Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro – What You Need to Know

Posted at January 7, 2010

Mt Kilimanjaro lies 3 degrees south of the equator and is renowned for having the highest peak in Africa (Kibo) measuring 5,892m an equivalent of 19,331 ft, followed by Mawenzi to the east measuring 16,798ft / 5120m and Shira measuring 12,999ft / 3962m to the west. The total area covered by the mountain is 157, 200 acres of land.

Ascention to the very top of this mountain affords your one of the most spectacular views of the surrounding plains and the satisfaction of having achieved what more than 22,000 climbers/trekkers attempt to do each year and out of this 40% never make it to the summit.

Mount Kilimanjaro was discovered in 1848 by a German missionary known as Johannes Rebmann on an exploration of the area who then submitted his findings to the Royal Geographical Society. Following this discovery a number of unsuccessful attempts by various explorers to conquer the summit were made, a streak which ended on 6 October 1889 when Dr. Hans Meyer, with Ludwig Purtscheller an experienced alpine mountaineer, managed to reach the summit successfully.

The expedition consisted of many porters, guides and advisors and took the gallant Meyer almost 6 weeks to reach the summit a duration 6 times as long as it takes the average climber in the present day.

There are different routes leading to the summit and they pass through 5 ecological zones namely the cultivated lower slopes, montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the ice capped summit.
The lower slopes of the mountain are largely used for agricultural purposes as the climate here is quite conducive for the production of coffee one of the main Tanzanian exports.

The next zone contains a rain forest belt surrounding the mountain up to about 2 00 meters. Further ascention brings you through the heath which changes into moorland, semi-desert at altitude, progressing into total desert and finally into an alpine region with permanent ice glaciers. The higher slopes are covered with scree, loose stones resembling gravel, making it more difficult to negotiate.

The main glaciers Heim, Rebmann, Decken, arrow among other small ones edge their way down the slopes of Kibo forming a permanent ice cap of the mountain, global warming is however contributing to the speedy rate at which they are receding each year.

The best times to attempt the ascention of this Mountain is during the African summers, which is basically all year round with the exception of the two rainy seasons that see the highest rainfall occurring from March lasting until about the end of May and the slightly less rain falls during the short rainy period, which occurs from around October to November, but can extend into December. The maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt, where it can reach up to 2000 mm per year with the summit, described as a “high altitude desert”, receiving less than 100 mm per year.

The temperature averages between 250 C- 30° C at the foot of the mountain and minus 10° -20° C on the summit. At 3000m the day temperatures range from 5°-15° C, and frost during night time.
For the adventure seekers attempting to climb/trek Mt Kilimanjaro, appropriate measures are to be taken ensuring that they are both properly equipped and physically fit.

Technically ascention is very easy but the variation in temperatures and the altitude make this a difficult and dangerous trek. Acclimatization is crucial, minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.

Research shows that about 10 climbers die from this each year, together with an unknown number of local porters with an estimated figure of between 10 and 20. Kilimanjaro summit is well above the altitude at which high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) can occur.

Common symptoms suffered by all climbers include considerable discomfort, typically shortage of breath, hypothermia and headaches, and though most young, fit people can make the Uhuru summit, a considerable number of trekkers will abandon the attempt at a lower altitude.

There are several routes by which to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic although a very steep route up the mountain, which can be done in 6 or 7 days.

The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easy, but accommodation is in huts. It is also good to note that no Technical climbs or adventure activities such as paragliding, cycling or skiing are allowed on Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Marangu Route
This is the most popular of all routes serving mainly the tourist with some claiming it as the easiest route to Uhuru Peak. There are two option on offer, one being a 5-day option which is quite economical especially for the budget travelers; and a 6-day option with an extra day of acclimatization.

This is the only route, which provides comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every campsite. Mineral water, soft drinks, beer and chocolates are also sold at every camp. Radio contact with the Park Headquarters is available on all the camps on this route.

Umbwe Route
This route is characterized by being one of the shorter and more difficult routes to the Uhuru peak. Umbwe route is known for its caves and on your first night actually get to sleep in one i.e. the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited on route the following day. It is also sometimes used as a descending route.

Machame Route
This route is said to be the most scenic making your 6 days ascention to the summit worthwhile. It is however physically more challenging than the Marangu route with the day walks longer and steeper, the only other plus to it is that the summit night is one hour shorter.

The scenic traverse of the Western Breach offers some dramatic views! The accommodation on offer is tents which can be less comfortable and will require a good sleeping bag and hiking mattress.

Shira Route
The route is one of the most scenic and most fascinating areas on Kilimanjaro. Accessible by 4 wheel drive vehicles and an extra 1/2 hours walk of Shira Hut 4000m. Spectacular views of the surroundings include magnificent views of Mt Meru and the Great Rift Valley in general.

Game is often sighted and the road features some eye-catching vegetation changes ranging from forest, grassland, heath to moorland. The fast ascend by the 4×4 vehicle to about 4000m calls for additional acclimatization, after which it will be possible to ascend Uhuru Peak either via the Western Breach or via the Barafu hut.

Lemosho Route
This route is characterized by being remote, unspoiled with spectacular scenery. The forest around the Lemosho Glades is rich in big game animals such as elephant and buffalo, and the services of a game ranger may come in handy where they accompany climbers/trekkers on the first day. This route is however a long route which requires 7-days for a comfortable completion making it more expensive.

Rongai/Naro Moru Route
This route is accessible from both the Tanzanian side of the border or from Rongai in Kenya, with all park fees and arrangements being made at the Marangu gate. The route may only be used for ascend, descending using the Marangu route. The most common scenery includes several big caves along the route, which are used by the porters to overnight for the first two nights.

Western Breach / Arrow Glacier
This route has proven to be very difficult walk up steep scree with some rock scrambling occasionally required. Snow cover makes scree easier but an ice axe is then required. It can be taken from all of the western routes, with an overnight at magnificent Arrow Glacier on your summit night. An extra night inside the Kibo crater can be made possible.

Mweka Route
This route serves only as a descending route for all the western routes.

Type of clothing is always an important factor to consider and should be treated with a great deal of importance. Below is a list of what to bring. The upper body should always have three warms layers made of wool, polypropylene or pile all fitting over each other to provide good insulation.

A long underwear top, a sweater and a pile or heavy wool shirt make a good combination. Cotton should be avoided.

To ensure that your face and head are kept warm and protected always bring a balaclava which covers the head and ears when the temperatures are low and a shade hat for protection from the equatorial sun. Other head and face gear include bandannas, sunglasses essential for eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water.

The lower part of the body includes undergarments which should be carried in enough supply for the entire climb, one pair of quick drying hiking shorts which are excellent for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain, tights which should be comfortable to hike in, they protect from vegetation and sunburn and are warm on cool misty days; Lycra are often the best and a pair of long underwear bottoms, either wool or polypropylene.

A pair of comfortable pile, bunting or wool pants that fits loosely over the long underwear bottoms and a good pair of rain pants preferably Gortex or nylon pants made of breathable, water resistant nylon large enough to fit comfortably over pile or wool pants.

Rain parka should also be made of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed to ensure you are kept dry in instances where it rains; Poncho which is a quick and handy protection for your body and your day pack; Wool gloves or mittens pair of light and heavy gloves is necessary; One pair of mitten shells to go over mittens to provide protection from the wind and rain at higher altitudes on the mountain. The Sleeping Gear includes a sleeping bag, stuff sack and a sleeping pad which should be full-length, Therma-Rest or its equivalent

Down or Synthetic Jacket that keeps you well insulated ensuring no heat is lost, though optional may prefer to bring a heavier expedition weight jacket for cold mountain nights. For the protection of your feet two pairs of thin polypropylene socks to wear under heavy wool socks which help prevent blisters and keep feet dry, 6 pairs of thick socks made of heavy wool or polypropylene socks.

Foot wear is very important as it’s one of the major determinants of how far you get to ascend thus one pair of hiking boots medium weight large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one heavy sock is necessary; One pair of high gaiters made of breathable material to keep dirt and snow out of boots and tennis shoes to wear within the camp after a day of hiking.

For personal Health and Comfort one is required to bring toiletries which include toothbrush and paste, comb, shampoo, tampons, foot powder, hand cream, etc.; plenty of sun block with SPF of 15 or more, lip balm with a SPF rating of 15 or more, ear plug to block out disturbing noises such as snoring or any other guaranteeing you peaceful night’s sleep; flashlight and/or headlamp with extra batteries, adjustable ski poles which are required to assist with a rigorous descent from the mountain; pocket knife, simple Swiss Army type with scissors, personal first aid and drug kit, towel plus individually wrapped anti-bacterial towels great for general hygiene; spare contacts or glasses just incase.
Some optional items include umbrella, portable chair, snacks, fingernail brush, and plastic sandwich bags: keeps personal items separate and dry

The Carrying Gear should include a large day pack with padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 15 and 20 pounds, large duffel bag with a lock where mountain gear will be kept in and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters.

Your large duffel will weigh between 25-30 lbs; medium duffel bag to store your non-mountain gear usually stored at the hotel, to be used after the climb and will be brought to your hotel. Always make baggage tags useful in identifying your bags with easy at the airports or hotels, plastic bags where sleeping bag and clothes will be double-bagged while on the mountain for protection from afternoon rains.

As the saying goes water is life and in this case two one-quart, wide-mouthed plastic bottles of water are to be brought, alternatively if you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water.

However, continue to bring at least one hard plastic bottle in addition as they useful in cold weather as hot water bottles in your sleeping bag; water treatment tablets or two bottles of Potable Aqua or Polar Pure crystal iodine which purifies drinking water while on the climb and is lightweight and easy to use; water flavoring powdered additives like Tang, Gatoraid and Wyler’s lemonade make treated water taste better.