Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages For Beginners – Tips And Recommendations
Written By
African Scenic Safaris
06/03/2023
Trekking
Choosing the right Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages can make all the difference in your experience, especially if you’re a beginner. With many tour operators and packages available, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you.
The following tips and recommendations will provide beginners choose the best Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages. We will go over the factors to consider, the packages to choose from, and the best practices for beginners to ensure that they have a safe, enjoyable, and successful climbing experience.
Table of Contents
Factors To Consider As A Beginner For A Kilimanjaro Climbing Package
When opting for Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages, there are some key factors that you need to consider. This will help lay the packages in line according to your inclinations, needs, and interests. Some of the principal factors to think through include the following:
Route and Difficulty Level – Kilimanjaro has 7 different routes, each with its unique terrain and challenges. Some routes are preferred for experienced climbers whereas some are great for beginners. We suggest that you take the Lemosho Route as a beginner. The trails are less challenging and it has one of the highest success rates of all Kilimanjaro Routes.
Season and Weather Conditions – Mt. Kilimanjaro experiences two wet seasons. One is from March to May and the other is in November and December. Climbing during this time is challenging because of the slippery trails and limited visibility.
Budget – The prices of Mount Kilimanjaro Packages can vary depending on factors like duration, route, and services. So, it’s important to have a sense of your budget and what you can afford before choosing a package.
Reputable Tour/Climbing Operators – Another major factor in Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and choosing a package as a beginner is choosing a reliable climbing operator.
Tackling this factor becomes significantly easier when you choose African Scenic Safaris as your climbing operator.
Included Services and Amenities – The Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages can include a range of services and amenities. For example, meals, tents, permits, guides, porters, equipment, etc. It’s crucial to carefully go over what’s included in each package and consider what services are important to you.
Thus, ensure that you consider the above factors when choosing Mount Kilimanjaro Packages. This will help in choosing a package that suits your experience level, and budget. While also providing an enjoyable and more importantly –safe Kilimanjaro Climbing experience.
Recommended Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages For Beginners
We know you’re a beginner! So, you don’t have a conclusive idea about what Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Route to choose. But we’re here to make things easier for you. The following are some of our best packages, what Kilimanjaro Route they take, and their major takeaways.
NAME OF THE KILIMANJARO PACKAGE(S)
ITS ROUTE
CENTRAL TAKEAWAYS
Quest from the West
8 Days Lemosho Route
– Unspoilt, spectacular sceneries along the route – Plenty of time for acclimatization
Orbit Kilimanjaro
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
– Excellent acclimatization along the way – Incredible sceneries, especially in the rainforest zone – Fewer Crowds – The highest rate of success
Above the African Plains
7 Days Rongai Route
– Top-of-the-line tents and equipment – Great sceneries, making for some awe-worthy photographs
Without the Whiskey
7 Days Machame Route
– A wonderfully scenic trek through different Kilimanjaro ecosystems – Great opportunities for acclimatization – Excellent chances of making it to the summit of the mountain, Uhuru Peak.
Now you know what the major highlights of our Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages are. Next comes, what is included and what’s not included in the above itineraries. Below are the details:
KILIMANJARO CLIMBING INCLUSIONS
KILIMANJARO CLIMBING EXCLUSIONS
Camping and Tent Fees
The hiring of personal equipment (like sleeping bags, mats, clothing items, etc.)
Rescue Fees
Tipping Costs
Fees of Guides, Porters, and other staff
Visas
All Drinking Water and Meals
Vaccinations
Accommodations in Moshi and complimentary dinner
Private Toilets
Now that you know what amenities Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages offer, you can easily pick your most preferred option. But, things aren’t over yet! Because as a beginner you need to know some crucial suggestions before beginning your climbing expedition.
Tips For Preparing For A Kilimanjaro Climb
Trekkers tend to underestimate Mount Kilimanjaro and this is even truer for beginners. It’ll take some preparation, a calm mindset, and teamwork to conquer the Roof of Africa. The following are some tips that will help you accomplish the milestone of reaching Uhuru Peak:
Practice is the go-to word!
If you plan to Climb Kilimanjaro, then you’ll need to work out! You should undertake this task in a focused manner, by concentrating on leg-strengthening exercises and stamina. Remember you don’t have to be a huge muscled fitness freak, but some training beforehand will greatly benefit you.
Take your time and remember to go pole by pole!
You’ll often hear the words pole, pole while on a Kilimanjaro Climb. This means slowly, slowly! And it’s an important thing to keep in mind. Don’t just go rushing through the gate immediately. Instead, set an achievable goal in mind and you’ll enjoy your trekking experience a whole lot more.
Expect mild symptoms of AMS
Some symptoms of altitude or Acute Mountain Sickness are typical while Climbing Kilimanjaro. They happen around the 3,000-metre line, which is usually in the moorland zone. The symptoms associated with altitude sickness are bouts of insomnia, nausea, dizziness, etc.
You can easily counter mild symptoms with over-the-counter medications like paracetamol, acetazolamide, etc. If you experience more intense symptoms, our rescue team will be there to look after you.
Learn Some Native Swahili Phrases!
Everyone appreciates when one makes the extra effort in attempting to speak their language. It doesn’t have to be a whole book but a few pleasantries and greetings will go a long way in enriching your trekking adventure. Below are some common Swahili phrases that you can use:
PHRASE(S)
MEANING
Jambo
Hello
Lala salama
Goodnight
Habari yako
How are you?
Jina langu ni
My name is
Nafurahi kukuona
Nice to meet you
Safety And Health Considerations For Climbing Kilimanjaro
Safety should always be your priority when climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. This means having the right equipment, and clothing essentials, and choosing a Kilimanjaro Route that helps you acclimatize properly.
Every Kilimanjaro Route has certain challenges and uniqueness. Though, most importantly, some offer better acclimatization than others. This is exactly the reason why we offer 4 Kilimanjaro Routes for hikers looking to reach the top of the mountain.
They are Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Rongai, and Machame. They all have a great success rate and take special consideration for better acclimatization.
Follow Our Climbing Kilimanjaro Tips And Beginners Will See The Results!
We hope that this guide has helped provide valuable understanding and information on choosing the right Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages for beginners. We encourage all trekkers to prepare thoroughly, choose the right package, and enjoy a memorable and safe climb. Remember to respect the mountain, take care of yourself, and have a fun and safe adventure!
Craving even more information on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing. Then, the following blogs won’t disappoint:
