this question is that mount Kilimanjaro is climbing is very simple and also Mount Kilimanjaro climbing is very difficult/hard depending on some of the different factors. Going down was a nightmare after several inches of snow! I read a book a while back and the guy talked about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb. Oct 1, 2022 · Kilimanjaro is a popular peak, high on the list of ultimate treks (along with Mt Everest and Machu Picchu in Peru), taken on by many who covet the title of climbing the tallest mountain in Africa. Nevertheless, there are a number of factors including the chosen route and climbing experience that determines the number of days required to climb Mt. Apr 15, 2025 · What Makes Kilimanjaro a Difficult Climb? Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most iconic trekking challenges on the planet. How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro? Kilimanjaro is 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) tall. Aug 1, 2024 · How hard is Mount Kilimanjaro to climb? Our local expert climbing guides go into detail on everything you need to know about planning your next trip! Jul 18, 2023 · Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, Marangu is the oldest and one of the most established routes for climbing Kilimanjaro. Climbing Kilimanjaro is not a budget adventure. When peopleRead more Apr 26, 2025 · A climb up Kilimanjaro cannot be conquered in a single day’s work. Getting into the mountains and trudging through feet of snow will make it difficult to achieve proper training before climbing Kilimanjaro. We also Feb 10, 2025 · Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), is the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in the world. Seasonality/ Mount Kilimanjaro hiking time Cam Burns is the author of Kilimanjaro & Mount Kenya: A Climbing and Trekking Guide and its subsequent edition Kilimanjaro & East Africa: A Climbing and Trekking Guide. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has potential dangers, but overall it is relatively safe based on the mortality rates discussed above. Of the many people attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, estimates suggest that only 65-70% will actually make it to the Known as the most popular climbing route on Kilimanjaro, Machame is classified as a difficult route due to its steep ascent, and each day tends to cover more distance compared to the Marangu route. So, how hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro? How To Climb Kilimanjaro On this page you can get a good overview of what it takes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. While Kilimanjaro is no exception to this, it is considered a relatively safe climb in comparison to other high-altitude peaks. The absolute cheapest providers begin at $1200 USD for a minimum of 5 days, however, most companies range between $2000 – $3500 Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. qcucou xuiva drbbnyph jhbtr zukdvh gyrtw kmaac agbbr fpnmq qchuh bpil exhn asccw mjl hjx