Both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Everest are iconic peaks, drawing adventurers from around the globe. While they both offer unique challenges and breathtaking experiences, many ask: Which is higher, Kilimanjaro or Everest? The answer is clear: Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, but that doesn’t mean Kilimanjaro is any less remarkable. In this guide, we’ll explore the height, climbing challenges, and key differences between these two incredible mountains.
1. Kilimanjaro vs. Everest: A Comparison of Heights
- Mount Kilimanjaro:
- Height: 5,895 meters (19,341 feet)
- Location: Tanzania, Africa
- Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and a popular trekking destination for climbers of all skill levels.
- Mount Everest:
- Height: 8,848 meters (29,031 feet)
- Location: Nepal/China border in the Himalayas
- Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth, and climbing it is one of the greatest challenges in mountaineering.
While Everest stands significantly higher than Kilimanjaro, both mountains offer unforgettable experiences, but with distinct challenges.
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2. Climbing Difficulty: Kilimanjaro vs. Everest
Mount Kilimanjaro:
Kilimanjaro is known as a non-technical climb, meaning you don’t need technical climbing skills or specialized equipment like ropes or ice axes. The main challenge lies in the altitude and the long trek to the summit.
- Routes: There are multiple routes to the summit, including Marangu, Machame, and Lemosho. The climb typically takes 5 to 8 days, depending on the route and acclimatization days.
- Altitude Sickness: The biggest difficulty is the rapid ascent, which increases the risk of altitude sickness.
- Weather: Temperatures can drop significantly near the summit, but most climbers experience a variety of landscapes, from rainforest to alpine desert.
Learn about the best Kilimanjaro routes at Eddie Tours Safaris
Mount Everest:
Climbing Mount Everest is a technical expedition, requiring months of preparation, specialized gear, and previous high-altitude mountaineering experience.
- Routes: Most climbers use the South Col Route from Nepal or the North Col Route from Tibet. The climb takes 60 to 75 days due to the need for acclimatization and waiting for favorable weather.
- Technical Skills: Climbers need to navigate icefalls, crevasses, and use ropes and ladders. High-altitude climbing experience is essential.
- Extreme Conditions: Temperatures on Everest can drop to -60°C (-76°F), and climbers often face strong winds and low oxygen levels, making this climb far more dangerous than Kilimanjaro.
Read more about Everest expeditions
3. Altitude: How Each Climb Affects the Body
While Kilimanjaro is lower in altitude than Everest, altitude sickness can still affect climbers on both mountains.
Kilimanjaro:
Altitude sickness is common on Kilimanjaro because climbers ascend quickly, sometimes reaching the summit in less than a week. The higher you go, the thinner the air, which can lead to symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
- Prevention: Taking more days to acclimatize and drinking plenty of water can reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Learn how to prevent altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro
Everest:
On Everest, climbers spend several weeks acclimatizing at base camps before making the final ascent. Climbers often use supplemental oxygen above 8,000 meters, also known as the Death Zone, where the oxygen levels are critically low.
- Risks: Besides altitude sickness, climbers on Everest face the risk of cerebral edema and pulmonary edema, life-threatening conditions caused by the body’s inability to adapt to extreme altitude.
Explore more about altitude challenges on Everest
4. Cost of Climbing Kilimanjaro vs. Everest
The costs of climbing these two mountains vary greatly, with Everest being one of the most expensive climbs in the world.
Mount Kilimanjaro:
The cost of climbing Kilimanjaro depends on the route, number of days, and the tour operator you choose. On average, it costs between $1,500 to $5,000 per person. This typically includes:
- Guides and porters
- Park fees
- Food and accommodation
- Transport to the trailhead
Find affordable Kilimanjaro tours with Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist
Mount Everest:
Climbing Mount Everest is far more expensive, with costs ranging from $35,000 to $100,000. This cost includes:
- Permits: Climbing permits alone cost $11,000 for the South Col Route.
- Guides and Sherpas: Essential for a safe climb, experienced guides and Sherpas are included in the price.
- Gear and Equipment: Specialized mountaineering gear, oxygen tanks, and high-altitude tents are necessary.
Get details on Everest expedition costs
5. Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro and Everest
Mount Kilimanjaro:
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, from June to October and December to March. These periods offer clear skies and better trail conditions, although the summit can still be cold.
Mount Everest:
The climbing season for Everest is in April and May when the weather is most stable. Climbers must be patient as they wait for a weather window to make the final push to the summit.
Learn more about the best times to climb Kilimanjaro
6. Scenery and Experience: Kilimanjaro vs. Everest
Mount Kilimanjaro:
Kilimanjaro is a diverse climb, where climbers pass through several ecological zones:
- Rainforest: Lush greenery and wildlife such as monkeys and birds.
- Moorland: Alien-like landscapes with giant lobelias and groundsel plants.
- Alpine Desert: Harsh, rocky terrain with little vegetation.
- Summit (Uhuru Peak): Snow and glaciers mark the top of Africa.
The climb is more about the journey and experiencing the changing landscapes than the technical challenge.
Mount Everest:
While Everest offers awe-inspiring views, the climb itself is grueling. Climbers pass through:
- Khumbu Icefall: A maze of crevasses and ice towers.
- Base Camps: Shelters where climbers acclimatize before the summit.
- Summit Ridge: Panoramic views from the highest point on Earth, surrounded by other Himalayan peaks.
For Everest climbers, reaching the summit is an achievement of a lifetime.
Discover what makes Kilimanjaro’s landscapes unique
Conclusion: Which Climb is Right for You?
While Mount Everest is undeniably the tallest and most challenging peak in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro offers an incredible adventure that’s accessible to more climbers. Kilimanjaro is a great option for those looking for a non-technical but rewarding climb, while Everest is for experienced mountaineers seeking the ultimate challenge.
Whether you choose to climb Kilimanjaro or dream of summiting Everest, both mountains offer unforgettable experiences and an opportunity to connect with nature in its most extreme forms.
Start planning your Kilimanjaro climb with Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist
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