Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa: Routes, Weather, Prices!
- Fabian Varga
- From Slovakia
- Fabian Varga
- From Slovakia
- Norbert Muller
- From Luxembourg
- Nora Wagner
- From Luxembourg
Health and Safety on Mt. Kilimanjaro
Although Mount Kilimanjaro is not as challenging and difficult as climbing in the Himalayas or the Andes, the volcanic-mountain should not be taken lightly. Ascending the mountain is still classified as entering Extremely High altitude zone (5,500m+). So, like any other rigorous trek and climb, health and safety should always be the first priority. The main threat to the climbers’ health and safety is altitude. Most trekkers will feel minor symptoms of altitude sickness, like headaches, nausea and low appetite as they ascend the mountain. These symptoms are diagnosed as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and should be reported to the company and accompanying guide immediately, so they can properly address the problem before your health worsens.
Generally it is recommended to always climb the mountain in a group as you will be able to help each other out.
Weather on Kilimanjaro
Mt. Kilimanjaro can actually be climbed all year round. The following article will brief on the best weather seasons for mountain Kilimanjaro.
The precise origin of the name “Kilimanjaro” is not known; however, the indigenous tribe, Maasai, call the Moutain ol doinyo naibor, meaning “the white mountain” or ngaje ngai meaning “the house of God”. Another translation refers Mount Kilimanjaro as “mountain of greatness”. Regardless of the origin of the name, plenty of legends and mysticism surround the mountain.
One famous legend recounts how Menelik I, the son of King Solomon and Queen Sheba, conquered the lands in the south and then tried to climb to the top of Kibo, but was unsuccessful and died. His attendants buried him high upon the snowy craters of the mountain. Supposedly Menelik was wearing Solomon’s ring and today it is believe that whoever finds the king’s corps and wears the ring will gain Solomon’s wisdom and Menelik’s bravery.
Whether the legend is true or not, the earliest acknowledgment of Mt. Kilimanjaro by the western world was only made in 1849 by missionary Johannes Rebmann. Many attempts were made to scale Mt. Kilimanjaro, yet all of them were unsuccessful in reaching Kibo Peak/Uhuru peak, until 1889 when German explorer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller led by local guide Yohana Lauwo completed the climb to the summit.
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