Climbing Kilimanjaro is on the bucket list of many hikers out there. People who have conquered the Roof Of Africa talk about the incredible experience and the challenges they faced but, with so many routes going up, it’s hard to get a sense of what to expect until you’re actually there.
The Journey to Base Camp
For the most part, the hike up to base camp is relatively easy depending on the route - see below for specifics. During the ascent, you’ll be hiking around four to six hours per day, depending on your fitness level. You should use this time to acclimatise. Once you get to camp and have settled in, go on short walks around the area, do some yoga, or whatever takes your fancy, but try to stay active after the hike. The more you breathe, the better you’ll acclimatise.
Once you reach base camp you’ll be at 4,600m and you’ll start feeling the effects of the altitude if you haven’t felt them already. Here you want to take things slow, drink loads, and eat small quantities. Everyone will have an early night to get a good rest for the summit attempt. Try get some sleep but don’t beat yourself up if you’re too excited to drift off :)
Kilimanjaro summit night - what to expect and how to go about it.
You’re gonna be clumsy.
The simplest task, like reaching out for your water bottle may like an ordeal, so consider a camelback and remember - Since the air is thinner up there you lose more fluids just through breathing so Staying hydrated through out will help you acclimatise on this rapid ascent - and avoid headaches and dizziness once you’re on the top.
You’re gonna lose your appetite.
The higher you go, the less you’re gonna want to eat and the more important it is that you do. Thin air makes your body burn calories faster, and you’re gonna need loads of fuel to get to summit. (This is not the time for weight loss endeavours) Remember - you’re still going to feel clumsy, and the thought of having to chew will again feel like an ordeal! Try gummy bears, keep them in your pocket, pop one in your mouth at every stop and you’re good to go.
You’re gonna feel heavy.
You’ll be carrying at least 2 litres of water, extra layers, extra hoodies, snacks, phones, cameras and whatever else, while fighting that high-altitude feeling. Summit night is a steep ascent followed by a steep descent - so walking poles are a must to help you carry that weight up and protect your knees on the way down.
Your guide will make loads of stops on the way up - remind each other to take a sip of water and a little snack on each break, you don’t need to be hungry or even feel like eating at all, just put that bite in your mouth and get going. Believe me, once you get to the crater rim, at sunrise and your guide comes along with a hot cup of tea, it’ll all be worth it. From there to the actual summit is mostly flat along the crater rim, so keep going, enjoy the views and be proud of your incredible accomplishment!
The Descent -
Congrats! You’ve made it to summit, now it’s time to get back! Take it slow, look after those knees and use your walking poles to help your balance. After a meal break in Base camp, you’ll continue to the next stop for your overnight stay - which camp will depend which route you’ve taken.
Current Routes in Kilimanjaro:
| Route | Distance | Duration | Key Features |
| Marangu | 70km | 5-6 Days | A popular route, known as the Coca Cola route where climbers sleep in mountain huts - best if you’re on a budget and don’t want to camp. |
| Umbwe | 48km | 5-7 Days | A direct route to the summit that's considered the most toughest. It’s the least crowded route but there isn’t as much time to acclimatise so it has a low success rate. For experienced trekkers seeking a steep challenge. |
| Rongai | 74km | 6-7 Days | The only route that approaches from the north of the mountain (Kenyan side). It is a beautiful and gradual route, less busy and has higher chances of seeing wildlife. |
| Machame | 61km | 6-7 Days | A moderately difficult route with diverse scenery, steep sections and the infamous Barranco Wall climb. It’s the second busiest after Marangu and it’s great for trek high, camp low acclimatisation. |
| Shira | 58km | 6-8 Days | Starts on the western slope at a whooping 3,500m high and joins the Lemosho and Machame route on days 2 and 3 respectively. |
| Lemosho | 67km | 7-8 Days | The most scenic route with opportunities for wildlife spotting. The route that starts in the rainforest and crosses the Shira Plateau |
| Northern Circuit | 88km | 8-9 Days | The newest of the routes, this scenic route heading north to Moir Hut (Shira Route) before circling north-west around the northern slopes to join up with the Rongai Route. Due to the 'climb high, sleep low' opportunities, this route has the highest success rate of all the Kilimanjaro routes. Bear in mind it is longer and therefore more expensive as well. |
Whichever route you decide to take remember that drinking loads, eating loads and breathing loads is what’s going to help you acclimatise and get you to summit with a smile on your face.
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Happy Hiking! 🏔️