How Long Does It Take To Climb Kilimanjaro

Many travelers planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro often wonder How Long It Will Take To Climb Kilimanjaro. Well, the duration typically ranges from 5 to 9 days, encompassing both the ascent to the Mount Kilimanjaro Summit and the descent back to the starting point.

Just keep in mind the key thing – the more days you dedicate to the climb, the higher your chances of successfully reaching the summit.

• If you opt for a relatively short 5-day trek, be aware that this choice comes with the lowest summit success rate.
• On the other hand, if you can spare 8 or 9 days for the adventure, your chances of reaching the summit significantly improve.

For a more detailed understanding, it's essential to explore the best routes for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and the number of days typically associated with each route.

How Many Days Does It Take to Climb Kilimanjaro On Each Route?

So, How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro? The number of days required to Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing can vary significantly based on the route you choose and your climbing experience. Below is a general breakdown of the most common durations:

• 5 to 6 Days: The Marangu Route, often referred to as the "Coca-Cola" route, is the shortest and can be completed in 5 to 6 days. It's ideal for those with limited time but offers less time for acclimatization.
• 6 Days: Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro through the Umbwe Route typically takes about 6 days. This route is known for its steep and challenging ascent.
• 6 to 7 Days: The Machame Route is slightly longer and usually takes 6 to 7 days. It provides better acclimatization opportunities due to its gradual ascent.
• 7 Days: The Rongai Route, which offers a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro, usually takes 7 days. It's less crowded and ideal for those seeking a quieter trek.
• 7 to 8 Days: The Lemosho Route, known for its diverse landscapes, typically takes 7 to 8 days. The Shira Route also takes 7 to 8 days to complete. This route is a variation of the Lemosho Route and offers a scenic and less crowded trek.
• 8 to 9 Days: The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and usually takes 8 to 9 days. It offers the most extended and scenic journey, with a very high summit success rate.

The below table lists each route, sorted by the summit days, their length and the success rate as well:

Take Note: These durations are approximate and can vary based on your personal pace and the conditions during your Kilimanjaro climbing tours.

Longer Routes Give You a High Success Rate

One major factor to consider when deciding on the duration of your Kilimanjaro climb is the route's length. Longer Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes generally offer a higher success rate for reaching the summit. Here's why:

• Longer Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes provide more time for your body to acclimatize to the increasing altitude.
• The slower ascent on longer routes gives your body a better chance to adapt. It increases your likelihood of reaching Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro's highest point.

Extended durations allow you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the journey to the fullest.

Our Suggestion: To maximize your chances of summiting Kilimanjaro, consider a longer route with ample acclimatization time.

Factors Affecting How Long It Takes to Climb Kilimanjaro

While exploring How Long Does It Take To Climb Mt Kilimanjaro, remember that various factors affect it beyond route selection. Understanding these factors can help you plan your adventure more effectively:

Your Physical Fitness

Your overall physical condition plays a vital role in determining how quickly you can ascend Kilimanjaro. Being in good shape will make the trek less strenuous and enable you to maintain a steady pace.

Altitude Acclimatization

Acclimatization is essential when climbing to high altitudes. Longer Climbing Routes Kilimanjaro provides more time for your body to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels, decreasing the risk of altitude-related issues.

Climbing Experience

Previous experience with high-altitude trekking can expedite your adaptation to the challenges of Kilimanjaro.

First time climbers might benefit from a more extended duration to acclimatize and adjust to the conditions.

Vital Tip: If you're new to high-altitude treks, consider a longer route to ease into the experience.

How Many Days Does It Take to Descend Kilimanjaro?

Descending from Kilimanjaro usually takes about 2 days. After reaching the summit, you'll spend a night at a high camp (e.g., Barafu Camp or Crater Camp) before continuing your descent to the base.

*The descent days are typically shorter and less physically demanding than the ascent.*

Which Short Route Is the Best to Climb Kilimanjaro for a Limited Time Period?

If you're pressed for time but still want to experience Kilimanjaro's magic, the Marangu Route is your best bet. It's the shortest route, generally completed in 5 to 6 days.

However, keep in mind that the shorter duration means less time for acclimatization, so it's essential to be well-prepared for the altitude.

Keep in Mind: Consider the Marangu Route if you have limited time, but be aware of the potential challenges.

Kilimanjaro Climbing World Record

As of the latest update in September 2021, there are a few notable records related to Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours:

• The fastest ascent and descent of Kilimanjaro is held in August 2014 by Swiss climber Karl Egloff. He completed the challenge in just 6 hours and 42 minutes and 24 seconds.

Remember that breaking records like these requires exceptional physical fitness and experience with high-altitude conditions. Most climbers take a more leisurely approach to fully enjoy the journey and ensure a safe ascent.

Every Step Counts: Your Kilimanjaro Adventure Awaits!

Thus, we found that the answer to the query- How Long Does It Take To Climb Kilimanjaro depends on various factors. While it's possible to complete the climb in as little as 5 days, opting for a longer route with better acclimatization is advisable for a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Now that you have a better understanding of the time commitment involved in Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it's time to take the next step. Start planning your adventure today with us! At Galago Expeditions, we understand the importance of a well-planned Kilimanjaro climb. So, whether you choose a shorter or longer route, make it a journey of a lifetime!