Mont Blanc vs Kilimanjaro, which is harder?

Choosing whether to climb Mont Blanc or Kilimanjaro depends on what kind of adventure you’re looking for because both mountains offer different experiences. Comparing Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe vs Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa would take forever as each of these mountains is unique in its way. For starters, Kilimanjaro is over a thousand meters higher than Mont Blanc. To be honest, technically speaking, Mont Blanc takes the edge especially if you are climbing on your own since you can climb Mont Blanc without a crew or guides. Most of Mount Kilimanjaro is walkable and doesn’t require any specialized skills or equipment. Mont Blanc on the other hand, you will need tools like crampons and ice axes to climb, also there are a few risks involved like, rock falls, avalanches and crevasses. This can be evident in recent research that shows Mont Blanc is responsible for about 100-120 deaths per year, compared to Kilimanjaro’s which claims less than 10 lives per annum. Altitude sickness is the main issue on Kilimanjaro and it can also be physically demanding since it is higher than Mont Blanc.

Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest peak, known for its towering height and the physical endurance it takes to climb it due to the altitude and weather changes. Climbing it means spending several days on the mountain, moving through various routes that can be either somewhat gentle or quite tough.

Mont Blanc, on the other hand, is the pride of the European Alps and while it’s not as high as Kilimanjaro, it’s famous for needing more climbing skills. The climb is shorter but packed with steep paths and requires you to be ready for quick weather shifts. Unlike Kilimanjaro, where you might have help carrying gear, climbing Mont Blanc often means you’re more on your own, carrying everything you need.

In simple terms, if you’re looking for a long trek that tests your stamina and ability to handle high altitudes, Kilimanjaro is your mountain. But if you’re up for a quicker, more technically challenging climb where you’ll need to use some climbing techniques, then Mont Blanc might be for you. Both will challenge you, but in different ways, making each a unique adventure.

Mont Blanc, standing majestically in the Alps, serves as the apex of Western Europe, embodying the quintessential image of a snow-capped peak that has long inspired mountaineers and artists alike. This mountain demands respect; its paths are not merely walked but climbed with a certain reverence for its icy ridges and the ever-present whisper of danger in the form of crevasses and sudden weather shifts. Climbing Mont Blanc is an expedition that intertwines physical endurance with technical prowess; one must be adept with crampons and ice axes, navigating routes that can change from sun-kissed snowfields to perilous ice walls in mere moments. The ascent often requires an understanding of alpine environments, where the air thins and the weather can turn from benign to brutal with little warning, making it not just a physical but a mental challenge. Each route up Mont Blanc, whether it be the popular Goûter Route or the more solitary paths, tells a story of human endeavour against nature’s grandeur, where climbers are often humbled by the mountain’s sheer scale and the raw beauty of its perilous heights.

In contrast, Kilimanjaro rises from the Tanzanian plains like a solitary giant, its snow-dusted peak often shrouded in clouds, presenting an entirely different set of trials. Here, the climb is less about battling with the mountain’s technical demands and more about contending with oneself. Kilimanjaro is a test of one’s ability to adapt to high altitude, where each step upward is a step into thinner air, challenging the body’s capacity to function with less oxygen. The journey to Uhuru Peak, its highest point, unfolds over diverse ecological zones, from lush rainforests bustling with life to the stark, lunar-like landscapes of its summit. While the paths of Kilimanjaro do not call for the same level of climbing skill as Mont Blanc, they require a resilience of spirit and body to withstand the slow, relentless ascent. The challenge lies in the body’s adjustment to altitude, the pacing to avoid altitude sickness, and the endurance to trek for days on end, culminating in a final push to the summit that often begins in the chill of night, guided by headlamp beams through the darkness towards the break of dawn at the top of Africa.

Thus, while Mont Blanc might test one’s climbing technique, courage against sheer drops, and ability to navigate in alpine conditions, Kilimanjaro tests one’s patience, physical conditioning for high altitude, and the psychological fortitude to keep moving when every breath feels insufficient. Both mountains offer not just a climb but an experience steeped in their unique environments, histories, and the personal stories of those who attempt their summits, each presenting a different face of what it means to conquer a mountain.

When comparing the difficulty of climbing Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, several factors come into play:

Mont Blanc:

Elevation: Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps, standing at 4,809 meters (15,778 feet).
Technical Difficulty: It requires some technical climbing skills, especially in certain routes. Climbers often need to navigate crevasses and use crampons, ice axes, and sometimes ropes, particularly on the more common routes like the Goûter Route.
Weather: The weather can be quite unpredictable and can change rapidly, with risks of severe cold, high winds, and whiteouts.
Route Options: There are several routes varying from relatively straightforward but still demanding to very technical climbs.

Kilimanjaro:

Elevation: Kilimanjaro is higher than Mont Blanc, at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), making it the tallest mountain in Africa.
Technical Difficulty: Kilimanjaro is generally considered a non-technical climb, meaning it does not require mountaineering skills like using ice axes or ropes for most routes. It’s more of a hike or a trek but at a high altitude.
Altitude Sickness: The primary challenge is the altitude. Many climbers suffer from altitude sickness due to the rapid gain in elevation if not properly acclimatized.
Weather: While it can get very cold, especially near the summit, the weather patterns are generally more stable compared to Mont Blanc. However, conditions can still be harsh.

Comparison:

Here’s a comparison of the two, considering several factors like height, elevation gain, climb duration, routes, accommodation, and risks:

Physical Demand: Both require good physical fitness, but Kilimanjaro might be less demanding in terms of climbing technique but more so due to its higher altitude.
Technical Skills: Mont Blanc is harder in terms of the technical climbing skills required.
Duration: Kilimanjaro typically takes longer to climb (usually 5-9 days for most treks) which can contribute to its difficulty through prolonged exposure to the elements and altitude effects, whereas Mont Blanc can be summited in 2-3 days by some routes.

1. Highest Altitude

Mont Blanc: At 4,808 meters (15,774 feet), Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Western Europe.
Mount Kilimanjaro: Kilimanjaro stands taller at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), making it the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

While Kilimanjaro is higher, both mountains are climbed above the clouds, offering spectacular views.

2. Guides

Mont Blanc: You can climb Mont Blanc either independently or with a guide. However, because of the technical nature of the climb and potential dangers, it’s highly recommended to use an experienced guide unless you have mountaineering experience.
Kilimanjaro: It’s mandatory to have a mountain crew, which includes guides, porters, and a cook. This team helps you carry gear and provides essential support throughout the climb.

3. Mountaineering Experience

Mont Blanc: Climbing Mont Blanc requires mountaineering skills, such as using crampons and ice axes. If you hire a guide, they can provide the necessary training and equipment.
Kilimanjaro: No specialized mountaineering experience or equipment is needed for Kilimanjaro, as it’s a trek rather than a technical climb. It’s more about endurance and managing altitude than technical skills.

4. Climb Duration

Mont Blanc: A typical Mont Blanc climb takes 3 days, though some companies add extra days for acclimatization and training.
Kilimanjaro: Depending on the route, Kilimanjaro takes between 5 and 10 days. The ascent usually takes 4-8 days, with a longer time recommended to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

5. Routes and Elevation Gains

Mont Blanc: The most popular route is the Goûter Route, which involves an elevation gain of 2,446 meters (8,025 feet). There are also other routes, like the more technical Trois Monts Route and the scenic Italian Route.
Kilimanjaro: There are seven well-established routes with varying degrees of difficulty and beauty. The most popular is the Machame Route with an elevation gain of 4,255 meters (13,961 feet). The easiest but longest route is the Northern Circuit, known for its high success rate.

6. Climate Zones

Mont Blanc: You climb through two climate zones, alpine and arctic, as you ascend to the summit.
Kilimanjaro: Kilimanjaro offers a much more diverse experience, passing through four climate zones: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit. The variety in climate is due to Kilimanjaro’s proximity to the equator.

7. Summit Success Rate

Mont Blanc: The success rate is around 60%, with altitude sickness being the main reason for failure. An acclimatization climb beforehand increases your chances.
Kilimanjaro: Success rates vary depending on the route, with the Northern Circuit having the highest success rate at around 90%. However, the overall summit success rate is also around 50-60% due to altitude sickness and under-preparation.

8. Accommodation

Mont Blanc: Climbers stay in mountain huts, such as the Tête Rousse Hut or Goûter Hut. These huts provide dormitory-style accommodation and meals in communal dining areas.
Kilimanjaro: On the Marangu Route, you stay in communal huts. On other routes, you camp in tents provided by your tour operator. Good tour operators provide quality tents, mess tents, and even portable toilets.

9. Climbing Seasons

Mont Blanc: Though technically climbable year-round, most climbers attempt it in the summer months (June to September). Winter ascents are for experts only. Weather delays are common, and the Grand Couloir can become dangerous due to rockfall in dry conditions.
Kilimanjaro: Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, though the best times are during the dry seasons (January to March and June to October). Rainy seasons may lead to muddy trails, but the climb is still possible.

10. Dangers

Mont Blanc: The primary dangers include rockfalls, crevasses, avalanches, and exposure to extreme weather. The Grand Couloir is especially hazardous. Climbing independently without sufficient experience can be deadly.
Kilimanjaro: The main danger is altitude sickness, as the climb is more of a high-altitude trek than a technical climb. There are no crevasses or rockfalls, and the trail is not steep except for the Barranco Wall, which involves a short scramble.

11. Cost

Mont Blanc: Prices for guided climbs range from $500 to $2,000, depending on whether acclimatization climbs are included and the length of the expedition. Independent climbs are cheaper but riskier.
Kilimanjaro: Costs range widely, but a typical seven-day climb costs around $2,850 with an upper mid-range operator. The large crew required (guides, porters, and cooks) makes Kilimanjaro more expensive.

Conclusion:

If we’re talking about technical climbing difficulty, Mont Blanc is harder because it involves actual mountaineering techniques and has more objective hazards like crevasses and rockfall.
If considering the overall challenge including altitude, endurance, and accessibility for non-climbers, Kilimanjaro might be seen as more challenging due to the high risk of altitude sickness and the need for better acclimatization strategies, despite its non-technical nature.