How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is a common question from tourists who intend to do so. On the lengthier routes, reaching Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Uhuru peak and returning to the finish point requires anywhere from five to nine days of hiking. Your odds of making it to the summit increase with the number of days you spend acclimatizing on the mountain. The least number of hikers who attempt the summit do so in less than five days.
Those who trek for 8 or 9 days have a considerably higher chance of reaching the peak. Learn more about the time required to climb Kilimanjaro's finest routes.
Factors influencing the length of the Kilimanjaro climb
Since Kilimanjaro is a "walk-up" mountain, no technical climbing is required to ascend it. How well you are able to adapt to the lack of oxygen at altitude will primarily determine how long it takes you to get to the top.
Acclimatization
Simply put, climbers who have not acclimated to the altitude are the leading cause of summit failure on Kilimanjaro.
How much do you want to reach the top? The major obstacle to finishing the climb, if you're serious about it, is acclimatization.
The good news is that by taking it easy and slowly, your body can adjust to the reduced oxygen levels.
Your possibilities of making it to the summit increase with the number of days you spend acclimatizing on the mountain. The likelihood of climbing Kilimanjaro in less than 5 days is lowest, while the likelihood of doing it in 8 or 9 days is significantly higher.
Which path takes the longest to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
You have a choice of six distinct ascent routes for Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Marangu or Umbwe Routes are the quickest routes to the peak. These routes can be finished in 5 days, although most hikers shouldn't attempt it.
Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, and the Northern Circuit trail are lengthier treks that last 6–10 days.
There are other factors to take into account in addition to giving your body more time to adjust to the altitude by taking a longer route.
Covering the same amount of ground faster than you would otherwise reduce your pleasure of the surroundings and increase your risk of injury and weariness.
Trekkers that have a flexible schedule can think about taking a longer route or planning one or two acclimatization days to have an easier time reaching the summit, according to Climbing Kilimanjaro.
Each route differs in terms of time spent on the mountain, lodging options, degree of difficulty, type of scenery, and other elements.
| Route |
Number of Days |
Route Length |
| Marangu Route |
5 |
64 kilometres (40 mi) |
| Umbwe Route |
6 |
37 kilometres (23 mi) |
| Rongai Route |
6 or 7 |
65 kilometres (23 mi) |
| Machame Route |
6 or 7 |
49 kilometres (30 mi) |
| Marangu Route |
5 |
64 kilometres (40 mi) |
| Lemosho Route |
7,8 or 9 |
66 kilometres (35 mi) |
| Northern Circuit |
8 or 9 |
66 kilometres (35 mi) |
How much time does it take to descend Mount Kilimanjaro?
The journey down Kilimanjaro from the summit of Uhuru Peak to the finish line takes about two days. Depending on the route and the experience of the trekkers, the descent may take up to 5 hours to reach the camp for the night and 4 to 6 hours the following day.
For the better and fantastic family vacation, private and group tours, sharing safari and adventure safari please book with tanzania-best-safaris.com or email us at tanzaniabestsafaris@gmail.com
Our team is active 24 hours to answer your inquiries at +255 744 178 288
Welcome Tanzania and travel with Tanzania Best safari