Take on climbing Kilimanjaro | Nomad Africa

If you are an adventure junkie, climbing Kilimanjaro is probably on your bucket list. The majestic Kili’s summit stands at 5,895m above sea level. This is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Photo by Encyclopedia Britannica

Where do I get started?

Climbing Kilimanjaro kicks of at the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. Consequently, if you are not Tanzanian you need to get your travel documents in order.

There are several climbing routes to use for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. Take a look to see which one best meets your hiking abilities and goals.

Climbing Kilimanjaro – Fahad

How do I prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro?

A great deal of physical and mental preparation is required before undertaking this adventurous trek. Therefore, ensure you are properly equipped with the right gear and camping equipment. Check that your travel and medical insurance is in place. Preparing a checklist before your attempt will help you keep track of your travel itinerary.

Climbing Kilimanjaro requires a degree of fitness so start training at least two months before the climb. You do not require mountaineering experience to summit Kilimanjaro. Nevertheless, you will need to be comfortable walking 6-8 hours uphill a day.

Pick out climbing dates that do not coincide with the rainy season. Best months are January, February and September.

Tips for successfully climbing Mt Kilimanjaro

Everyone taking on a challenge definitely wants to conquer it. Here are a few tips to help take on Kilimanjaro

• Go slowly so as not to over-work your body at high altitudes. At the end of the day, the hike is never a competition.
• Stay well hydrated to ward off altitude sickness
• Have the right climbing gear to complement your physical and mental preparedness.
• Maintain a positive mental attitude. The climb may get brutal closer to the summit. Get friends to cheer you on, to sing and laugh about moments.

Get in touch with local guide services for climbing Kilimanjaro and create a once in a lifetime experience.

Elephants and Mt Kilimanjaro – Susan Schmitz

Fun Facts about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

• Tallest mountain in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain
• Approximately 35,000 people attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro every year
• In June 2017 the highest soccer game on record was played on Kilimanjaro. 30 female footballers from 20 nations played in Kilimanjaro’s volcanic pit for the full 90 minutes.
• Pizza Hut set an official Guinness World Record with the highest pizza delivery in the world. In May 2016 they delivered a pizza to the summit as part of a PR campaign. The pizza was kept hot in a special battery-powered delivery box.
• The mountain’s snow cap is diminishing, having lost more than 80 percent of its mass since 1912. As a result, Kilimanjaro may be completely ice free within the next 20 years according to scientists.

Kilimanjaro trekking FAQ