The other day, we were having a chat with one of our guides out in Chamonix who was explaining why Kilimanjaro is not necessarily the best precursor for climbing Mont Blanc.
We often have clients who have climbed Kili and are looking at Mont Blanc as their mountaineering experience. Whilst it’s no small feat to summit Kilimanjaro, it is also not necessarily a precursor for climbing Mont Blanc.
Two famous mountains. Two very different adventures.
Is Mont Blanc harder? Well, in many ways yes.
That’s not to say Kilimanjaro isn’t a challenge, but their approach is completely different.
The main ascent to Kilimanjaro is essentially a long, steep hike which doesn’t require ropes, hardness or climbing skills. Whereas even on the most popular Mont Blanc Route, the Goûter Route, there is significant exposure and technical skills like crampon and ice axe use is required.
Kilimanjaro is also a longer ascent, with porters available to carry bags and set up camp. For Mont Blanc, you carry your own gear and the trip is shorter and more intense, with a narrow window for the summit push requiring a fast and efficient pace.
Whilst Kilimanjaro definitely has high altitude exposure, if you are planning to transition from Kilimanjaro to Mont Blanc, you cannot rely only on your Kili experience.
Instead of treating Kili as their main preparation, we advise clients to focus on technical mountaineering courses and alpine acclimatization peaks. Which is why we build in Gran Paradiso summit as part of the Mont Blanc Summit Trip.
Is Mont Blanc calling you? Let’s talk about how to get you to the top!
