The two highest mountains in the world – Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Everest – are the most coveted summit goals of any serious mountaineer. But while the two mountains appear similar, they offer vastly different experiences and challenges. From preparation to the summit push, let’s take a look at what makes climbing Kilimanjaro and Everest so unique.
Climbing Kilimanjaro
At 5,895 meters, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and it is one of the most accessible of the world’s highest peaks. Its slopes are relatively easy to traverse and many opt for guided tours that offer camping and lodging. Most climbers choose to summit via the Marangu route, the most straightforward and least technical, requiring no mountaineering skills. The Marangu route can be completed in just 5 to 6 days, with ample time for acclimatization and a rest day at the peak.
The ascent is, however, no walk in the park. Climbers must be prepared for thinning air, cold weather and relentless rain. Conditions can change suddenly and cause extreme fatigue and altitude sickness, so it is important to come prepared with the right gear and supplies. The true challenge of Kilimanjaro lies in its steep ascent and unpredictable weather.
Reaching the Peak of Everest
Standing at 8,848 meters, Everest is the world’s highest mountain and an entirely different proposition than Kilimanjaro. It is an extreme mountaineering endeavor, requiring extensive preparation and a high level of technical expertise. Most climbers need two months and a specialized team to reach the summit.
Ascending Everest is a long, physically gruelling process. Climbers must ascend and descend various camps, adjusting to the thinning air and extreme weather conditions with each step. At the same time, they must be prepared for the unpredictable; from avalanches to rock slides, crevasses to storms, the mountain is full of dangers.
Reaching the summit of Everest is the culmination of months of hard work, and it is a feat that requires extraordinary strength and determination. It is one of the greatest accomplishments a climber can make, and for those who reach the peak, the reward is worth the risk.
Climbing Kilimanjaro and Everest are two difficult and dangerous feats that require different levels of preparation and skill. The former is relatively easy to climb, while the latter requires a high level of expertise and months of training. Both offer a unique, challenging experience and a sense of accomplishment, but the rewards of Everest are greater. In the end, both mountains offer a life-changing experience that no climber will ever forget.
