At 19,340 feet, Mt. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain peak and a major mountaineering challenge. The thrill of summiting this iconic peak attracts thousands of climbers each year. Despite its impressive height, the mountain is considered an accessible climb, with no technical skills or prior mountaineering experience required. With adequate preparation and respect for the environment, a successful summit can be achieved.
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
Mt. Kilimanjaro is located in northern Tanzania, close to the Kenya border. The mountain is home to five distinct climatic zones, beginning in the rainforest and gradually shifting to alpine desert as the summit is approached.
The most popular route up the mountain is the Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route. This route takes five days, with the summit being reached on the fifth day. During these five days, climbers will ascend and descend through the five climatic zones. The Marangu route is the least expensive option and allows climbers to sleep in huts, instead of tents.
The Machame route is the second most popular route on Kilimanjaro. This route is more physically demanding than the Marangu route and involves camping rather than sleeping in huts. The Machame route also involves more ascending and descending, which can help with acclimatization.
Preparing for the Summit
Proper preparation for a successful summit is essential. Mt. Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, but it is still physically demanding. Prior to the climb, climbers should make sure they are in good physical shape and their bodies are well-conditioned for the task ahead.
In addition to physical preparation, climbers should also take precautions against altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can affect anyone and can be serious. Symptoms can range from mild headaches to life-threatening pulmonary or cerebral edema.
Climbers should also be mindful of their environment. Trash or human waste left on the mountain can damage the environment. Climbers should make sure they take all their trash and waste with them.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is an iconic mountain peak that can be conquered with the right preparation and respect for the environment. With its five distinct climatic zones and rewarding summit, the mountain is a major mountaineering challenge. Climbers of all ages and experience levels can attempt the summit with the necessary precautions in place.
