Mount Kilimanjaro - Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Climbing Kilimanjaro at 5895 meters is a challenge that should not be underestimated, but it is quite doable for mountain hikers who want to combine a high mountain adventure with Africa. Kilimanjaro is a "mountain of springs" and its unique location directly below the equator offers the opportunity to experience five different habitats from the bottom up, which undoubtedly makes climbing the mountain something special. In a few days you can climb Kilimanjaro from the equator to what feels like the Arctic, through grasslands, rainforests, alpine meadow moorlands and desert uplands to snow and ice.It is not visited for the wildlife but for the chance to stand in awe of this beautiful snow-capped mountain and, for many, to climb to the summit.

Routes that you can choose for Trekking in Kilimanjaro?

1. Machame route, kilimanjaro

The Machame route on Kilimanjaro is a seven-day camping route that allows for excellent acclimatization and a particularly varied landscape. It used to be called the Whiskey Route and today it is used by around 35% of all climbers.

The route begins at the Machame Gate in the southwest of the mountain and ascends to the first campsite at the edge of the forest and then continues to climb and through the mountain for several days before climbing from the last campsite on the southeast side to the top of the summit. The descent is almost straight to the south.

Days: 10 days

Price:  $2790

 2. The Lemosho route,  kilimanjaro

The Lemosho Route is a camping trip for an average group of 4 people with high-quality mountain tents, comfortable mattresses and qualified guides, porters to carry luggage and equipment, and chefs who deliver fresh and delicious food every day.

The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and begins with a long journey from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days of hiking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira plateau from west to east in a pleasant and relatively flat hike.

Days:  8 days

Price:   $2980

3. Rongai route,kilimanjaro

It attracts around 10% of the visitors to the mountain. The route is truly a complete journey, the only one that experiences the arid north side and the lush south side. It is also known as the Loitokok Route.

The Rongai route climbs Kilimanjaro from the northeast side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The Rongai route retains a feeling of unspoiled nature.

Days: 8 days

Price:  $2850

4. Northern Circuit route, kilimanjaro

The longest journey offers excellent acclimatization and stunning scenery with views over the southern flanks, western forests, and dry eastern slopes. The roads are relatively quiet and less traveled.

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, a nine-day tour that first takes the Lemosho route up the west side of the mountain to the Shira plateau before reaching the Lava Tower, then heads towards the north , the main peaks clockwise and connecting to the Rongai route.

Days: 9days

Price: $3280

5. Marangu route, kilimanjaro

Marangu is the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path.However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is, unfortunately, less scenic than other routes because the ascent and decent are along the same path.

Days: 5-6 days

Price: $2670

Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro

The ascent of Kilimanjaro is marketed as an easy hike to the roof of Africa and attracts many people who have little experience in mountain trekking, let alone climbing, and who arrive unprepared. Kilimanjaro should not be underestimated: it claims several deaths each year. While walking  the easy routes, Marangu and Rongai, is not strenuous, few consider the effects of altitude (headache and nausea), which can be pronounced and debilitating. Being super fit does not guarantee that you will make it to the top. You can double your chances of reaching the top by acclimating for several days before climbing, and preferably by walking at high altitude.

Best time for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

The main seasons are traditionally from December to March and June to October with temperatures in Moshi averaging 22 ° C and maximum temperatures around 7 ° C. Rains are in April, May and November, but today the Climate change has changed that pattern, so sometimes the rains come sooner or later. During the rain we make our ascents to Rongai since the north side of the mountain is more protected.  A full moon ascent of Kilimanjaro or  a new moon ascent is often a popular time to climb. You can take a night walk from the summit in the light of the silver full moon, so you don’t even need a headlamp; Or, since Kilimanjaro is on the equator, under a  sky filled with northern and southern.

Kilimanjaro is not technical, but it does offer a complete mountain experience. Experience in mountain hiking is an advantage, but not mandatory since it is an assisted ascent. However, you must be outdoors and live in tents all the time, so any kind of camping experience is helpful and good exercise is expected, especially the hamstrings and calves. The important factor will be going slow and allowing your metabolism to adjust to the lower barometric pressure and thinner air, and being aware of the health of the altitude at all times.

Instructions:

• Climb during the dry season.
• Tanzanian government stipulates that you must hire a local guide(well-trained) outfitter to climb Kilimanjaro
• Choose your route carefully and teamwork is important.
• Carry two or three one-liter reusable water bottles.
• Pack thermal leggings, warm fleece pants, and lightweight, quick-drying hiking pants. Include sunglasses, a warm head cover, and a sun-shading hat. Perhaps most importantly, bring a good pair of waterproof hiking boots.
• Medical checkups and vaccinations

Author,

Pratyasha