Trails & Inspiration

A SportsShoes Guide to climbing Kilimanjaro

Is climbing to the summit of Kilimanjaro on your bucket list?

This article will tell you everything you need to know about this world-famous hike.

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Standing at 5,895m (19,340 ft), Mt Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and top of the list of extreme hikes along with Mt Everest and Machu Picchu.

The hike can take 5-12 days, dependant on the route you choose and of course, the weather. The more days spent on Mount Kilimanjaro the more likely you will successfully summit, as you will become more acclimated to the altitude and feel less fatigued.

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There are 7 different routes to get to the top of the Mountain; Rongai, Marangu, Machama, Lemosho, Shira, Northern Circuit and Umbwe. Depending on which route you decide to go with, you will have to prepare for different inclines and maybe a longer hike.

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1. Rongai

This trek can take up to 7 days. The Rongai is the only Kilimanjaro route that approaches from the north and descends via the popular Marangu Route, with its diverse climate zones and stunning views. This route's gentle approach has a high success rate due to the slow ascent. It is also a milder ascent with flatter sections than other routes. This is great for exertion but not amazing for trek high, camp low acclimatisation. Due to it being less busy there are higher chances of seeing wildlife.
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2. Marangu

This trek will also take you up to 7 days. Also known as the Coca-Cola route due to its popularity, the ascent and descent follow the same trail, which means you only see a limited section of the mountain whilst sharing the trail with returning trekkers, making the route one of the busiest. But the hike covers forests, moorlands, and the Saddle (a high-altitude desert), on its way up. This is the quickest route to the summit, but comes with a catch - the trail is well-maintained but because of the quick ascent, the success rate is not as high as other routes.

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3. Machama

This trek takes up to 8 days. Arguably the most scenic route to the summit, Machame boasts several paths to its highest point and back. En-route to Uhuru, emerge onto high-alpine deserts with amazing views of ice fields and the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro! Known as the "Whiskey Route" because of the tougher challenge, this path leads you through magnificent forests before traversing a ridge leading through moorland to the Shira Plateau. It offers great scenery beneath the glaciated precipices of the southern ice fields and leads you through five different climatic zones.

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4. Lemosho

This trek is one of the longest hikes taking up to 10 days in total. Created as an alternative to the Shira route, the challenging and less-travelled Lemosho route is considered by many to be the most beautiful path up the western breach of the mountain, to the Shira Plateau. This adventure starts off with a few long days as you gain altitude. Enjoy the climb through magnificent forests and moorland, and emerge into high-alpine deserts as you enjoy spectacular views along the way to the summit.

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5. Shira

This trek can take up to 8 days. This route is difficult, not because it is technically challenging but because the altitude at which you begin your climb is much higher. The Shira Gate sits at 3,500m, almost 2,000 metres higher than the Machame Gate.

This is a massive altitude spike if you are coming from the towns below, which is accentuated by the fact that you are driven up to the Shira Gate, giving you even less time to acclimatise to the altitude. Because of this, the Shira Route has largely been replaced by the Lemosho Route. The Shira Route joins up with the Lemosho Route on the second day anyhow, and then with the Machame Route on Day 3.

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6. Northern Circuit

This trek can take up to 9 days. The newest of the Kilimanjaro routes begins at the Londorossi Gate in the west. The Northern Circuit follows the Lemosho Route and is the same all the way up to the Lava Tower.

This is where the trail differs from Lemosho, Shira and Machame. Instead of heading down to Barranco Camp, which is nestled under the Barranco Wall, the track moves in a different direction. Here the Northern Circuit earns its name, heading north to Moir Hut (shared by the Shira Route) before circling north-west around the northern slopes to join up with the Rongai Route variation at Third Cave.

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7. Umbwe

This trek takes up to 7 days. For the first couple of days, Umbwe is the least crowded route. There is good reason for this though, as it is also considered to be the hardest, with the most direct route up to the summit. After registering at the Machame Gate you begin in the rainforest and make a steep trail north.

It can be done in as little as five days (six or seven is recommended) and is a pretty steep climb on the first couple of days. There isn’t as much time to acclimatise on this route and it has a low success rate. Climbers attempting Umbwe should be comfortable with altitude and steep trekking.

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Recommended advice for climbing Kilimanjaro;

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1. It’s not a race - walk slow

With every higher mountain the altitude changes as you get higher. Which is something to keep in mind when hiking the Kilimanjaro. The air at the summit contains about half of the breathable oxygen most of us are used to at sea level. Everyone will handle the high altitude and thinner air differently and to varying degrees, which is why we try to keep the ascent slow and steady. The more time you give yourself to acclimatise, the easier your attempt at the summit will be.

To help prevent altitude sickness it is wise to drink plenty as well, but not only water. Take some hydration packs that include salt with you.

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2. Make sure to drink plenty

Adequate hydration prevents altitude sickness. Make sure you take a Camelbak or Salomon Soft Flask with you instead of a normal water bottle so that you always have water available during the hike. When your hands get cold, you don't want to take off your gloves to unscrew a bottle cap. In addition, you should drink three litres of water a day. Therefore, it's annoying to have to take a bottle out of your bag every time you want a sip.

Drink more than just water - drink hydration salts too.

3. The right gear is essential 

For your hike make sure you have the right kit. Have in mind that the temperature can  vary considerably with altitude and time of day. On the plains surrounding Kilimanjaro the average temperature is about 30°C. At 3000m frosts can be encountered at night while daytime temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. At night temperatures on the summit can be well below freezing especially with the strong winds at times.

A jacket that keeps you warm is therefore a must, along with a sleeping bag which provides the right protection from those cold nights.

Such a long hike can also affect your feet, therefore don’t forget to make sure to get proper hiking boots for protection and support. Make sure to also choose some comfortable hiking socks, as they will provide the cushioning in the right areas and can help prevent blisters.

4. All set to go - but do I need a guide?

The Tanzanian government and Kilimanjaro National Park passed a regulation in the year 1991 - that all trekkers must be accompanied by a registered and licensed guide. You need to register with the Parks Authority before setting off, and sign in at each camp – you are not allowed to wild camp or use caves for shelter. Rangers on the mountains will ensure that these rules are enforced. You’ll also need to pay park entrance fees to climb Kilimanjaro. These might seem hefty, but they include a conservation fee – to help cover the cost of maintenance – campsite fees, and even a rescue fee (just in case). 

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5. Plan and prepare for your adventure

All together Kilimanjaro treks can be expensive. Not only are there the national park fees, but you’ll also have to pay for your guide. Many tour operators use porters to help carry heavy camping equipment, as well as other support staff. Decent guides will ensure proper equipment, experience in weather and trekking conditions, good food, and a good time frame to allow for rest and adjustment.

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It is highly recommended you prepare adequately for your expedition. Plan and execute a training programme that will help improve your fitness, strength and endurance. Consider climbing a few smaller mountains in the run up to the expedition. In case you consider carrying most of your own equipment, it is best to hike while carrying a backpack with a similar weight, as the one you will have when doing the Kilimanjaro hike. 
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Sources:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/climbing-kilimanjaro-advice/

https://www.gadventures.com/search/?destinations=Kilimanjaro

https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/the-beginners-guide-to-climbing-mount-kilimanjaro/

https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/climbing-mount-kilimanjaro-which-route-should-you-choose/

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