Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano located in Northern Tanzania, Africa. With its highest point, Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet); Kilimanjaro is the world tallest free standing mountain rise in the world and is Africa’s highest point.

The different routes to the summit pass through five ecological zones, being the cultivated lower slopes, Montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the ice capped summit. This gives the climber a chance to experience a whole different world; five different surroundings all within a few thousand metres. Weather is quite constant throughout the year where there is a constant feeling of summer; however there are two main rainy or monsoon seasons that the trekker has to bear in mind when planning a climb.

A good standard of fitness is required but more importantly a sensible approach to altitude is essential. When up the mountain the importance of ‘climb high and sleep low’ is soon discovered and an extra day added to the trek is recommended for acclimatization.

Trekking up Kilimanjaro is only permitted when accompanied by a registered guide who knows the mountain well. Porters and cooks also make up the trekking party and climb before the main group to ensure camp is ready for the weary walkers.

Marangu Route

The main tourist route and by far the most popular route and some claim the easiest route to Uhuru Peak. The 5-day option, which is available on this route, makes it the least expensive route on the mountain. A 6-day option with an extra day of acclimatisation is however also available. This is the only route, which provides comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every campsite. Mineral water, soft drinks, beer and chocolates are also sold at every camp. All the camps on this route have radio contact with the Park Headquarters.

Machame Route

This is probably the most scenic and most beautiful route to the summit. The 6-day route is however physically more challenging than the Marangu route. The day walks are longer and steeper, however the summit night is one hour shorter. The scenic traverse of the Western Breach offers some stunning views! Only tented accommodation available, which can be less comfortable and will require a good sleeping bag and hiking mattress.

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.

Shira Route

The Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic and most fascinating areas on Kilimanjaro. Depending on the weather conditions you can drive by 4 wheel drive vehicles, to within a 1/2 hours walk of Shira Hut (4000m). Even this drive is very spectacular indeed and offers some magnificent views of Mt Meru and the Great Rift Valley in general. Game is often sighted and the road features some striking vegetation changes ranging from forest, grassland, heath to moorland. The fast ascend by vehicle to about 4000m will require additional acclimatisation, after which it will be possible to ascend Uhuru Peak either via the Western Breach or via the Barafu hut.

Mweka Route

This route can only be use as a descending route for all the western routes.

Lemosho Route

It is a remote, unspoiled and very beautiful route to the Roof of Africa. The forest around the Lemosho Glades is rich in big game animals such as elephant and buffalo, which may sometimes require a game ranger to accompany climbers on the first day. This route is however a long route which requires 7-days for a comfortable completion, which also makes it more expensive.

Rongai (Naro Moru) Route

You can start this route from both the Tanzanian side of the border or from Rongai in Kenya, but all park fees and arrangements must be made at the Marangu gate. The route may only be used for ascend and the Marangu route must be used for descend. There are several big caves along the route, which are used by the porters to overnight for the first two nights.

Western Breach / Arrow Glacier

An alternative final ascend route which can be taken from all of the western routes, sleeping at magnificent Arrow Glacier on your summit night. The western Breach poses a very difficult walk up steep scree with some rock scrambling occasionally required. Snow cover makes scree easier but an ice axe is then required. It is also possible to sleep an extra night inside the Kibo Crater!

Technical climbs

No Technical climbs or adventure activities such as paragliding, cycling or skiing are aloud on Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Final Amount: £22,000