Before you decide to climb Kilimanjaro you need to ensure that you are clear about what the climb involves
These are the most requently asked questions. Hopefully this will help you decide to take a trip of a lifetime. Please do contact us directly if you require any further information.
Do I need any mountain climbing experience?
NO! You do not need any climbing experience. Any person in good health, very good physical condition with a positive mental attitude can make the climb.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is located near the Equator, but why is it always snow-capped?
It is snow-capped because the temperature decreases as we go to a higher altitude. Anything above 6000 metres.is above the snow line height and feezes. As the mountain is one of the tallest it's height crosses the snow line so there will always be snow on the mountain.
Why is there such a price difference between companies?
Standards of Safety and QualityThe majority of climbing companies subcontract their climbs to the lowest bidder. They are not “on the ground’ supervising and managing the quality of the climb, such as quality of meals, maintenance of equipment and the training and hiring of guides and crew.
This way they are able to price their climbs inexpensively – but with much lower standards for safety and comfort.
By having our own company we are able to maintain international climbing standards with our expert guides, professionally-trained cooks, experienced and very trustee crew and high-end equipment. Understandably, these high standards come at a cost, and so companies charge more for their trips.
The choice of climbing companies comes down to safety and quality.
What route should I climb?
As Kilimanjaro Backcountry adventures we advise our climbers to choose the Marangu Route (5 or 6 days), which is commonly referred to as the "Tourist" or "Coca Cola" Route. The rest usually goes for the Rongai or Machame Route (6 or 7 days). The other two routes (Shira and Lemosho) are far less frequented and therefore allow for a more remote and natural experience.
Please note that many of the routes meet on a mid-way point and there are only three routes to the summit. Please see our routes itineraries, read the descriptions of the routes and ask us if you have any question.
Why most of the Kilimanjaro climbers go to the summit at midnight?
On mount Kilimanjaro usually we start going to the summit at midnight because of the following reasons:
To enjoy and experience the sunrise from the top.
walking at night so you cannot see the challenge.
It is in many companies itineraries.
Although going at night is a bit tough, very cold, sometimes could be bad wind and freezing! At Kilimanjaro Backcountry Adventures we ensure our clients that we have well experienced, profesional Guides who normally use more than one plan of going to the summit. The plan used depends on our clients condition, as we aim to help as many people as possible to reaching the summit of mount Kilimanjaro. With this is mind, if a day climb is more suitable then we will attempt the summit in day light.
This plan has the following advantages:
Not very tough due to less cold, no freezing and no wind.
High possibility of getting to the top of Kilimanjaro.
You see where you are going.
But the day summit hikers need to be sure that they are happy with their decision because they will be miss the spectacle of the sunrise at the top.
At Kilimanjaro Backcountry Adventures we are flexible because our aim is to do our best and to make sure that our clients are having an experince of a lifetime with us.