Mt. Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro with its gleaming glaciers is a magnificent mountain. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the whole world. It stands majestically amidst vast open plains, inviting you to the challenge to climb to the top through the farms, rain forest, pass through the moorland, to highland desert and witness the eternal snow on "The Roof of Africa."
Kilimanjaro stands 330 km south of the equator, on the northern boundary of Tanzania. The mountain is located on an open plain close to the Indian Ocean, and its great size and height strongly influence the climate, vegetation, animal life and also the climbing conditions.
On a clear day, the mountain can be seen from more than 150 km away. Its peak is permanently snow covered, though only 3 degrees below the equator. Kilimanjaro can be climbed by any physically fit person. No climbing experience is necessary.
Accommodation:
A larger, central communal living, surrounded by a village of small sleeping huts along the Marangu Route. Other routes lack the essential facilities available along the Marangu Route.
Weather:
Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year, but there are two rainy seasons - Late March to Mid June and October to November. The best Months are January to March and July to October, usually cloudless days. During the day temperature at 4000m tends to be 15°C. When the sun is covered, temperatures drop. At night, temperature falls to -10°C. At the summit, temperatures are about 5°C during the day and drop to between -18°C and -22°C at night.
General:
Porters and guides accompany each group. The Mount Kilimanjaro climbing Central Control Unit has a reliable, equipped rescue team on the Marangu route. Equipment such as sleeping bags, mountain boots, thick sweaters, balaclava, gloves and so on are required, but we can arrange to have this equipment rented and ready for you to use. Kilimanjaro is not just a mountain to conquer, but also changing scenes and landscapes to enjoy, and rich in a wide variety of birdlife, flora and fauna.
Marangu route, 5 days/4 nights
This route is commonly called the “Tourist Route” or “Coca-Cola trail” because it provides luxuries such as huts, bunk beds, flushing toilets and bottled drinks. It also involves an ascent up the mountain via the gentle eastern slopes, which is said to be far less demanding than the route followed on other routes such as Machame, Mweka and Shira. Typical duration for the climb is either 5 or 6 days depending upon whether you elect to spend an extra day for acclimatization to the altitude (which is highly recommended). This is the only route that offers huts versus tents.
How to reach there: Transfer from you hotel and drive from Moshi to Marangu gate which takes about 45 minutes passing the Marangu village which cultivate bananas and coffee. Unlike Machame, Marangu has also number of nice waterfalls which are worth a visit!
Machame route, 6 days/5 nights
The most popular and indeed one of the most beautiful routes up the Kilimanjaro Mountain is the Machame Route. It is also known as the “Whisky Route”, this trail is both longer and slightly more challenging than the Marangu Route. The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days and the total hiking distance is about 100km. The route is better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendour such as not seen on the Marangu route. The accommodation on Machame route is tents only.
How to reach there: Transfer from you hotel and drive from Moshi to Machame gate which takes about 45 minutes passing the Machame village which cultivate bananas and coffee.
Lemosho Route, 8 days/7 nights
The Lemosho Route is widely considered to be the best route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Not too long ago, there were only two main routes used to climb Kilimanjaro - the Marangu (Coca Cola) route and the Machame (Whiskey) route. But as Tanzania's tourism industry flourished, the Kilimanjaro park authority created more trails to African's highest peak.
Lemosho route is preferred due to its beauty, remoteness and success rate. It maximizes the chances that a climber will reach the summit, and enjoy the experience overall. The route can be done in as little as six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is ideally tackled over eight days (seven nights) for a better altitude acclimatization and resting schedule. The Lemosho route is approximately 70 km from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience.
The trek begins at Londorossi Gate, located in the western base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest. The route heads across the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.