Are you planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Then, there are essential things to know before climbing Africa’s highest peak.
Situated in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro boasts three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. It is the tallest freestanding mountain globally, at 5,895 meters above sea level.
So, what are the essential things to know before climbing Kilimanjaro? Here are the answers:

It's best to climb during the dry season

Although Mount Kilimanjaro is climbable all year round, it’s still best to ascend the Mountain during the dry season. This way, you’ll have the best view of Kilimanjaro and have a much smoother trek upwards.
Ideally, climb between January and February or between June and October. During these months, you’ll experience good weather conditions and a much more comfortable hike to the summit.
Avoid the months of March (end of month) through May as much as possible, as November is the wettest month in Kilimanjaro.
But, if you’re a seasoned climber, you can take risks in climbing the muddy trails of Kilimanjaro. However, make sure to be extra careful when gambling with the weather.

Things to know about booking with a local KPAPS certified tour operator: It is your best option

When you book your Kilimanjaro tour, booking with a local tour operator is best. This way, you’ll support the local guides and the country’s economy, as well as protect the ecology of the place.
When you go through a KPAP-certified tour operator, you ensure that all porters are treated fairly and respectfully. Kilimanjaro porters are vital for a successful climb, and they will be your physical support to the summit, so it only makes sense to support them in any way you can.
Many operators offer an all-inclusive tour having the following inclusions:

• – tents
• – foods
• – transportation
• – porter services
• – guides

Moreover, if you want to experience a safari, you can go through Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with peace of mind. Jayva African Adventures is KPAP-certified and has been operating within the community of Tanzania and its landscapes for over 35 years.

Choose the route you’re most comfortable with

You must also know the best route to trek for your level of expertise and fitness. Find the trail you’re comfortable with and want to climb the most.
On Kilimanjaro, there are seven established routes for the climb—the Marangu Route, Machame Route, Lemosho Route, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Umbwe.
If you’re a novice climber, opt for the Marangu Route, the quickest, cheapest, and most comfortable route. This route takes five to six days.
Meanwhile, the Machame Route charges up the southern side of the peak, and the climb can take six to seven days. This route is tough-going, so it’s much better for those with climbing experience or anyone up for some challenges along the way.
Furthermore, the Lemosho Route offers scenic views up to the west ridge, and the climb can last six to nine days. However, if you’re not confident in your altitude performance, it’s best to book longer tours.
This provides better acclimatization and a higher success rate than the shorter ones.

It's not a technical climb, It’s a hike

One misconception about climbing Kilimanjaro is that it’s a technical climb but a hike. Thus, climbing Kilimanjaro doesn’t require any technical skills. It’s known as a ‘walk up’ Mountain because you only need to walk up to reach the peak.
You won’t need harnesses, ice axes, or ropes since falling off a cliff is not dangerous. In addition, there are no rocks on the trails that require climbing skills.
However, one must be physically fit to trek the highest freestanding mountain in the world.

The country is warm, but the mountain is cold

Despite Africa’s proximity to the equator, it’s essential to note that Kilimanjaro’s climate could be cooler. Temperatures decrease significantly with elevation gain, necessitating cold-weather clothing layers to maintain warmth.
During the day, the climb could be warm due to the sun’s brightness, so a layer of clothes might be comfortable. However, as you climb higher, the temperature gets low, requiring you to wear layers of clothes and a knitted hat.
Temperatures at night can fall below freezing point, so it’s best to bring the right gear and clothing for your Kilimanjaro climb.

You’ll have a support team

Climbing the Mountain will be smooth as you’ll have a support team. You’ll have a guide, cook, and a porter to accompany you on the trek and do all the heavy work, such as:

• – setting up the tent
•  
• – taking down the tent
•  
• – cook food
•  
• – fetch water
•  
• – clean the campsite

Thus, you won’t have to use your energy on these labors; you can focus more on acclimatizing to the altitude and relishing the hike.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is serious

The higher the elevation, the thinner the air. This is why most climbers experience acute mountain sickness (AMS), and it’s the main reason why most people fail to reach the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. AMS occurs when the human body adjusts to the lower oxygen levels at high elevations. This process, known as acclimatization, creates biological responses to resist oxygen deficiency.

• Symptoms of AMS typically start with
•  
• light headache
•  
• Nausea
•  
• Fatigue

However, these symptoms will disappear as soon as your body acclimatizes to the current elevation. As long as you notice your body recovering in this manner, it’s a good sign that your body is adapting well to the scarcity of oxygen. Thus, there’s no need for concern. However, if you tour with a reliable and award-winning tour operator like Jayva African Adventures, you will be safe, as they’ve prepared everything beforehand. Your health will be observed to ensure your well-being isn’t declining and that you are fit enough to continue climbing the peak of Kilimanjaro.

No worries! There’s a toilet where you can handle your business

One of the many worries of climbers is going to the toilet during their stay on the mountain. There are so-called ‘long drop’ toilets on the hill to give you ease of mind over this concern. These’ long drop’ toilets are dug into the ground with a wooden covering. You’ll be squatting over the opening, which could be disgusting or filthy. Thus, it’s best to spend extra on a private toilet tent to ensure privacy and cleanliness.

No Wi-Fi and electricity on mount Kilimanjaro

Another thing you need to know before climbing Kilimanjaro is that there’s no WIFI or electricity on the mountain. So, if you’re not up for these things, it’s best not to push through with the climb. However, if you’re up for the adventure, you’ll never regret it, as it can be a life-changing experience. You may use this time to take a break from your noisy and hectic schedule and reflect.

The final ascent is tough but worth it

The final ascent is relatively challenging for everyone compared to the usual routine. This is because you’ll have to ascend in the middle of the night, which means you’ll be sleep-deprived while trekking the dark, rocky, and cold path. In addition, as it’s the middle of the night, you can’t see where you’re headed. All you can see is the illumination of headlamps that light up a few steps in front. You may also see the headlamps of people who have gone ahead far above, which could make you feel disheartened by how far you still need to go. However, once you’ve reached the top, all your struggles will be compensated with the beautiful view from the top and the pride of successfully climbing Africa’s highest peak.

Conclusion

So there you have it: 10 must-knows before you climb the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on the planet. There is so much beauty to be seen along the journey, and it is definitely a life-changing climb. If you plan to ascend the great Kilimanjaro, we recommend you check out our other blogs on the subject. If you need advice or help planning your dream climb, Jayva African Adventures is here to help you plan every step of the way.