Transcription
Seven hard truths about climbing Kilimanjaro.
If you visit any Kilimanjaro operator's website, you'll get the impression that climbing Africa's highest peak will be a fun, exciting adventure that will yield grand memories of one of the most epic achievements in your lifetime. I won't disagree with that notion, but there are negative aspects to tackling Mount Kilimanjaro that guide companies don't like to talk about, but nevertheless need to be understood. So, in this video, I'll discuss the hard truths about climbing Kilimanjaro that often go unspoken.
Number one: You won't feel good all the time. Kilimanjaro's altitude is a double-edged sword. While being up high grants amazing views from above the clouds, it also poses a significant risk: altitude sickness. As you ascend, the air thins, and your body has to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels in a process called acclimatization. The higher you ascend, the harder acclimatization becomes, and this can wreak havoc on your body. Altitude sickness is the great equalizer on Kilimanjaro; it doesn't discriminate based on your age, gender, fitness level, or how prepared you think you are. The human body simply isn't built for high-altitude environments. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. While some climbers adjust more easily, others may struggle, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. The hard truth is that you're likely to feel unwell at some point during your ascent. Statistically, more than 75% of climbers will experience at least some form of mild AMS above 10,000 ft. On most itineraries, you'll be above this mark on just the second day of trekking. So, if you find yourself feeling sick from the altitude, know that this is very common and that there's no need to start panicking just yet. Typically, the symptoms will subside with the passage of time, which is why we always advocate for a gradual ascent.
Number two: You might not summit. The overall success rate on Mount Kilimanjaro is often stated as 50%; that means that half of those who attempt fail. And while I personally believe that the true success rate is substantially higher today, given improvements in guiding practices over the past couple of decades, the fact still remains that there are going to be some people who won't make the summit. The possibility of having to abandon your climb can be heart-wrenching, but it's a reality you must confront. If you experience serious altitude sickness, illness, or injuries, it's absolute that you come down the mountain to recover. Rarely, if ever, does one get better by continuing to go up. It's a hard truth: you might not summit, and this will probably be devastating for climbers who've spent months preparing for their trip. But don't ever lose the perspective that your safety is far more important than any summit or any experience for that matter. Knowing when to quit is a crucial skill that can save your life. The mountain will always be there for another attempt. From my own experience, I attempted Mount Rainier three times before I made the summit. On the first attempt, there was a blizzard; our guide called it off while we waited at low camp. On the second attempt, our guide called it off on the way to the summit due to high avalanche risk. On the third attempt, we made it to the top, but we climbed so fast that it was still dark when we reached the summit. It was too cold to wait for the sun to rise, so we descended. To this day, I have no idea what the top of Mount Rainier looks like, despite being on the mountain three times. My point being: not summiting is a part of climbing for a wide variety of reasons; it's not something you should put too much weight on.
Number three: The weather can make you miserable. Whenever you're in the outdoors, weather plays a big factor. There's a huge difference between hiking on a warm, sunny day versus a cold, rainy one. On Kilimanjaro, both scenarios can happen, even on the same day. Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable, and it could turn your trek into a wet and frigid ordeal. Rain, snow, hail, wind, and freezing temperatures are all real possibilities, even if you come during the best times. For most people, being caught in a downpour or a blizzard at high altitude is not fun; enjoyment and morale can quickly fade away, making an already challenging experience even more grueling. So, while the thought of clear skies and breathtaking views might be your inspiration for climbing Kilimanjaro, remember that nature may deal you a different hand. If you spend enough time outdoors, especially in the mountains, inevitably you will run into foul conditions. There's really nothing you can do except to go when the weather has historically been the most favorable. In terms of Mount Kilimanjaro, that would be during the two dry seasons. Book your dates, hope for the best, but always be prepared for the worst.
Number four: It's going to be pretty expensive. Climbing Kilimanjaro is not a budget adventure; there's no way around it. The hard truth is that climbing Kilimanjaro requires a substantial financial investment. Believe me when I say I wish we could sell climbs for $1,000 or even $2,000, but the fact is that the cost of funding a Kilimanjaro expedition is considerable, made up of several main components: staff, food, equipment, accommodations, park fees, and taxes. When all these expenses are added up, there's simply no way to provide even minimal services for low prices. In addition to the trip cost, clients will need to pay for their flights, gear, visa, travel insurance, and personal expenses. Most of our clients end up spending somewhere between $5,000 to $8,000 per person when it's all said and done. The total cost is going to be out of reach for a lot of people, unfortunately. Yes, there are budget outfitters out there, and you might save a few hundred or so to go with a cheap company, but if you book with them, you're gambling—gambling that you'll have a capable guide, functional equipment, decent food, and that you won't run into any problems on the mountain. Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish when it comes to your safety and success. Choosing a reputable guide service is of great importance. If climbing Kilimanjaro with a top-rated operator like Ultimate Kilimanjaro is going to break the bank, wait until you have enough money to do it right. Opting for inexpensive, less reliable operators might seem like a reasonable decision, but it can jeopardize your trip and more. Kilimanjaro is not the place to cut corners; we don't, and neither should you.
Number five: You have to deal with crowds. While climbing Kilimanjaro provides a connection with nature, it's also a popular travel destination. Over 30,000 people come every year to hike on these trails, so it's far from an off-the-beaten-path expedition. It's a given that you'll encounter others along your journey, whether it's people in your own group or other parties sharing campgrounds or converging at the summit. The hard truth is that Kilimanjaro can get crowded, which can have an impact on your overall experience. For instance, there's often a traffic jam of sorts at the Barranco Wall or a queue at the summit for photos, so you may have to show patience and compassion and wait for your turn. Some campsites have literally 1,000 people there, consisting of clients and their support crews. You'll have to deal with limited privacy and potentially noisy neighbors. Keep in mind that you can view this as an opportunity to meet fellow travelers from around the world, to share stories and support one another on your quest to reach the top. I personally don't find the crowds to be an issue. On my first Kilimanjaro trip back in 2006, I was a solo climber, so I was happy when others would take the time to chat with me on the trail and at the campsites. If crowds are a concern, you can watch my videos entitled "Is Mount Kilimanjaro Too Crowded?" and "Five Simple Ways to Avoid the Crowds"; both are linked in the description below.
Number six: You're never 100% safe. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a relatively safe adventure; however, it's essential to acknowledge that, like any outdoor activity, it carries inherent risks. One study found that the overall mortality rate on Kilimanjaro was .36%, or one death for 7,353 climbers. You can do everything right: train rigorously, have the best gear, choose a long route, follow acclimatization guidelines to a T, and we can do everything right: set a slow pace, provide adequate food and water, put you in a warm tent, monitor your health daily—it still doesn't guarantee your safety. And this is the hardest truth about climbing Kilimanjaro: despite your best efforts and those of our guides, there will always be some level of danger. The main culprit is high altitude. Altitude can expose or exacerbate certain medical issues that people don't even know they have. At high elevations, the strain put on the respiratory and cardiovascular system increases significantly. In addition to the challenges of high altitude, there are risks from illnesses, injuries, hypothermia, lightning, and rockfall. Guides, porters, and clients have all died on the mountain—from budget operators to luxury operators, from first-time hikers to seasoned mountaineers; no one is immune. Though we don't require a medical check for our clients, it's never a bad idea to seek advice from your doctor before undertaking such a physically demanding trip. In some cases, it may be necessary to take special precautions, adjust medications, or avoid high-altitude environments altogether. Ask your doctor if high-altitude trekking is permissible for your age, fitness level, and health condition. Determine whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions that can cause problems on the climb. Make sure you understand how your medications can affect altitude acclimatization and inquire whether Diox can be taken with your existing prescription medicines.
Number seven: You'll probably wish you were at home. Climbing Kilimanjaro is strenuous and mentally taxing for almost everyone. The initial stages may seem manageable, but as you ascend higher and higher, the discomfort intensifies. This expedition pushes your limits in more ways than one, and almost certainly there comes a moment when you start questioning your decision to come to Tanzania in the first place. You wish you could snap your fingers and teleport back to your cozy sofa where you can relax, watch TV, and snack on some chips. I know, because I've done this many times in my life. In the heat of the moment, or perhaps I should say in the freezing cold of the moment, I say to myself, "I'm done! I'm voluntarily choosing to do this. I'm getting too old, and I'm going to stop climbing altogether after this trip." But after the dust settles and I've had a chance to shower, eat, sleep, and recover, I can't wait to do it all over again. I firmly believe that the process of conquering self-doubt and persevering through adversity is the most rewarding part of the adventure. It's in driving past these challenging moments that a real sense of accomplishment arises; it makes every ounce of discomfort and every step of the journey worthwhile. So, if you get to the point where you wish you were at home instead of on the mountain, I say congrats, because your moment on the summit is going to be that much sweeter—you just won't realize it until you're done.
Understanding these seven hard truths about climbing Kilimanjaro is essential for everyone with aspirations to scale this peak. I share these facts not to deter you or scare you away, but to paint a realistic picture of what you might face on the mountain. As the owner of a Kilimanjaro guide company, naturally I want you to come to Tanzania and climb with us, but I also want you to have all the information you need to make the best decisions. That's why we built the most complete and accurate website on climbing Kilimanjaro at ultimatekili.com. We believe that the more you know, the better prepared you will be. I'm Kevin with Ultimate Kilimanjaro. If you found this information helpful, please give this video a like and subscribe for more content. Don't forget to join our Facebook Discussion Group to chat with other aspiring climbers just like you. I'll see you on the summit.