EXPLORING MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB- TANZANIA
Mount Kilimanjaro Climb The Mount Kilimanjaro climb has attracted experienced and non-experienced trekkers from all over the world. The beauty of the climb is that it is possible to reach the summit without technical mountaineering equipment. Rising in absolute isolation, at 5,895m, Kilimanjaro is one of the highest walkable summits on the planet. For many, it represents the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime personal challenge – an arduous but highly rewarding 6 to 8 day trek up to Uhuru Point (the actual summit) or to Gillman’s Point (on the lip of the crater).
So you probably have a lot of questions, like "When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?" "Which routeshould I choose?" How difficult is Kilimanjaro? " "How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? "What are the routes on Kilimanjaro and how do I choose one? "Climbing Kilimanjaro is an event in your life that will live with you for ever. It is a journey of the soul through some of the most beautiful scenery. It does not require any technical expertise, but does require lots of determination. So if you are committed, landing on this page is a good place to start. Just 3 degrees south of the equator in Tanzania, Africa, and shrouded in mystery, the name Kilimanjarohas varying interpretations, from "Mountain of Greatness" to "Mountain of Caravans." There is a word in Swahili, ' kilima' which means top of the hill and an additional claim is that it comes from the word "kilemakyaro" which, in the Chagga language, means "impossible journey". Some argue that the word ' njaro' refers to a demon of the cold. But whatever the meaning, the image of Mount Kilimanjaro is that of a large looming mountain, situated on the equator, yet covered in ice.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB
Whether it is your first time trekking or you’ve climbed many peaks, we have several Kilimanjaro routes to offer. Selecting the appropriate route for you will maximize your enjoyment and chance of success. We will be with you every step of the way.
There are six main climbing routes on Kilimanjaro. However, we only offer the Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Machame, and Rongai routes. We believe these are the best routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Furthermore, we recommend taking the longer routes as they will give you the highest chance of successfully summiting.
In addition to the above-mentioned four routes, we do offer private climbs on all major routes on the mountain. No other parties or persons are added to private climbs. The persons in your party are the only ones on the climb.
Our favoured Kilimanjaro Routes
We have included the 3 most popular routes - the Marangu route, Machame route and Lemosho route with climbs between 7-9 days. It is recommended that climbers take a minimum of 7 days to do the climb. The per person price reduces the larger the group. We have quoted the price based on 2 people doing the climb. It’s important to note that all climbers must be 16 years or older.
KILIMANJARO ROUTE OVERVIEW
THE MACHAMA ROUTE
The Machame route is challenging but the rewards are great.This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall, the Machame route offers the adventurous hiker a stunning scenic “slide show” over 6 days.
Level:Intermediate
Nights:Camping in a tent
Total hiking distance: Approximately 100 kms
All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. Accommodation on the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame (also referred to as the “Whiskey route”) better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, rewarding him with a scenic splendour such as not seen.
THE MARANGU ROUTE
Marangu Route known as the “Coca-Cola” route, approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path.
Level: Beginner
Nights:Sleeping in permanent huts
Total hiking distance:Approximately 96 kms
Marangu is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Climbers are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals.
MARANGU ROUTE OR MACHAME ROUTE?
Marangu Route is followed by ninety per cent of all climbers. It has a well-defined path, which has been well set out and where most obstacles have been modified to make them ‘climber friendly’. Despite the human traffic (it can be fun to mingle with climbers from all over the world), this is a very scenic route with good views of Mawenzi and excellent prospects for viewing wildlife.
Level:Beginner
Nights:Sleeping in permanent huts
Machame Route – One day longer on trek, climbing a natural, rather than man made path, the Machame Route is a more demanding but much quieter and scenic route up the mountain. Overnights are spent camping in tents which are carried and pitched by the accompanying porters. Because this route is more taxing it is recommended that trekkers should be physically fit and with the additional day on trek to assist with acclimatization.
Level:Intermediate
Nights:Camping in a tent
Lemosho Route
This is a more relaxed route. It is suitable for 8 days for acclimation and it has a good balance in the height of the camp sites. The view is really charming while passing through forests.
Machame Route
It is the most popular route and the busiest among all. In terms of popularity, it has taken over the Marangu Route.
Northern Circuit
This route is for mountain lovers and those who are solitude seekers. It is a 9 day climb. Although visitors can take the route in only 8 days, 9 days is more relaxed. It is already a hard thing to come by on Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania, but this is a welcome bonus to the Northern Circuit route.
Rongai Route
This is the best route for climbing the mountain in 6 days. It begins the ascent up the northern side of the mountain. In terms of scenery and summit success, it is unparalleled.
There is flexibility in this route as well. One can add an extra day for acclimatization and increasing the success chance of climbing.
THE BEST TIME FOR A MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB
As the mountain is situated close to the equator, the area does not experience extreme weather conditions; however they are grouped as dry or wet seasons. There are climbers trekking up Kilimanjaro all year round, though most prefer the dryer months, avoiding the rainfall and mud. The long rains generally begin from the end of March through to the end of May, and the short rains are during November. A greater number of climbers prefer to climb during December through to March and from June to October.
December to February is the warmest and clearest time to visit, with July to September being colder but also dry. It is wet in the rainforest from end of March to end May and during November.
Summiting on a full moon – when Kibo and its magnificent glaciers are lit up by the moonlight, it makes for an absolutely spectacular view. Your journey towards the top of Kilimanjaro is lit up without using a head torch which is why some trekkers choose to climb so that their summit attempt coincides with the night of the full moon.
What is the cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Climb ?
There are two options to consider about climbing Kilimanjaro, to go on a fixed departure climb with a group of people, or to have a private climb.
The fixed departure price starts at around $2500 per person. Private climbs vary depending on the number of climbers and also the route taken. A private climb for a group of more than 2 will have better value.
How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
The time taken to climb the mountain depends on the route. The fastest climber can take 4 nights. However, most people take 6-8 nights depending on the route and also depending on the flexibility.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB TRAINING
Although you do not require any special mountaineering training for the climb, we would highly recommend you to do your own training prior to the trek. You will be hiking for anything between 5 to 9 days, so your body needs to be prepared for that. All in all body fitness is essential and prepare you mentally as well. On certain routes clients find the climb towards Kibo fairly undemanding, however for most, the difficulty begins from the base of Kibo towards the top due to the steepness and the altitude. We would recommend you to start your training in advance, rather than going for long runs or walks a week before your Kilimanjaro climb. Getting fit will make it more enjoyable!
After securing your booking with us, you’ll receive a comprehensive document, to guide you through the steps of purchasing the correct equipment and an essential check-list in preparing for your climb. We also provide a complete and quality rental service on all the equipment required on the mountain, as a sensible alternative to purchasing.
Here’s a sample of your daily menu on Kilimanjaro Mount Climb
Bed Tea – tea or coffee served to your tent door in the morning (a real treat).
Breakfast – consists of seasonal fresh fruit, porridge, cooked eggs, sausage, bacon and toast.
Energy snacks are provided for the daily walk such as biscuits, bananas, and chocolate bars. Bringing your own snacks can often be a treat especially when trekking at higher altitudes. Be sure to bring some of your favourite treats for summit night as these will be a welcome boost in so many ways.
Lunch – either a packed lunch on longer days or, more usually, a hot lunch served in specifically set up lunch camp. A hot lunch typically consists of soup, bread or pancakes, cheese, tuna, jam, peanut butter, pasta salad and cake.
Afternoon tea – served in late afternoon. It is an opportunity to drink lots of hot drinks and snack on peanuts or popcorn.
Dinner – the main meal of the day usually consists of three courses; starter: soup and bread / main: rice, potatoes or pasta with fish, meat or vegetables / dessert: usually fruit.
Do you have a yearning for Kilimanjaro adventure?
Many people like you do. In fact, over 35,000 people each year attempt to summit Kilimanjaro. Why should you be one of those people?
Of those 35,000, many do not make the summit. The most important factor in making the summit is selecting a reputable operator. Many people only see the cost of the climb and go with budget operators. This is not only the wrong way to choose your guide service, it is also unsafe. Despite it being a walkable mountain, Kilimanjaro is not easy and preparation is imperative.
Our guides and porters have been climbing Kilimanjaro for many years. Some have made the summit over 300 times. When you climb with us, we send a team with you that is not only experienced but also friendly and skilled at their job. They want you to have the best experience you can possibly have. They work extremely hard to make sure that your adventure far exceeds anything you could have imagined.
WHY MOUNT KILIMANJARO ClIMB?
First of all, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the seven summits. The seven summits are the tallest summits on each of the seven continents. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point on the continent of Africa. It is also the tallest freestanding mountain in the world.
Furthermore, of the seven summits, it is the easiest to trek to the top. Mountaineering skills are not required.
Additionally, while you are in Tanzania, you must visit its amazingsafari parks. Try to schedule enough time for the Ngorongoro Crater and the magnificent Serengeti.
Getting Kilimanjaro Airport There:
The trip begins with pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport, located between Arusha and Moshi. The most convenient flight is KLM direct from Amsterdam, but other connections may be made through Nairobi, with a short flight to Kilimanjaro. The leader will provide guidance for travel plans once you are approved for the trip. Please do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.
You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Tanzania. A Tanzania visa is also required, and details on how you apply for that will be provided once you are approved for the trip.
Top 5 reasons that people book with KIAfrika Adventure for climbing Kilimanjaro...
Experience - Kilimanjaro falls within the easier scope of the range of technical courses we offer, so is well within our comfort zone
Acclimatisation - Our pedigree in altitude climbing trips, means these itineraries are tightly controlled to maximise acclimatisation
Success - In nearly two decades of offering these trips, the summit success rate is over 95%, with no accidents or injuries at all
Advice - Our trip advisors have all climbed Kilimanjaro, and so can give you detailed advice, with a real personal touch
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