Travel Adventure

Kilimanjaro (or Kilima Njaro, which means “shining mountain” in Swahili), formerly Kaiser-Wilhelm-Spitze, is a moutain in northeastern Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain rise in the world, rising 4600 meters (15,000 ft) from the base, and includes the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,340 ft), providing the dramatic view from the surrounding plains.

Brief Summary about the different Routes to Mount Kilimajaro:

The Marangu Route offers walking on gentle forest and moorland paths up to 4700m. Above, scree leads to Gillman’s Point on the often snowy crater rim which is followed to Uhuru Peak. Accommodation is in huts.
The Machame and Umbwe Routes are tougher. Steep forest paths, easy scrambling and airy ridges lead to the final screes and hence the crater. Nights are spent in tents. The Mweka Route is generally used to descend after either of the last two routes. The remote Lemosho Glades Route, is particularly beautiful and goes through one of the few areas on Kilimanjaro that is rich in game.

Kilimanjaro Route: Marangu Route

(So called “Coca Cola Route” because most tourists
use this route to hike Mount Kilimanjaro)

Marangu Route is the most easy way up and/or down. The Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace through forests, moorlands and then across The Saddle, a high-altitude desert separating the main summit, Kibo, 5896m, from craggy Mawenzi, 5149m, to Kibo Hut. From here an early start is made for the ascent to Uhuru Point (the highest top of Kibo). The path zig-zags up steep scree which is easier to climb when frozen. The views from the crater rim at Gillman’s Point at dawn can be spectacular. Uhuru Peak lies a further 1h30min. around the rim. Accommodation on the mountain is in comfortable huts. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a tough walking trip but within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. An extra day for acclimatisation to the altitude is recommended at Horombo from where there are various walks to enjoy.

Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut: 3 – 4 hours

Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut: 5 – 6 hours

Horombo – Kibo Hut: 5 – 6 hours

Kibo – Gilman’s Point: 5 – 6 hours

Gilman’s point – Uhuru Peak: 1 – 2 hours

Kilimanjaro Route: Machame route

This is the second most popular route, and it is considered the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. The diferent kind of vegetation found along the Machame Route make it the most scenic route to Mount Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro Route: Umbwe route

This is the steepest route up or down Kilimanjaro. It is the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. It follows a forested ridge to the moorlands, then traverses below the Southern Icefields to reach the Barafu Route which is followed to the summit. An early start is made on the summit day to reach Stella Point, on the Crater Rim at dawn. Uhuru Peak lies a further 40 min. along the rim.

Accommodation on the mountain is in tents which the porters will pitch for you; you will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a steep, tough and in places slightly exposed trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.

Umbwe route is usually recommended for descent only.

Umbwe – Bivouac 1: 4 – 6 hours

Bivouac 1 – Bivouac 2: 3 – 4 hours

Bivouac 2 – Barranco Hut: 2 – 3 hours

Barranco Hut – Lava Tower Hut: 3 – 4 hours

Barranco Hut – Shira Hut: 5 – 6 hours

Kilimanjaro Route: Lemosho Route

A very long and difficult route, most scenic and fascinating to Mount Kilimanjaro.

After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau to meet up with the Machame Route. Groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other game. The South Circuit is then followed, offering superb views of the Southern Icefields, past the Barranco Hut then on to Barafu and hence the summit. Descent is by the Mweka Route.

This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. Londorosi – Mti Mkubwa: 3 – 4 hours

Mti Mkubwa – Shira: 5 – 6 hours

Shira 1 – Shira 2: 4 – 6 hours

Shira 2 – Barranco: 6 – 7 hours

Barranco – Barafu: 6 – 7 hours

Barafu – Uhuru: 6 – 8 hours

Mweka Camp – Gate: 3 – 4 hours

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