Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Kilimanjaro are probably the two most famous high altitude trekking routes. Many people (including myself) were searching the internet to find out the differences between the two. The following is my quick summary after hiking both trails.
Routes
There are many different routes to summit Kilimanjaro ranging from 5-day Marangu Route (“Coca-Cola Route”) to 9-day Northern Circuit Route. The longer routes have higher success rates because they give hikers more time to acclimatize. We hiked the 8-day Lemosho Route from the west side of the mountain. Our entire group successfully summitted Kilimanjaro. Lemosho was also one of the most scenic routes.
On the other hand, hikers to Everest Base Camp basically follow the same route, though there are variations (e.g., via the Gokyo Lakes) that add more days to the hike.
Altitudes
At 5,895 meters (19,341 ft), Kilimanjaro is the higher of the two, though Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,798 ft) is not much lower. If you also hike Kala Pattar near the base camp, you will reach above 18,000 ft.
It is essential to get acclimatized before and during the treks to ensure success.
Durations
It usually takes 5 to 9 days to complete Kilimanjaro. Hiking for 7 days or more will ensure a higher success rate. It took us 8 days to complete the Kilimanjaro Trek (6.5 days up and 1.5 days down).
It took us 12 days to complete EBC (8 days up and 4 days down).
Accommodations
We stayed in a tent during the entire Kilimanjaro hike. There were 2 toilet tents set up for our group. Showers didn’t exist on Kilimanjaro. Only ultra high-end trekking companies would have a shower tent.
EBC hikers stay in local teahouses. Hikers can pay to take a hot-water shower until reaching about 15,000 ft. We splurged to stay in Yeti Mountain Home a few nights, where there were more comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Scenery
Everest Base Camp hands down has better scenery. It was Rei’s favorite hike. The snow-capped mountains and alpenglow were mesmerizing.
Kilimanjaro is a stand-alone mountain. The environment is harsh without a lot of vegetation.
Culture
On EBC, we passed many small villages and monasteries and had a taste of Nepal culture.
Kilimanjaro was basically a wildness trekking.
(You can probably tell by now that we prefer EBC to Kilimanjaro.)
Difficulty
Both treks were hard. The summit day of Kilimanjaro was extremely long and exhausting.
Though the last section to reach Everest Base Camp wasn’t as difficult, the entire hike took longer. It was also very cold after reaching 15,000 ft. The Kala Patter hike was probably the most difficult part of the EBC hike.
Planning
Foreigners cannot climb Kilimanjaro without joining a guided tour (group or private). Even though it’s not required, most people hike Everest Base Camp with guides and porters.
Side Trips
We had a layover in Hong Kong on our way to Kathmandu. We also spent extra days in Kathmandu and surroundings both before and after the hike. It was interesting to learn more about Nepal.
Some hikers went on a safari or spent more time in Zanzibar after hiking Kilimanjaro, but Rei and I didn’t do either.
Both trails will give you bragging right 😊
Happy trekking!
(Click here to find out more about trekking.)
Amy 'n Rei 