How Long To Climb Kilimanjaro: What You Need to Know
On average, it takes five to nine days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and get back down.
But wait, there's more to it. Did you know that spending extra time on the mountain can substantially increase your ability to reach the summit?
Welcome to your ultimate guide on Kilimanjaro climb time. No matter your trekking experience, understanding the time component and its impact on the summit success rate is crucial.
So, stick around as we unpack the factors affecting your climb, the importance of acclimatisation, and much more.
Some Interesting Facts About Climbing Kilimanjaro
Here’s a quick look at some interesting facts about Kilimanjaro climb time to leave you in awe.
Firstly, as you know, your time on the mountain can significantly impact your summit success rate. Trekkers who opt for a 5-day climb have the lowest success rate, while those who spend 8 or 9 days on the mountain have a much better chance of reaching the summit.
Would you believe it, though - there are superhumans among us, and speed climbs are a real thing? Swiss climber Karl Egloff holds the current record (2014) for the fastest running ascent and descent, having completed it in just 6 hours and 42 minutes.
Karl followed in the footsteps and broke the records of two other runners: Kilian Jornet and Simon Mtuy. Simon was the first record holder (2006) of this feat, having completed the fastest unaided ascent-descent of Kilimanjaro in 9 hours and 19 minutes.
All three ran up the Umbwe route, which is the most direct route to the summit. They returned down the Mweka Route to the Mweka Gate.
The rest of us mortal beings can only hold in wonder these unbelievable achievements. For safety's sake, we can’t stress enough how important it is to allow for as much time as possible for acclimatisation on the mountain.
Factors Affecting How Long it Takes to Climb Kilimanjaro
The data above makes climbing Kilimanjaro interesting. So, while planning your hike, consider the following factors that will affect your Mt. Kilimanjaro hike time.
1. Weather
The mountain's weather plays a crucial role in how long it takes to trek Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Mt. Kilimanjaro weather can vary from very hot to extremely cold in a day. While Kilimanjaro doesn't experience vast temperature changes from season to season, the temperatures are determined more by the altitude and time of day.
At the base, the average Kilimanjaro temperature is around 21 to 27°C, while at Uhuru Peak, the night-time temperatures can range between -7 to -29°C.
2. Altitude/Acclimatisation
Your Kilimanjaro climb time also depends on attitude and acclimatisation. The mountain's highest point, Uhuru Peak, stands at an elevation with 49% less oxygen available than at sea level. This makes acclimatisation a critical aspect of your climb.
When hiking any mountain, altitude is always the equaliser. Regardless of how physically fit you are, the thin air you encounter as you ascend can lead to acute mountain sickness (AMS).
This condition is a significant reason why many climbers fail to reach the summit.
The key to a successful climb lies in your body's ability to get used to the lower oxygen levels. Strategies include "hike high, sleep low", and rest days to allow your body to adapt.
Some climbers opt for pre-acclimatisation methods like altitude training at home or the gym, although these have mixed reviews.
Generally, acclimatisation can take one to three days at any given altitude. Therefore, a longer trek can increase your chances of a successful summit.
The longer you acclimatise, the better your body will adapt to the lower oxygen levels, affecting how long it takes to climb Kilimanjaro.
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3. Physical Fitness
A fast Kilimanjaro hike time will depend on how physically fit you are. While peak physical fitness doesn't guarantee summit success due to altitude factors, it can make your trek more manageable and less exhausting.
It is best to have a Kilimanjaro training plan that includes:
Aerobic activity before the hike - the fitter you are, the less aerobic capacity you'll need to utilise for trekking. That allows you to easily handle the additional stress of acclimatising to the altitude. You'll be hiking 6-8 hours daily, and on summit day, you could be on your feet for more than 10 hours.
Training for strength and endurance. Strong legs and core muscles are vital for the steep sections of the climb.
Improving your mental stamina - the long hours of hiking, coupled with the effects of altitude, can take a toll on your mental health.
Improving your flexibility and balance to reduce your risk of injury.
4. Hiking Experience
Your experience and skill level can significantly influence how long it takes to hike Kilimanjaro. While Kilimanjaro is not technically difficult, it's not a walk in the park either.
For inexperienced climbers, the trek may be more challenging, especially during the summit night - considered the hardest part of the climb.
Seasoned trekkers may find the climb less daunting, but it's essential to remember that Kilimanjaro is an extreme altitude mountain trek. Even experienced climbers need to acclimatise to the low oxygen levels in the air.
Your guide's experience also plays a role; a knowledgeable guide can help you manage the altitude and pace yourself effectively.
5. Your Budget
While it may be tempting to opt for a shorter, less expensive trek, it's essential to consider that shorter climbs offer less time for acclimatisation. This increases the risk of altitude sickness and could reduce your chances of reaching the summit.
Budget constraints can also affect the quality of your guides and equipment, which can impact your safety and the time it takes to climb.
Generally, the cost of climbing Kilimanjaro can range from $1,800 to $6,000, depending on various factors like the route chosen, the duration of the trek, and the level of service provided.
6. Your Time
Your Kilimanjaro trek time can be significantly affected by how much free time you have. The ideal time to spend on the mountain for a successful climb is 7 to 9 days.
However, if you have a limited amount of time, you might opt for a shorter route, which can affect your acclimatisation and, consequently, your summit success rate.
Shorter routes are generally more strenuous and offer less time for acclimatisation. On the other hand, if you have more time, you can choose a longer route that allows for better acclimatisation, therefore increasing your chances of reaching the summit successfully.
About Skyhook’s Kilimanjaro Trips:
Skyhook works with a great local Tanzanian tour operator. This company has created Kilimanjaro trip packages that allow you to maximise acclimatisation time while providing great value for money. This way, you can make the most of this adventure of a lifetime.
Here is a list of recommended trips that you should consider for your Kilimanjaro trek:
8 days Lemosho route: Known for its scenic beauty, this route takes eight days to complete, starting at the Lemosho Glades and heading to the summit at Uhuru Peak.
Machame route 7 days: An extremely popular route despite being steep and long. It allows climbers to "trek high and sleep low;" the perfect strategy for summit success.
7 days Lemosho route: Taking the path less travelled, you're away from the crowds and have more time to acclimatise and maximise your chances of summiting.
Kilimanjaro Machame route 6 days: Trek through dense rainforest and wild camp in glaciated terrain on a slightly shorter itinerary for the popular route.
Rongai route Kilimanjaro: This less crowded route takes seven days to hike from the Nalemoru Gate to the summit and is the best option during the rainy season.
Kilimanjaro Marangu route: Known as the Coca-Cola route, this is the only path to Uhuru Peak with hut accommodation.
Final Thoughts
How long it takes to hike Kilimanjaro can vary. Generally, we recommend taking it slow and allowing as much time as possible for acclimatisation. This will give you the greatest shot at summit success.
Skyhook works with handpicked local guides who have extensive experience on the mountain. The trips above have been designed to give you the greatest chance of reaching Uhuru Peak. All that’s left is to prepare yourself for the journey of a lifetime.
