Kilimanjaro Climb – trekking Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safaris. Mount Kilimanjaro is by features a snow-capped mountain standing as tall as 5,895m. marking the mountain the Africa’s highest and the world highest free standing mountain.
Usually the peaks of this mountain are covered by clouds, although on clear days you can enjoy breathtaking sights of the uhuru peak which is the highest point on the continent. Mount Kilimanjaro is also referred to as ‘Kili’ it is one of the must-see tourist destinations while on Tanzania safari circuits. You can combine the Kilimanjaro climb with safari through Arusha, Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks or to beautiful Ngorongoro crater.
Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro Climb.
The scenes offered by us for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro is almost appealing to first time travelers into Tanzania. The finest months to trek this mountain are actually January, February as well as September. In addition, July plus August can also be okay although they are rather colder.
This mountain climb requires no technical skills or special hiking equipment, although you must allow time for acclimatization to do away with altitude sickness, which is majorly characterized with severe headaches. With that in mind, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no big challenge. The hike normally runs for about six to nine days. However you must be well prepared physically, mentally and financially as well.
Vegetation when Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Among the features that make mount Kilimanjaro climb very attractive is the reality that Mount Kilimanjaro possesses five different vegetation zones that vary from the countryside, farmed lower slopes to the montane forest. The middle altitude is covered with heath plus moorland, as well as the alpine zone that contains majorly only lichens. Moving further higher to the peak is bare with somewhat less plant life. Hikers trail through all these vegetation zones as they try to attempt the summit of the mountain.
Peaks Of Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro Climb.
Kilimanjaro comprises of three peaks that include the Shira Peak at 3,962 meters high, the Mawenzi Peak at 5,149 meters high and then the Uhuru Peak at 5,985 meters high. The peak of Kibo (Uhuru) is the volcanic section of the mountain and it is not only the highest but also the steepest peak. Shira’s caldera was eventually filled with lava following the violent eruption of Kibo close to 360,000 years back in time, and this resulted into the formation of the current Shira plateau we see now.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes.
There are 6 established trekking routes that lead to the summit of the Mount Kilimanjaro and these vary in the level of difficulty, ascending time, physical attractiveness as well as wildlife abundance. Below are the few highlights about these routes.
Marangu route – trek goes for about 5 – 6 days.
Marangu Route is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
Only 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut accommodate trekkkers. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic. Kilimanjaro Climb.
Climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices increase with elevation).
Machame route – trek goes for about 6 – 7 days.
Machame Route is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain.
All climbers sleep in tents and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. Acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high.
Lemosho route – trek goes for about 7 – 9 days.
Lemosho Route is a great option if you want a longer trek for acclimatization. It connects with the Machame Route at Shira 2 Camp. The drive to trailhead is about 4 hours.
The other routes include:
- Umbwe route – The climb goes for about 7 days.
- Shira route – The climb goes from 6 to 7 days and then.
- Rongai route – The climb normally lasts for 7 days.
Where To Stay?.
You can book your hotel before and after climb in Moshi or Arusha depends on the route you will trek on. Kilimanjaro Climb. Kilimanjaro Climb. Kilimanjaro Climb. Kilimanjaro Climb.