FAQ Climbs

What is SENE Kilimanjaro route advice?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro does not require technical climbing skills – the altitude is the biggest challenge on Kilimanjaro.  While most fit people are capable of hiking any route, the mountain must be taken seriously because of its extreme elevation (19,340′ / 5895m).  Climbers tend to underestimate the difficulty (and danger) when climbing above 15,000 feet / 4500 meters.  One needs to be physically fit, mentally prepared, and take time on the mountain to properly acclimate, regardless of route.

We advise a minimum of 7 days climb to ensure adequate time to acclimate properly as you ascend and to increase your chances of summiting.  Our 9 and 10 day climbs allow for maximum acclimatization and nearly 100% success rate.  We will guide 6 day climbs (via Umbwe or Rongai), but only after consultation to gauge climbers’ capability.

The pace of the climb is set by the SENE lead guide to allow time to acclimatize to the altitude and maximize chances of a successful ascent. Our guides are highly trained and very experienced and will offer guidance on each section of the climb. You will encounter some sections of easy rock scrambling that may require use of your hands. A small amount of snow can be found near the summit, but it does not require crampons or an ice axe. Hiking and camping experience are beneficial, but are not prerequisites for participation. You won’t have to carry a heavy pack, set up a tent, or cook on a camp stove, thus allowing you to better enjoy the beauty of the mountain and the pleasure of the wilderness.

An overnight camping in the soft sand of the crater (18,800′ / 5730m) can be a magical experience for the solitude of the camp under the brilliant night sky.  A crater overnight also provides you the opportunity to explore the Reusch Crater, ash pit, Furtwangler Glacier, and Northern Ice Field, as well as avoid rising in the middle of the night for your summit ascent – as it is only 45 minutes from crater camp to Uhuru Peak.  We include a crater overnight in our Lemosho Crater and Northern Circuit routes, but it can be added to any climb route on request (when booking).