Many adventurers dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This iconic mountain attracts thousands of hikers every year who take on the challenging journey to its snowy summit. It is one of the Africa Safaris‘s most sought-after adventures!
Having personally climbed the mountain, I have enlisted the help of my community manager to share tips and recommendations on how to save money and increase your chances of reaching the “Roof of Africa.”
The emotion and sense accomplishment I felt at the top of Kilimanjaro during sunrise is something I will never forget. After a week of grueling hikes, including a 17-hour trek in one day, I finally reached the highest point of the continent. I was the highest person ever on the African continent for a short time. It felt magical.
Kilimanjaro is a very special place to travel. It’s one of those experiences, like a hike to Everest Base Camp, a visit Machu Picchu, and a journey along the Camino de Santiago, that appeals to a particular type of traveler. Someone who loves a challenge. They want to push themselves and their limits.
Kilimanjaro remains a challenging climb for tourists, despite its accessibility. Every year, people get injured – and even lose their lives – on the mountain. Only 45 to 65 per cent of those who try to climb the mountain reach the top.
With proper planning and preparation you can increase your odds of success. This is what you need to do to get the most from your trip.
Different Routes
There are six main routes to climb Kilimanjaro, each with its own length, level of difficulty, and success rates. The route that you choose depends on your budget and duration of the trip as well as the tour company with whom you book.
Marangu: Often referred to as “the Coca-Cola route,” this path is named after the huts along the way where hikers can rest and purchase refreshments, including a cold Coca-Cola beverage. Contrary to what its name suggests, this route has a very low success rate. Many underestimate the difficulty and rush to reach the summit within five days without taking time to acclimatize.
MachameIt is the most popular, with a completion rate of 60% in just seven days. It is nicknamed “the whiskey route,” alluding to the fact that it is a more challenging climb than the Marangu route.
Rongai: It is the easiest Kilimanjaro route, though it is less scenic than other routes and is more expensive due to a limited number of budget operators. It is the only way to climb the mountain that is not crowded and approaches it from the north.
ShiraThis route requires a large amount of elevation gain early on, before merging into the Machame Route. It’s a difficult and expensive option because it starts in the west, and then joins the main road.
LemoshoIt is considered the most scenic route up the mountain. It is one of more expensive options, but it offers a variety of challenges.
UmbweThis route is for experienced climbers who are looking for a challenge. This route involves more scrambling than normal hiking.
You should plan to trek for at least seven full days no matter what route or distance you choose. This journey should not be rushed. Slower pace may be more expensive, but it allows you to adapt to the altitude and increases your chances to reach the summit.
Costs
As with any form of travel, there is a range of prices for climbing Kilimanjaro. Some luxury companies will even carry a bed full size up the mountain to ensure that hikers don’t have to sleep on the floor. Alternatively, budget operators might cut corners or not compensate porters properly to keep costs down.
There are a few good reasons why I suggest choosing a middle-range company:
These companies have experienced guides that can give you valuable information during your journey. They also make sure that porters are treated fairly. This gives you peace ofmind knowing your team will be taken care of.
You can rest assured that the company does not make any compromises. With plenty of competition for Kilimanjaro treks, if a company’s prices seem too good to be true, then they are likely skipping out on something. This is a once in a lifetime experience and it’s worth investing into a reputable provider.
Prices can range between USD 1,000 and USD 5,000 per person. I would not recommend booking with a company charging less than USD 2,000 USD (my trip cost around USD 2,200 before tipping – more on that below) as anything below that is likely very bare-bones.
Remember, people are seriously injured – and around 10 lose their lives – on this mountain each year. Don’t compromise safety. Pay more for a reputable business with good reviews. You will not only enjoy your trip, but also feel more secure and comfortable.
Finding a Kilimanjaro Tour Company
Since it is prohibited to climb Kilimanjaro without porters, you will need to book a Kilimanjaro tour company that provides everything required for the journey, including gear, guides, porters, and necessary documents.
What are your options when it comes to choosing the right company for you?
Considerations for your next trip
1. Read Reviews – Once you have narrowed down your options based on your budget, look for a company with positive reviews. Although online reviews should not be taken at face value, they do give you a first impression. Attention to the details of the equipment and food.
2. Find out the client-porter ratio – How many other hikers will be on your trek? And how many porters/guides/assistant guides will be included? If you have any questions or concerns, it is best not to join a large group. You may not get the attention you need.
3. Success rate is important – What is the company’s success rate for the route you are interested in? They cannot control the weather but they can support their clients to reach the summit.
4. Select an ethical company – The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project maintains a list of tour operators that meet their guidelines for responsible and ethical travel. By booking with these companies, you can ensure that the porters will be treated fairly. It is my greatest regret that I did not know about this list prior to my trip.
5. Choose a company offering accommodation. – Most companies offer a complimentary hotel stay the night before and after your trek, as well as transportation to and from the mountain. You should ensure that the company includes these services so that you get enough rest before you start your hike, and can relax in a comfortable bed at the end of your journey.
Climbing Kilimanjaro Company comes highly recommended. These companies meet KPAP guidelines and employ qualified local guides to lead their treks. Start your search by contacting these companies.
Tipping Porters and Guides
Although gratuity isn’t mandatory, it’s customary to tip the guide and porters after your trek. The hardworking team who makes your climb possible will appreciate this additional compensation.
Final Thoughts
Kilimanjaro Hike is an incredible experience that takes careful planning and preparation. By choosing the right route and a responsible Kilimanjaro tour Operator, you can increase your chances of reaching the summit and having a safe, enjoyable trip. While it can be a daunting task, the stunning views and sense of achievement you get from reaching the top make it worth it. Enjoy your climbing!
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