Mount Kilimanjaro is a favorite trekking destination all over the continent. It is also the highest mountain in Africa at 19,336. There are more than 30,000 people who attempt to climb the mountain every year. Several routes have distinct features and things to see.
There are popular trek routes like Shira, Lemosho, and Machame. There are gorgeous views below, and the trail can take up to eight days if you are committed to it. The Uhuru Peak is the roof of Africa, offering spectacular views of the world below.
Mount Kilimanjaro was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1970. Climbing to the top of Kilimanjaro Mountain is an achievement that every climber needs; however, there are challenges to be faced for it. Some climbers hike to Mount Meru before they go to Kilimanjaro as a means of preparing their bodies to meet the challenges in Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro formed two million years ago due to a volcano eruption. This free-standing mountain on Earth and one of the seven summits is a lifetime experience for anyone who climbs it. Climbing Kilimanjaro doesn’t need one to be physically fit. It only needs a readiness.
When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, climbers transverse through five different ecological zones, and each zone provides impressive and memorable feelings to climbers.
Bush Land Zone: This is the first to encounter as you climb Kilimanjaro, which is dominated by cultivation activities. Chagga people in this area are located at an altitude of 1800 meters (5900 ft); there are many social activities undertaken here, such as petty cultivation of bananas, maize (corns), and coffee.
Rainforest zone: As you finish walking through bushland, you will now approach a rainforest, which is an evergreen forest located at an altitude of 2800 meters above sea level; on the way to the top of Kilimanjaro Mountain, you will be able to spot the wild creatures such different species of animals and birds like red colobus monkeys, Narina trogon, Silvery-cheeked hornbill, Hartlaub’s turaco and Cuckoos.
Moorland Zone: A zone where most climbers start experiencing an accessible point where the temperature falls dramatically during the night hours; this zone is at an elevation of 4,000 meters. Most of the landscapes here are shrubs.
Alpine Zone: Rocky and Sandy zone, vegetation here is limited; it lies at an altitude of 5,000 meters, once climbers reach here, they can enjoy the spectacular view of Kibo.
Arctic Zone: This is the last zone of this African highest mountain at an elevation of 5895 meters above sea level; this region is characterized by rock and ice; all travelers overnight at Barafu camp before continuing to Uhuru Peak, traditionally the journey to the summit starts in the mid-night it takes about 8 or 9 walking hours to get at the top of the Kilimanjaro from the Barafu camp, after spending few minutes and taking the memorable picture your East Africa Safari Guide climbing expert will lead you back to Mweka Camp where you will overnight.
When climbing Mountain Kilimanjaro, it is wise to choose the best route considering your fitness and abilities; there are several routes to reach the highest point of Kilimanjaro. Our climbing planner at East Africa Safari Guides will help to advise you which is the best route at the time of booking; they look into many factors to be able to advise you.
Marangu Route: Sometimes called the Coca-Cola route, it is one of the most accessible routes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. However, it is very populated; this scenic route offers a small hut shared by climbers, most beds are double-deck (dormitory-style sleeping huts). Statistics shows that only 50% of climbers succeed on this route because climbers rush to reach the summit; most people spend between 5 – 6 days. Our climb expert at East Africa Safari Guides suggests that climbers spend one more day in Kilimanjaro for acclimatization.
Machame Route: Considered one of the best routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, it takes about 7- 8 days to reach the top; there are significant success rates on this route because climbers spend more days on the mountain. The Machame route is more challenging than the Marangu route.
Lemosho Route: Also referred to as “Lemon Route,” is one of the beautiful routes with the best breathtaking view of the entire mountain. Climbers spend between 8 to 9 days, and 90% of the climbers reach the summit. At East Africa Safari Guides, we prefer this route because it perfectly balances less traffic, success rates, and breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro.
Rongai Route: The only route that approaches the mountain from the north, a significantly less crowded route, nearly 85% of the climbers reach the summit; 6 -7 days are recommended when climbing the mountain via this route.
Umbwe Route: One of the most demanding routes to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro and the least crowded due to its complex nature. Most people prefer 5 – 6 days when using this route; for additional acclimatization, the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) advises climbers to spend at least seven days in the mountain to increase the chance of summit rate.
Shira Route: The less traveled route in mountain Kilimanjaro, one of the longest routes, taking up to 8 days to reach the summit, climbers are brought from the western side of the mountain by vehicle to the Shira Plateau, where ascending begins. One of the good reasons why many climbers could prefer this route is because it offers a steady ascent and increases the summit’s success rate. For those who suspect altitude sickness, this route could be a better option.
At East Africa Safari Guides, we strongly recommend the Lemosho route over the other routes simply because its success rate is considerable; also, if any rescue is to be conducted, then Lemosho is perfect.
East Africa Safari guides provide the best mountain trekking tour packages. They will advise on the best places to travel and the requirements. They can help handle the process of making bookings and reservations at your hotels of choice. Also, get insights on what you need and what to carry along the trip. They will give you insights on the best places to enjoy a hike within your budget and ensure you remain comfortable throughout the journey.
Book a mountain trekking tour with East Africa Safari guides today for your next vacation. They have everything you desire to start your next adventure. If you make it to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, you will join the elite club of hikers who make it to the top.
