Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro... an expedition to the Roof of Africa, has to be the ultimate mountain climbing experience in Africa!
Have YOU ever dreamed of climbing one of the world's highest mountains such as Mount Everest, Annapurna or K2?
Imagine yourself experiencing the exclusive world of the high altitude mountaineer, standing proudly on top of one of the world's top seven summits...
At the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro - Uhuru Peak
Why Choose Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro can turn your mountain climbing dreams into reality. It is one of the easier of the world's Top Seven Summits (comparatively speaking, of course!), to climb. Here you will experience one of the world's highest peaks without the hazards of crevasses, sheer rock faces, or extremely dangerous weather.
No long years of preparation, no expensive mountain climbing gear to purchase. It can be done in 6-8 days, and it's an achievement of a lifetime! It still requires is a good level of fitness. In addition, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is possible during most months of the year, making it easier to schedule a trip.
About Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, a long dormant volcano, at 5,896 metres (19,340 feet) is Africa's highest mountain. It's one of the world's highest free-standing mountains, with its snow and glacier-capped summit towering high above the African savannah. The name Kilimanjaro appears to be derived from the Swahili name "Kilma Njaro", which means "Shining Mountain".
There are several well-marked mountain climbing trails to the summit, none of which require you to have specialized mountaineering skills.
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions vary from 6-8 days and can easily be booked. Only tour operator organized expeditions for Mount Kilimanjaro are allowed. Also there's no heavy ladened backpacks to struggle with. It's more like the old colonial safari with local guides and porters.
Mount Kilimanjaro from Shira Cathedral
Routes for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
The Umbwe Route
This route is recommended for experienced hikers only. It is a steep and direct route and takes about 5 days. On this route accommodation is in tents.
The Machame Route
This is a 6 day scenic mountain climb passing through various ecozones, from rainforest to alpine beauty to scree slopes and then the glacier zone. This trek is a 61 km (36-mile)climb which ascends gradually to the Shira Plateau at 12,000 feet then approaches the summit from the west. On this route accommodation is in tents.
The Marangu Route
This is the most popular trail, linking three cabins and covering 64 kms (40 miles) including the descent.
It is advisable to do this hike in 6 days in order to allow for acclimatization to the high altitude. Altitude sickness can occur at altitudes above 3000 m (9,900 feet).
Altitude sickness/acute mountain sickness (AAIS) symptoms include headaches, loss of appetite,nausea, sleeplessness, and fatigue. When experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to stop and rest. If symptoms get worse, descend to a lower altitude.
The trail begins at Marangu Gate. The first day's section of the trail to Mandara Hut passes through luxuriant rainforest where most of the elusive mountain animals live. For treks on Mount Kilimanjaro, guides are compulsory. They are from the local Chogga people. These guides are knowledgeable about the mountain's history and you will enjoy the "walking commentary" on the various species of plant, flowers and trees indigenous to the mountain.
A short distance from Mandara Hut is the Maundi crater from which you get a fantastic view of the African savannah far below, and to the north, Mawnzi, and to the west Kibo (two of the three peaks of Kiliminjaro).
The 2nd day's climb takes you to Horombo Hut at 3,720 m (12,276 ft). This is where many climbers spend an extra night in order to help acclimatize to the altitude.
From Horombo Hut there are 2 routes, the lower and upper route. The upper route offers more scenic views.
Horombo is also the "host water" source until the return to Horombo Hut 2 days later. From this point on, all water needed has to be carried.
After a strenuous hike, "The Saddle", an arid alpine desert is reached at 4,400 m (14,520 ft). A few hours later Kibo Hut at the base of the volcanic cone is reached at 4,700 m (15,510 ft).
It has become the tradition to reach the peak before dawn. Therefore the last leg of the climb begins at about 1 a.m. from Kibo Hut. This last leg is also the toughest climb, with latitude sickness taking it's toll on some climbers, forcing them to turn back. Unfortunately, only about 50% of the attempts to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro are actually successful, mainly because of Altitude sickness.
Mount Kilimanjaro's summit consists of a Martian landscape of rock, volcanic ash and glaciers. Sadly, the glaciers are rapidly diminishing due to global warming.
Now for the reluctant return journey:
The summit is in stark contrast to the luxuriant forests at the base of the mountain. It is Martian in landscape with bare rock, volcanic ash and glaciers - unfortunately these glaciers are expected to totally disappear within a few years.
Receding Glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro
At this stage, we'll spare you the description of the descent and the end of a Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expedition...
Have A Great Story About Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
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What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Summit Night - An Adventure Never to be Forgotten
With butterflies in my stomach, I left Barafu Hut at about 00:15 to start the summit attempt. It’s a 7 hour uphill trek with little to no flat surfaces ...
Planning a Kilimanjaro Climb
My great story about climbing Kilimanjaro will have to wait. We just booked our trip for September 08. For now I can share what I learned planning:
Don'...
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