Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is one of the most thrilling experiences a person can have. Standing at 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and there it isn’t easy to make it to the top. Despite this difficulty, more than 35,000 people have stood on Kilimanjaro’s summit in the past decade alone, but that doesn’t mean they all took the same steps — the number of steps will actually vary depending on the route taken by the climber and the amount of rest stops and acclimatization periods incorporated into the ascent.
How Far is the Climb?
The total number of steps is difficult to calculate as each climb is different, and depends greatly on the route taken, the conditions of the trail and the physical makeup of the climber. Most Kilimanjaro routes are about 19 miles long and the summits, Uhuru Peak or Gillman’s point, are reached after about 6 days of trekking.
Ascending Kilimanjaro involves following a mostly zig-zag route, as the ascender heads up the mountain on foot. For example, The Machame Route is one of the more popular routes up Kilimanjaro and involves climbing upwards through four distinct climates, amidst lush rainforest, high up through cramped scree fields and then up onto the exposed icy summit ridge. This normally takes 7 days to complete and requires a minimum of 9200 steps, spread out over 7 days. That said, for each additional rest day taken (or a longer route) the climber will most likely take even more steps.
Weather is also a factor that needs to be taken into account when calculating an answer to this question. Since the right conditions have to be present for climbers to reach the peak, an extra day taken due to storms or icy weather would mean an additional amount of steps. This is why the number of steps can never be definitive; many different factors need to be taken into account.
Physical Requirements of the Climb
Kilimanjaro is considered a strenuous mountain climb. People come in all shapes and sizes to take on Kilimanjaro; it is not a one-size-fits-all climb. Prior to taking on the climb, individuals should be sure to adequately train for the physical demands of the trek. Some recommend basic exercises such as jogging, stairs, biking, or swimming. Stretching and yoga are also beneficial. Taking regular hillwalks can increase the strength and endurance of the legs. Lastly, staying hydrated and healthy is essential for any hike, and a successful summit. With the right gear and training, it is possible for anyone to reach Kilimanjaro’s iconic peak.
Strong guides are also a key component to a successful ascent. They are trained to help mitigate any issues and to guide visitors safely up and down. They are essential to success and they can provide advice and support throughout the climb. It is important to not underestimate the importance of your guide and their expertise.
Possible Acclimatization Programs
For those wanting to take on Kilimanjaro, acclimatization is recommended prior to setting out on the climb. Kilimanjaro climbs involve a series of days gradually gaining altitude in order to help the climber adjust to the elevation. Acclimatization should be taken seriously. It is believed that slowing extending the amount of elevation climbed may help to reduce the risk of serious altitude illnesses.
Acclimatization programs are offered by various tour companies and involve a longer trek up the mountain, with more rest days. This is normally the safest option, and allows the time to help the body adjust to the changing altitude. The length of the climb can be between six days to nine days, with the four day hike being the shortest and most grueling way up the mountain. This shorter route takes the climber to Uhuru Peak or Gillman’s point in fewer steps, but the risks of altitude sickness are greater.
The nine day climb is the opposite, taking a longer and slower approach, with some extra rest days. That may sound like it would involve more steps, but because climbers take the slower approach, scaling the mountain over a longer period, their bodies are better able to adjust to the various altitudes. This makes it an easier climb and requires fewer steps overall.
Tips for a Successful Climb
Once the best route and acclimatization program is selected, there are some other tips to keep in mind. For example it is essential to come prepared with the right gear. Quality and appropriate equipment is a must; using rented gear can make the hike more uncomfortable and more dangerous. It is also important to establish a steady and consistent rhythm on the trail. Eating lots of carbohydrates is recommended, and regular drinking and snacking throughout the ascent is essential.
With the right mental and physical approach, training, preparation, guide and gear, it is possible to take on Kilimanjaro with relative ease. Every individual’s climb will consist of a different amount of steps, yet the excitement, thrill and accomplishment of reaching the summit will be felt universally.
Why so Many People Climb Kilimanjaro?
Aside from being the highest free standing mountain in the world, the allure of Kilimanjaro has been intrinsically linked to its rich history and powerful symbolism. Thousands of people, adventurers and legends alike, have taken on this great challenge and conquered it. Those who attempt to climb Kilimanjaro will never remain unmoved by the sheer beauty of these snow-capped peaks and, with successful ascents, will have all the more reward.
The resourceful trekking lessons taught on Mount Kilimanjaro, such as patience, determination, and learning to work in a team, are invaluable and days spent on the mountain will always be remembered. Furthermore, Kili, as it is affectionately known, never fails to reward the climbers who make it to the top with an amazing view of some of the most breathtaking rain forests in the world.
For many, making it to the top of Kilimanjaro is a source of pride and accomplishment. Climbers take many steps in efforts to reach their goal and every single one of them is a testament to the dedication and passion of these determined individuals.
Impact of Tourism on Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is one of East Africa’s most popular tourist destinations, and its fame has resulted in an evergrowing number of trekkers and visitors. This has brought about an influx of revenue for both the local community and Tanzanian government, and since the popularity of Kilimanjaro has grown, more local schools and businesses have opened, creating new jobs.
However, this positive influx has been accompanied by a number of negative environmental and societal impacts. For example, looming environmental threats such as global warming, deforestation, poaching, pollution and overgrazing have negatively affected the mountain’s fragile ecosystem. The increase in the number of climbers has also resulted in an increased pressure on its limited resources.
It is the responsibility of conservation organizations and tour operators to mitigate any negative impacts on the mountain and to work towards the betterment of its environment. Through sustainable tourism, tourists and locals alike can benefit from the presence of the magnificent mountain.
Personal Accounts of Summiting Kilimanjaro
Over the years, numerous personal accounts of summiting Kilimanjaro have been shared. These stories span from tales of the many struggles of altitude sickness, to early morning starts and days of trudging through rain-soaked trails. No matter the experience, the summit is always celebrated and rightly so.
Sharing the journey with a group of other determined trekkers adds to the challenge and increases the camaraderie between the climbers, as they all head towards the same goal. Seeing the peak of Kilimanjaro on the horizon and taking in the sights of beautiful plains as far as the eye can see, drives these individuals to keep going and months of preparation and careful precautions are rewarded with tears of joy, euphoria and elation when the summit is conquered.
It is these shared experiences that make Kilimanjaro such an iconic mountain. There is nothing quite like reaching the summit and looking around at the array of wild animals that thrive in the surrounding ecosystems and feeling on top of the world literally and figuratively.
Pre-Climb Training Requirements
Answering the question of how many steps it takes to summit Kilimanjaro is not an easy one. Since each climb is unique, the number of steps taken can vary greatly. However with the right physical and mental preparation and training, the right gear and a strong guide, it is possible to summit Kilimanjaro.
Training is key when considering to take on Kilimanjaro. Prior to taking on the challenge, individuals should steadily increase their fitness level and work on building up their fitness. This can involve rather mundane exercises such as jogging, biking or stretching, or it can involve something more exciting such as long hill walks. Working on one’s fitness and health is essential for success.
Altitude sickness is a real issue and is something to be wary of when climbing Kilimanjaro. That’s why incorporating a bit of educational knowledge about the mountain and consulting with your physician for advice is essential. Having proper knowledge about how to prevent altitude sickness and how to react if it does arrive is essential.
It may take a few more steps to summit Kilimanjaro, but with the right skills and knowledge it can be done. With a little bit of training and preparation, anyone can be in a good position to marvel at the majestic peak of Kilimanjaro.
