Here are some lessons learned climbing Kilimanjaro 50 times. I have been climbing on Kilimanjaro for over a decade and have seen one thing change and continue to get worse. More and more people are cutting corners and trying to get up and down in less time. I get it Kilimanjaro is expensive and permits are going to double by 2030!
People are also showing up with less physical preparation. Taking serious risks with their safety and the safety of the local people.
Local is Not Always Better
I have to say some local guides are causing some of these problems by pushing and pulling people up the mountain when they are in seriously dangerous situations. More acclimatization means more safety!! READ MORE. The guides are worried if they don’t get the clients to the top they will not get tipped. Instead of paying every above the normal rates so they are not under pressure to get people to the summit. Safety is being ignored on Kilimanjaro.
As you may know March through May is rainy season on Mount Kilimanjaro. This years rainy season has left a serious amount of ice high on the mountain. This is great for Kilimanjaro and added some interesting ice features along the route to the summit. Read some REVIEWS.
It certainly has been colder than normal on the mountain which was actually a nice change from recent years. Out of my 50 Kilimanjaro climbs, I would have to say the temperatures have been on average about -8 Celsius (17F) on the summit at 6/7am in the morning. I have been on the summit when it was -20 Celsius (-10F). Read more about the weather on Kilimanjaro and best months to make an attempt for the summit.
Bring the Right Clothing
In a lot of cases people climbing Kilimanjaro with poor gloves, down jackets and layers. One important thing you really need to understand when it comes to picking the correct down jacket you need to have.
You will see 600, 700, 800 fill down jackets. This is not important, the fill of down is the quality of the down, not the warmth. This is a big mistake people are making.
The important thing to consider is the loft or the amount of down in the jacket. The more down there is, the warmer it will be. We recommend the Rad positron, Fitzroy parka by Patagonia or something similar for your Kilimanjaro climb.
If you have questions about which down jacket is correct just CONTACT US and we can help you with making the right purchase. In our 45 page dossier we have an itemized kit list so you do not have to guess.
Lessons Learned Climbing Kilimanjaro 50 Times
As everyone reacts differently to cold temperatures and if you pick an itinerary with less acclimatization you will feel the cold more. Read more about how you should consider layering your clothing on a trip like this.
If you join a Kilimanjaro tour, our highest recommended is an 8 day Lemosho route trip using Kosovo Camp as High Camp. You will not be as cold as someone who picks a 5 or 6 day Marangu or Machame route climb.
Each person should access previous experience with cold weather conditions and make sure you pick the right gloves so that you can make sure your hands remain in good working order high on Kilimanjaro.
If you sign up to an Ian Taylor Trekking climb you will receive our 45 page document including an itemized kit list. Watch our PACKING VIDEO.
Be Ready for Kilimanjaro
I have learned that you need to enjoy your once in a lifetime experience on Kilimanjaro so why rush it. Taking your time, being more relaxed about the whole experience truly helps you get the most of your Kilimanjaro experience.
I highly recommend our 8 day Lemosho route climb using Kosovo Camp as High Camp. This itinerary offers you the safest and best chance at a successful climb. You also give the staff an easier ride carrying all your gear.
More Days on Kilimanjaro, Means Better Safety
I also watched more and more people pushing the summit under serious stress. On my first climb I witnessed several people being dragged up the mountain.
There was a girl in a seriously poor condition being dragged up the mountain. I went over to talk some sense into the couple. At first they could not hear me because she was out of it. The girls eyes were closed and she was in bad shape. Firstly I spoke to the guide and he ignored me. Secondly, I tried to engage the couple ‘I see this happen on every summit night I have ever been on, it is dangerous and you should descent’. Again I was ignored.
I tried to speak to the boyfriend of the girl being carried up the mountain and told him they needed to turn her around. The local guide said don’t listen to him and kept walking. I told him he was risking her life.
He really didn’t care. They kept moving forward, they never made the summit and she was lucky to come away with her life. They had to be helicoptered out hours later.
Be Informed About the Risks on Kilimanjaro
On every trip up Kilimanjaro people are being hand held up the mountain. People can not carry their backpacks and can barely move. They are risking everything for the top. I have been called to hundreds of tents over the year of people who can barely speak, came up the mountain so fast and collapsed. You may see it for yourself one day!
It happens every night on Kilimanjaro so no-one should be surprised by this. Lack of physical preparation and poor acclimatization is leading to irresponsible guiding on Kilimanjaro. Read some TIPS for going to high altitude.
Do not Underestimate What it Takes to Climb Kilimanjaro
I have to say there are so many people underestimating the amount of training needed to be safe high on Mount Kilimanjaro. Check out our step by step approach to training.
You will be running heart rates of 95 to 120 on the summit night for 6 hours up hill at high and extreme altitude. This means you need to be training on hills or stairs at home 4 or 5 times a week for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes to build the correct endurance. You should be aiming for 1 longer training season per week followed by these shorter sessions. Train on the flat is not going to cut it! Read more about our training advice for Kilimanjaro here.
Once you have lived out that magical moment on the summit, you have a steep descent. Walking back down the mountain which in my opinion is more challenging, draining as you will have had minimal sleep, you have been walking for 6 days and you have a 12 to 14 hour summit night and day. COME PREPARED!!
Check out also my Climb Kilimanjaro For The 35th Time!
Help us Bring Education and Clean Water to East Africa
I am on the journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro 50 times. Hitting 45 is great but if you would like to help support the charity work I am doing CONTACT US today.
In 2009 we built a school in Uganda with over 500 students attending We partnered with Fields of Life to make this happen. The team can also drill wells and have a goal of bringing two million people clean water. Our team in Nepal have built 4 schools in the remote Goli village and added over 200 stoves to homes in the region. We are fundraising to built a much needed medical facility in the area.
In Peru we are helping our porters village build a community center and in Tanzania we support the Themi orphanage. We have lot of projects on the go and if you would like to get involved, contact our team today!