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People who are in good shape can make the ascent to its summit, Uhuru peak, in a matter of days, passing through five distinct ecological zones along the way
The lower slopes of the mountain are defined by coffee and banana fields that rise up and end where the mountain's forest begins. An average of 80 inches of rainfall a year make the forest home to some botanical treats. Tree ferns in this region are known to grow up to 20 feet, and giant lobelia often reach 30 feet. At an altitude of about 9,000 feet, the forest gives way to grasslands and shrubbery, and elephant can sometimes be spotted roaming the high slopes. At about 13,000 feet life begins to recede, a result of extreme weather conditions inhospitable to anything more than small mosses and lichens. Once the summit area is reached, three glaciers and three volcanic peaks sit in lofty, placid contemplation of the tremendous plains over 3.5 miles below.
It is highly advisable to take the mountain slowly. The thin air is a well-known killer of impatient weekend climbers, who misjudge their abilities and ascend too fast. Altitude sickness is common and can be fatal. No climb is permitted without a guide, and there are six routes up the mountain with varying degrees of difficulty. Huts are available at different points along the way, and the final ascent begins near midnight (so melting snow isn't a problem) and culminates with a spectacular sunrise at the peak.
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highlight of most visitors' experiences in Tanzania. Few mountains can claim the grandeur, the breathtaking views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Masaai Steppe, that belongs to Kilimanjaro. Hiking on the 'rooftop of Africa' -- the highest point on the continent at 5896 metres -- is the adventure of a lifetime, especially because, if paced well, everyone from seasoned trekkers to first-time enthusiasts can scale the snowy peak.
The Climbing Routes of Mount Kilimanjaro
1. Lemosho/Shira/Western Breach route
The Western Breach Route via arrow glacier is very steep, rocky and only recommended for very fit and capable climbers. The trek up the western breach can take anything from 6 to 8 hours and requires a degree of physical exertion. If the snow is heavy, icy picks and crampons may be required. However, the reward for the hard work is that one arrives in the crater floor at 7700m where one sees the incredible glaciers in the crater and also the chance to see the volcanic vent, Resuch crater. Descent is via
Mweka route which is a descent route. This route can be accommodated on both the Machame or Umbwe routes.
2. Machame Route
The Machame Route is one of the most scenic of the routes up to Uhuru Peak. It also affords one the chance of acclimatization due to the concept of climb high, sleep low. The ascent is from the western side of Kilimanjaro, with the descent down the southern face along the Mweka route. One passes through changing vegetation from a tropical forest, to scrubland, to alpine desert and onwards to the summit with it incredible ice fields. You will start your trek at Machame Forest and heads through the lush forest, hanging with moss and lichen with its enormous forest canopy, gradually up the Machame Camp for the first night. Next day, the route heads into a scrubland with giant Lobelia and daisy bushes up toward Shira Camp before heading next day into the alpine desert towards Lava Tower and back down to Barranco. From here on in the terrain remains like an alpine desert, with the glaciers reaching down the mountain like long fingers, to about 4800m. You will hit the snow line at about 5700m, maybe higher.
3. Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is a 7-day, 6-night climb of Africa's highest mountain. The Marangu route is the most popular Kilimanjaro climb and is nicknamed the 'Coca-cola' route followed by ninety percent of all climbers. The path is well defined and 'climber friendly' to make your adventure a little easier. The popular Kilimanjaro climb offers accommodation at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo en route and accommodation on this route consists of built mountain huts providing adequate shelter, bottled water, beer and soft drinks. This is a very scenic route with good views of Mawenzi and excellent prospects for viewing wildlife. The ascent is via the eastern face of the mountain and covers about 80km. The descent is via the same route as the ascent.
4. Umbwe Route
This route is one of the shorter but also one of the more difficult routes to reach Uhuru peak--but quiet spectacular. Umbwe is known for its caves. The first night you actually sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited on route the following day. Also sometimes used as a descending route.
5. Rongai Route
The Rongai Route is also seldom travelled, beginning on the northern, or Kenyan side of the mountain. The drive to the starting point is long, albeit scenic. Park rules require that the descent route is via the Marangu route.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Itinerary
7 DAYS - MARANGU ROUTE
Day 1
Transfer from Arusha or KIA (Kilimanjaro International Airport) for Marangu, at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at the Kibo Hotel, Marangu Hotel or Mountain Inn.
Day 2
After breakfast, start the climb through fascinating rain forests till you reach the first Hut-MANDARA. Meals and overnight at the hut.Time: 3-4 hours 9000 ft 2,725m
Day 3
After breakfast, follow the ascending path through the alpine meadow. The altitude begins to change and slows down your pace while enjoying the flora and the view of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at the Horombo hut 12km from Mandara. Meals and overnight at the hutTime: 5 hours 12335 ft 3,780m
Day 4
After breakfast, resume the climb; the landscape becomes rugged and rocky and groundsels and lobelias appear. Climb to Kibo hut. Meals and overnight at the hut.Time: 5-6 hours 15520ft 4,730m
Day 5
The beginning of the last ascent is made at about 1:00 a.m. in the morning while the scree is still frozen. Climb the very steep part of the route to GILMAN'S POINT (most difficult and tiring part)UHURU PEAK is reached within an hours walk along the crater's rim.Start the descent to Horombo hut for overnight.Time: 5 hours 18635ft. 5680m.
Day 6
Continue the descent to Marangu Gate. Return to your hotel. After lunch, rest for the day. Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 7
After breakfast, depart for your next destination to:
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The National Parks
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Kilimanjaro International Airport
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Arusha or
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Dar es Salaam
8 DAYS - MAACHAME ROUTE
Day 1
You arrive at your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay
Day 2
Transfer from your hotel to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Machame. From here you trek through the lush forest to Machame Hut (10,000ft/3000m). Stay/Camp overnight
Day 3
Leaving the forest, the path follows a steep ridge, passing through heather and open moorlands, and crossing a large gorge to reach Shira Hut (12,500ft/3800m). Stay/Camp overnight.
Day 4
You turn eastwards and continue ascending through the dry landscape before dropping again to reach Barranco Hut (13,000ft/3900m). Stay/Camp overnight.
Day 5
The path climbs steeply out of the Barranco Valley, crosses the Karanga Valley,then turns north to reach Barafu Hut (15,500ft/4600m). Stay overnight.
Day 6
A long day and an early start to rach the crater rim at Stella Point in time for sunrise. Then to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft/5896m) - the highest point in Africa.Afterwards descend to Mweka Hut (10,300ft/3100m). Stay overnight
Day 7
Descend to the park gate, from where you are transferred back to your hotel. Dinner and overnight
Day 8
Breakfast at hotel
7 DAYS - UMBWE ROUTE
Day 1
You arrive at your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2
Transfer from your hotel to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Umbwe. From here you trek along a narrow ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers to reach Bivouac No. 1 (also called Forest Caves) at 9,400ft/2800m. Camp Overnight.
Day 3
Leaving the forest, the path continues to follow the ridge, passing through heather and open moorlands, to reach Barranco Hut (13,000ft/3900m). Stay/Camp overnight.
Day 4
The path climbs steeply out of the Barracno Valley, crosses the Karanga Valley, then turns north to reach Barafu Hut (15,500ft/4600m).Stay/Camp overnight.
Day 5
A long day and an early start to reach the crater rim at Stella Point in time for sunrise. Then to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft/5896m), the highest point in Africa. Afterwards descend to Mweka hut.Stay overnight.
Day 6
Descend to Mweka gate, from where you are transferred back to your hotel. Dinner and overnight
Day 7
Breakfast at your hotel.
8 DAYS - SHIRA ROUTE
Day 1
You arrive at your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2
Transfer from your hotel to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Londorossi. Commence trek.Overnight at campsite in forest (9,000ft/2800m).
Day 3
From here you pass through forest and then across the grassy moorland of the Shira Plateau to reach Shira Hut. (12,500ft/3800m). Stay/Camp overnight.
Day 4
You turn eastwards and continue ascending through the dry landscape before dropping again to reach Barranco Hut (13,000ft/3900m). Stay/Camp overnight
Day 5
The path climbs steeply out of the Barranco Valley, crosses the Karanga Valley, then turns north to reach Barafu Hut (15,500ft/4600m). Stay/Camp overnight.
Day 6
A long day and and early start to reach the crater rim at Stella Point in time for sunrise. Then to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft/5896m), the highest point in Africa.
Day 7
Descend to the Mweka gate, from where you are transferred back to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.Afterward descend to Mweka hut. Stay overnight.
Day 8
Breakfast in hotel.
7 DAYS - RONGAI ROUTE
Day 1
Arrive at your hotel in time for an early evening briefing on the trek, dinner and overnight.
Day 2
Checking out then transfer to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Rongai. Trek through the forest for 2 to 3 hours to reach the 1st cave at 5750ft/1800m for overnight.
Day 3
Trekking for 6 to 7 hours, passing 2nd Cave to arrive at 3rd Cave at 12,000ft/3800m for overnight camp.
Day 4
Continue ascending to Kibo Hut at 5,000ft/4700m taking 3 to 4 hours for overnight camp.
Day 5
An early start for the summit on steep and heavy climb up to Gilman's Point at 18640ft/5681m. On the crater rim to arrive in time for sunrise. Continue on to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa at 19340ft/5896m.Descend to Horombo Hut for overnight taking 7 to 8 hours ascent and 4 to 7 hours descent
Day 6
Descend to Marangu gate, from where you are transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7
Breakfast at your hotel
Check List
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Waterproof rucksack & daypack
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Sleeping Bag inflatable
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Hiking Boots: This is the most important item on the list. You'll need a comfortable/waterproof pair of hiking boots which offer plenty of support. Make sure they are broken in before you get to Kilimanjaro! Light trainers might also be useful.
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Warm heavy weight gloves/mittens
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Wide brimmed hat
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Warm scarf
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Snow goggles / Sunglasses
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Sweaters/ trekking pants and jacket (wind- and waterproof)
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Long sleeved shirts
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Pair of light loose fitting cotton trousers
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Jumpers
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2 to 3 pairs of shorts several pairs of socks
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Set of thermal underwear
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Sun protection cream
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First aid kit and insect repellants
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Toiletry requirements
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Travel pillow
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