MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Mount Kilimanjaro

"As wide as all the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun, was the square top of Kilimanjaro".

Hemingway, The Snows of Kilimanjaro.

The ice-capped, dormant volcano that is MOUNT KILIMANJARO, has exerted an irresistible fascination since it was “discovered” by Europeans in the mid-nineteenth century. Rising almost five kilometres from the surrounding plains to a peak of 5891m, Kilimanjaro - a national park, and a World Heritage Site since 1989-is Africa's highest mountain, the world's tallest free-standing massif and one of the world's largest volcanoes, covering some 3885 square kilometres. It is also an exceptionally beautiful mountain, both from afar and close up, and it fills up brochures as easily as it fills up the horizon. The mountain that the Chagga call Kilemakyaro, the Mountain of God, was formed during the most recent faulting of the Great Rift Valley two to three million years ago, an event that also produced Mount Meru and Mount Kenya. Kilimanjaro has three main peaks, together with parasitic volcanic cones and craters dotted around its sides. The youngest and highest peak is the distinctives now-capped dome of Kibo, actually a large crater, which was formed around100,000 years ago during the last period of major volcanic activity. Kibo's highest point is Uhuru Peak on the crater's southwestern rim, whose official height of 5895m was downsized to 5891.6m in 2000 after a topographical satellite survey. Eleven kilometres to the east of Kibo (to which it's connected by a broad lava saddle) is the jagged Mawenzi Peak (5149m), all that remains of a volcanic cone that lost its eastern rim in a gigantic explosion. The oldest peak is Shira, on the west side of the mountain, which has mostly collapsed, leaving a spectacular lava plug.

POPULAR ROUTES

MARANGU ROUTE

The Marangu or main route is by far the most popular way to the summit. The ascent is more gradual and no professional equipment is required. The accommodation on the way up and down is provided in mountain huts with all the basic necessities. There are 60 bunk beds each (for 60 people each) at Mandara Hut (2700m) and Kibo Hut (4700m), and 120 bunk beds (for 120 people) at Horombo Hut (3720m) which is also used for descent. Climbers are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags should be brought along. There are communal dining halls, washrooms and toilets.

It usually takes 5 days/4nights for the round trip. The trek can also be taken in 6 days/5 nights to add acclimatization with an extra day at Horombo Hut. The supplementary cost for an extra day is indicated separately as an option.

MACHAME ROUTE

This is probably the most scenic route up Kilimanjaro. The accommodation on the way up and down is strictly camping (mobile tents) only. This trek is strenuous and may be better suited to more adventurous hikers. The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days/5nights on the mountain.

RONGAI ROUTE

There is only one route over on the north eastern side of the mountain, Rongai, which is usually a five night climb. This lesser known track may not be quite as spectacular as the western routes, but it does usually have far lower traffic than the other five night routes. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.It is generally considered to be the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain. Rongai is the best route for people who are looking for a decent quality experience and are perhaps not absolutely confident about their fitness.

UMBWE ROUTE

The Umbwe route, which is based in the south, is a 6-day / 5-night tour and is said to be the most scenic and difficult one offered on Kilimanjaro. The first two days are extremely steep, muddy and generally strenuous making it only suitable for well-trained mountaineers. An acclimatization day is rarely offered on the standard programme, but can be added whereby giving the climber an extra day in the Karanga Valley. The descent trail is the same as the Mweka Route.

LEMOSHO(SHIRA) GLADES ROUTE

The Lemosho Glades route is perhaps the least used initial ascent route on Kilimanjaro, partly because of its remote location and likewise the difficult roads leading to the trailhead. The road to the trailhead is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles and can be impassable during wet periods. The trailhead is at relatively high elevation, and thus we start slow and easy on this route. Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible on the first day trekking through the forest, and the trail is often overgrown from lack of use.

The route is the longest distance to trek up Kilimanjaro, so fitness certainly plays a role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. The Lemosho (Shira) route takes 7 days / 6 nights on the mountain. Overall, the distance covered and the intensity of the final few days make this trek a good choice only for the experienced hiker. The many changes of scenery and spectacular hike across the Shira Plateau make this trek truly special. There are no huts on this route, the accommodation is in mountain tents.

WHEN TO CLIMB?

June to October. June to October are also good months to climb but can be a little colder than January to March. This is the main high season and therefore busier than at other times. Generally these months are good for climbing as the trails are dry and favourable timing for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.