Climb Mount Kilimanjaro:Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro in NE Tanzania is Africas highest mountain at 5895m. 20,000 people climb Kilimanjaro every year. Situated on the East African Rift Kilimanjaro is a volcano which started erupting 1 million years ago as eastern africa was splitting away from the rest of Africa.The last major eruption was 360,000 years ago but the most recent activity was 200 years ago.

There are several routes to the summit , but none of them are technical climbs, just hiking! I say just hiking but the challenge comes from the altitude and lack of oygen which makes just putting one foot in front of the other a challenge. Near the top there is half the oxygen of lower down. The afffects of altitude scupper many attempts, very fit people fail whilst the unfit can happily summit its down to physiology,pace and acclimatisation.

There are five distinct climate and vegetation zones rainforest,open heath,moorland,tundra and arctic desert.Temperatures range from the high 20C to freezing with snow. Most treks start from Arusha and from here you'll enter Kilianjaro National Park.

Popular routes

Rongai Route

The Rongai route ascends from the north near the Kenyan border and the Tanzanian town of Loitokitok. The northern side is drier than the south side.The Trek takes 5-7 days and although not that scenic it is quieter and therefore has an excellent chance of seeing wildlife such as monkeys,buffalo and elephant. Many people take an extra day at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut which allows exacellent views of the summit and a chance to walk across Kilis summit. The route descends on the south side of the mountain so you see both sides. The route starts at 1950m

Machame

The Machame route is the most popular and summit sucessful route over 6-7 days. It usually involves an acclimatisation day in the Karanga Valley. The route is tougher and longer but offers better acclimatisation. The route starts on the SW side of the mountain and ascends through cloud forest,the Shira Palteau and the Barranco Campsite flowered with senicio blooms.It is a popular

Marangu Route

The least expensive option over 5 days. Beds mattresss and "coca-cola" at every camp. However the huts are not that desireable as places to sleep. Scenically and in terms of acclimatisation the route is not the best.More people fail on this route than any other.

Shira Route

Shira is one of the longer mor expensive trails and starts on the western side of the mountain. A 4WD drive track will take you to 3500m in a day from were you start the trek. This may give problems with acclimatisation. Still on this route it is possble to take a week ff work and climb Kilimanjaro. The itinary below walks from 3050m