MountKilimanjaro

Everything you need to know!

Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 meters), the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa, is located in Tanzania. The majority of climbers only need a walking stick, appropriate clothing, and willpower to reach the summit (Uhuru Peak) of Kilimanjaro, one of the world’s highest summits, despite its height.

From the tropical rain forest on the lower slopes and the alpine heath to an almost bare alpine desert and finally the wintry Arctic summit of snow and ice, just 3 degrees south of the Equator, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is like taking a virtual climate tour of the world.

Marangu Route

One of the most well-known routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is the Marangu route, also referred to as the “Coca Cola route.” Since it can be completed in 5 days, the Marangu route is thought by many hikers to be the simplest way to reach Uhuru Peak (making it a lower budget option).

Machame Route

The most well-known and successful route to the top of Kilimanjaro is the Machame route, also referred to as the “Wiskey route.” The Machame route is regarded as a challenging route and is better suited to more experienced hikers and trekkers with previous backpacking or hiking experience. because the Marangu route is more difficult and requires longer hiking hours.

Umbwe Route

The Umbwe route is famous for its caves; the first night, you actually spend the night at the Umbwe Cave Camp, and the following day, you can visit two more caves along the way. One of the quickest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach is the Umbwe route, which is steeper than the Machame route. It is most likely one of Kilimanjaro’s scenic and easiest routes. However, there are greater risks when attempting to reach the summit via the Western Breach/Arrow Glacier and spending the night at the Arrow Glacier camp.

Lemosho Route

The first day of the trek includes an armed ranger along the Lemosho Route, which is a very scenic and unspoiled route. Elephants, buffalo, and other animals live in the forests surrounding the Lemosho Glades. You might catch a glimpse of them while on your journey.

Rongai Route

One of the simplest routes with a very high success rate is the Rongai Route, also referred to as the “Fanta route.” It is one of the less traveled routes and begins on the north side of the mountain, south of the Kenyan border. The main benefit of this route is that climbers will be able to view the mountain from a variety of angles because they will be descending on the mountain’s south-eastern side.

The Northern Circuit

Starting your hike on the Rongai route, switch to the Machame route at the Shira plateau, attempt the summit from the Barafu camp, and return via the Mweka route instead of continuing east toward Mawenzi peak. Although the Rongai route descends along the Marangu route as well, you do not use the Marangu route’s huts and instead sleep in tents. Start out on the Lemosho route, and on day three, rather than going east towards Lava Tower, head north to connect with the Rongai route. From the Kibo hut, attempt the summit, and then descend using the Mweka route.

Shira Route

The Shira Route is a less commonly used route near Shira Ridge, similar to the Lemosho route. Shira was the original, but Lemosho is an improved version. However, Shira is less favored due to its higher starting altitude, reached quickly by vehicle. Climbers may experience altitude symptoms at the 11,800 feet camp. The route starts with a drive to Shira Ridge, bypassing the rainforest. It then crosses the Shira Plateau and the Southern Circuit before reaching the summit from Barafu. Descent is through the Mweka route.