Introduction
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the best world experiences. As Africa’s highest mountain and Earth’s tallest free-standing mountain, Kilimanjaro attracts many thousands of people from around the world who make it their goal to trek Kilimanjaro.
When new climbers are getting ready to do their first-ever mountain climbing expedition, one of the most frequently asked questions is “How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?”
The answer to that depends on many different factors such as which route you choose to take, your level of fitness, how you schedule your acclimatisation and what the weather is like. Although some experienced climbers may try shorter treks, most first-time climbers are encouraged to take longer routes so that they will have a better chance of reaching the very top of Kilimanjaro comfortably and safely.
For travellers looking for a professional guide and a properly organised trekking experience, Kilimora Adventure offers packages specifically designed to make sure that beginner climbers have a safe, comfortable and successful summit.
In this guide you will learn how long it takes for first-time climbers to trek Kilimanjaro, which routes are the best for first-time climbers, and how Kilimora Adventure will help you to have an amazing experience by successfully climbing Kilimanjaro.
How Long Does It Take Beginners to Climb Kilimanjaro?
In an average of 6 to 9 days, most first-time hikers will reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. There are various shorter options available; however, it is always advised to take a longer climb in order to let your body adapt to the height of the mountain at a slower pace. The longer you have to acclimatise to high altitudes, the more the following will improve: your summit success rate, your safety while climbing, your comfort while trekking and your overall experience while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Professional guides from Kilimora Adventure will provide you with the most suitable trekking timeframes based on your experience and fitness level.
Why Acclimatisation Is Important
Climbing Kilimanjaro is not hard in terms of climbing ability but rather due to the absence of enough oxygen as you gain elevation on this mountain (the higher we go, the less oxygen). The higher you get on the mountain, the more chance there is for the aesthetics of climbing to cause altitude sickness. Spending extra time at higher elevations will give your body time to acclimatise slowly (lessening your risk for the following symptoms):
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Therefore, beginners should closely consider avoiding itineraries that are very short.
Kilimanjaro Adventure works closely with all of their clients to establish acclimatisation schedules which increase their chances for success as well as the chance that they enjoy their attempt to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Best Kilimanjaro Routes for Beginners
There are multiple paths that lead to the top of Kilimanjaro, many of which may be more suitable for beginner climbers than others will be.
1. The Machame Route (6 – 7 days)
This is one of the most popular routes to trek up Kilimanjaro. The Machame is popular for several reasons namely:
- Great scenery
- Gradual acclimation
- High summit success rate
- Diverse types of landscape
As this route normally takes 6 to 7 days to complete, it will suit a beginner who has moderate fitness levels.
**Kilimora Adventure recommends this route because it provides great views and many opportunities for acclimation.
2. The Lemosho Route (7 – 8 days)
This is thought to be one of the absolute best routes for beginner climbers, due in part to the gradual ascent profile.
Benefits:
- Great acclimation
- Trails are less crowded than nearly all others.
- Scenic wilderness
- High summit success rates
Due to the longer time to trek up to the summit via the Lemosho route, this gives hikers more time to adjust to high altitude.
Many beginner climbers who book with Kilimora Adventure prefer to take this route because it has a far superior level of comfort and safety.
3. Marangu Route (5 – 6 days)
Also referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route” (because it offers hut accommodations rather than camping), the Marangu route is one of the easier routes to take to the top.
Features:
- Easier trail
- Huts available for overnight stays
- Popularity among beginner climbers
However, since acclimatising will take less time on this route, it is possible that successful summit attempts may be lower than on longer routes.
Kilimora Adventure frequently recommends beginner hikers consider a slightly longer itinerary in order to provide better altitude acclimatisation before attempting the summit.
4. Rongai Route (6 – 7 days)
The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the border with Kenya.
Advantages:
- Less crowded trail.
- Much drier climate
- The ascent is done over a longer distance as opposed to steeply over a short distance (this is beneficial for beginner climbers).
- For climbers who want to enjoy a quieter trek.
Overall, the Rongai route is a great option for those climbers looking for a peaceful experience during their trek.
Daily Trekking Schedule on Kilimanjaro
On average, many parts of the trek consist of:
- 4 to 8 hours of treks
- Gradual incline in elevation
- Regularly scheduled breaks
- Camping/huts
The summit day of the most challenging section of the mountain can consist of:
- 10 to 15 hours of treks
- Overnight ascent
- Cold temperatures
- Steep incline in elevation
Professional climbers from Kilimora Adventure provide guidance, pacing, and safety throughout the entire adventure.
Do Beginners Need Climbing Experience?
No. One reason Mount Kilimanjaro has become so popular is that you do not need any technical climbing skills to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Most first-time climbers can accomplish the required climbing of Mount Kilimanjaro by:
- Adequate preparation
- Adequate physical fitness
- Sufficient acclimation
- Having professional guides
Most of the climbing is accomplished by hiking rather than mountaineering (repeat this).
Kilimora Adventure specialises in assisting first-time climbers and guarantees that all first-time climbers have adequate training and guidance before and while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Physical Fitness for Kilimanjaro Beginners
Although technical climbing skills are not necessary, good physical preparation is still important.
Recommended preparation includes:
- Walking or hiking regularly
- Cardio exercises
- Strength training
- Endurance workouts
Mental determination also plays a major role in reaching the summit successfully.
What is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
The best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are January through March due to the cooler temperatures and limited number of other climbers, providing climbers with the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views. Other excellent months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro include June through October, which offer great weather and clear views of the mountain.
Kilimora Adventure organises and conducts climbs of Mt Kilimanjaro year-round and can help climbers determine what would be the best time for them to climb based on their interests.
Why Choose Kilimora Adventure for Kilimanjaro Climbing?
Selecting a reputable trekking organisation will help ensure successful climbing and safe travel on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kilimora Adventure has developed a strong level of trust with climbers, as they offer the following benefits:
- Experienced mountain guides
- Professional trekking support
- Safety-focused itineraries
- High summiting percentage (i.e., the percentage of all participants who reach the summit of the mountain)
- Customised trekking packages based on your needs/wants
- Quality/camping equipment
- Great customer service.
Kilimora focuses on providing the necessary resources to begin safely and climb Mount Kilimanjaro with confidence.
What is Included in Kilimora Adventure Packages?
The following are contained in nearly all Kilimora Adventure Kilimanjaro packages:
- Professional mountain guides
- Porters and cooks
- Accommodation while on the trek
- Meals while on the mountain
- Camping equipment
- Park fees.
- Airport transfers
So that you have all the time necessary to fully enjoy your climbing experience, we want to make sure that your guides, porters, cooks and our staff do not distract you from enjoying the climb.