Climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Climbing Kilimanjaro to the Roof of Africa

Imagine flying high above the clouds over Tanzania and suddenly seeing, peering out from under her morning snowy white duvet, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, so close you can almost reach out to touch her. Standing only 3 degrees south of the equator, she sports a solid cladding of glacial ice. Formed about 1.5million years ago, Mt Kilimanjaro sours above the plains of the Ngorongoro like a majestic ballerina in her cotton tutu.

Kilimanjaro is 5895 metres (which is close to 20,000 feet) high, and is the highest mountain in Africa. Because of this, her additional claim to fame is that she is one of the 'seven Summits'. In addition to this, Kilimanjaro is also the tallest free-standing mountain on earth and being equatorial, one of closest points in the world to the sun.

Mt Kilimanjaro is classified as a dormant volcano and comprises three separate peaks, Shira 3962m, Mawenzi at 5159m, and Kibo5895m, each formed by volcanic activity. Shira and Mawenzi are extinct but Kibo is dormant. The highest point is Uhuru Peak at the summit of Kibo crater's rim and is classified as the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the easier mountains to climb as its summit can be reached without the use of ropes and climbing equipment. It takes on average, 6 days to climb Kilimanjaro and return to the base, but extra days can be added to take in other sights, or for acclimatisation to the altitude. Kilimanjaro can be ascended via 7 different trekking routes; Machame, Marangu, Lemosho, Umbwe, Shira, Rongai and the new, Northern Circuit, each one offering their own unique scenery and sights en-route, and each varying in difficulty.

The easiest trekking tour and fastest ascent is via Marangu route followed by Rongai, but the most scenic is Machame. To further aid with acclimatisation, many people do a pre-climb of Mt Meru, Kilimanjaro's sister volcano. Mt Meru can be completed in 3 or 4 days.

KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE

The Machame Route up Kilimanjaro is one of the most scenic of the routes up to Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. It also affords one the chance of acclimatisation 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 .You will start your trek at Machame forest and head through the lush forest, hanging with moss and lichen with its enormous forest canopy, gradually up to 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 into the alpine desert towards Lava Tower and back down to Barranco. From here the terrain remains like an alpine desert, with glaciers reaching down the mountain like long fingers, to about 4800m. You will hit the snow line at about 5700m, maybe higher.

MARANGU ROUTE

The Marangu Kilimanjaro Route is a popular route up Kilimanjaro as it is not only the quickest route but also the most direct and often deemed, easier route. On the Marangu Route accommodation is in huts. The ascent is via the eastern face of the mountain and covers about 80km. The descent is via the same route as the ascent.

SHIRA ROUTE

The Shira route, approaches Kilimanjaro's summit from the west and crosses the caldera of Shira Volcano before heading beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo. The route is seldom used by other trekkers and so your initial two days on the mountain are less crowded than on most other routes. The remainder of the route joins in with the routes from Lemosho and Machame. Your starting altitude is higher than your end point altitude.

LEMOSHO ROUTE

Lemosho Route is often considered one of the more scenic in terms of game viewing. This is not as much the case as it was several years back when game was more abundant, although there is still the chance to see game on the first 2 days. These two days are also a lot quieter on the route, until it joins in with the standard trail from Machame and Shira routes.

RONGAI ROUTE

The Rongai Route up Kilimanjaro is also seldom travelled, beginning on the 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.

NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE

The new Northern Circuit is the newest route to open on Kilimanjaro and heads around Kibo through very quiet non-tourist areas until it joins in with the Rongai Route for part of the way. The ascent climb is via Gilmans point and then down via Barafu and Mweka Camp. This route has also been called the 360 and Grand Traverse by some companies. Northern Circuit Route Itinerary - this route can be done in 9 days by trekking to Shira II for your first night

UMBWE ROUTE

Umbwe Route on Kilimanjaro is one of the shortest and less used of all the routes. Although it is not a technical climb, it is a lot steeper and recommended for very fit hikers.

Your Questions Answered

Do we support any porters initiative

Very definitely yes. Porters and guides are the life blood of any successful mountain climb. Through our partners in Tanzania we support various charity initiatives including the most important Kilimanjaro Porters Society. This society was registered under the name Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society on 30th September 2005 as a non governmental organization with a certificate no 13296 under the organization art of the United Republic of Tanzania. The society exists as a shield for porters who are registered under it with the goal of improving the living and working condition of these porters.

What are the temperatures like on Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is just three degrees south of the equator, so the lower slopes are generally hot and dry reaching 25°C during the day. This quickly dips with each ecological zone however, open heathlands, alpine desert and then, at the summit, categorically Arctic. Temperatures at Uhuru Peak are between -7 to -29°C.

What are the toilets like?

This is a popular question. The toilets that are available on the mountain are pretty rudimentary unless you are on Marangu, and are really just a wooden or block building with a hole in the ground (or a 'long drop'). One option though it adds to the cost is to hire a portable toilet. Finally, although there may not be toilet facilities when you really need them during the days trek, we ask that you seek out a 'loo with a view' away from the path, and keep your used paper in a small bag to dispose of later at camp so as to preserve the environment.

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a group of general symptoms that are brought on by climbing or walking to a higher and higher altitude (elevation) too quickly. High altitude is defined as 8,000 - 12,000 feet (2400 - 2600m) above sea level. Altitude sickness can affect anyone who goes to high altitudes without giving the body time to adjust to the changes in air pressure and oxygen level. Symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then get better within a day or two as your body adjusts to the change in altitude. Because Kilimanjaro has a rapid ascent profile ie. 1000m a day, altitude sickness tends to be more common than on some other treks. It is for this reason that taking your time is vitally important and why shorter routes have a lower success rate.

Is Kilimanjaro a technical climb?

No it is not. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak in that you essentially hike or trek to the top. No technical expertise is required, nor use of rope etc. There are sections on the mountain which require a scramble up rocky areas, dependant on which trekking route you follow.

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

The shortest number of days required to climb to the summit is on a 5 day route, totally 7 by the time you have added on arrival and departure day. However, it is not advisable to do it over 5 as the ascent is very quick and the overall success rate, low. It is better to do the trek over a minimum of 6 or 7 days to increase your changes of success.

How fit do I need to be?

Although Kilimanjaro is classified as a 'trek,' it has a very fast altitude gain. It requires physical fitness and stamina and most importantly, mental fitness. Your legs will get you up the first 4-5 days but for your summit night, it is often mental strength that will get you to the top - (assuming of course that you are not affected by altitude, sickness or pure fatigue). A good exercise and training program is essential. The climb should not be undertaken lightly, after all, why spend the money if you are not willing to prepare yourself physically as well?

Do I need to undergo specific medical tests?

This really depends on the operator you travel through. The parks Kilimanjaro Park authorities do not ask for any medical information on the climbers when permits are purchased. Some operators request the clients complete a medical form, others do not. We require that all of our clients complete a medical form and based on the answers, we may request a letter from your medical practitioner. People suffering with conditions such as severe asthma e.g. should not climb. Regardless, anyone attempting the climb, or any climb for that matter, should ensure that they are medically fit, and convey any medical conditions to the operator they book with.

What gear do I need on Kilimanjaro?

There are certain essentials that are needed for most climbs and Kilimanjaro is no different.The best way to draw up your list is from the base up, i.e. thermal underwear, then hands and feet (gloves, socks etc). Then boots which must be waterproof with good ankle support, trekking pants, trekking tops, short and long sleeve, thermal jacket, outer shell jacket which likewise is windproof and water proof, hat, scarf, beanie, balaclava. Then consider sleeping, i.e. sleeping bag, mat etc. Most companies supply sleeping mats so check before you buy one. Then, the last items to add are personal items like toiletries, camera, medicines, water bottle, backpack, camera etc.

Most companies will supply you with a comprehensive list for your trek, as do we. If you arrive to Kilimanjaro and are missing items, you can normally rent most gear. Do not, however, reply on buying your gear on arrival.