Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing
Africa’s tallest peak creates an associate degree instantly recognizable silhouette, rising on their lonesome from the tree forests and scrublands at the border of Kenya and Tanzania. At 5,896m, the world’s tallest freestanding mountain will actually appear imposing however that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. We provide a spread of Kilimanjaro routes to suit each trekker’s expertise and fitness levels, obtaining you to the summit with the simplest team potential. Whereas the climb is going to be tough, it’s only you’re sitting at the summit with the sprawling grassland far below that you just notice the simple truth: it had been all worthwhile.
Why Climbing Kilimanjaro?
We love all of our challenges, however, once it involves a journey, we have a tendency to acknowledge that everybody has completely different tastes and private goals.
Take a glance at our prime five reasons to climb Kilimanjaro with us:
1. as the highest peak in Africa, Kilimanjaro is one in all the Seven Summits.
2. This is often our highest-altitude trip – a once-in-a-lifetime achievement!
3. Our skilled native guides can teach you all concerning the native flora, fauna, and culture of the mountain peak region on your ascent.
4. No technical skills or specialist climbing gear needed – good for adventure-seekers and new climbers alike.
5. Go from the summit to the coast with our safari & Zanzibar extension trip!
Which Route Is Best For You?
Marangu (“Coca Cola”) Route
Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route may be a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s the oldest, most well-established route. Several favor the Marangu route as a result of its thought-about to be the simplest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It’s additionally the sole route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations.
The minimum days needed for this route is 5, though the probability of successfully reaching the highest in this fundamental measure is sort of low. Spending an additional acclimatization day on the mountain is much recommended once rise Kilimanjaro exploitation the Marangu route.
However, despite its huge quality, we have a tendency to avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the smallest amount scenic kind of all the routes as a result of the ascent and descent are done on a similar path and it’s the foremost thronged route for that reason. Marangu is favored solely throughout the time of year, wherever the hut accommodations square measure most popular over wet ground, or for people who solely have 5 days to climb Kilimanjaro (which we have a tendency to don’t suggest anyhow). Otherwise, the Marangu route is a poor choice.
Machame (“Whiskey”) Route
Known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is currently the foremost standard route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the times on Machame are longer, and also the walks are the vessel. The Machame route is taken into account as a tough route and is healthier fitted to additional brave people and people with some hiking or backpacking expertise.
The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing beneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice mass before summiting. The minimum variety of days needed for this route is six days, though seven days is recommended.
The Machame route is scenically stunning and varied. However, because of the significant crowds, it loses a number of its spender.
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route begins within the west and instead of merely across Shira plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira Camp. Climbers encounter low traffic till the route joins the Machame route. Afterward, Lemosho follows a similar route through volcanic rock Tower, Barranco, and Barafu, referred to as the southern circuit.
The minimum variety of days needed for this route is six days, although eight days is good.
Lemosho is taken into account the foremost stunning route on Kilimanjaro and grants bird’s-eye vistas on varied sides of the mountain. It’s our favorite route as a result of it offers an excellent balance of low traffic, scenic views, and a high summit success rate. Thus, Lemosho comes extremely counseled. Most of our clients use Lemosho.
Shira Route
The Shira route is another path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, and it’s nearly a twin of the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the initial route and Lemosho is that the improved variation. whereas Lemosho starts at Londorossi Gate and treks through the rain forest to Shira one Camp, the Shira route bypasses this walk by employing a vehicle to move climbers to Shira Gate, set close to the Shira Ridge.
On the first day on the mountain, climbers begin their hike from 11,800 feet (3,600 m) and pay their 1st night at a similar elevation at Simba Camp. Then, the route merges with Lemosho and follows the southern circuit route.
Although Shira may be a varied and beautiful route, Lemosho is suggested over Shira because of the comparatively high altitude of Shira’s start line that is accessed quickly by vehicle. It’s potential that climbers can expertise some altitude connected symptoms on a primary day whereas habitation at 11,800 feet.
Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit route is that the newest, most enjoyable route on the mountain peak. The trek follows the Lemosho path within the starting, approaching Kilimanjaro from the west. However, rather than following the southern traverse like all the opposite west approaching routes, the Northern Circuit traverses the mountain round the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes.
The Northern Circuit route may be a 9-day climb that is the longest route in terms of your time and distance traveled. The times spent at around 13,000 feet are nice for acclimatization, leading to the very best success rates for all routes on Mount Kilimanjaro.
With a high success rate, unbelievable varied scenery, and an awfully low variety of tourists, the Northern Circuit route is actually one of the simplest routes on Kilimanjaro.
Umbwe Route
The Umbwe route is a short, steep, and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low.
The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route.
The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize. However, overall, the Umbwe route is not recommended and we discourage its usage for our clients.
