Soaring over the rippling plantations of north-eastern Tanzania sits Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and one of its most magnificent sights. Mount Kilimanjaro has three major volcanic peaks, Mawenzi, Kibo, and Shire, which offers different routes for mountain climbers.
Kilimanjaro is located close to the town of Moshi and is a protected area The ecosystem is beautiful, varied and diverse and on the lowland slopes, there are farmland and plantations, which adds allure to sight seers. There are some larger coffee farms on the lower slopes, but most of the area has been divided into smaller plots.
Top 3 Routes of Mount Kilimanjaro
There are seven most visited routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Shira, Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Umbwe and Northern Circuit. Machame, Marangu, and Umbwe routes approach the mountain from the south, while Shire, Lemosho, and Northern Circuit routes are from the west. The Rongai route approaches the mountain from the north.
Choosing a route can sometimes be a tough decision for many climbers. To pick the most suitable routes, there are some factors that you must take into consideration: route’s scenery, foot traffic, difficulty, and altitude. Below are brief reviews of the top 3 most popular routes.
Machame Route This route is called the ‘Whiskey” route and is the most popular approach to Kilimanjaro. Machame has longer days, and the climb is steeper It is regarded as one of the most difficult routes and is best for experienced climbers. The scenic view is glorious, with a lot to see on the way up.
Marangu Route This route is called the “Coca Cole route and is a classic approach to Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, and most established of all the routes. Visitors love this route because it’s easy to trek due to its gradual slope. Marangu is the only route that offers sleeping huts and accommodation on the way up the mountain.
Even though it is very popular, the scenic variety is not as much as the other routes. If you decide to take a Kilimanjaro expedition during the rainy season, Marangu is the best choice because you’ll get shelter along the way.
Lemosho Route Approaching Kilimanjaro from the west, the Lemosho route joins up with Machame. So most of what has been said about the Machame route also applies to Lemosho. The Lemosho trek will take you through a beautiful and secluded rainforest. This route offers the possibility of seeing some African wildlife. Although it’s a longer trek than the others, there are many variations available. The one you take will depend on your operator.
Taking this route is not for the faint of heart but for people who are confident in their abilities to hike in challenging terrains and camp out for long periods – for people who want a true wilderness experience.
Some Tips For Your Kilimanjaro Climb!
One of Kilimanjaro’s main attraction is that you don’t have to be a professional mountain climber to conquer it You could be a teacher, farmer, secretary, or even a pensioner. You do not need any mountain climbing gear or prior climbing experience to take this adventure. All you need are good hiking boots and determination to make it to the top. If you’ve read the brochures and reviews, and you are convinced that climbing Kilimanjaro is your next adventure, then the below is a MUST-READ:
- Find a reliable guide service There are many experienced guides and operators available with the right equipment and resources. Do not attempt this on your own; especially if you are a new comer These guides are better trained to handle any issues that may arise like altitude sickness and any other emergencies during your trek. Remember, your life is priceless worth more than a few hundred dollars, so think safety and get an operator.
- Kilimanjaro is highly frequented, so worry less about your safety Over 25,000 people climb mount Kilimanjaro annually, and it is one of the world’s most climbed mountains. It is not the most difficult mountain but is definitely a test of one’s endurance level. Although it is a huge challenge, it is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in mountaineering.
- Overall Fitness Required Kilimanjaro is 19,341 feet with extreme, high-altitude slopes, and perhaps the most underestimated Summit. Before attempting to climb this mountain, you should be comfortable walking 4-8 hours every day. The Summit climb is the most difficult portion of the trek and normally takes about eight hours to the top, and six to seven hours back down.
- You must be fit to enjoy the trip, as inadequate fitness will affect your pace and overall enjoyment of the climb. It is highly recommended that you check in with your physician before undertaking any strenuous activity.
- What to expect on the climb Sleeping arrangement – If you have no camping experience, the climb will be a new adventure. Expect to sleep in tents, sleeping bags and on sleeping mats. Luckily, on the Marangu Route, you can get access to a hut. But note that the other routes are camping routes.
Latrine toilets – On some routes, there are no standard toilets, and you will have to learn to keep your balance when using the pit toilets.
Temperature variations – The temperature will vary depending on your route. Expect hot and humid conditions while in the forests, and almost freezing, icy wind and rain at the higher altitudes. Pack some thermal clothing, hand gloves, hiking boots, and of course repellent.
Enjoy biodiversity – Kilimanjaro has a total of 5 different climate zones, including alpine desert, low moorland, lush rainforest and the popular Arctic summit.
Your body might do unfamiliar things – The altitude will put a strain on all your body, and you might start to doubt your sanity in venturing on the stupendous adventure. But don’t worry, it’ll all pass quickly.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a once in a lifetime experience that is on some peoples bucket list. Visitors come from all over the world just to stand at the top of the ‘Roof of Africa’ Prepare properly because this is the key to an enjoyable Kilimanjaro adventure and once you have finished your route, you will experience a new sense of achievement that people before you have felt.
http//www.traveller com.au/the-worlds-10-mostclimbed-mountains-gm4pqa https//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kilimanjaro