Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking

How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Kilimanjaro Summit Success rate

04 Feb, 2025

Expert travel insights and safari tips for your Tanzania adventure with Juhudi Expedition.

How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Kilimanjaro Summit Success rate  - Tanzania Safari & Kilimanjaro Travel Blog

It takes at least five days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. However, a minimum of six days, and ideally seven or eight, offers a far better chance of reaching the top. For those with longer to spare, there are several more gradual and scenic ascent routes that can be done over 10 or more days

Kilimanjaro is an extraordinary natural icon. The worlds tallest freestanding mountain, it is volcanic in origin and towers almost 5km/3mi above the hot dusty plains of northeast Tanzania. The jagged glacial peaks, which frame the gaping Kibo Crater, support a year-round cover of snow. This is despite lying only 400km/249mi south of the equator.

The question of how many days it takes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is asked by many tourists as they plan their hiking experiences on the mountain. The number of days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro depends on various factors such as the route used during the climb experience. It may takes about 5 to 6 days or more to get to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The hiking experience on mount Kilimanjaro which takes less days to summit are recommend for the experienced hikers and for the inexperienced hikers more days of hiking are recommended in order to allow them to have a safe and comfortable experience on the mountain.

Routes which are recommended for both experienced and non-experienced hikers during climbing experiences on Mount Kilimanjaro include Lemosho route, Machame route as well as the Rongai route which take about 7 to 9 days of hiking.

The routes which takes longer during hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro enable the hiker to get used to altitudes on the mountain and to transition smoothly during acclimatization. Hikers also get to enjoy the adventure on the mountain the longer they stay while hiking.

Among other factors to consider when taking into consideration the number p days which one takes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is the health condition of the hiker. Altitude sickness and fatigue are among of the health conditions which tends to affect the hikers.

Other routes which are used during hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro include Marangu route, Umbwe route and Shira route. This route is the oldest route and is also the only one which has hut accommodation at Horombo hut, Mandara hut and Kibo hut where hikers can rest and spend their nights while hiking.

The number of days which are recommended for hiking along the different routes on Mount Kilimanjaro is as follows.

Lemosho route ; for hiking using the Lemosho route about 8 days are recommended and these days include stops at Shira camp, the lava tower , Barranco camp, and Barafu camp. The Lemosho route is also referred to as the southern circuit and is also considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro. This route is recommended for hikers who are experienced.

Machame route ; 7 days of hiking are recommended for the Machame route which start from the southern direction of the mountain and is known for being steep compared to other hiking routes. Hikers using this route descend via the Mweka route. This route is also a popular route on the mountain.

Marangu Route; 6 days of hiking along the Marangu route have a better success rate compared to 5 days which can also be used for hikes along the Marangu route at Mandara hut ,Horombo hut and Kibo hut .


Share

safari

trekking

mount

kilimanjaroTanzaniatoproofAfrica

WhatsApp