How High Is Kilimanjaro Compared To Everest

Location

Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, located in Tanzania in Africa. The Everest is located in Nepal in the Himalayas mountain range, on the borders between Tibet, China and Nepal.

Actual heights compared

Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, while Everest towers at a much higher 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). Kilimanjaro is considered an impressive feat in terms of its stature, but it is far less than a third the height of Everest in terms of actual meters.

Why is the height difference important?

It is important to recognize the difference in height mainly because of the difficulty level climbers may expect when attempting to reach the peak of either mountain. Whereas Kilimanjaro is classified as a relatively ‘easy’ mountain to climb, Everest requires professionalism and dedication. The higher the mountain, the more difficult it is to scale, and Everest is the most difficult mountaineering objective of the world.

What dangers do climbers face?

When climbing either Kilimanjaro or Everest, climbers should anticipate unpredictable weather conditions and will have to cope with altitude sickness. When the altitude gains are too fast, climbers can suffer from fatigue, dizziness and nausea.

What Records Do These Mountains Hold?

Kilimanjaro holds plenty of amazing records, although, when compared to Everest, it is a considerably easier mountain to climb. Kilimanjaro, as a testament to its ascendability, has been climbed more times than Everest. Even children as young as 7 have managed to climb to the mountain’s crest, albeit under the supervision of their parents.
Everest is renowned for being one of the toughest and most treacherous mountains in the world and yet, conquering it has become the de facto goal for extreme mountaineers. The first-ever recorded attempt to reach its summit was made in the year 1953, under the leadership of Edmund Hillary, who, accompanied by Tenzing Norgay, became the first men ever to set foot on the roof of the world.

Other Important Facts About Kilimanjaro and Everest

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, while Mt Everest is the world’s highest mountain. The mountain affects the local climate, with glacial ice contributing significantly to the area’s water balance.
Climbing Everest is a monumental feat, and each year hundreds of people attempt the terrifyingly long and difficult trek to reach the summit, with some failing and unfortunately dying in their quest for adventure. With the rise of tourism, it has become increasingly easier for people to complete the challenge, with the highest success rate ever recorded of 41.6% in 2019, an incredible feat when compared to the mere 10% success rate out of the total of 100 climbers in the years of the early 1950s.

Environmental Protection and Climbing Regulations

Both Kilimanjaro and Everest have imposed many regulations on climbers, to protect and preserve the environment. All climbers must obtain a licensed guide, as well as comply with the regulations concerning their attire, camping areas and advanced terrain ropes, and be given a waste disposal briefing.
In addition, advancements in the types of supplies and equipment used by climbers, such as oxygen masks, helmets artificial snowtracks, has allowed them to acclimate to the thin atmosphere that is present at high altitudes. Furthermore, Sherpas, a classification indigenous to the eastern region of the Everest, have improved the survival rates and performance of Everest mountaineers,. who, now more than ever, are completely protected and can succesfully reach the summit, with great confidence and efficiency.
Moreover, private companies administering climbs up both mountain have adopted a leave no trace philosophy that involves bringing back the same amount of hardware and supplies brought to the mountain in order to ensure its steady preservation in both quality and atmosphere.

Difference in Time Required for Climbing

Another key detail to mention is the amount of time it takes climbers to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit in comparison to that of Everest. Kilimanjaro can be scaled in around 6 days while, Everest will require climbers to spent up to 6 weeks on the mountain. That’s because of the many precautions that need to be taken in order to protect the climbers’ health at high altitudes.
It is recommended that climbers attempting Kilimanjaro spend at least a week at the base of the mountain before attempting the climb. This way, their bodies can adjust to the altitude and they’ll have a better chance of reaching the summit. On the other hand, Everest climbers need to acclimatize for weeks as the oxygen levels become thin and the body has to adapt to it.

Cost of Climbing Everest Compared to Kilimanjaro

The cost of conquering both Kilimanjaro and Everest can vary greatly. Kilimanjaro can be scaled for around $3000 to $9000, depending on how much hiking and training you want to undertake before you begin the final ascent. On the other hand, scaling Everest will cost you anywhere between $25,000 and $45,000, depending on the kind of infrastructure, equipment and support you need to make it to the summit. The costs for the climb cover a number of things, including the mountaineering equipment, the cost of the guide and the porters, medical supplies, transportation to the base camp and food.

Kilimanjaro vs Everest: Which is More Iconic?

Finally, when comparing Kilimanjaro to Everest, one of the most important factors are the level of iconicity each mountain holds. With Kilimanjaro being the highest mountain in Africa, it is the continent’s symbolic mountain to climb and the most travelled destination in Tanzania. While Everest is often celebrated as a much bigger challenge, Kilimanjaro is considered a much more accessible destination and hundreds of people each year make it to the peak, bearing witness to its astonishing views.
Everest, on the other hand, is still considered a symbol of success and ambition, and the fact that it was once deemed unconquerable makes it a treasured destination, despite its immense hardship. Despite the challenge, thousands of climbers each year flock to Nepal to attempt to reach its summit and be part of the adventurous and ambitious mountaineers’ story.
In the end both Kilimanjaro and Everest are amazing destinations to conquer, and at the end of the day the decision comes down to what the climber is looking for. Whether it’s the challenge and potential of greatness or the overwhelming beauty of the roof of Africa, both mountains are stunning and unique in their own way and offer legendary adventures that will remain with the climbers forever.

Herman Shaw is a passionate traveler and avid photographer who has seen many of the world's most awe-inspiring monuments. He has developed expertise in various aspects of world architecture and culture which he enjoys sharing with his readers. With deep historical knowledge and insight, Herman's writing brings life to these remarkable artifacts and highlights their importance in the grand scheme of human history.

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