Kilimanjaro National Park
At 5896m Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and one of the continent’s magnificent sights, It has three main volcanic peaks, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The name itself “Kilimanjaro” is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans.
Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates, and their memories.
But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.
Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated footslopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias.
Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of Africa.
FAQs ABOUT CLIMB KILIMANJARO
1. How do I choose an operator?
There are hundreds of companies who service the mountain. Selecting an operator can be a daunting task. You want to be sure that your operator staffs experienced, competent guides, who practice high safety standards and treats porters well. You want an operator that has proven expertise, successfully serving a wide range of clients for many years.
2. How much does it cost to climb?
Do not select a company strictly based on price! Price should be only one component in your overall decision. Prices vary significantly between operators, however high prices and low prices should both be viewed with caution.
3. When are the best months?
The best times to climb Kilimanjaro tend to be the warmest and driest months - January, February, and September. June, July, August and October are also good months. However, temperatures and weather are unpredictable, and can change drastically based on the time of day and altitude. It's best to avoid the long rainy season, from the end of March to early June, and the short rainy season, from November through the beginning of December.
4. Which route should I climb?
The routes each have different characteristics which may or may not appeal to you. Consider the difficulty, scenery and crowds when you select your route. Other factors that should be considered are your age, fitness level, medical conditions, backpacking and hiking experience, experience at high altitude, degree of motivation, and any other special considerations. RT Expedtions recommends Northern Circuit, Lemosho, Machame and Rongai.
5. How many days are needed?
The more days you spend on the mountain, the better your chances for successfully reaching the summit. Statistics show that each additional day you spend acclimatizing increases your probability of success. We strongly recommend that you do not book the minimum number of days. Chances are you will experience altitude sickness, may not enjoy your climb and might not you reach the top. Seven or more days is highly recommended.
6. Should I join a group?
Our group climbs are limited to 15 people and are perfect for solo travelers, pairs or couples who want the company of others. Each group is comprised of climbers from all over the world. A small-party climb is the best way to climb Kilimanjaro because it ensures individualized attention, added flexibility and increased safety. Private climbs are available for parties of any size who want to climb certain route variations and want to be with only friends and family.
7. What do I need for the climb?
Follow the gear list and resist the temptation to bring more. You won't need it and it is just extra weight that you or the porters must carry. There are situations where climbers' luggage was lost by their airline and they arrived with no gear whatsoever. So they rented only the essential gear and upon completion of their climb, realized that what they had originally packed was very excessive. Try to limit all of your gear to less than 40 lbs. It can be done.
8. How do I train for the climb?
It is very hard to gauge the mental and physical strength needed to climb Kilimanjaro. If you've spoken to those who have successfully or unsuccessfully climbed it, you'd get a wide range of accounts. The truth is, like any other activity, some people excel at it and some people struggle. Two months of physical training is usually sufficient, doing day hikes for four to six hours, with moderate elevation changes (~1,500 ft) while carrying a 20 lb. pack. r
9. What about altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is potentially fatal. However, most climbers will get some form of mild acute mountain sickness (AMS) while on the mountain. Your guide will monitor you closely during the duration of you climb. However, you should be aware of the symptoms of mild, moderate and severe AMS, and you must inform your guide of any symptoms immediately. Never try to hide your symptoms in order to continue climbing. There is always the possibility you will not be able to summit due to AMS.
10. What safety measures are taken?
Our guides perform health checks twice per day on to monitor oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate. Additionally our guides administer the Lake Louise Scoring System (LLSS) to help determine whether climbers have any symptoms of altitude sickness and if so, the severity.
11. Do you care for your local staff?
YES RT expedtions is a strong supporter of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), an independent organization whose mission it is to protect staff from mistreatment on the mountain. Our staff is one the highest paid crews. Our porters have the proper gear and equipment to handle the mountain and their clothing sleeping bags and tents are sufficiently warm. Porter loads are limited to 20 kgs.
12. Why are some company's prices so low?
There is a fair share of budget operators who offer cheap climbs. However, these operators engage in appalling practices such as paying porters less than minimum wage or not at all, feeding porters only once or twice a day, forcing porters to carry loads greater than the weight limit, allowing porters to climb with insufficient clothing and providing poor shelters for porters to sleep in. Never climb with a budget operator.
13. Can I preacclimatize to altitude?
Yes. Altitude training systems work by simulating the high altitudes found on Mount Kilimanjaro. The altitude training system reduces the percentage of oxygen in the air you breathe. Through regular use, the body undergoes physiological changes to cope with the lower oxygen level.