Kilimanjaro Mountain is the Highest Mountain in Africa and the highest single freestanding in the World. Being the highest Mountain in Africa it is one of the Seven Summit and the fourth highest in the list of the seven summits. The Mountain is the fourth most topographical prominent peak on the Earth, the Mountain is the part of the Kilimanjaro National Park hence, it is under the regulation of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), it being one of the 23 National parks in Tanzania.
The View of the Kilimanjero Mountain at some Climbing stope
One of the “Seven Summits” the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro is an everlasting magnet for adventurers and mountaineers. It is Nestled between the border of Kenya and Tanzania, it lures travelers from all corners of the globe to conquer its magnificence. Experience the pride of making it to the top of Kilimanjaro, and the feeling of freedom you get when standing on the top of the world.
Reaching the Uhuru Peak
The Mountain has the three volcanic cones, the Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira whereby the Uhuru Peak is the Highest summit on the Kibo crater rim.
A sucess summit at the Uhuru Peak
The Kilimanjaro Summit (Uhuru Peak) can be approached via the 5 Different Ascending Routes and being descended from the Two different Routes, The Descending Routes Normally depends on the Ascending Route that the Clients used. The Ascending routes are Marangu, Rongai, Machame, Ubwe and Lemosho where as the Ascenders through Marangu and Rongai Route uses the Marangu Route as the Descending Route while those who uses Machame, Umbwe and Lemosho uses the Mweka Route as the Descending route, Hence Only Marangu Route is a two way Functional Route as the Ascending and descending route, and it is a well developed Route with accommodation (Huts) compared to other Routes whereby climbers do sleep in tents.
Tenta Accommodation through the Machame Route
Huts Accommodation via the Marangu Route
Marangu Climbing Route
The route approaches the mount from the southeast, it is considered to be the easiest route among the five climbing routes due to its gradual slope and the direct path. It is also the oldest and well established and the only that offer facilities such as sleeping huts which are in dormitory style, the huts has its bunk beds at Mandara, Kibo and Horombo huts. There are supplies of mattresses and pillows but still there is a need of sleeping bags to be carried with the guest. Apart from the pillows and mattresses the huts are also equipped with dining halls and equipped washrooms. The Route uses 5 to 6 climbing Days, The climbers using the Marangu Route from Marangu Gate to Mandara then Mandara to Horombo, then Kibo and then summit, hence the Climbers with 5 Climbing Days use 3 days to ascend and the 2 days to Descend. But the one uses 6 climbing days ascend for 4 Days and Descend for 2 Days. But the Guest are not limited for the Number of days as they can exceed the 6 Climbing days but there should be not less that 5 days according the park rules and regulation.
The Starting point at the Marangu Route vis the Marangu Gate
Machame Climbing Route
Machame is the climbing route which is more difficult route than the Marangu route. The route is known to be the most scenic route of the Kilimanjaro Mountain as it gives the climber an experience of the scenic view. The route is well known due to the success rate of summit for the climbers at it gives a great time for acclimatization on the ascending to the Lover tower and descending to Baranco before heading up to Karanga and the Barafu to the Summit. With this route on second day you will join other climbers from Lemosho and Shira routes before heading to the lover tower up to the summit and descending through the Mweka gate as it is different from the Marangu route, the ascending route for Machame route is not the same as the descending route, as you will be ascending via the Machame route and descending via the Mweka route to Mweka gate.
The Starting Point of the Machame Route
Lemosho Climbing Route
This is one among the 5 ascending Kilimanjaro routes, it seems to be the variation of the Shira route, and thus why it is sometimes referred to the Lemosho Shira route s you will be walking across the Shira plateau. Lemosho is one of the Scenery among the Kilimanjaro route as the scenery is well seen throughout the 8days of climbing the Kilimanjaro. It is the western approach of the Kilimanjaro Mountain. Apart from other routes, climbing via the Lemosho route, the route pays for an extra mile from Moshi town and an extra time/day of climbing the mountain, but with all the extras, the route gives a high chance of success for the summit as it gives maximum time for the acclimatization to the altitude change which is the challenging factor for the summit, the Climbing days Ranges from 7 Days to 8 Days or More.
The Lemosho Starting Point
Rongai Climbing Route
Rongai is one of the Kilimanjaro climbing routes that approaches the mountain from the north, the route gives great view of both sides of the Mountain as you will be descending through the Marangu gate. Apart from the popular Marangu route, Rongai is one of the less crowded routes with very high success chances. Though the rout is less scenic, but it gives the great chance of seeing the Kilimanjaro wildlife such as birds and the colobus monkeys. The route is considered to be a possible and easy route as Marangu as there are no much steeps, just the up and downs with another advantage of it being dry most of the time. The route can be approached from 6 days and above.
Climbing through the Rongai route
The Mweka Descending Route
At the Mweka Gate after your Descend down the from the Peak
Climbing Crew
Whether being a sole Climber or a group of people, According to the park rules and regulations climbers are not allowed to climb the Mountain without the climbing crew.
The Crew are a Professional and certified Mountain Guide , Porters who are 3 porter per climber and the Chef/chefs depending on the Number of climbers, Porters are there to carry all the necessary materials such as food and guest luggage, Making Camp Each Day and Supporting the climbers both Mentally and Physically, for a successful summit of the Uhuru peak
One of the Kilimanjaro Professional Mountain Guide
Kilimanjaro Climbing Equipment
As like other Mountains, Climbing the Kilimanjaro Mountain needs the Mountain Climbing Equipment which will enable the Climber to easy the challenge of the Climb, Normally the climbing the Kilimanjaro is as challenging as other Mountain Climbing hence the Climbing equipment are necessary for a successful Climb and Summit. Here are the Necessary equipment whereby Once a climber have a plan for the Kilimanjaro, he or she would have to consider whether carrying them from home or renting them to the equipment stores in Moshi town as the operator will instruct his or her.
Head torch, Warm hat, Sunglasses, Scarf or balaclava, Sun hat, T-shirt, Thermals top and water bottom 3 pairs, Fleece, Down jacket, Water/Wind proof jacket, Poncho, Water proof Trousers, Gloves liner, Hiking trousers, Warm proof trousers, Hiking socks (3 pairs), Hiking boots, Day pack, Rack sack, Rack sack cover, Sleeping Bag, Hiking Poles, Gaiters
But Guest should not be worried about this long list of the Equipment as up on their arrival during the guest briefing, he/sh will have to do the cross-checking of the guest equipment and make sure all the necessary equipment are with the climber who will before the Climbing starts.
The Best Time to Climb the Kilimanjaro
Mountain climbing can be done throughout the year. However, the best time is mid June to October and December to mid March. This are considered to be the best time because it is dry season where there are no rainfall while the other Months of Late March to Early June and November are rainy season which is kind challenging for climb though there are Climbers who manage it.
