CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

If climbing mountains is your passion, then the Kilimanjaro challenge will take your breath away. Rising to 19,340 ft., it is the tallest free standing mountain in the world. Most of the area Kilimanjaro is defined by the Kilimanjaro National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unlike climbing the mountains in the Himalays, this mountain requires no expensive mountaineering equipment, nor do you need mountaineering experience. What you do need though, is to be in excellent physical shape. Don't underestimate the climb.  Summit day is the most demanding portion of the climb, typically involving 8 hours for the ascent and 6-7 hours for the descent. You will require strength & endurance. Being in top physical condition is the single most important aspect for climbers to maximize their climbing potential. The better your physical condition, the more likely you are to perform well and have an enjoyable experience. Start training early if you have plans to climb this mountain. The most common problem is altitude sickness and no one is immune from that possibility.

Mt. Kilimanjaro comprises three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo 19,340 feet (5,895 meters) Mawenzi 16,896 feet (5,149 meters) Shira 13,000 feet (3,962 meters) There are five common routes used to climb Kilimanjaro: Machame, Marangu, Lemosho, Rongai and Umbwe. Uhuru peak is the highest summit of Kilimanjaro. The highest peak on Mawenzi is Hans Meyer Point, which can only be reached by mountaineers. Kilimanjaro contains a wide array of ecosystems on earth – glacier, snowfields, deserts, alpine moorland, savannah, and tropical jungle. The Town of Moshi which is not too far from the summit is the most common base for climbers.

When to go
Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.

Plan on spending at least 6 days (5 nights) on the mountain.  The Kilimanjaro Park Guide is followed.  (-1) indidates the trip could be shortened by a day.

THE ROUTES:

• - Marangu Route


• - Machame Route


• - Rongai Route


• - Lemosho Route


• - Kilimanjaro checklist


• - Altitude acclimatization