Off the wall Kilimanjaro questions

[nunns]

Bump. I am also considering Kili in 2024 or 2025, so any advice would be helpful. I have read a couple of books already, so like Jay, I am kind of looking for stuff that isn't found in books.

Sean Nunn
Raytown MO

did you happen to find this thread, sean? it was a very interesting read and very compelling arguments to take the "off the beaten path"/not found in books route -- https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprepo ... trip=22344

I had not, until now.
Thank you.

Sean Nunn

[MountainHiker]

It's getting to be a number of years since our Kilimanjaro trip so a lot of my information is dated. One big thing we did which I'm sure made a difference, is we added a day to our itineary. We did the Machame Route which is normally 6 days. Instead of the day before summit day being a relatively long day, we split it into two shorter days in the 13,000' range. This allowed more acclimation time and being more rested for summit day. Trip report below:

https://www.summitpost.org/kilimanjaro- ... utm/493811

[nunns]

Related question about Kilimanjaro and other "higher" peaks:

Does handling altitude successfully on the 14ers in general predict how well someone will handle higher elevations like 19000'+ on Kili?
In other words, if someone can handle 14000'+ pretty easily time after time, does that mean that they will likely be OK at higher elevations like 19000''?
I am of course assuming adequate fitness and acclimation time of several days prior to a summit attempt.

Sean Nunn

[pvnisher]

I'd say while not a guarantee, certainly an indicator of success and certainly better than someone who handles elevation like 11k poorly!

[Scott P]

In other words, if someone can handle 14000'+ pretty easily time after time, does that mean that they will likely be OK at higher elevations like 19000''?

Probably, but maybe not. The biggest thing I have learned at such altitudes is that it's unpredictable and you are never certain who is going to do well or not.

I guess there is an exception in that if someone has rough time at 14K that they will have a rough time higher, but doing well at 14K doesn't necessarily mean that you will do well at 19K.

My own advice is to not worry about it and go, but take all the proper precautions and be prepared to turn back if you need to. Most people can do fine at 19K with proper acclimatization, but there is no guarantee. That's still not a good reason not to try or to be overly worried about it though. You never know unless you try and chances are in your favor that you will do fine. Either way, the more acclimatization, the better.

[Fgeeraert]

Johanna (59) and I (64) returned from an exhausting but also most rewarding trip of our lifetime. Climbing the Kilimanjaro has always been on our bucket list (DREAM). We talked to several people who have done it and researched the internet, and finally we were optimistic we could take on this challenge (BELIEVE). On September 27th 2023, we stood at the summit (5895 m or 19,341 ft) (ACHIEVE). We also slept 1 night just below the summit at 18,700 ft. Only 50% successfully climb the Kilimanjaro. It is not only physically demanding, but also mentally and emotionally. We were supported by an exceptionally expedition team, who stood by us every step of the way. If you ever envision to undertake this journey we recommend Team Kilimanjaro (Teamkilimanjaro.com). Before and after the climb we spent a couple days at a boutique hotel in Arusha, owned and operated by Belgians. If you indulge fine dining, this is the place to be. Check out their website : onseahouse.com. Always welcome to reach out to me, if you consider climbing Kilimanjaro.
I See you this afternoon. Johanna & Filip

[bramasoleiowa]

Johanna (59) and I (64) returned from an exhausting but also most rewarding trip of our lifetime. Climbing the Kilimanjaro has always been on our bucket list (DREAM). We talked to several people who have done it and researched the internet, and finally we were optimistic we could take on this challenge (BELIEVE). On September 27th 2023, we stood at the summit (5895 m or 19,341 ft) (ACHIEVE). We also slept 1 night just below the summit at 18,700 ft. Only 50% successfully climb the Kilimanjaro. It is not only physically demanding, but also mentally and emotionally. We were supported by an exceptionally expedition team, who stood by us every step of the way. If you ever envision to undertake this journey we recommend Team Kilimanjaro (Teamkilimanjaro.com). Before and after the climb we spent a couple days at a boutique hotel in Arusha, owned and operated by Belgians. If you indulge fine dining, this is the place to be. Check out their website : onseahouse.com. Always welcome to reach out to me, if you consider climbing Kilimanjaro.
I See you this afternoon. Johanna & Filip

Congratulations!

[KState14er]

Related question about Kilimanjaro and other "higher" peaks:

Does handling altitude successfully on the 14ers in general predict how well someone will handle higher elevations like 19000'+ on Kili?
In other words, if someone can handle 14000'+ pretty easily time after time, does that mean that they will likely be OK at higher elevations like 19000''?
I am of course assuming adequate fitness and acclimation time of several days prior to a summit attempt.

Sean Nunn

Hard to say for sure, and I am a sample size of one, but I have never had issues on a 14er, Elbrus, nor Kilimanjaro. I'd say if you can do a 14er without elevation sickness symptoms, you'll probably be good on the higher peaks. I did Elbrus coming from sea level (I was living in NYC at the time) and within three days of arrival was on the summit after a 6,000 elevation gain summit night. Not bragging, just making the point that if you are good at 14, you are probably good at 18, 19, 20K.....

[nyker]

Related question about Kilimanjaro and other "higher" peaks:

Does handling altitude successfully on the 14ers in general predict how well someone will handle higher elevations like 19000'+ on Kili?
In other words, if someone can handle 14000'+ pretty easily time after time, does that mean that they will likely be OK at higher elevations like 19000''?
I am of course assuming adequate fitness and acclimation time of several days prior to a summit attempt.

Sean Nunn

I'd say it's not entirely predictable to be honest in my own experience. While your success on 14ers could be somewhat of a reliable indicator of success on higher mountains (under similar conditions and state of health/fitness) there are a lot of other variables.

In addition to your aerobic fitness level and acclimatization other factors such as whether you are jet-lagged, the amount and quality of sleep in the days leading up to your climb, overall health, stomach issues, hydration, stress, anxiety, rest, partner(s), etc all play a role.

I've had a half dozen trips to climb mountains over 16,000 ft; All of them preceded by spending time on higher peaks the week before to help pre-acclimatize. Half of those trips turned out okay where I was able to summit with little or no problem, the other half not so much. I think the above factors played a significant role in that.

[nunns]

Related question about Kilimanjaro and other "higher" peaks:

Does handling altitude successfully on the 14ers in general predict how well someone will handle higher elevations like 19000'+ on Kili?
In other words, if someone can handle 14000'+ pretty easily time after time, does that mean that they will likely be OK at higher elevations like 19000''?
I am of course assuming adequate fitness and acclimation time of several days prior to a summit attempt.

Sean Nunn

I'd say it's not entirely predictable to be honest in my own experience. While your success on 14ers could be somewhat of a reliable indicator of success on higher mountains (under similar conditions and state of health/fitness) there are a lot of other variables.

In addition to your aerobic fitness level and acclimatization other factors such as whether you are jet-lagged, the amount and quality of sleep in the days leading up to your climb, overall health, stomach issues, hydration, stress, anxiety, rest, partner(s), etc all play a role.

I've had a half dozen trips to climb mountains over 16,000 ft; All of them preceded by spending time on higher peaks the week before to help pre-acclimatize. Half of those trips turned out okay where I was able to summit with little or no problem, the other half not so much. I think the above factors played a significant role in that.

If I ever decide to give Kili a go, my plan is to spend several days in CO climbing 13ers and/or 14ers, and sleeping at treeline or higher, prior to flying to Tanzania.

Sean Nunn
Raytown MO

[bramasoleiowa]

If I ever decide to give Kili a go, my plan is to spend several days in CO climbing 13ers and/or 14ers, and sleeping at treeline or higher, prior to flying to Tanzania.

Mt Meru, Tanzania, is 14,968ft and some outfits offer that as an acclimatization hike before Kili.

[Scott P]

If I ever decide to give Kili a go, my plan is to spend several days in CO climbing 13ers and/or 14ers, and sleeping at treeline or higher, prior to flying to Tanzania.

Mt Meru, Tanzania, is 14,968ft and some outfits offer that as an acclimatization hike before Kili.

Plus Mt. Meru in itself is a lot prettier, less crowded, and more interesting than Kili. You also see a lot more wildlife.