Mornings
Your typical day on Mount Kilimanjaro starts at around 6:30 AM when a staff member wakes you from your tent. Hot drinks will be available in the mess tent, and breakfast will be served at around 7:00 AM. Before breakfast, you should pack your day pack and duffel bag and place them outside your tent so the porters can take down the tent.
Meals on Kilimanjaro are served in a mess tent or occasionally outdoors if the weather is nice, complete with chairs, tables, dinnerware, and silverware. You’ll usually start walking around 8:00 AM while the porters stay behind to clean up the campsite and pack up the tents and other equipment. A health check will also be performed in the morning.
Day Hiking
Your daily walking time will average around four to six hours, though this varies. Shorter duration routes or days with acclimatization hikes will generally be longer. During the walk, your guide will set the pace and decide when to take breaks, typically once every hour.
Most days are enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Concerns about being “too slow” are common but unnecessary. Going slow is recommended as it aids acclimatization. The guides set a pace that maximizes your chances of adjusting to the increasing altitude. Most people who have to turn back do so due to altitude sickness, not physical exhaustion.
While you hike, porters move ahead to prepare food, collect water, and set up tents so everything is ready when you arrive. Sometimes, a hot lunch is served partway through your trek; other times, you’ll eat lunch after arriving at the campsite.
Evenings
Upon arriving at the campsite, snacks are served, followed by dinner around 6:00 PM. Another health check is conducted in the evening. After dinner, the guide will discuss the next day’s itinerary with the group. Downtime can be spent chatting with fellow climbers and staff, reading, or relaxing.
This routine is typical for most days on the mountain, and you’ll quickly get accustomed to it. The schedule is designed to be easy to follow and not overly demanding, ensuring you feel strong and well-rested.
Summit Day Schedule
Summit day is a challenging 10 to 14-hour endeavor. This monumental effort begins early as guides aim to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Climbers go to bed after an early dinner the night before and are awakened around midnight to prepare for the summit attempt. After a light snack or quick breakfast, climbers ascend in the darkness, cold, and wind. Climbing under these conditions is difficult, especially on loose rock and steep slopes.
Nyamera Treks and Safaris guides will assist you every step of the way. Short breaks, typically less than ten minutes, are taken for quick snacks and drinks to keep you energized and hydrated without getting cold. Guides will regularly check on everyone’s condition and offer help as needed.
Discontinuing the Climb
If someone needs to turn back due to altitude sickness, exhaustion, or other issues, they will be accompanied by a staff member. Each group has a lead guide, assistant guides, and summit porters to ensure that anyone needing to descend can do so safely while the rest of the group continues their climb.
After the Summit
After reaching the summit, you’ll spend some time celebrating and taking photos before descending to high camp (either Barafu or Kibo Hut). There, you’ll eat lunch and regain strength before continuing the descent to a much lower camp. The long descent after summiting can be tiring due to the partial night’s sleep and the exertion required to reach the summit, but it is normal. Descending to a lower elevation can quickly alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
Altitude Acclimatization
There is a strong correlation between the amount of time spent on the mountain and summit success rates. The human body adapts to high altitude slowly, so more time increases your chances of acclimatization. Success is more about how well you acclimatize rather than your ability to ascend.
Most day hikes on Kilimanjaro are not very strenuous by trekking standards, except for the summit attempt, which requires tremendous effort. Climbers who acclimatize well to the altitude have a great chance of making it to the top. However, how one reacts to high altitude is unpredictable. Being physically fit and healthy, while helpful, does not guarantee acclimatization. The best advice is to spend seven or more days on the mountain and follow acclimatization guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
- The best times are during the dry seasons from late June to October and from late December to February.
2. Do I need to be in excellent physical condition to climb Kilimanjaro?
- While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, good physical fitness is essential. Regular cardio and strength training are recommended.
3. How many days does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
- The climb can take anywhere from 5 to 9 days, depending on the chosen route and acclimatization days.
4. What equipment is provided by the tour operator?
- Comprehensive packages include tents, sleeping mats, dining facilities, and more. Additional equipment can be rented.
5. What should I pack for the climb?
- Essential items include layered clothing, a high-quality sleeping bag, hiking boots, a backpack, and personal hygiene items.
6. Is altitude sickness common, and how is it managed?
- Altitude sickness is a risk, but gradual ascent and proper acclimatization can minimize it. Guides are trained to handle symptoms.
7. Can I climb Kilimanjaro without a guide?
- No, Kilimanjaro National Park regulations require all climbers to be accompanied by a registered guide.
8. What kind of meals are provided during the climb?
- Meals are nutritious and energy-rich, including a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to sustain climbers through the trek.
9. How do I prepare for a Kilimanjaro climb?
- Start training several months in advance, focusing on aerobic fitness, strength training, and hiking with a weighted backpack.
10. What is the success rate for reaching the summit?
- Success rates vary by route, but with proper preparation and a good itinerary, many climbers successfully reach the summit.
