'''Mount Kilimanjaro''' is a currently inactive strato-volcano in northern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. At 5,895 metres (19,340 feet) above sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and the world's highest free-standing mountain. As such - and aided by its relatively easy ascent - Kilimanjaro has become a major destination for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world.

Understand

Although positioned close to the Equator (330 km south), Mount Kilimanjaro is famous as Africa's snow-capped mountain looming over the plains of the savannah. '''Kilimanjaro National Park''' protects the area above 2,700 metres (8,850 ft), on the mountain and includes the moorland and highland zones, Shira Plateau, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The Park also has six corridors or rights of way through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve. The Forest Reserve, which is also a Game Reserve, was established in 1921; the Park was established in 1973 and officially opened in 1977.

History

It is commonly perceived that Queen Victoria of England gave her grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, Mount Kilimanjaro as a birthday present. However, this is not the case. In fact, Karl Peters, a German traveller in Africa and one of the founders of today's Tanzania, sneaked into Tanganyika and persuaded various Chagga chieftains to sign treaties in which they agreed to cede their territories to his Society for German Colonization.

Landscape

The mountain has snowy peaks, which are well renowned, although they are quickly disappearing

Flora and fauna

Weather

Due to Mount Kilimajaro's proximity to the equator, this region does not experience the extremes of winter and summer weather, but rather dry and wet seasons. January and February are the warmest months, April and May are the wettest months, June and July are the coolest months, and August and September are the driest months. January, February, and September are considered to be the best months to climb Kilimanjaro in terms of weather.

The journey from the gate to the peak is like traveling from the equator to Antarctica in a matter of days. This is because the routes to the Uruhu peak cross different ecological zones. Throughout the climb, temperatures vary considerably with the altitude and time of day. Mount Kilimanjaro has five major ecological zones, each approximately 3,280 feet (1,000 m) in altitude. Each zone is subject to a corresponding decrease in rainfall, temperature and life as the altitude increases. At the beginning of the climb, at the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 70__F to 80__F (27__C to 32__C). From there, the temperatures will decrease as you move through Mount Kilimanjaro's ecological zones. At the summit, Uruhu Peak, the night time temperatures can range between 0__F to -15F (-18__C to -26__C). Due to Mount Kilimanjaro's great height, the mountain creates its own weather. It is extremely variable and impossible to predict. Therefore, regardless of when you climb, you should always be prepared for wet days and cold nights.

Get in

Cost

It is required to have a licensed guide to climb Kilimanjaro. Current park entry and camping/hut fees are over $100 per day. Most climbers are accompanied with porters. All inclusive trips range from about $800 to $5,500.

Get around

See

Do

Guides

  • '''Peak Planet''' The premier outfitter for climbing Kilimanjaro - the best guides on the best routes [http://www.tanzaniasafarisafrica.com/kilimanjaro-safari-trekking/climb-kilimanjaro.html]
  • '''Ultimate Kilimanjaro''' Kilimanjaro Climb Specialists | all routes, quality climbs, reasonable cost [http://www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com]
  • Climb Mount Kilimanjar
  • There are six routes officially sanctioned for climbing Kilimanjaro and two routes used for descent. These are:

  • Machame
  • Marangu
  • Rongai
  • Lemosho
  • Umbwe
  • Shira
  • Mweka (descent only)
  • '''Marangu Route''' Commonly called the ''Coca-Cola Route'', Marangu is by far the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Typical duration is either 5 or 6 days depending upon whether you elect to spend an extra day for acclimatisation to the altitude. This is the only route that offers huts versus tents.

  • Day 1: Marangu Gate (1980 m) - Mandara hut (2700 m). Hiking time: 5 hours
  • Day 2: Mandara hut (2700) - Horombo hut (3720 m). Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Day 3: Horombo hut (3720 m) - Acclimatisation day (if necessary)
  • Day 4: Horombo hut (3720 m) - Kibo hut (4700 m). Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Day 5: Kibo hut (4700m) - '''Uhuru Peak (5895 m)''' - Horombo hut (3720 m). Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo
  • Day 6: Horombo hut (3720 m) - Marangu Gate (1980 m). Hiking time: 6 hours
  • '''Machame Route''' Some call this the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only This makes Machame (also referred to as the "Whiskey route") better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route.

  • Day 1: Machame Gate (1490 m) - Machame camp (2980 m). Hiking time: 7 hours
  • Day 2: Machame camp (2980 m) - Shira camp (3840 m). Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Day 3: Shira (3840 m) - Lava Tower (4630 m) - Barranco camp (3950 m). Hiking time: 7 hours
  • Day 4: Barranco camp (3950 m) - Barafu camp (4550 m). Hiking time: 7 hours
  • Day 5: Barafu camp (4550 m)- '''Uhuru Peak (5895 m)''' - Mweka (3100 m). Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak 7/8 hours to descend to Mweka
  • '''Lemosho Route''' Little used and more remote than other routes. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game animals.

  • Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2100 m) - Mti Mkubwa camp (2750 m). Hiking time: 3 hours
  • Day 2: Mti Mkubwa camp (2750 m) - Shira 2 camp (3840 m). Hiking time: 6/7 hours
  • Day 3: Shira (3840m) - Lava Tower (4630m) - Barranco camp (3950m). Hiking time: 7 hours
  • Day 4: Barranco camp (3950 m) - Barafu camp (4550 m). Hiking time: 7 hours
  • Day 5: Barafu camp (4550 m) - '''Uhuru Peak (5895 m)''' - Mweka (3100 m). Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak 7/8 hours to descend to Mweka
  • Day 6: Mweka camp (3100 m) - Mweka Gate (1980 m). Hiking time: 3 hours
  • ' A variation on the Lemosho Route inserts two extra days in the itinerary for acclimatization and also to avoid having to climb up to the summit in the dark

  • Day 4: Barranco (3950 m) to Karranga Valley (4000 m). Hiking Time 4 hours. This segment takes you up the infamous 'Barranco Wall.'
  • Day 5: Karranga Valley (4000 m) to Barafu camp (4550 m). Hiking Time 3 hours
  • Day 6: Barafu camp (4550 m) - '''Uhuru Peak (5895 m)''' - Crater Camp (5640m). Hiking Time about 8 hours
  • Day 7: Crater Camp (5640 m) - Mweka (3100 m). Hiking time: 7/8 hours to Descend
  • '''Rongai Route''' The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya.

  • Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950 m) - 1st Caves camp (2600 m). Hiking time: 5 hours
  • Day 2: 1st Cave (2600 m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600 m). Hiking time: 6/7 hours
  • Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330 m). Hiking time: 3/4 hours
  • Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700 m). Hiking time: 4/5 hours
  • Day 5: Kibo hut (4700 m) - '''Uhuru Peak (5895 m)''' - Horombo hut (3720 m). Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo
  • Day 6: Horombo hut (3720 m) - Marangu Gate (1980 m) . Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Buy

  • Photo album with maps from Trek on Mount Kilimanjaro [http://www.trekinu.com/viewtrek.aspx?trkid=gewsrmf1cthudan]
  • Eat

    Drink

    A lot, of water.

    Sleep

    Lodging

    Lodging on the mountain is limited to desginated campsites. Cave sleeping is now prohibited. A number of huts are available, but generally not advisable. Pre-climb lodging is generally found in Moshi or Arusha.

    Camping

    Backcountry

    Contact

    GSM mobile phone coverage is available on the summit of the mountain.

    Stay safe

    Several immunizations are recommended for yellow fever, tetanus, typhoid, polio, Havrix, and an anti-malaria prophylactic.

    Get out