MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the crown of Tanzania. It’s the highest peak on the African continent and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, with an impressive snow-capped summit. It rises high above the open African plains in Tanzania to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet). Hiking on the ‘rooftop of Africa’ is the adventure of a lifetime for a lot of visitors.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the highlight of most visitors’ experiences in Tanzania. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic. There are several different routes including Marangu, the easiest climb and therefore the most popular, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai and Umbwe. The shortest routes are 5-6 days. The longest ones are 7-9 days. If paced well, everyone from trained mountain climbers to first-time enthusiasts can scale the snowy peak. Enjoy the the breathtaking views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Masaai Steppe. Hiking on the ‘rooftop of Africa’ is the adventure of a lifetime. There is no better feeling than standing on the top of the Kilimanjaro watching the stunning sunrise over the African plains.

Mount Kilimanjaro History

Kilimanjaro is a giant dormant volcano that began forming a million years ago when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. It is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo 19,340 feet (5,895 meters); Mawenzi 16,896 feet (5,149 meters); and Shira 13,000 feet (3,962 meters). Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim. Although just three degrees south of the Equator, the peaks of both Kibo and Mawenzi have permanent caps of snow and ice.

OUR POPULAR KILIMANJARO ROUTES

Which route should you choose for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

Before you choose a route for Climbing Kilimanjaro you need all necessary information and get to know the difference between the routes from the soft route to the hardest route. Next Level Afrikan Safaris will enable you to know, explore and experience all established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

MT KILIMANJARO – ROUTES DESCRIPTION

1. MARANGU ROUTE

The Marangu route is known as the “Coca Cola route” and is one of the most popular routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Many hikers believe that Marangu route is the easiest route to Uhuru peak, since it is the route which can be hiked in 5 days (making it lower budget option). The ascent is more gradual and no professional equipment is required. This is the only route, which provide comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every overnight station. Marangu route use the same route for ascend and descend.

It usually takes 5 days/4nights for the round trip. The trek can also be taken in 6 days/5 nights to add acclimatization with an extra day at Horombo Hut. The supplementary cost for an extra day is indicated separately as an option.

2. MACHAME ROUTE

The Machame route is also known as the “Wiskey route” and most popular and successful route leading to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. Because of the longer hiking hours and the steeper trails compare with the Marangu route.

Hikers sleep in tents which are carried up the mountain by support crews. The Machame route is a very scenic and beautiful route, which can be completed in 6 days, however we strongly recommend hiking the route in 7 days, allowing for more time to acclimatise. 

3. RONGAI ROUTE

The Rongai Route also known as the “Fanta route” is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain at the south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least travelled routes. The premier advantage of this route is that the climbers will see the mountain from many different viewpoint because they will descent on the south eastern side of the mountain. 

This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and caves and breath taking changing landscapes. A disadvantage is the long travel time to the starting point of the route. The route also becomes busier when it connects with the Marangu route just before reaching Kibo hut. 

Rongai route descends along the Marangu route as well, however you still sleep in tents, and do not use huts of the Marangu route.

4. UMBWE ROUTE

Umbwe route known for its caves, the first night you actually sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited en route the following day. Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes but more steep then Machame route, to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably one of the most scenic, non-technical routes on Kilimanjaro. There are however higher risks involved when attempting to summit via the Western Breach / Arrow Glacier and overnight at the Arrow Glacier camp, which include: 

Safety on the Western Breach – nobody can guarantee your absolute safety, as the area is unstable and rock falls may occur at any time During a normal summit of Kilimanjaro you will sleep at Barafu camp (4 600mt) or Kibo Hut (4 650m) before attempting the summit. By sleeping at Arrow Glacier camp (4 800) the risks for severe altitude sickness are considerably higher. 

Most of Umbwe route hikes are currently re-routed, to join with the Machame route from second night on the mountain. On special request we can assist with Umbwe route hikes attempting to summit using the Western Breach / Arrow Glacier path and overnight at the Arrow Glacier camp (and the Crater camp). Please note this can only be arranged through in extra charges.

5. LEMOSHO(SHIRA) GLADES ROUTE

The Lemosho Glades route is perhaps the least used initial ascent route on Kilimanjaro, partly because of its remote location and likewise the difficult roads leading to the trailhead. The road to the trailhead is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles and can be impassable during wet periods. The trailhead is at relatively high elevation, and thus we start slow and easy on this route. Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible on the first day trekking through the forest, and the trail is often overgrown from lack of use.

The route is the longest distance to trek up Kilimanjaro, so fitness certainly plays a role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. The Lemosho (Shira) route takes 7 days / 6 nights on the mountain. Overall, the distance covered and the intensity of the final few days make this trek a good choice only for the experienced hiker.  The many changes of scenery and spectacular hike across the Shira Plateau make this trek truly special. There are no huts on this route, the accommodation is in mountain tents.

What is included

• Transport to/from Arusha National Park

• Overnight stays in mountain huts

• Two nights accommodations before and after climb

• Professional, experienced, mountain guides:

• All Park fees

• Rescue fees

• All meals while on the Mountain

• Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees

• Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food

• Clean, purified drinking water

• Crisis management and safety procedures

• Fair and ethical treatment of porters

What is not included

– Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.

– Travel insurance

– Flights

– Laundry (Available at hotel)

– Personal items and toiletries

– Tips for guides, porters and cook