Comparing Mount Kilimanjaro with other Great Mountains : Mount Kilimanjaro is among the seven summits. It is Africa’s highest peak. Kilimanjaro has many great mountains to which it is compared. The common one is Mount Kenya, which lies in Kenya. Mt. Kilimanjaro is also compared to other mountains making the Seven Summits. Let’s see what the Seven Summits are. These are the highest mountains in each continent, including:
- Asia – Mount Everest (8,856 meters)
- South America – Aconcagua (6,962 meters)
- North America – Denali or Mt. McKinley (6,194 meters)
- Africa – Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters)
- Europe – Mt. Elbrus (5,642 meters)
- Antarctica – Vinson Massif (4,892 meters)
- Oceania – Carstensz Pyramid (4,884 meters)
- Australia – Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 meters)
In this article, we will compare Mount Kilimanjaro with other mountains in detail. We will focus on the top four highest mountains: Mount Everest, Mount Aconcagua, Mount Denali, and Mount Elbrus.
Mount Kilimanjaro vs. Mount Everest
Everest is the highest peak in both Asia and the world, while Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.
Hiking Mt. Everest is tough and is associated with dangers like icefall and adverse weather conditions. On the other hand, hiking Kilimanjaro is not that tough, but it is not that easy. The Everest hike is tougher than the Kilimanjaro hike.
The Everest Base Camp hike is the best alternative for those who can’t conquer Mount Everest’s peak. It is 5,550 meters above sea level.
Length: The Kilimanjaro hike is shorter than Everest Base Camp. 5 to 9 days are required to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, while 12 to 15 days are used to climb Everest Base Camp.
Success rate: Both Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp have higher success rates. The success rate for Everest is 90%, while the success for Mount Kilimanjaro ranges from 90% to 40%. These metrics, however, depend on the route and duration of the climb.
Routes: Mount Everest has longer routes. The routes traverse through mountain villages and religious points where you can stop and rest. The routes up Kilimanjaro are short and remote. There are no villages uphill except on the slopes.
Kilimanjaro vs. Aconcagua
Both are the highest mountains in their respective continents. Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, while Andes Peak on Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America.
Skills: Aconcagua requires special climbing skills compared to Kilimanjaro. Acclimatization is very essential to succeeding the Aconcagua. Kilimanjaro does not require technical climbing skills. Even beginners can conquer the peak by including one or two days of acclimatization.
Difficulty: Aconcagua is associated with challenges. Unforeseen weather conditions may occur, which may affect the trek. The terrain is rocky and some parts have narrow ridges. Its higher altitudes of up to 7000 meters, glaciers, and extreme cold temperatures are big obstacles.
Hike length: The hike to Aconcagua is longer. It is between 18 and 21 days. The Kilimanjaro hike on the other hand is short and is between 5 and 9 days.
We can say that one has to climb Mount Kilimanjaro first to gain altitude experience before attempting the Aconcagua.
Kilimanjaro vs. Denali
Denali is meters taller than Kilimanjaro. Both are breathtaking peaks towering above other mountains in their respective continents. Kilimanjaro is the highest in Africa, while Denali (or Mount McKinley) is the highest in North America.
Technicality: Denali is more technical than Kilimanjaro. Its climb is associated with extreme cold, high winds, and unpredictable weather conditions. Hikers have to learn unique mountaineering skills and altitude experiences.
Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb. It suits non-experienced hikers since no skills are needed. Altitude sickness remains the main challenge for Kilimanjaro climbers.
Climate: Denali is cold even in the dry season. Its higher altitudes dictate the colder temperatures and unpredictable weather moves.
An important note is that both Denali and Kilimanjaro are awe-inspiring mountains. Hikers can hike both of them. We advise you to start with Kilimanjaro before taking on Denali.
Kilimanjaro vs. Elbrus
Mount Elbrus (5,642 m) is the highest mountain in Europe. Some key takeaways to differentiate these stratovolcanoes include:
Safety: Elbrus is dangerous. The trail is not roped, therefore, there is a possibility of falling which can be fatal.
Hike length: Elbrus is longer than Kilimanjaro. The hike takes 10 days to summit, while a Kilimanjaro hike takes 5 to 9 days.
Climate: Elbrus is much colder than Kilimanjaro throughout the year. The coldest part of Kilimanjaro is at its peak.
Best time: Kilimanjaro is good all year round, while Elbrus feels better from May to September.
Bottomline
Kilimanjaro stands out as a great mountain worth climbing. However, the feeling of conquering other highest mountains is unmatched. Hence, we advise you to take the challenge of hiking all the Seven Summits.
If climbing Kilimanjaro is what you want, these tips are for you:
- There are seven routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, three from the west, three from the south, and one from the north. These include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe, Northern, and Shira.
- The shortest route is Umbwe. It ascends from the south and takes only 5 days. However, it is the steepest route. Its success rate is between 60% and 70%. We advise you to take it if you have a high fitness level.
- The longest route is the Northern Circuit. It approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. The duration of the hike is 8 to 9 days. It has a success rate of 95% and 98%, the highest of any route.
- The oldest route is Marangu. It is also the easiest route up Kilimanjaro. It has a gentle inclination.
- The Rongai route is also the easiest. Its gentle gradient makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced climbers.
Are you ready to take on the Kilimanjaro hike? Focus East Africa Tours organizes hiking tours to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
