10 important things to know before climbing Kilimanjaro
Do you know which seasons are best for a Kilimanjaro climb? Or that tipping your mountain crew is customary? In order to have a safe, smooth and enjoyable experience, here are 10 important things you must know before climbing Kilimanjaro.
1. Some seasons are better than others
Different seasons on Kilimanjaro
Expect the unexpected
Peak seasons on Kilimanjaro
2. Some routes have higher success rates
Don’t start at a too-high altitude, placing your body at strain right out of the gate (for this reason we don’t recommend the Shira route ) Provide enough days for your body to acclimatise (we recommend a trek no shorter than seven days) Offer one or more opportunities to ‘climb high and then sleep low’, a great acclimatisation strategy
The seven Kilimanjaro routes
9 days of trekking Very high summit success rate
7 or 8 days of trekking High summit success rate
6 or 7 days of trekking High summit success rate
7 or 8 days of trekking Medium summit success rate
5 or 6 days of trekking Medium summit success rate
5 or 6 days of trekking Low summit success rate
5 or 6 days of trekking Low summit success rate
3. Choosing a good tour operator is key
Three different types of tour operators
Budget operators Value-for-money operators Luxury operators
How to choose a tour operator
1. Get recommendations
2. Look at the website
3. Read client reviews
4. Look on social media
5. Speak with the operator
Group size
4. Focused preparation is essential
Physical preparation
Mental preparation
5. You need to pack the right equipment
The importance of your hiking boots
Camping gear
6. You can't climb without travel insurance
Delayed, cancelled or interrupted travel Medical insurance Lost or damaged luggage
7. Be open about your health with your guide
8. Leave no trace on the mountain
Carry your waste to camp
9. Tipping your crew is important
10. Take your time and enjoy the adventure!
Kilimanjaro isn’t a race
Don't waste any time fearing the mountain – rather, prepare for it, and then just soak up all aspects of the experience!