Deciding of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro should not be taken very lightly. You must remember that this is the tallest freestanding mountain on the earth. The excretion is both challenging and exhilarating. To navigate successfully, you need enough endurance power, very good physical shape and perfect physical fitness.
Located inside the Kilimanjaro National Park of Tanzania, this everlasting snow-capped mountain stands 5,895 meters in height. All individuals interested in climbing Kilimanjaro need to consider two important things. One is the height and another is a professional guide. Besides, you need to take rock climbing training.
As it represents Africa's tallest peak, you need a mental and physical preparation to climb and cover this huge height. It is not like that anyone can climb it.
5 important things to consider before climbing Kilimanjaro (climbers' guides)
1. Do I have a professional rock climbing training?
2. Have I received professional, experienced and licensed mountain guides?
3. Do I have quality equipment like perfect rock climbing shoes, four seasoned mountain jackets, heavy-duty tents, etc.?
4. Am I carrying oxygen cylinders with me?
5. Do I have enough knowledge about Kilimanjaro routes?
Kilimanjaro Routes
Choosing the right Kilimanjaro route, considering the matter of safety, is highly essential here. You need to choose a route that will satisfy your personal needs and contribute to your eventual summit success.
Given below are popular Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes:
1. The Machame Route
2. The Marangu Route
3. The Shira Route
4. The Lemosho Route
5. Western Breach / Arrow Glacier
6. The Rongai (Naro Moru) Route
7. The Umbwe Route
8. The Mweka Route
9. The Northern Circuit
Best time to climb Kilimanjaro
Climbing Kilimanjaro is possible all-year-round. However, trekking in March, April and November is not good as these are the wettest months on Kilimanjaro. There are two distinct trekking seasons considered ideal for tracking. These are January-March and June-October. If you decide a on trekking date in April or May, you can think of Rongai route.
What to do on the mountain
• Go slowly according to the route direction.
• Drink adequate amount of water.
• Climb light.
• Take warm jackets and enough clothing.
• Take rest when you are tried.
• Take a short stroll in the evening to a higher altitude. After that, you descend to sleep at the camp definitely at a lower altitude.
• Replace the batteries of your headlamp and camera with new ones.
• Use 1 ski pole to reduce external and internal pressure on your knee joints.
Success rate
Every year thousands of visitors come to climb the mountain Kilimanjaro. Only 50% of them achieve their success. This is why if you want to get success in your expedition, you must hire an experienced guide. Getting certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) is always advisable. Besides, you need extreme fitness and stamina to endure the changes in the high altitudes.
These are the rules of thumbs to achieve your success.
