If you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro, you should be well-prepared. You’ll need the support of others on the mountain, and you’ll need to know what to watch out for. In particular, be aware of people peeing behind rocks or using toilets without toilet facilities.
Seven routes
The Lemosho trail is the newest and longest summit route, and it passes through a variety of ecosystems. This route leads to Shira Camp, which is located on the Shira volcanic cone plateau. It also includes short sections of scrambling, so you need to be careful because the mountain’s rock is highly fragmented.
The Lemosho route starts with extensive rainforest before joining the Machame route for the final push to the summit massif. Then you’ll cross a large plateau and climb the mountain’s summit massif. The last section involves scree and rock that leads to the summit crater.
The Rongai route offers a less challenging climb. It has lower traffic and a more gradual acclimatisation profile. But it requires a bit more psychological push and is not recommended for hikers without much backpacking experience. Moreover, you’ll spend up to 7 days on the mountain.
The Umbwe route, the least-crowded for the first couple of days, is a great choice if you’re up for some adventure. Although this route is considered the most difficult, it also provides the best views. During the ascent, you’ll pass by the Lemosho Glades, which is home to the Colobus monkey and several species of birds that live on the giant camphorwood trees.
The Lemosho route is the newest and most popular route. It offers good acclimatisation and has a high success rate. If you don’t want to trek for six days, consider the Marangu route. Alternatively, you can opt for a longer route involving the Lemosho summit.
Preparation
Before embarking on a climbing expedition, it is important to understand the physical limitations of your body. Consult your physician and follow a fitness program. As a general rule, you should avoid hiking on the mountain if you have cardiac or pulmonary problems. Moreover, it is important to consult a travel clinic before departure so that you can get the appropriate medications.
Before embarking on your Mount Kilamanjaro trip, ensure that your health is in good condition. You should discuss the matter with your family doctor or local doctor. The doctor will be able to tell you if you’re within the recommended age limit, and if you’re in good physical condition.
Your fitness program should focus on endurance training and strength training. This is important because Kilimanjaro is one of the highest mountains in Africa. The altitude can cause acute mountain sickness, so it’s important to get acclimatised to the altitude. Alternatively, you can take part in marathons or long-distance hiking as a way to release mental stress and improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Choosing the right clothing and equipment is essential for a successful summit. It’s important to choose clothing that will allow you to adjust to the changing temperatures of the mountain. It’s also important to be aware of what types of equipment you’ll need. Focus East Africa Tours can help you with this as they can provide you with a detailed list of essential equipment.
When planning a climb, you’ll also want to consider the time of year. The rainy season in Tanzania usually runs from April to early June. The rainy season can make the climb a little more difficult. If you plan on hiking during this period, you’ll want to take a day or two to acclimatize.
Altitude sickness
When you’re climbing Mount Kilamanjaro, you should be aware of the risks of altitude sickness and what to do if you begin to feel sick. Although mild altitude sickness is rarely fatal, it can be debilitating. It can also result in a lack of appetite and dizziness. Fortunately, these symptoms usually subside on their own, and you can carry on with your climb.
To avoid altitude sickness, you should take it easy and acclimatize yourself. The best way to do this is to start slowly and gradually. This will allow your body to adjust to the change in air pressure. You should also stay hydrated during the climb. Your guides will be on a constant lookout for any signs of altitude sickness.
While most mountaineers will likely experience some level of altitude sickness, you can take steps to prevent it before your climb. For instance, your mountain guide will make sure you drink plenty of water. You can also ask for help on the descent if you feel sick. The KPAP organization will provide you with experienced guides who can monitor your altitude acclimatization and help you descend safely if you need assistance.
It’s important to recognize that altitude sickness can cause you to experience difficulty breathing. It can also lead to death. Even young, fit climbers are at risk of developing altitude sickness. However, there are ways to mitigate its effects, including choosing the right route, choosing a guide with experience, and following the golden rules of acclimatization.
The lack of oxygen can cause problems while sleeping at high altitude. In order to deal with this, your body adjusts to the lower oxygen levels by breathing faster and deeper. Your body also produces more red blood cells and beats faster than usual. This irregular breathing affects your sleep pattern and leaves you awake more frequently throughout the night.
Cost
The cost of climbing Mount Kilamanjaro depends on a few factors. First of all, you need to have enough money to cover your hotel costs. Then, you should budget for other miscellaneous expenses, like laundry, souvenirs, and an evening out in town. The second important factor is to have adequate equipment. Good quality gear is essential for your survival on the mountain. You will also need porters and cooks for the duration of your climb.
When you compare prices, make sure you choose a socially responsible tour operator. A good tour operator will ensure that porters are properly trained and given adequate clothing. If you are unsure of whether the tour operator is socially responsible, then you should consider booking with another climbing outfitter. This will also help you to ensure that you are not sacrificing your safety in the process.
The cost of climbing Mount Kilamanjaro can vary between $1600 and $5000 per person. It also depends on the route you choose, the number of days you are climbing, and the quality of the services offered by your tour operator. On average, a standard trip costs about $1,600. This price covers your hotel, meals, and the expenses of your climb team, including porters, mountain guides, and a chef.
The cost of hiring a climbing crew can range anywhere from USD 20 to $40 per day. However, the amount of money you spend depends on the size of your group and the experience of the climbers. In general, a guide will make at least USD 40 per day, the cook around USD 10 per day, and the porter around $7 to $10 per day.
Peak climbing season
There are two main seasons for climbing Mount Kilamanjaro. The first season is between June and October, and the second season is from November to March. The weather is generally good during the peak climbing season, but it can be very cold on the mountain during the rainy season, so be prepared.
The highest season is considered the high season, which is between late June and late October. This is when the mountain receives the most foot traffic and is thus the busiest. The weather is largely determined by climate. In general, the coldest months are December to March, while the warmest months are June to September.
There are several different routes up the mountain. The Rongai Route and the Machame Route take you through a lush forest, and you can spot giraffes, rhinos, and other wildlife. The rainforest area also features colossal lobelia plants and the iconic torch lily flower. In the upper half, the landscape is covered with dense old-growth cloud forest and more than 1,800 flowering plants.
The northern route of Kilamanjaro is less crowded and less popular than the southern route, Machame. In addition, the Rongai route starts on the northern slopes and is much drier than the Machame route. On the other hand, the Lemosho route leads to the southern flanks.
The most popular climbing season is from January to early March. This season has the best climbing weather. However, it can be extremely cold at night.