Choosing Between Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp

When it comes to first big trekking experiences two top the list: Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp. The question then becomes which one to go for first or if we had to choose just one, which would it be? I’ve encountered this question so many times that I thought I’d do everyone a favor and finally pen my two cents here.

Hiking Experience

Both adventures are great first steps into multi-day hiking in challenging environments. However, both are better experienced with a small background in local hikes and treks back home. For both, it’s always better to familiarize yourself with your equipment and your own body by using both for long walks on whatever terrain is available to you. Because Kilimanjaro has the summit push, I’d give it a slightly higher benchmark of experience required over Everest Base Camp although both are extremely similar in this regard.

At least some hiking experience: Kilimanjaro

No hiking experience at all: Everest Base Camp

Accommodation

When trekking in the Nepali Himalayas the most common accommodation are the tea houses. and it is an amazing experience. They’re great because you eat and sleep indoors in a basic comfortable lodging, the beds are usually provided, there’s electricity to charge your phone, there’s usually a nice common area and there’s even Wifi.

Kilimanjaro is much wilder experience. Accommodation is usually in a tent unless on the Marangu route. Even then, the lodges are nothing like the tea houses of Nepal. It’s more challenging to find comfort in a sleeping bag for the first time compared to sleeping on bed in Nepal and there’s no access to electricity of Wifi.

Worried about comfort: Everest Base Camp

Ready for the wild and raw: Kilimanjaro

Fitness Level

No one is saying you need to be an athlete. No one is asking you to prove your ability through the number of burpees you can do. In fact, if you’re chatting with someone who does, run in the opposite direction. However, fitness is an integral part of any outdoors pursuit and preparing our bodies for it is something we should all do. Here, Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp are equal. In the lead up to both you should engage yourself physically at least three times a week with a keen focus on cardio. It can be anything from swimming to spinning or dance classes to jogging. If you need a starting point; try taking the stairs.

Requires physical and mental preparation: Kilimanjaro & Everest Base Camp

Don’t want to prepare at all: Choose a chilled out or moderate adventure

Number of Days

Usually this is what will make up your mind, especially if you’ve got a 9 to 5 with limited days off. In this case, Kilimanjaro always wins. It’s seven days on the trail with five days up and two days. Once you factor in your arrival and departure day you can get this entire trip done by taking just 5 weekdays off.

Everest Base Camp is longer. It is typically 14 days but it can be brought down to 10 if you choose to take a helicopter back from base camp.

Can’t take days off: Kilimanjaro

More time on your hands: Everest Base Camp

Local Culture

That is my favorite aspect of adventure travel in general. With Kilimanjaro, you’ll get a spectacular gateway into East African culture. Between the local Masaai and Chaga tribes, the singing, the music, the vibes and the animals you get exposed to an incredible country with all its vibrancy.

Nepal is the capital of eastern culture. All the relgions find a home there including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and Sikh just to name a few. The villages have their charm and their quaint beauty. Kathmandu balances it all out in a crazy mesh of chaos that stems from just how high a frequency this entire country vibrates on.

Here for the culture: Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp are tied. 

If you’re unsure about the right adventure for you, talk to an LHO Team Leader and have all your questions answered. Hit the chat icon or reach out to us on info@lifehappensoutdoors.com.