How To Plan Kilimanjaro Climb?

Conquering Africa’s biggest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro is a dream for many hikers around the world. Each year more than 20,000 people come to Tanzania, just to climb this mountain. If you have ever dreamed of, Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, here we will tell you How To Plan Kilimanjaro Climb. By following this guide, your Kilimanjaro Preparation will be a hassle-free experience.

Pick the Right Time to Climb Kilimanjaro 

Kilimanjaro experiences two weather patterns, dry and wet seasons.  And, the dry season from mid-June to the end of October is considered the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro . 

Choose the Duration of your Climb 

While planning and preparing for Climb Kilimanjaro , know how many days to spend on Kilimanjaro. Because the numbers of your expedition have a big impact on your success of Mount Kilimanjaro Climb . 

Most Kilimanjaro Routes take 5 to 8 days. While 5 days is the minimum number of days to summit Kilimanjaro, it is not recommended due to poor acclimatization experience. 

So, a seven to eight days climb is generally more recommended, because the extra days you will spend on Kilimanjaro will give you better acclimatization. 

Other than the Lemosho route hikers can choose 9- days Norther Circuit Route which gives you one extra, that’s helps in acclimatization. 

Select the best Kilimanjaro Route 

Choosing the right Kilimanjaro route is sometimes daunting, especially if you’re climbing for the very first time. That’s why choosing the right Kilimanjaro Route is essential in Preparing to Climb Kilimanjaro . 

Kilimanjaro has seven routes to ascend to the top. While all routes serve the same purpose, each route is different to each other. Some routes are steeper and shorter and while others are more gradual and take a long time to reach the top. 

Out of all seven Kilimanjaro Routes, our top pick is 8 - day Lemosho Route , which provides you with the best climbing experience. Lemosho Route also has varied terrain and offers good acclimatization and a high success rate. 

Choose the right climbing operator 

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-lifetime adventure and all climbers expect a hassle-free and perfect climbing experience. And, this is only possible with a right climb operator. While enquiring about Kilimanjaro operators, ensure it supplies professional guides, a cook, porters, nutrient-rich food, water, and climbing equipment (which is most important). 

Other than these the right Kilimanjaro operator should provide you best quality camping equipment. And, the operator’s compliance with all KRAP guidelines for porter wages and welfare. 

Book your flight 

Before digging into the question of how to plan your climb Kilimanjaro , you should how to reach Kilimanjaro. The closest airport to Mt Kilimanjaro is Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). And, this airport is located halfway between Moshi and Arusha. 

You can choose any of these cities, though Moshi is closer to Mt Kilimanjaro. But if you’re planning to explore other safari destinations along with climbing Kilimanjaro you should plan your stay in Arusha. 

If you don’t know – Arusha is close to major key national parks in Tanzania like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, also known as Safari Capital.

Organize your visa 

Visitors coming from other counties need to have a proper visa and a passport with a minimum validity of six months. You can either apply online or can obtain a visa on arrival. A single-entry visa for Tanzania cost $50. 

To apply for a Tanzania Visa, you must have-

• A passport (valid for at least six months) 
• Travel Details 
• Proof of your accommodation 
• A fully completed visa application form 
• A passport-size photo

Note that Tanzania Embassy can request other additional documents based on the type of visa you’re applying. 

Get the required vaccinations

Getting the required vaccinations is also an integral part of Planning and Preparation For Kilimanjaro. All visitors to Kilimanjaro need to show proof of yellow fever vaccine, which is mandatory. And, if you’re extending your travel plan to other destinations in Tanzania, you may need t to consider taking anti-malaria pills and repellent. 

Take the right gear 

While Preparing To Climb Kilimanjaro you need to consider high-quality gear, which can withstand the extreme weather conditions of Kilimanjaro. At the same time, your gear should be lightweight and water-resistant.  Here we have some of the best gear for Kilimanjaro Climb. 

• -20 Degree Sleeping Bag 
• Trekking poles 
• Insulated trekking gloves, pants and winter jacket
• Sturdy Hiking Boots 
• Sleeping Pads
• 70 Liter Main Rucksack 
• 30-40 Liter Day Pack 

Start Working on your fitness 

Climbing Kilimanjaro is not a cakewalk, it certainly requires a lot of strength and endurance. And for a successful climb, you need to be fit both mentally and physically. 

You should focus on cardio exercise, strength training, and endurance training for physical strength. The simple and best exercise for Kilimanjaro is walking. So, walk as much as you can, because that’s what you will do on Kilimanjaro. And, wear the same boot that you will climb Kilimanjaro with. 

If there is any mountain or hilly area near you, try to do all your exercise at that point. s

Keep in mind Climbing Kilimanjaro does not require any mountaineering experience nor it required you to be extremely fit. Anyone with a mild fitness level can easily climb Kilimanjaro. 

Final Words

Climbing Africa’s tallest peak Mt.  Kilimanjaro is a surreal experience. Though it’s not easy, if you right planning and preparation, you can Climb Kilimanjaro with ease. By summing we hope we have given you the best insights on How to Plan a Kilimanjaro Climb . 

If you have any further queries, you can reach out to our guides at Tanzania Tribe Safaris. To know more useful information, you can check out Kilimanjaro Food, Kilimanjaro Porters and Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro.