Did you know that Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in the entire African continent? With over 19,000 feet to climb, you can access the most jaw-dropping view from the summit.
Many people wonder if climbing Kilimanjaro is safe. The good news is that you can climb this mountain as a beginner.
The only thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with seasonal climates, costs, and conditions to prepare yourself for the ultimate challenge. Read on for a detailed guide to climbing Kilimanjaro to ensure that this free-standing mountain makes all your dreams come true.
Climbing Kilimanjaro Tips
Even though the climb up to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is accessible to all tourists, some requirements will help beginners make it safely up the trek.
For instance, you should have the right skill level and age for such a strenuous physical activity. However, if you are completely new to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, there is no need to worry.
The climb up to the mountain’s summit is a high-altitude and multi-day trek. You do not need to be trained heavily in climbing to get to the top and can take your time.
With a guided tour, you can reach the top at the right time of year when the trail and terrain conditions are smooth enough to help you get to the top.
Only those over 10 years old are allowed to climb up this mountain. This should be a personal goal rather than a family gathering because every climber needs to look out for themselves.
The Right Gear
When you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, you should always have the right gear. Your gear should be fully equipped to handle unexpected weather changes.
This can come in the form of extreme heat followed by heavy rain. Then at nighttime, the temperatures can easily drop below freezing. Imagine experiencing all these weather changes in one day.
This is what climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is all about. Always keep weatherproof, water-resistant, and lightweight gear.
You will need trekking poles, hiking boots, a rucksack, insulated gloves and pants, a winter jacket, a sleeping pad, and a sleeping bag that can protect you even if the temperature gets to minus 20 degrees.
Check out this company for more advice about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and a complete gear list.
If you go with a tour guide, they will take it on themselves to carry most things that everyone on their team will need. However, always check before your tour to ensure that they are not missing anything. Do not forget to bring some chairs, tents, and tables.
Why Book a Guide?
Mount Kilimanjaro is a beast if you do not know what you are doing. It is important to always seek advice about climbing Kilimanjaro, especially if this is your first try.
Otherwise, you may struggle on one of the world’s tallest mountains in unexpected weather. Your guide will know everything about the terrain and weather conditions.
They will also do safety checks consistently throughout the expedition. Thanks to their help, you will always have someone monitoring your health risks like fatigue and altitude sickness.
Traveling to Mount Kilimanjaro
The best way to get to Mount Kilimanjaro is by flying into Tanzania, Africa. Although there are numerous airports in the country, Kilimanjaro International Airport is the most practical and direct airport.
If you are solely coming for the expedition, you should use this airport to easily access the grand mountain. The good news is that there are many accommodation options in the area that you can choose from.
You can also find tour operators who will transport you to and from the airport. Some may also organize accommodation for you, so you do not need to lift a finger.
When to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The best part about climbing Kilimanjaro is that it is open throughout the year. This is why it is such a versatile destination if you want an epic hike.
However, you should still keep in mind that certain times of the year are better than others. From January until March, you want to stay dry as you make your way to the summit.
Booking a tour at this time is perfect if the weather works in your favor. There will also be less traffic on the trail during this time. Then from June until September, you can experience the most stable weather conditions.
This will be a busy time because most tourists choose this period for their climb. However, you should try to book as close to June as possible because the likelihood of rain increases the closer you get to fall.
Things to Note
If you are climbing Kilimanjaro during the off-season months of April, May, October, or November, you should know that there will be way more rain. So, you should prepare to get wet all the way to the top.
The trail is also heavy and lengthy, and the damage from rains does not help. The trek becomes more strenuous. The trail will also have a lot of mud that can make it slippery.
Visibility will also be down due to weather conditions hindering the view. Beginners should only aim to climb during the January and March seasons or from June to September.
Looking after your safety is vital. Always keep yourself alert throughout the trek and pace yourself to avoid early fatigue.
Climb Kilimanjaro Safely
Now that you know everything about climbing Kilimanjaro, you should ensure that you have the right gear and can meet the requirements for the expedition.
Having an experienced tour guide by your side will make your first climb a lot easier. They will have the essential equipment on hand, like pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen.
A guide will also be trained to perform regular safety checks to ensure that you are doing well with each step higher up the mountain. If you enjoyed this guide to climbing Kilimanjaro, check out some of our other posts for more information.
