Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the World’s highest free standing structure at an altitude of 5896 meters (19,336 feet) above the sea level. Hiking on the rooftop of Africa is the adventure of a lifetime, and anyone who is physically fit can scale this snowcapped mountain. It is only 200 miles from the equator. Kilimanjaro is located inside the Kilimanjaro National Park outside of Moshi town in a beautiful accessible village of Marangu where the headquarter of the park is located. To accomplish your dream of reaching the roof of Africa, there are different routes to follow. These routes includes Marangu route, Machame route, Rongai route, Lemosho route, Umbwe route, Shira route and Mweka route which is used for descent only.
Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the highest free standing peak in the world but also highest accessible point. The chagga who inhabit the area of the mountain hasn’t yet managed to give the meaning of the word Kilimanjaro with the exception of kipoo (now known as Kibo) which is one the 3 peaks of the mountain. The vegetation of Mount Kilimanjaro varies accordingly ranging from tropics to the Arctic. At the level of 2700 m the cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by leopard, buffalo, elephant, antelope and other primates. As you ascend the moorland zone show up where a cover of giant heather is studded with other worldly giant lobelias. Above 3900m, the zone changes to alpine desert which support little life to the fauna and flora. The final vegetation is of winter wonderland of ice and snow and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the Africa.
Unlike other snow caped Mountains in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t a technical climbing and need less personal climbing gear on trekking. Walking stick, proper clothing, sun glass, enough drinking water and determination are the key to a successfully Kilimanjaro climber. To successfully conquer the mountain you have to who prepares yourself properly before attempting the climb, even though prior mountain climbing experience is required. Our local guides are always on hand to offer advice and assistance to all our climbers. Mount Kilimanjaro is can be climbed in five days using Marangu route, but for those who wants to make a record they can climb in less days provided that they have paid for a minimum of five days. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a breathtaking activity and an extra day for acclimatization is recommended.
An Acclimatization day gives a climber more chance to reach on the roof of Africa as this allows you to experience the climatic changes gradually, which improves your chances of summiting. An extra day on Marangu route is recommended while for Machame route 7 days should be considered to maximize the chances of reaching Uhuru peak which is the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The team which will take you to the mountain will comprise a cook(s), mountain guide, and porters. The allocation of the crew is determined by the size of the group. For every 2 climbers, one guide and his assistant will be allocated, together with a cook and porters. For every climber 2-3 porters are allocated if the route is Marangu, while for the camping routes such as Machame 4-5 porters are allocated. Porters will carry the luggage of the climber which should not exceed 20kgs. There will also be porters carrying other equipment such as cooking facilities, dining tents, chairs, bathrooms, toilets, and sleeping tents depending on the route selected. On camping routes, you carry more equipment compared to the Marangu route which has some facilities such as huts, toilets, and kitchens provided by the park.
Accommodation on all the official routes on Mount Kilimanjaro is on camping tents with exception of Marangu route on which you sleep on huts accommodation, you share this accommodation with 4-6 climbers however on the camping routes you have private tents for single occupancy or sharing with a friend.
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing is accessible while you are in Tanzania only and above mentioned routes are the only official routes up Kilimanjaro. The National Park that is Mount Kilimanjaro is managed by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) with the park office in Marangu village. Trekking/Climbing Mountain Kilimanjaro normally starts in the morning around 9:00 a.m. to 10:00a.m.It is recommended that you arrive be at the entrance gate for the registration as well as park fees payments in good time. Please observe all the national park regulation especially environmental issues at all times. You will be granted a certificate by Kilimanjaro National Park if your successfully trek to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), Stella or Gilman’s Points.
Mountain Kilimanjaro can successfully be attempted by any mountain fit climber from the age 12 years to 70 years. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of climber’s different parts of the world. And majority of then who prepare themselves well for the trekking reach the highest point, Uhuru which is the ultimate goal of every climber on Mount Kilimanjaro.
ACCOMMODATION
- Private Mountain Camps
- Public campsites.
- Special campsites.
ACTIVITIES
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Skeing
- Parachuting
Getting there
- Trekking
- Helicopter
Best time to go
The Mountain can be trekk at any time of the year but much suited better when it is not raining.