Tackling Mount Kilimanjaro is a dream for a lot of adventurers. Yearly, this iconic mountain lures hundreds of skilled hikers who embark on a difficult journey to succeed in its snowy summit. It is among the Africa Safaris‘s most sought-after adventures!
Having personally climbed the mountain, I’ve enlisted the assistance of my neighborhood supervisor to share ideas and suggestions on how to economize and enhance your possibilities of reaching the “Roof of Africa.”
I vividly keep in mind the emotion and sense of accomplishment I felt standing on the frigid peak of Kilimanjaro at dawn. After a grueling week that included a 17-hour hike in a single day, I had lastly conquered the best level on the continent. For a quick second, I stood as the best individual on all the African continent, and it was actually magical.
Kilimanjaro holds a particular place on the earth of journey. It’s a kind of extraordinary experiences, like a trek to Everest base camp, a go to to Machu Picchu, or a journey on the Camino, that beckons a sure sort of traveler. One who craves a problem, who yearns to push their limits and check their energy.
Whereas the climb up Kilimanjaro has turn into extra accessible to vacationers over time, it stays a severe feat. Yearly, folks get injured – and even lose their lives – on the mountain. In actual fact, solely 45 to 65 p.c of hikers who try the journey make it to the summit.
However with correct planning and preparation, you may tremendously enhance your possibilities of success on this exhilarating journey. Right here is all the things you’ll want to know to take advantage of your journey:
The Totally different Routes
There are six important routes to climb Kilimanjaro, every with its personal size, stage of problem, and success charges. The route you select will rely in your price range, the length of your journey, and the tour firm you e-book with.
Marangu: Sometimes called “the Coca-Cola route,” this path is called after the huts alongside the best way the place hikers can relaxation and buy refreshments, together with a chilly Coca-Cola beverage. Opposite to its identify, this route truly has a low success fee as many underestimate the problem and rush to the summit in simply 5 days, with out taking the required time to acclimatize.
Machame: That is the most well-liked route, with a hit fee of over 60% when accomplished in seven days. It’s nicknamed “the whiskey route,” alluding to the truth that it’s a tougher climb than the Marangu route.
Rongai: That is the best route on Kilimanjaro, though it’s much less scenic and costlier in comparison with different routes because of the restricted variety of price range operators within the space. It’s the solely route that approaches the mountain from the north and is much less crowded.
Shira: This route includes gaining a variety of altitude early on earlier than merging with the Machame route. It’s a demanding and dear choice, because it begins from the west and ultimately joins the primary route.
Lemosho: Thought of essentially the most picturesque route up the mountain. It presents a various vary of challenges and is among the costlier choices.
Umbwe: This route is really useful for knowledgeable climbers in search of an excessive problem. It includes a variety of scrambling and climbing somewhat than common climbing.
Regardless of which route you select, it’s advisable to go for a trek of at the least seven days. Don’t rush this journey. Whereas it could price extra, the slower tempo permits your physique to acclimatize to the excessive altitude, which considerably will increase your possibilities of reaching the summit.
Prices
As with every type of journey, there’s a vary of costs for climbing Kilimanjaro. Some luxurious firms even go so far as to hold a full-sized mattress up the mountain in order that hikers should not have to sleep on the bottom. Alternatively, some price range operators might lower corners and never pretty compensate porters so as to preserve prices low.
I like to recommend selecting a mid-range firm for a few causes:
First, they usually have extra skilled guides who can present beneficial insights throughout your journey. Moreover, these firms guarantee their porters are handled pretty, offering you with peace of thoughts realizing that your group is taken care of.
Second, you might be assured that the corporate isn’t slicing corners. With loads of competitors for Kilimanjaro treks, if an organization’s costs appear too good to be true, then they’re seemingly skipping out on one thing. Since this can be a once-in-a-lifetime expertise, it’s price investing in a good firm.
Costs vary from USD 1,000 to over USD 5,000 USD per individual. I might not suggest reserving with an organization charging lower than USD 2,000 USD (my journey price round USD 2,200 earlier than tipping – extra on that under) as something under that’s seemingly very bare-bones.
Bear in mind, persons are critically injured – and round 10 lose their lives – on this mountain annually. Don’t compromise on security. Pay for a good firm with optimistic evaluations. Not solely will you get pleasure from your journey extra, however additionally, you will really feel extra comfy and safe.
Discovering a Kilimanjaro Tour Firm
Since it’s prohibited to climb Kilimanjaro with out porters, you will want to e-book a Kilimanjaro tour firm that gives all the things required for the journey, together with gear, guides, porters, and mandatory paperwork.
With so many firms to select from, how do you choose the fitting one in your journey?
Listed below are some key concerns
1. Learn evaluations – After getting narrowed down your choices based mostly in your price range, look for a corporation with optimistic evaluations. Whereas on-line evaluations must be taken with a grain of salt, they can provide you an preliminary impression. Take note of particulars concerning the gear and meals offered.
2. Inquire concerning the shopper/porter ratio – What number of different hikers will probably be in your trek? And what number of porters/guides/assistant guides will probably be included? It’s best to keep away from becoming a member of a big group the place chances are you’ll not obtain personalised consideration when you have questions or considerations.
3. Know the success fee – What’s the firm’s success fee for the route you have an interest in? Whereas they can’t management the climate, they will make each effort to assist their shoppers in reaching the summit.
4. Select an moral firm – The Kilimanjaro Porters Help Undertaking maintains an inventory of tour operators that meet their pointers for accountable and moral journey. Ebook with one among these firms to make sure that the porters are pretty handled. I used to be not conscious of this listing earlier than my journey, and it’s one among my largest regrets.
5. Choose an organization with lodging included – Most firms supply a complimentary lodge keep the evening earlier than and after your trek, in addition to transportation to and from the mountain. Be sure that the corporate you select contains this so as to get a great relaxation earlier than your hike and luxuriate in a cushty mattress after your strenuous journey.
Climbing Kilimanjaro Firm comes extremely really useful. They meet the rules of KPAP and have certified native guides main their treks. Start your search with these firms.
Tipping Your Guides and Porters
Whereas gratuity isn’t necessary, it’s customary to tip your information and porters on the finish of your trek. This extra compensation is tremendously appreciated by the hardworking group that helps make your climb attainable.
Last Ideas
Kilimanjaro Hike is an unbelievable expertise that takes cautious planning and preparation. By selecting the best route and a accountable Kilimanjaro tour Operator, you may enhance your possibilities of reaching the summit and having a secure, gratifying journey. And keep in mind, whereas it could be a difficult endeavor, the sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking views from the summit make all of it price it. Glad climbing!
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