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Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. It is one of the seven summits of the world and is considered to be an easy hike among the seven summits. It is a big reason why it is very popular for either first-time adventurers and experienced hikers. Trekking the mountain requires no equipment and technical skills. Mount Kilimanjaro is a miracle on earth.
Mount Kilimanjaro originated from volcanic activities but is currently dormant and covered with a snow cap. It is situated in Tanzania, just 250 miles away from the equator of the earth.
Every year Mount Kilimanjaro is climbed up by around 75,000 mountaineers. Below are the different routes for scaling of mount Kilimanjaro:-
Lemosho route
Machame route
Northern circuit
Rongai route
Shira route
OVERVIEW
Location: Tanzania
Nearest airport:Kilimanjaro is the nearest international airport.
How to reach: from Kilimanjaro by road
Famous for: Trek/climb, day hikes
Months Open: All year
Best time to Visit: June to October
WHAT TO SEE
Mountain climb
Day hikes
Cultural tours around Mt. Kilimanjaro
Coffee tours around Mt. Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro was formed by volcanic activity. It has three volcanic cones-
Kibo (19, 340’/ 5, 895m) – It was formed 460,000 years ago. It is the tallest and the central cone, where Kilimanjaro is present.
Mawenzi (16, 893’/ 5,149m) – It is the third highest peak in Africa. By Rongai and Northern circuit routes, you can enjoy the views of Mawenzi.
Shira(13, 000’/ 3,962m) – It was 16,000 feet taller but collapsed. It led to the formation of Shira Plateau on the mountain’s western side. By Lemosho, Machame, and Shira routes, you can see this amazing view.
Mawenzi and Shira are extinct volcanoes as they have been cut-off from their sources of lava. On the other hand, Kibo is considered to be a dormant volcano. It can erupt again. Its ash pit is a two hour round trip hike where the tourists can smell the sulfur of the volcano’s lava.
In Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is 250m away from the equator. That is why the climate is very stable here. It is a wonder that glaciers are present on the top of Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is home to several types of ecological systems. Farms, grasslands, dense rainforests, semi-alpine zones, alpine desert zones, and arctic zones are present at different heights on the mountain. You might spot species of birds like silvery cheeked hornbill and white-necked ravens. Blue monkeys, civets, and olive baboons also live in the forest.
Various Routes to scale Kilimanjaro
The Kilimanjaro climb cost might vary depending on the route you choose. Here is a list of different routes for scaling of Mount Kilimanjaro:-
Lemosho route- This route takes 8 days with relaxed trekking. The campsites are maintained according to the height.
Machame route- It is the most popular route and always stays busy. It is also famous for the stunning view of the west of the mountain.
Northern circuit- It takes around 9 days to complete this trek. It is a good route for mountain lovers.
Rongai route- It is one of the quietest routes. This route is most popular among trekkers. You can take one more day for acclimatization.
Shira route- It also takes around 8 days.
Several tourists prefer day hikes. A captivating terrain surrounds Mount Kilimanjaro. The best part is that you need not climb it to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountain. The Kilimanjaro climb cost will depend on the trek specifications. The day hikes along the above routes allow you to get a sneak peek at twittering birdlife and blue monkeys.
This mountain is not difficult to trek. It does not require any technical skills and equipment such as rope, harness, and ice-axe. Although it is easy to trek the ultimate Kilimanjaro, it requires good physical fitness, stamina, and awareness to sustain the damaging effects of high altitude. The perfect physical conditioning is required to ace the hill. You must be careful while selecting your trekking boots. The proper food supplies, vitamin sources, and hydration elements should be kept in sufficient quantities. Ensure that you are well-versed with the correct breathing techniques.
Get to Know the indigenous culture:
Various day tours to coffee farmlands, Materuni Waterfalls, and Chagga Villages are also organized for tourists. While visiting the Materuni Waterfalls, the tourists will get a chance to know the history and the culture of the tribe. The Materuni Waterfalls are 80m high and an inviting place to swim. The tourists will be shown the economic activities practised by the tribe. They will also get a chance to view how coffee is grown and harvested in the local and indigenous style.
Where to stay:
Ameg Lodge: The Lodge is at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Materials found locally were used to design the accommodation. It is the perfect place to stay for those tourists who are planning to take the Kilimanjaro Challenge and have the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience. People prefer staying here for the pre-climb night as well.
Marangu Hotel: They provide accommodation in the form of cottages around the ground. The hotel has a swimming pool and a bar as well. Several Kilimanjaro climbers going for the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience, prefer to have Marangu Hotel as their base.
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