Mount Kilimanjaro

By Author: josephat mashehe
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Kilimanjaro, the name itself, is a mystery obscured in the clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans! But putting the meaning of the name aside, when you see this marvel of East Africa, you understand why. It is actually a dormant volcano.

Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits with people able to reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. Although not technically challenging, one needs to consider the high elevation, low temperature and occasional high winds that can turn it into a difficult trek. Those who reach Uhruru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater will have earned their climbing certificates – AND their memories!

Climbing “Kili” can be accomplished using various routes but all of them lead you through a virtual climactic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic. You start at the cultivated foot slopes giving way to lush mountain forests inhabited by elusive elephants, leopard, buffalo, small antelopes and primates. Ascend to the moorland ...
... zone where a cover of giant heather is studded with giant lobelias. Above 13,000 feet, a surreal desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.

Best times to ascend

Possibility is year round but clearest and warmest conditions are end of December to February and September. Dryer and colder conditions are generally found in June, July to September/October. March to beginning of June and November/beginning December are rainy season making the slopes very slippery and possibly treacherous.

How many days should I climb

Adjusting to the altitude takes your body time. The longer you allow your body to adjust to the altitude the better it will be able to cope, although each person adjusts differently. There is a big indication that the more days spent on the climb do increase the success rate to of climbers that reach the top. Therefore the key to a safe, successful climb is to take the longest routes possible. And on the trek itself, your guides will continually say “pole,pole”. Take your time. Rushing it is not the way to go.

Which Route to Choose

There are three different approaches – West, North and South. Choice of route depends on the amount of time you have available, the importance of the route’s scenery for you, degree of difficulty, and how crowded a route can get depending on time of year. It is important to keep in mind that acclimatization takes time and the more time you have available the better your body will be able to cope with the altitude and you will have an increased success in reaching the top. The Machame and Marangu are the busiest in regards to foot traffic followed by less traffic on the Lemosho and Rongai Route. There is a massive amount of conflicting opinion, but we have compiled this easy, one-stop guide to the best routes to climb Kilimanjaro by.

MARANGU ROUTE (TOURIST OR COCA-COLA ROUTE)

This is the original and, because of the low cost, still one of the most popular routes. Accommodation is in huts, and you ascend and descend by the same route. Unless you are really pressed for cash, this route is to be avoided as the three-day ascent does not give enough time for acclimatisation and the success rate is low. Pros:

Cheap
No camping (if you don't like camping)
Cons:

Not enough time for acclimatisation
Low success rate
Very busy
Shared huts (if you don't like sharing huts)
MACHAME ROUTE

The Machame route is a popular route on Kilimanjaro as it doesn’t involve a long drive, ascends and descends by different paths, enjoys beautiful campsites, passes many of Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful features, and the overall success rate is excellent. If you have the time, it is best to do this climb in 7 days as this will give you the best chance of acclimatisation and thus the greatest chance of summiting. Pros:

Scenic, western ascent.
Least expensive camping route.
Varied scenery.
Easy access to the trailhead.
Cons:

Most popular camping route. (Apparently now more popular than Marangu)
LEMOSHO ROUTE (ALSO KNOWN AS SHIRA PLATEAU ROUTE)

Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho Route gives an exclusive experience of Kilimanjaro as, although it joins the more popular Machame Route on day three the first two days are spent on tranquil trails, and it can sometimes feel like you have the whole mountain to yourself. (It joins the Machame Route shortly after Shira Camp. The guides often say that this is their favourite route not least because of the beautiful views of Kilimanjaro as you approach from the west, the excellent chances of seeing wildlife on your walk and the experience of crossing the Shira plateau. We offer the Lemosho Route over eight days climbing as this gives you an extremely high chance of success as acclimatisation is helped by the additional time spent on the mountain. It is also possible to do the trail in 7 days if you are short of time. Pros

Scenic, western ascent.
Fewer climbers.
Beautiful views of Kilimanjaro.
Crossing the scenic Shira plateau.
High success rate.
Possibility to see wildlife.
Cons

More expensive as there is an extra day and permit fees are higher.
May not be possible to access the trailhead in the wet season.
RONGAI ROUTE

The Rongai route is the least crowded route on Kilimanjaro because of the long journey to the gate where your climb begins. It retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro. As there are fewer people, this also gives you the best chance of viewing wildlife. The fauna is quite different on these Northern slopes, you will see juniper and olive trees. You don’t miss out on the Lobelias and the Giant Groundsels tho as you will see these on your route down. Although the journey to the trailhead from Arusha is much longer it passes through a rural Chagga heartland allowing you to see village life. If you are short on time it is also people to complete this trail in 6 days but, this does not allow you as much time for acclimatisation. Pros

Remote Eastern route.
Fewer climbers.
Ideal during rainy season.
Possibility to see wildlife.
Probably the easiest route in terms of physical exertion.
Cons

Less dramatic scenery than Western routes.
Long drive to trailhead.
Little forest hiking.
Descends via crowded Marangu route.
Other routes that you may come across include:

UMBWE ROUTE

Very rarely used by western trekking parties as this is a tough slog straight up the mountain and unless you are already acclimatised it is a non-starter.

WESTERN BREACH ROUTE

The most challenging and potentially most dangerous this is a great route for the more experienced mountaineer looking for a challenge. Branching off from the Machame, Lemosho and Umbwe routes at Lava Tower Camp it ascents to the crater via a breach in the crater wall. It is a steep and challenging ascent and climbers have been killed by rockfall in the past. Crampons and iceaxe will probably be required and you should choose a highly reputable trekking agency.

VARIATIONS:

You will of course find numerous variations on the number of days taken to complete each route and other variations such as summit camps or slightly different camp sites. The general rule is to try and maximise the time you have available for acclimatisation.

WHICH ROUTE TO CHOOSE?

That's all very well but which route should you choose? My personal opinion is that the 8 day Lemosho Route offers the very best experience and chance of success on Kilimanjaro. The combination of the first few days being quieter, great views and the variation of the scenery over the length of the trip make this a winner. If you are stuck for time and cash the Machame Route over seven days is a great route and the success rate very high. If you really don't like busy trails and prefer easier walking days then the Rongai over seven days is a good choice. If you are a keen mountaineer looking for a bit more of a challenge and are already acclimatised (perhaps with a Meru Climb) then the Marangu Route or Lemosho Route finishing via the Western Breach won't disappoint.

How much money do you need to climb Kilimanjaro?

So, with the cost of a climb at probably not less than USD 2,300, with these additional costs, you probably need to have not less than USD 3,700 available to climb Kilimanjaro - though possibly as much as USD 6,000 - 7,000 with long haul flights and big tips.

Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro?

There is nothing to prevent a beginner from climbing Kilimanjaro. You don't need any experience of altitude, or even of trekking. There's nothing technical or vertical along any of the routes, and only a couple of metres of scrambling at just one point on the Umbwe Route.

Do you need oxygen to climb Kilimanjaro?

No. Oxygen is generally only necessary when ascending mountains about 7,000 metres. It is however recommended to carry supplemental oxygen for use in emergencies and to aid safe descents if a climber has succumbed to severe acute mountain sickness or has symptoms of high altitude pulmonary or cerebral oedema.

What's the closest airport to Kilimanjaro?

The closest airport to Kilimanjaro is Kilimanjaro International Airport, airport code 'JRO'. Confusingly, flight booking sites have recently started referring to JRO as 'Arusha'. But actually, there's another airport in Arusha with airport code 'ARK'.

https://kiafrikaadventure.com/mount-kilimanjaro/

The Bottom Line: Kilimanjaro is a popular climb, and do not let the training and hardships put you off. With the proper training, a positive mental attitude and the right support the summit of Kilimanjaro is within your grasp.

https://mountkilimanjaro.guide/