When it comes to that African trekking experience, there are two peaks that are the go for the adventurous: Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro. Both have breathtaking views, memories that will last a lifetime, and satisfaction supreme. With planning on our side and a thought on the most challenging one, our discussion will outline how this article will provide you with a glimpse of the difference and what will be most suitable for you. From the terrain and the altitude to the trails and the climate, all of this will be covered.
The towering Mount Kilimanjaro of Tanzania, or the Roof of Africa, stands tall at sea level elevations of 5,895 meters (or 19,341 ft). It ranks as the African continent's highest peak. The slopes of this lofty free-standing volcano slope upward gradually towards the level top summit, as opposed to Mount Kenya.
Second in height among the mountain ranges of Mount Kilimanjaro is the towering Mount Kenya at a height of 5,199 m (17,057 ft) above mean sea. Serrated at the top, Mount Kenya sits centrally within Kenya and bears a crown of glaciers and alpine grassland. The highest peaks of Batian and Nelion are accessible as a steep mountaineering route, while the next highest point, Lenana Peak, maybe walked without the use of any mountaineering gear.
Multiple trails are present on Mount Kilimanjaro, the most popular of which are Machame, Marangu, Lemosho, and Rongai. The trails vary by length and degree of difficulty, although none of the routes involve climbing experience on the ascent of the top. The time taken on trekking typically varies between five days and a maximum of nine days based on the path followed as well as the acclimatization process utilized.
Three routes go up Mount Kenya: Sirimon, Chogoria, and Naro Moru. Point Lenana's routes take 3-5 days to reach. Ascent to the nation's peaks on Batian and Nelion involves technical rock climbing and should be left to experienced mountaineers.
Ascension of Mount Kilimanjaro will take longer, and climbing Mount Kenya—if you're trying to access the more demanding peaks—will require more expertise.
Altitude is the most hazardous problem encountered while trekking at high altitudes. The altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro's top is much higher than the trekking summits of Mount Kenya. Thus, people on a trek on Mount Kilimanjaro are most likely going to have altitude sickness symptoms. Fatigue, nausea, and headaches are just a couple of the many symptoms most people have on a trek on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Because of its quicker ascent than most of the great peaks, acclimatizing here is very important on Mount Kilimanjaro. The lower higher point on Mount Kenya at Point Lenana minimizes risk as much as possible, although this always carries a certain likelihood of becoming a problem. For most people, altitude makes climbing Mount Kilimanjaro a tougher challenge.
Far from being a technically challenging ascent, the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro comes from the distance ascended, the elevation of the path, and the steepness. The ascent from midnight typically includes a 6-8 hour trek through the frozen cold temperatures.
There are shorter trails with more diverse and rougher terrain for climbing Mount Kenya. The trails are steep, and a few of the trails are muddy, with rocks showing. For sure, if you trek to Batian or Nelion, then your trek is serious climbing involving ropes and technical expertise to accompany you.
By comparison, the trails from Mount Kenya to Point Lenana are tough but within reach for the non-disabled climber. After that, it's much more difficult to ascend to the higher peaks. As opposed to Mount Kilimanjaro, which isn't technically challenging but something to be dealt with on the physical level due to the altitude and its long, long treks.
These two summits provide breathtaking views and memories worth keeping. Mount Kilimanjaro climbing entails traversing different zones—the forest, the desert, then the Arctic on top. Sleep every day among varying landscapes and varying adventures. Green forests, waterfalls, and pointed peaks are the draws of Mount Kenya. It's a peaceful landscape that is much less crowded than Mount Kilimanjaro. Wild encounters at any time on the trails consist of buffalo, elephants, and monkeys.
Visited trekkers on Mount Kilimanjaro have largely referred to it as a spiritual journey and inner quest, while Mount Kenya is approached as a challenge of the alpine type in its harsh landscapes.
So, is trekking Mount Kilimanjaro harder than trekking Mount Kenya? It will depend as much on how you do it as on what you're better at yourself. If you're attempting to reach the top on long trekking days and exposed sections of the way up, then climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will be the more demanding task. Unless that is, you attempt climbing Mount Kenya's technical peaks, whereupon that route will be a good deal harder. For the average trekker, it's harder to trek Mount Kilimanjaro as it's physically demanding at a high altitude level, although not technically demanding. Alternatively, Mount Kenya routes are shorter but will require trekking skills on rough ground.
Most importantly, they're experiences you'll always look back on. Treks of Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya are adventures that will challenge you to the limit and give you stunning views and a great feeling of satisfaction. So put on your hiking boots, train intensively, and set yourself up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.