How many days kilimanjaro

How long it takes to reach the summit is largely dictated by how well you are able to acclimatize to the lack of oxygen at altitude.

The main reason why climbers fail to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro is simply that they have not acclimatized to the altitude. How badly do you want to get to the summit? The good news is that going slow and taking your time, allows your body to gradually adapt to the lack of oxygen. Trekkers who spend only 5 days on Kilimanjaro have the lowest success rate, while those who spend 8 or 9 days have a much better chance of standing on the Roof of Africa. At that time:.

Those numbers have no doubt improved since then thanks to better guides, improved gear, and a better understanding of how to successfully hike the trail. But, they give you an indication of the importance of taking your time on the mountain. Being very fit does not correlate with increased ability to acclimatize. According to Dr. Hackett from the Institute for Altitude Medicine , says physical fitness will give you no protection from altitude sickness.

Sometimes, many young, fit people will push through the discomfort, ignoring important symptoms. There are a total of six different routes you can use to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

The shortest possible way to the summit is by the Marangu or the Umbwe Route. Due to this many people will drop a day or two from their itinerary and try to climb in 5 or 6 days to reduce cost, as when you add on good food, guides, porters, cooks, assistant cooks and all their costs, transport, hotels etc. There is no point in failing to summit or reach it and feel terrible - looking only at your feet as you vomit with a massive throbbing headache — that is pointless.

Far better to go there, take your time, reach the summit and enjoy every single moment of every day! How Long Does it take to Climb Kilimanjaro? Good luck. Hi Jen. Thank you very much for this. Can you please recommended any good one? I am a solo traveler FYI. Great article! I climbed Kili with my wife last June! Great experience but you must make sure you train and get your body and mind ready.

It was definitely challenging but our operator took great care of us and helped us succeed. And definitely get the altitude meds for it will help. Highly recommend taking the journey for it is wonderful and I recommend the company I used Joy climbers expedition. Also would recommend donating your old hiking gear as the locals can really use it.

Wow, Jen, well done and inspiring. I start my attempt on Kili on March 4th just 6 weeks away! Hope I make it as you did. Thank you for sharing your experience. I am planning to hike Kili this June and love reading about how others prepared for it and succeeded. Did you take attitude pills? That, and good guides.

Your own filtration system? Please explain….. You will need to bring your own water bottles though a couple of reusable canteens or a bladder , as no plastic is allowed on the mountain.

You can also hire bottles before your trek starts. Some passengers take tablets to help prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.

The medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when in high altitudes, however side effects can occur. However, there can be no substitute for going slow, drinking lots of water, eating lots of food, staying warm, getting plenty of sleep and listening to your body.

Congrats a Jen! Hard to believe my friend and I reached the summit two years ago this month. We were 60 and Headaches were the only problems encountered. Tough but what a thrill. It started snowing two hours into the summit climb so never saw the sunrise but amazing nonetheless. We would both do it again but othe adventures beckon. Good advice — read other climbers blogs and tips and enjoy if you go!!

Reading this brought me back to when I climbed Kilimanjaro on a whim at 19 years old! I wish I had known these tips before I set off in rented equipment and boots! But I made it to the top feeling the most tired and most proud I had ever felt and have ever felt since. Every once in a while I think…oh I should do that again. Then I remember how exhausting and long that last night was. Every step forward sliding half a step back. And I think…maybe once was enough!

Great article Jen, very well written and containing some great advice. Well done again and more of your travel adventures please… Alan. Good report. Great piece! I did the Machame route in at the age of The pounding of coming down caused me to lose both big toenails and that hurt! Thanks for the piece! Your hyperbole regarding hiking up Kili is embarrassing to read. Please stop. Dude — not everyone is a mountaineer.

You might be all talk with no game for all we know. Next time you have something mean to say, keep it to yourself. What an hole thing to say. For the Enjoy your time in your own personal awesomeness. So rude. Why even comment? This was a wonderful, helpful article written for normal, everyday people who might want a little adventure in their lives, or to hit some bucket list items. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email. Home » What I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro. My hike to Kilimanjaro started a year before I even set foot on Tanzanian soil. The best feeling. Porters on the Kilimanjaro trek. A hike you need to be prepared for. Highlights of Patagonia. View trip. Walk the Camino de Santiago. Tough but beautiful hiking conditions. New friends. Jen Welch I've dragged my backpack across six continents, but for now it rests in the bottom of my wardrobe in Melbourne.

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Be together: a celebration of family travel memories. Thank you letters between two Moroccan women changing An open letter from travel photographer, Lola Akinmade Kambi Popote August 17, - pm Thanks for sharing this great post about climbing Kilimanjaro!

Vacation Destinations June 14, - am Great post, Kilimanjaro is absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing!