MOUNT KILIMANJARO FAQ | TASTE OF KILIMANJARO

MOUNT KILIMANJARO FAQ's

1. Which Kilimanjaro route is best?
Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. It is the most favorite route because it offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views, and a high summit success rate. Thus, the Lemosho comes highly recommended and is one of our client’s favorites.

2. Can I climb Kilimanjaro?
Sure, you can! Climbing Kilimanjaro does not require any technical skills or special equipment, just some physical fitness and determination, people from all walks of life can achieve a successful summited. Individuals from 7 to 89 years old have made it to the top. But the challenge should not be taken lightly. You do need to understand what lies ahead. Rest assured, you will find the answers to all your questions here.

3. How to avoid altitude sickness at the mountain?
Altitude sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is an illness caused by exposure to low air pressure; especially low partial pressure of oxygen, which many climbers experience at high altitudes.

There are several practical steps that you can take to minimize the chances of having to abandon your climb of Kilimanjaro due to the effects of altitude sickness:
• Acclimatize before the climb - This is easier said than done if you live at sea level but if you can spend time at high altitude before the actual Kilimanjaro climb then this is the very best way to avoid altitude sickness.

Starting the climb in the best possible health and with an excellent level of physical fitness is imperative. If you are fatigued, unwell, or stressed you are more likely to suffer from altitude seconds.

• Slow and steady - You need to keep your respiration rate low during the climb you should be able to maintain a normal conversation. If you are panting or breathing hard, you must slow down. Overworking your heart and lungs substantially increases your chance of becoming ill.

• Ascend slowly - Your guides will tell you “polepole polepole (slowly slowly) throughout your climb. Because it takes time to acclimatize, your ascension should be slow. You will make slow and steady progress each day to allow for a successful summit, what we want you to achieve.

• Climb high sleep low-Climbing to a higher altitude during the day and then sleeping lower allows for better acclimatization. Most routes comply with this principle and additional acclimatization hikes can be incorporated into your itinerary.

• Drink as much water as you can-Getting up in the middle of the cold night may be an unpleasant thought but altitude dehydrates you and the better you hydrate the quicker your body can acclimatize.

Even though you may not feel like it, you should eat as much as you possibly can at every meal. This will give you plenty of energy and help you to feel great. I find it also helps me to keep warm and sleep well at night, maybe with an extra layer of clothing.

• Sleep well. Sleeping well in a tent is an acquired skill. Spend a few nights out in a tent with a sleeping bag before your climb so that you are prepared for the routine, and that your body is accustomed to sleeping in a sleeping bag on a hard surface.

• Diamox is the prescription name for the generic drug acetazolamide. And, though acetazolamide is prescribed for the medical treatment of glaucoma, sleep apnea, epilepsy, and hypertension, it’s also used to prevent altitude sickness. You should consult with your doctor before taking it and let us know if you are planning on taking it during your climb.

• Relax-Relax and think positively. Although not pleasant, the vast majority of people suffer only mild altitude sickness. Do not think that every headache is cerebral edema and that every cough pulmonary edema as this is very unlikely. By relaxing and enjoying the climb you are far more likely to have a trouble-free experience.

• Daily health checks- Our guides are all experienced in identifying altitude sickness and dealing with the problems it causes with climbers. They are continuously watching you and speaking with you throughout the climb. Twice daily, in the morning and evening, our guides will contact health checks.

4. Who will be my guide?
Our knowledgeable and experienced guides have collectively mounted Kilimanjaro well over a thousand times. They are regularly trained in the latest guiding techniques, first aid, English language, zoological and geological topics, customer relations, and environmental conservation. They are fully licensed by the National Park authorities and most importantly they love their job.

5. What types of food and drinks will be provided during Kilimanjaro?
You will be amazed at the variety, quality & quantity of the food we serve you while you are on your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. As you are trekking for between 6-9 hours a day (before summit night) you will be burning a lot of calories – and as you are at a higher altitude – you are burning even more than at sea level.

• Ensuring that you are well-fed – and fully fueled for climbing Kilimanjaro is paramount – allowing you to have enough energy to get you to the top. On all of our Kilimanjaro climbs you will be fully supported by a team of professional chefs who will cater to every dietary requirement and who will provide you with 3 hot cooked meals a day – plus plenty of water and hot drinks. Every day you will be served different meals whilst on the mountain.

Snacks at camp – on arrival at camp there will be salty snacks & biscuits (we do recommend bringing some of your favorites from home though)
At each stop, there will be purified water, hot water for teas, coffee & hot chocolate!

• Dietary requirement - Remember to inform us if you have any special dietary requirements – Our chefs are also able to accommodate almost any dietary restrictions; vegan, vegetarian, gluten and lactose intolerant, and those with restrictions due to their religious beliefs.

Just let us know in advance of any dietary restrictions that you may have. If you have any questions or concerns about the food whilst on the climb, feel free to speak to our team and we can give you more information!

• Staying hydrated - Keeping hydrated is crucial in the Kilimanjaro acclimatizing process – and you will get dehydrated easily, not just from walking each day but by breathing in the air at higher altitudes. We ensure that there is always a plentiful supply of treated and filtered water in the camp each morning/ night and water will also be provided at lunch. Depending on your physiology you will need to take in between 3-4 liters of water each day. If you are not used to drinking this amount of water, many people find that adding electrolytes or flavored cordials helps to keep the taste buds excited. There will also be hot drinking water at the camp in eat morning/ evening as well as the lunch stop with a selection of teas, coffee, and hot chocolate.

6. What is the best month to climb Kilimanjaro?
The best times to climb regarding the weather (avoiding rain) are from January to early March, and June to mid-October. There’s a long, dry winter and a green season with two rainy periods at each end. December, January, February, and March are the warmest months, with clear mornings and evenings, and clouds during the day that occlude the summit in the early afternoon hours.

7. How fit must I be to climb Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is often described as “easily accessible” because of the nice trails, the assistance of porters and guides, and technical mountaineering skills that are not required but do not underestimate this mountain. A climber’s biggest problem may be the effects of high altitude, which seem to be unrelated to fitness, age, or gender. General fitness is necessary. Before your visit, physical training should emphasize leg muscles. Include some aerobics and practice hiking with a light day pack. The fitter you are, the easier the climb will be for you. Determination is another important factor.

8. What if I cannot make it to the top?
Some climbers may fall short of reaching the summit, but not at the expense of their overall experience. Certificates are given for reaching the crater rim and gold certificates are given to those who reach Uhuru Point. Guides do everything they can to ensure your success, but if someone decides they cannot continue or a guide deems it unsafe for them to continue, they are escorted to the most convenient campsite or hut. Our guides intimately know the network of shortcuts to escort climbers to safety and are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstance.

9. How much equipment will I carry?
Your day pack will sustain you until you reach camp at the end of the day such as water, snacks, first aid, camera, gloves, and clothing layers. Porters carry your backpack/duffel from campsite to campsite and will be there before you arrive. Each porter’s load is limited to 35 lbs. (15kg) so weight is distributed among them.

10. What are the accommodations during the trek?
On the Marangu Route, there are simple huts that sleep four, with the last hut being a dormitory-style hit with bunk beds. On other routes, you sleep in dome-style mountain tents, two people in each. They are modern with flysheets and large vestibules. Porters set up, take down and carry them to each camp each day. A toilet tent is set up at every campsite and hot water is provided for each person every morning if possible (no showers). Meals are served in dining tents with chairs and tables. Before meals, the waiter provides soap and hot water for washing your hands.

11. How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
The minimum duration for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is determined by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Currently, this is set at five days for the Marangu and Rongai routes and six days for all other routes.

It doesn't imply that climbing Kilimanjaro in a shorter time is impossible, but rather that climbers must pay park fees for at least this minimum duration. These fees make up almost half of the total package cost. For example, on a six-day Marangu route, the park fees amount to $800 per person. Even if a climber with excellent fitness and acclimatization finishes the climb in fewer than six days, there is no reduction in these fees.

The durations set by the park authority consider the distance an average hiker can comfortably cover between two camps daily while getting reasonable acclimatization.

12. Longer routes provide better acclimatization
Beginners should not consider shorter itineraries to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Years of industry practice revealed that climbers need more days to acclimate successfully. Typically, an average hiker without previous hiking experience in the mountains requires seven days for this trip to acclimate successfully.

13. What is the average temperature on Mount Kilimanjaro? - Around 21 to 27 °C
The temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more by the altitude and time of day than the year. At the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 21 to 27 °C and at the summit, Uhuru Peak, the nighttime temperatures can range between -7 to -29 °C (20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit). On Summit Night expect a long day starting at midnight and then continuing back down to High Camp by about 4 pm. The route up will be in the darkness and a headlight is required it will also be cold and often windy. Do prepare with good warm clothing and also remember to protect your extremities and face.

14. What is my daily routine on Mount Kilimanjaro?
During your climb of Kilimanjaro ‘bed tea’ is generally at about 6.30 – 7.00 am, breakfast is between 7.30 am and 8.00 am, and departure from camp is at 8.30 am latest. There is a snack lunch at midday, tea and biscuits around 4 pm, and dinner at 7 pm. Summit morning is different; tea and biscuits at 11.30 pm and start hiking at midnight or just after.

Most daily hikes take from 4 – 7 hours. The pace is slow and not forced at all. There is a rest at least once every hour and plenty of time to take photos, enjoy the view, and chat. When you arrive at the campsite you will find the tents erected and your bags will be waiting inside. In the morning, you will pack your bags ready for a speedy departure after breakfast.

SUMMIT DAY:
Expect a long day starting at midnight before continuing back down to High Camp by about 4 pm. The route up will be in the darkness so a headlight is required and it will be cold and often windy. Do prepare with good warm clothing and also remember to protect your extremities and face. From Barafu Camp to the Crater Rim, it will take about 6 to 8 hours, and you will arrive as the sun rises which is very special. From the rim (Stella Point) it is a further hour to the top, so expect summit time to be between 7 am and 9 am. With an hour on top for photos, enjoying the exceptional view, and feeling elated, the route down is dusty, loose, and quite a strain on the knees. Take it easy and stay with one of the guides; they will split up to cover all the mini-groups that naturally form for the descent.

When you get back to Barafu pack your bags ready for the porters to take down (you should prepare this the night before), take a rest, eat lunch, and then we will descend to High Camp which is a further two hours to the edge of the forest. Some people question this, but it is necessary to get lower because Barafu is still at 4600 meters and your body will thank you for losing altitude. It may be the last thing you want to do after having summited Kilimanjaro, but it is necessary.

15. What route should I climb?
There are main six Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes. These routes vary not only in length, cost, and scenery; they also have different difficulty levels and different success rates. Selecting a Kilimanjaro climb route is one of the most important decisions you have to make. There is no single best Mt. Kilimanjaro climb route. The route that is best for you depends on several factors. The time and money you have available, previous experience and fitness, the time of the year, and your personal preference.

Here below are different Kilimanjaro routes' pros and cons
• Marangu route: This route is also known as the “Coca–Cola” route. The only Kilimanjaro climb route that offers hut accommodation, The route is popular for its comfort while undertaking this classic trek. Regarded as the least difficult of routes, Marangu is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro.Gentle slope; it has a gentle slope for the first several days, before the tough summit attempt from Kibo Hut.

• Machame route: The most popular climbing route up Kilimanjaro, Forest; it is the richest forested area on the mountain. Lush and beautiful; but also gets very muddy during the wet season

• Lemosho route: The eight-day trek itinerary allows for maximum time for acclimatization. Allowing for improved chances of reaching the summit & allowing time to enjoy a variety of scenery in the different climatic zones. The most beautiful Kilimanjaro climb route, but expensive Traversing beautiful forests and moorlands.

• Rongai route: The Rongai route is a more gradual ascent and is therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience. The easiest route on Kilimanjaro and Less traffic

• Umbwe route: It is a very challenging route and very muddy, especially during the rainy season.

• The northern circuit route: This is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering high degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. You must have enough time and money

16. What is the number of crew on Kilimanjaro:
Tour operators are expected to comply with KINAPA guide and porter regulations. Porters are responsible for carrying a trekker's gear as well as key items like tents; water and cooking supplies. The number of crew depends also on the number of trek days. The longer the route the more number of porters. The shorter the route the less the number of porters. Also, there are other factors like the weight of your luggage (we recommend packing not more than 15kg/13Lbs) and the addition of facilities like private portable toilets.

You can refer to the chart to see how the number of crew members corresponds to the number of climbers.

Number of clients	Number of Guides	Number of Cooks	Number of Porters	Total Crew
1	1	1	4	6
2	2	1	6	9
3	2	1	7	10
4	2	1	9	12
5	3	1	11	15
6	3	1	13	17
7	4	1	15	20
8	4	1	17	22
9	5	2	19	26
10	5	2	21	28
11	6	2	23	31
12	6	2	25	33
13	7	2	27	36
14	7	2	29	38
15	8	2	31	41
16	8	2	33	43
17	9	2	35	46
18	9	2	37	48
19	10	2	39	51
20	10	3	41	54
21	11	3	43	57
22	11	3	45	59
23	12	3	47	62
24	12	3	49	64
25	13	3	51	67
26	13	3	53	69
27	14	3	55	72
28	14	3	57	74
29	15	3	59	77
30	15	4	61	80
31	16	4	63	83
32	16	4	65	85
33	17	4	67	88
34	17	4	69	90
35	18	4	71	93
36	18	4	73	95

17. What kind of mountain climbing gear do I need for Kilimanjaro?
List of all the gear that you need to pack for your Kilimanjaro trek

BASIC EQUIPMENT:
• Duffle bag/ rucksacks – This is for carrying your main gear and normally will be carried by a porter. We recommend 60Liters – 80Liters waterproof duffel bags/rucksacks
• Daypack – You will need to carry your daypack. 30-40L is sufficient.
• Trekking poles – Trekking poles will reduce your joint pain. We recommend adjustable trekking poles.
• Water bladder/bottles – Highly recommended with a capacity to carry 3 liters of water. Alternatively, you can bring two bottles 1.5L each. We would also recommend bringing an extra 1L bottle in addition to your water bladder.

HEADWEAR:
• Warm winter hat
• Neck gaiter or scarf – We recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana as it can get dust on Kilimanjaro
• Sun hat – Choose a hat that is wide-brimmed for protection
• Sunglass – Choose a pair of high UV protection glasses as sun intensity above 4,500m is very high.
• Headlamp – You will need a headlamp with good light output for any late-night toilet journeys, and importantly for summit night. We also recommend having extra batteries (AAA batteries)

HANDS AND FEET WEAR:
• Lightweight Gloves – We recommend this for the lower slope
• Warm gloves or mittens – For the cold nights and the summit we recommend heavyweight gloves
• Trekking boots – We recommend using a mid-weight trekking boot with good ankle support. We also recommend it to be waterproof.
• Gym shoes/sandals – To wear around camp after a day’s trek.
• Socks – We recommend bringing 3-4 pairs of outer socks and 2-3 pairs of liner socks. We also recommend bringing 1 x thick thermal socks for summit night.
• Gaiters – We recommend this to keep your trousers clean from wet and muddy or dusty conditions.
• Microspikes/crampons – Not always required, but there are special periods when the mountain receives an excessive amount of ice near the summit.

UPPER BODY WEAR:
• Thermal base layer – 2 thermal base layers, ideally made from merino wool. One to wear on summit night and one to sleep in each night
• Short-sleeved shirt: 2 lightweight, moisture-wicking short-sleeved shirts are sufficient.
• Long sleeve shirt – 2 or 3 light or medium weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt.
• Fleece or soft-shell jacket – A mid-weight fleece jacket is ideal for Kilimanjaro
• Insulated jacket – A good quality and warm down or Primaloft jacket is required for cold nights and summit push.
• Hard shell outer jacket – A windproof hard shell outer jacket to protect you from the elements
• Poncho – As Kilimanjaro weather is unpredictable then poncho is recommended.

LOWER BODY WEAR:
• Leggings – 2 Thermal or fleece base layers for your legs.
• Trekking trousers: 1 medium-weight trekking trousers is recommended.
• Hard shell trousers – Windproof will protect you from the elements

TOILETRIES AND OTHER STUFF:
• Sun and lip screen – High sun protection factor sunscreen and lip protection balm are recommended
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• Personal medicines and medical kit – Recommend bringing Paracetamol and Imodium at a minimum
• Extra bag and padlock – For your extra luggage that will remain at the hotel
• Packing cubes: Useful for keeping items organized within your duffle bag
• Camera and spare batteries
• Plug Adapter – A plug adapter for charging your devices in the hotels before and after the trek. We recommend adapter type G.
• Personal snacks: Boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars, and dried fruit are all good for Kilimanjaro, most clients like to bring candy from their home countries too.
• Towel – lightweight, quick-dry
• Portable power bank and an extra one if possible

18. How long does it take to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro?
Depending on the route chosen, most trekkers take 4-6 days to reach the summit. The longer you spend on the mountain, the more time your body gets to acclimatize, and the higher the chance you will succeed in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.

19. Can we leave excess luggage behind whilst trekking Kilimanjaro?
Yes, any excess luggage you do not need to carry with you on Mount Kilimanjaro can be left at our office. You should keep valuable items with you at all times.

20. What are some of your hygiene practices on the mountain?
We always boil and filter drinking water for our clients. Cooks always make sure the food is well cooked and utensils are sterilized with clean hot water before they are used. The mess tent is cleaned daily. Mess tents are solely reserved for clients’ use only.

21. Can we rent a portable toilet for our climb?
Yes, the portable toilet is available for rental at US$ 80/group (up to 4 climbers).

22. What safety equipment do you carry on the trek?
All of our lead guides are trained and certified in the following areas: altitude sickness and recognizing symptoms in the early stages, emergency use of oxygen, wilderness first responder, and performing CPR. Each guide carries a first aid kit which includes: paracetamol, Imodium, ibuprofen, rehydration salts, paraffin gauze, sterile swabs, bandages, plasters, cotton wools, latex gloves & tongs, antiseptic disinfectant, antimicrobial cream, antihistamine, Diamox, etc. We check in with the clients and crew daily at camp as they are equipped with mobile phones.

23. Is my departure guaranteed if I sign up with your company for the Kilimanjaro climb?
Yes, absolutely! Because we do not join groups together, you can choose to start your climb on any day you choose.

24. Can children climb Kilimanjaro?
The minimum age limit set by Kilimanjaro National Park for children trekking to Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro is 10 years old.
About 25% of beginner climbers fail to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. This is often because they choose a shorter itinerary than they need to acclimatize well. Our company has been organizing Kilimanjaro expeditions since 2014 for both beginners and seasoned athletes, and we know how long the ideal duration of the trip is for various categories of climbers. In this article, you will learn whether you should consider shorter five and six-day treks, or opt for longer trips.

25. What's the shortest time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Kilimanjaro can take five to nine days, depending on the route. If you opt for expeditions that include crater camping, the journey might extend to ten days. The most recommended routes for beginners span seven days. Shorter variations lasting 5 or 6 days are better suited for experienced hikers who have acclimatized beforehand.

26. What is acclimatization?
Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, stands at 5,895 meters/19,340 feet. At this height, the atmospheric pressure is only approximately 40% of what it is at sea level. At the summit of Kilimanjaro, with the air being almost twice as thin, it can feel akin to breathing through a narrow straw. You might struggle to take in enough oxygen as if you're constantly short of breath.
If a climber were hypothetically transported directly to the top of Kilimanjaro by helicopter, they would likely experience acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness) within 1-2 hours. This condition can rapidly progress to cerebral or pulmonary edema, both of which are potentially fatal. The body needs time to adapt to the decreased oxygen to avoid these serious health risks.
To ensure your body gently adjusts to the high altitude, time is essential. For most of the hikers, a 7-8 day itinerary is ideal for climbing Kilimanjaro while avoiding altitude sickness.
Over this time, several physiological changes occur to cope with decreased oxygen levels.
• The breathing rate increases, even at rest, to take in enough oxygen molecules.
• The heart rate also rises to pump more oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
• The production of red blood cells increases, enhancing the capacity to transport oxygen to the body's vitals.
• The blood vessels in the brain dilate to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery.
These adaptations help the body function more efficiently in environments with lower atmospheric pressure, like at high altitudes on a Mount Kilimanjaro hike.
For more information about altitude adaptation, check out our video below, and this article about acclimatization.

27. Who should choose a 5-6 day Kilimanjaro climb?
Shorter 5-6 day treks on Kilimanjaro can be appropriate for experienced trekkers who have been active in other high-altitude environments within six months before attempting to climb Kilimanjaro. Their recent experience in similar conditions means they are already acclimatized to high altitudes. If you've hiked to an altitude of over 5,000 meters (16500 feet) within two weeks before your Kilimanjaro trip, your recent acclimatization will significantly benefit and likely suffice for a 6-day Kilimanjaro itinerary.
Shorter programs are more physically demanding. One will need to cover large distances each day. These condensed itineraries typically skip one of the camps along the trail, creating a more demanding schedule, especially for those of average fitness levels.

Take, for example, the six-day Machame route. On this itinerary, a hiker would start in the morning from Barranco Camp and trek directly to Barafu summit camp, covering a challenging distance of approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles). The physical exertion doesn't end there. On the same night, after only 3-4 hours of rest, the hiker embarks on the summit attempt, followed by a descent to Millennium Camp. It means undertaking another 15 kilometers (9 miles). In total, within less than 30 hours, the hiker completes a 27-kilometer (17 miles) journey with minimal sleep, gaining over 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) in elevation.
While feasible for fit and experienced hikers, this compact Kilimanjaro climb schedule can be extremely taxing for those with average fitness.
Upper Barafu (also known as Kosovo Camp) summit camp sits in an arid, deserted environment

28. Is it possible to climb Kilimanjaro even faster?
Some hikers occasionally complete these six-day treks in four or five days. However, these cases are exceptional. For most people, especially those new to high-altitude trekking, opting for a longer itinerary is safer and more advisable.

29. Who should choose a seven-day climbing Kilimanjaro itinerary?
Most beginner trekkers should consider the longer trip options. When referring to "average" or "beginner" hikers, we're talking about travelers who occasionally hike in the countryside and can walk up to 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) a day but haven't experienced mountains as high as Kilimanjaro. For this category, seven-day itineraries to climb Kilimanjaro are the most suitable. These itineraries offer a balance of smooth acclimatization and a moderate physical challenge, with manageable distances between camps.

Using the mentioned Machame Route as an example, the seven-day trek adds a night at Karanga Camp between Barranco and Barafu summit camp. This extra night allows for a full night's rest before attempting the summit night hike. Rather than covering 27 kilometers (17 miles) in under 30 hours towards the end, the seven-day trek spreads 21 kilometers (13 miles) over about 15 hours, making it easier for average fitness-level hikers.

30. Kilimanjaro climb duration and success rate
One clear conclusion that has emerged from it is that seven-day hikes to Mount Kilimanjaro summit have a notably higher success rate than shorter itineraries. These longer treks consistently result in a more pleasant experience.
The path from Shira camp to Barranco camp. It's available on the Machame route and Lemosho route. Plan a longer trip to enjoy them to the fullest!

31. Which itineraries should beginners avoid?
Many tour operators promote the Marangu 5-day and Machame 6-day treks as recommended options to climb Kilimanjaro. It is because these routes are the cheapest to organize, making them easier to sell.

However, these shorter options are challenging for average hikers. Both itineraries omit a crucial acclimatization day in the middle of the journey, essential for adjusting to high altitudes. As a result, these treks typically have the lowest summit success rates and can be risky for beginners due to insufficient acclimatization time.
Behind these trips are often smaller local tour operators. Many of them have substandard safety practices and amateur guides. When poor acclimatization is combined with these factors, these routes are less safe, especially for those new to high-altitude trekking. Risks include altitude sickness, bad equipment, meals, and lack of professional guidance - the list can go on.

Avoid the Marangu 5-day and Machame 6-day treks.
At Taste of Kilimanjaro Adventures, we arrange them only as private expeditions for experienced hikers accustomed to high-altitude environments who understand the risks involved.

Choosing a shorter itinerary on Kilimanjaro to save costs can be tempting, but this approach often backfires. It significantly reduces the chances of a successful summit and can lead to severe altitude sickness. Especially if you opt for the super budget operators. This may necessitate potential evacuation and medical treatment, which can be costly in the long run.

32. Which route on Kilimanjaro is the shortest?
When the question "How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?" comes up, many tourists want to know what is the shortest way up. The shortest route on Kilimanjaro is Umbwe. It is only about 37 kilometers long.

Umbwe parallels the Machame route but doesn’t take the hikers to Shira Camp on the Western slope for more acclimatization. Instead, the hikers climb through the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro only, directly to the summit camp. This route is available as a six-day climb only and can be a good option for experienced hikers. Skyrunners often take Umbwe for the Kilimanjaro rapid ascents.

33. Which route on Kilimanjaro is the longest?
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest route among the seven routes to climb Kilimanjaro. It spans 90 kilometers (59 miles). It starts on the Western slope, circles the Main volcano - Kibo from the north and east, climbs to Uhuru Peak, and then descends on the southern side.

Typically, it takes eight days to complete the Northern Circuit. It's the best Kilimanjaro route if you seek the unique opportunity to experience the mountain from all sides. For those opting for an extended crater camping expedition, the journey extends to 10 days.

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