[vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Mount Kilimanjaro Frequent Asked Questions” heading_tag=”h1″][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mount Kilimanjaro Frequent Asked Questions, We are going to cover 40 most asked frequent asked question about mount Kilimanjaro climb and their answers. We will analyze from the preparation need to the end to mount Kilimanjaro climb.
40 Frequently asked About questions Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
1) HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO?
The record shows 52% of the climbers get to the summit successfully and safely. We recommend training session 4 to 5 days a week and if you have access to hills or mountains you can hike from 3 to 6 hours with a weighted back pack that has 5kg to 10kg.
All this session will help you build overall body strength and will help you encounter climbing up and down the Kilimanjaro. Also climbing the Kilimanjaro will involve getting into a low oxygen environment, which it’s physically, and mentally challenging.
It’s best to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the climb. Reaching at the summit needs confidence, good physical condition, strength and mental strength.
2) HOW MANY DAYS DOES IT TAKE TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO?
The duration to climb Mount Kilimanjaro depends on the route you choose. There shorter routes that will take 5 to 4 days but its estimated that 40% were able to reach at the peak for 5 days.
But it’s advice to take extra days to climb the mount Kilimanjaro so as the body can acclimatize to altitude and better chances to reach at the top. Extra days can be 6 to 8 days and this will help you reach safe and successful.
3) HOW FIT DO YOU NEED TO BE TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO?
Trekkers have reached the summit of Kilimanjaro safely with our help. You need to have walking exercises during the weekend or be able to walk 5-7 hours on your feet.
With all the exercises you also need to have determinations. Because reach to the summit its very tough experience. During the climb you will be spending 8-10 hours and 6-8 hours descending.
4) WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE CLIMBING KILIMANJARO?
Success rate of climbing Kilimanjaro varies by route and operator. Success rate vary with route its reported that shorter routes like Marangu takes up to 85%-90% on 7 day and longer climbs. Success rate to climb Kilimanjaro also depend on preparation, guides together with good itinerary.
5) WHAT TRAINING DO YOU RECOMMEND TO PREPARE FOR MY CLIMB?
So as to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro you need to do as long walking exercise as you can for 7-8 hours.
There different aspects of fitness to work on.
Pure cardio will help you ascend on the climb as there is less oxygen in the air. So an intense cardio exercise should be done.
And also leg strength should be exercised like doing squats will really work well.
And training on stamina this exercise that require long walks to help you going while climbing the mountain.
6) HOW WELL DO YOU TREAT YOUR CREW?ARE YOU A MEMBER OF KPAP?
We treat all our crew and guides excellent. KPAP ensure porters are treated fairly on mt kili. Not just about wages, but food, clothing, tents and tipping policy.
Sadly many Kilimanjaro operators are not members of KPAP. There is a KPAP porter on all our Kilimanjaro climbs to ensure that
On annual assessment by KPAP we scored a 96% rating.
7) WHAT IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
The altitude sickness is caused by the reduction of air pressure while climbing the mountain. At the summit the air pressure is 49% at sea level.
The first effect of this is that every lungful of air contains only half the amount of oxygen it would normally have. This make any physical exertion very hard work. Slowly, slowly is the key.
Second and most dangerous effects of low pressures are on the parts of the body where fluid and air meet. The two most important are in the skull and lungs. With low air pressure fluid gets into the lungs and the gap between the brain and the skull.
In the lungs this causes something like pneumonia, where your lungs fill with water. In the brain it causes bad headaches. Both of these can become so bad they will kill you.
The good news is that we plan our ascents very carefully to minimize the risk of you getting AMS and have well tested emergency plans to evacuate you should you have any problems. You can read lots more about Altitude sickness here.
8) WHAT KIT WILL I NEED?
You will need an important kit for mountain climber. And we will provide the list of the equipment needed to climb the Kilimanjaro. The very important thing in the list is a mitten.
But we will have a checklist of all the necessary things listed for the climb and we haven’t found gloves that are warm enough to sustain the night cold weather on the mountain to Kilimanjaro.
9) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OPEN GROUP CLIMB AND A PRIVATE CLIMB?
An Open group climb is an open group and perfect one because the group runs from June-October and December and it has a limited number of maximum 12 climbers so as to make sure the chance of summit is successfully met. And very month from June- October and December we organize open group climbing to Kilimanjaro.
And private climb are own personal adventures. And there is highest chance of success to summit. The important thing is to choose a date, route options to climb the Kilimanjaro Mountain. And a private climbs can be for anyone either couples, groups for charity etc.
10) WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE KILIMANJARO ROUTES?
The differences between the routes can be looked at in different ways. First and most critical is how many days they take.
The shorter routes Marangu and Umbwe have low success rates.
Machame and Rongai routes both take 6- 7 days and offer much better chances of summiting.
The longer route the Lemosho which take between 8 or 9 days.
Besides duration, the start point is very different. Marangu and Umbwe both start from the south and take fairly direct routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Rongai comes in from the North following a fairly direct path This is relatively flatter at the beginning. All the other routes start on the west of the mountain which is the most scenic. From their start in the west,
Machame and Lemosho routes both circle south-east around the mountain providing great scenery. This also provides good acclimatization before they turn North to summit.
The Northern circuit starts from the West and heads North finally merging with the rongai route for the summit push. There is more information about all the Kilimanjaro routes here.
11) WHAT WILL THE FOOD BE LIKE?
The food prepared on Kilimanjaro is fantastic and amazing. The food and fruits are always fresh and tasty. Every guest after the climb craves the food at the mountain.
Also its important to have food as it keeps you hydrated so we also ensure that climbers eat well as a factor to a success summit. In case you have a special dietary or a strict diet its best to let us know and we will have better choices.
12) THE TYPES OF YOUR TENTS LIKE?
There two types of tents we use on Mt Kilimanjaro. Tent we use for sleeping is the top range Mountain Hard wear Trango 3 man tent. The tent are very strong, they have space and are warm.
The other tent used is in Nepal suppliers make them for Himalayan expeditions they are good head-height, extremely tough and warm. And camp chairs used for relaxing mealtime.
13) WHAT TIPS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
We are members of the Kilimanjaro Porters protection group and we recommend about tips, and it depends on the size of the group but the recommended tips are between $10-300 per person. If you’re not satisfied with the service given then you will not be required to pay.
14) HOW WILL I WASH DURING MY CLIMB?
Everyday in the morning and evening you will be given a hot water in a bowl for washing. And it’s important if you carry with you baby wipes for cleaning the hands on the day by day. And anything that you take to the mountain has to come down so it’s important to carry a waste bag.
15) IS THERE AN ADVANTAGE TO CLIMBING KILIMANJARO ON THE FULL MOON?
Hiking on the full moon is of personal preferences. The advantage to climb on a full moon is the route and path becomes more clearer to the summit although some climbers don’t prefer full moon as they want to have a great view of the stars.
16) DO YOU ORGANISE TRIPS TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO FOR CHARITY?
We organize charity trips to climb Kilimanjaro. But we don’t organize climbs where the cost of the trip is funded by donation, we only believe in self-funded charity challenges.
17) WHAT DO YOU DO TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
We support the local community in many ways; by giving charity to the local children books that they use them in their studies and preparing themselves with the National exams.
We also give to the community by visiting orphanage centers where we contribute on the daily basis needs like food, clothes, pocket money and other necessities.
18) CAN I CLIMB WITHOUT PORTERS AND GUIDES?
No you cannot climb without porters and guides. The National Park Authority restricts climbers to the mountain without any qualified guides and the minimum number of guides to climb the mountain is 1 guide for every 3 people.
Porters are actually optional but would still advice to have porters while climbing the Kilimanjaro unless you’re fit to camp for 7 days.
For our climbers to Kilimanjaro Mountain we give 4 porters per client to carry everything you need to have a comfortable enjoyable climb.
19) WHICH VACCINATIONS WILL I NEED?
There are numbers of up to date vaccinations to visit Tanzania. You should visit your GP and check what exactly you require. Also you will need to take an anti-malarial drug.
Although there are no mosquitoes on the mountain itself, there is malaria in Moshi.
20) WILL YOU HELP ME IF I NEED TO DESCEND?
Our public liability insurance has a Safety Management System. Which includes procedures for emergency descent. If you need to descend it involves being carried by porters, transported on a mobile stretcher, through a 4×4 or helicopter.
21) WHAT TRAVEL INSURANCE DO YOU RECOMMEND?
We have specialists who provide insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro. But whomever you arrange insurance with; it must cover you to an altitude of 6000m.
22) THEY’RE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS ON CLIMBERS?
The Kili Park Authority has restriction on age less than 12 years of age. There is no maximum age on the record the oldest climber who summited was 75.
Beware that we do not allow children younger than 16 to join a climbing group. This is because we feel that for children under 16 years need a closer look and care which is only in private trip.
23) THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KILIMANJARO?
The best way to get to Kilimanjaro is by flight and there no direct flights from different countries the best option is through KLM via Amsterdam or Turkish Airlines via Istanbul.
Kilimanjaro there is an international airport called JRO airport, from the airport there hour’s drive from the mountain itself.
But you should be ware of some airlines that will get a god deal but have 10-hour layover. But its best to fly through Middle East, also Qatar has direct flights into JRO from Doha.
24) THE LOCATION OF MOUNT KILIMANJARO?
Mt Kili is located in Tanzania and it’s right on the Northern border with Kenya. The closest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and the nearest town is Moshi.
25) WILL I BE ABLE TO GET A MOBILE SIGNAL ON KILIMANJARO?
Yes most of the time but don’t plan on 4G. And don’t be surprised that when you drop into a valley there will be dead spots.
26) WHICH FAMOUS CELEBRITIES HAVE CLIMBED KILIMANJARO?
In 2009 team of 9 celebrities attempted to conquer the roof of Africa for Comic Relief. The celebrities were Alesha Dixon, Gary Barlow, Ben Shepard, Denise Van Outen, Cheryl Cole, Chris Moyles, Fearne Cotton, Kimberley Walsh and Ronan Keating. They climbed 8 day Lemosho route and, all them reached at the summit! The aim of the climb was to raise awareness and money for Malaria which is a huge killer in Tanzania. The team raised just shy of a million pounds.
Plus 9 times Wimbledon champion, Martina Navratilova, gave the mountain her best shot in late 2010 but sadly failed to summit due to altitude sickness. 4,000 feet from the summit, the tennis legend had to call for a rescue as a combination of mountain sickness and a stomach infection made it impossible to continue.
Billionaire of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich, had to give up his summit bid after collapsing at 15,100 feet. The 43 year old started to experience severe breathing problems and, after collapsing, was taken straight back down to hospital.
Like Ann Curry Mr Abramovich’s small group of 6 took the toughest route on the mountain and took with them over 100 porters!
Also retired 13-time Pro Bowl linebacker and Superbowl Champion, Ray Lewis, climbed Kilimanjaro in 2013. Sadly, Lewis did not finish due to an injured foot and illness.
To name but a few.
27) When Is the best time to Climb Kilimanjaro
This mountain can be climbed throughout the year but mostly climb during the dry season. On December to mid March and June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, August and September.
28) DOES CLIMBING Mt KILIMANJARO INVOLVE TECHNICALITIES
Climb up Mt Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb. You do not require any mountaineering equipment to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. In fact, anyone in good physical condition can reach the top of Mt Kilimanjaro.
You should be able to walk for at least 2 hrs in hilly terrains without been overly exhausted.Also anyone with a sore throat, cold of breathing problems can only go to 3000m. But if you have heart or lung problems should consult a physician before attempting to climb Kilimanjaro.
29) IS PARK FEES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
Yes, all Kilimanjaro National Park are of 70 usd per person per day and 50 usd per person per night for camping. Crew entry fees and Tanzanian Forest Services Agency (TFS) fees (Rongai, Shira and Lemosho route) are also included in our Kilimanjaro climb price.
30) CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO?
The minimum age set by Kilimanjaro National Park for children trekking to Uhuru Peak on Mt Kilimanjaro is 10 years old.
31) WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON MT KILIMANJARO?
Also expect equatorial to arctic conditions on Mt Kilimanjaro climb. Varying according to the route chosen, you can begin your climb in dry plains or tropical forests with average temperatures between 25⁰C and 30⁰C.
Ascend through various terrains and weather zones until the permanently snow-capped summit. Expect rainfalls and sub-zero temperatures on your Kili climb
32) HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REACH THE SUMMIT OF KILIMANJARO?
Depending on the route, most trekkers take 5-7 days to reach the summit. The longer you spend on climbing Kilimanjaro, the better your body acclimatize, increasing the chance you will succeed in reaching the summit of mount Kilimanjaro.
33) WILL WE LEAVE EXCESS LUGGAGE BEHIND WHILST CLIMBING KILIMANJARO?
Yes, excess luggage you have can be left at our office when going for the Kilimanjaro climb. You should keep valuable items with you at all times or get a written receipt for them.
34) THE TYPE OF FOOD CAN WE EXPECT TO HAVE DURING OUR KILIMANJARO TREK?
Our typical dish on the Kilimanjaro includes:
Breakfast:
- -Coffee,
- -Tea,
- -Porridge,
- -Fruits,
- -Fruit juice,
- -Scrambled eggs/omelet,
- -Sausage,
- -Toast,
- -Margarine,
- -Honey and jam.
Lunch:
- -Hot tea,
- -Coffee,
- -Chips,
- -Sandwiches,
- -Biscuits,
- -Pancakes with honey or jam, and fruits
Dinner:
- -Soup,
- -Cooked meat these include chicken or beef with rice.
- vegetarian meal (sliced fresh carrots, green beans, mashed potatoes, and salads),
- -Fruits, juice and variety of hot drinks.
- We are flexible according to customer preference.
35) CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL DIET REQUIREMENTS?
Yes we can offer vegetarian, gluten-free, or any other special diets. Kindly specify at the time of booking.
36) ARE EMERGENCY OXYGEN TANKS INCLUDED IN OUR CLIMB PRICE?
Yes it also includes the salary of a porter to carry the oxygen tanks during your Kilimanjaro summit attempt.
37) WILL WE RENT A PORTABLE TOILET FOR OUR CLIMB?
Yes you can portable toilet is available for rental at 200 Usd.
38) HOW MANY GUIDES WILL WE HAVE?
2 Guides, one lead guide and an assistant guide for 1 climber.
39) WHAT SAFETY EQUIPMENT DO YOU CARRY ON THE TREK?
Our guides are trained and certified in altitude sickness and recognizing its symptoms, emergency use of oxygen, wilderness first responder and also performing CPR.
And each guide carries a first aid kit which paracetamol, Imodium, ibuprofen, rehydration salts, paraffin gauze, sterile swabs, bandages, plasters, cotton wools, latex gloves & tongs, antiseptic disinfectant, antimicrobial cream, antihistamine, Diamox, etc.
40) How Many Miles Is It To Climb Kilimanjaro
The miles in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro vary according to various routes and the number of days in the route. But we will analyze how many miles is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with all routes
The Marangu route Miles
5 days route of marangu cover 40 miles or 64 kilometers.
Marangu 6 days route cover 45 miles or 72 kilometers.
So in general the climbing Kilimanjaro from the famous coca cola route or marangu route cover 40 to 45 miles
Machame route Miles
6 days route of machame covers 37 miles or 60 kilometers
Machame 7 days route covers 41.5 mile or 64 Kilometers
The General average miles covered in Kilimanjaro climb from the Machame route is 37 miles
Shira route Miles
6 days shira route covers 27 miles or 43.2 Kilometers
The 7 days shira route cover 32 miles or 51.2 Kilometers
So in general you will cover at least 27 miles if you choose shira route to climb Kilimanjaro
The Rongai route Miles
Rongai route 6 days covers 38 miles or 62 kilometers
7 days rongai route covers 49 miles or 78 kilometers
8 days rongai route covers 49 miles or 78 Kilometers
In general you will cover at least 38 miles from the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route.
Lemosho route Miles
8 days lemosho route covers 43 miles or 68 kilometers
The lemosho route 9 days covers 43 miles or 68 kilometers
10 days lemosho route covers 44 miles or 71 kilometers
Furthermore this is the longest route is lemosho route which covers at least 43 miles to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
So the question of how many mile is it to climb mt Kilimanjaro vary depends on the route but the average mile covered when trekking mount Kilimanjaro 40 miles.
We monitor clients and crew daily at camp as they are equipped with mobile phones. Also each ranger post also has radio communication.
Furthermost the above are the different questions and miles to all routes up to Kilimanjaro.
Therefore you can see many facts of Mount Kilimanjaro through our Facebook web [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5181″][/vc_column][/vc_row]