Kilimanjaro: the trekking of Tanzania
Snow-capped Kilimanjaro, floating above the clouds, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive sights to be found. Even non-believers, in their careless moments, identify with the Maasai who call it the "House of God". It is on the list of seven highest mountains on each continent, being the highest point on the African continent. Moreover, Kilimanjaro is popularly known as the highest free-standing mountain in the world, which does not belong to any mountain range. It rises gently from 900 m, reaches the skies and only stops after an ascent of 5.895 m. The diameter at the base is 64 kilometres.
You may be interested in: Eight volcano ascents around the world that you can't miss".
Kilimanjaro is located in northeastern Tanzania, on the border with Kenya. There is a popular myth of how the mountain came to be part of Tanzania, once part of the German Empire. Queen Victoria is supposed to have given the mountain to her German grandson Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) as a birthday present. It is also said that the Germans had been grumbling at the gross injustice of losing one snow-capped mountain within their empire, while the Queen had two, the second being Mount Kenya.
Although historians have debunked the myth, it has refused to be forgotten and remains a recurring anecdote for many. Some anti-colonial historians are filled with indignation, citing how the boundaries of East Africa were arbitrarily decided in the capitals of the imperial powers - not that they are wrong. For most people in the West, Kilimanjaro has long been associated with Ernest Hemingway for his 1936 story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro". In 1952, Hollywood, fascinated by the magic of the mountain that the book evokes, made it into a film with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner in leading roles.
Practical guide
When to go?
Two dry seasons: mid-December to March and July to early October.
You can climb Kilimanjaro at any time of the year. But obviously it is less advisable during the period from March to June when it rains more. The second and lighter rains come from late October to early December. The best time is when it is warm and dry: January, February and September. July, August, November and December are also good, but cooler.. Due to the variation in conditions along the route, from tropical to arctic conditions, it is advisable to dress in layers that you can remove or add. In general, in the northern region of Tanzania, you can expect temperatures to average from 15°C in May to August and 22°C in the period from December to March. In the mountains, temperatures drop by approximately 1 degree Celsius for every 200m climbed.
How to get there?
Flights to Nairobi in Kenya, Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Kilimanjaro is 475 km north-west of Dar es Salaam. The base for climbing Kilimanjaro is close to the northern Tanzanian towns of Moshi o Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport serves the region. But it's usually cheaper to disembark in Nairobi in Kenya and then take a shuttle bus to Arusha.
You can purchase a package to take advantage of local knowledge. The typical package will combine: transfers to and from - Moshi or Arusha to the Marangu GateYou must also hire locally or bring with you the necessary equipment, including parking and rescue fees, guide, porter and cook services, accommodation in the mountain huts and all meals on the mountain.
Difficulty and tips
Kilimanjaro is a big mountain, but normal trekking routes are not technically difficult. Altitude and acclimatisation are the main problems.
It is possible to reach its summit, Uhuru Peak, without any technical climbing skills. However, this is not to say that it is an easy task: every year, many people fail in their attempt, often due to poor preparation or insufficient acclimatisation.
Don't be disappointed if it doesn't reach the summit. Statistics say that only 15-30% of climbers make it to the summit. Climbing Kilimanjaro is for those who are physically fit and mentally prepared. It is your ability to muster that extra dose of determination that will count when the going gets tough. In terms of physical preparation, start by trekking uphill with a backpack on your back. This will improve your climb, not to mention the altitude, of course. Also think about doing some training in the gym and going for a run. If you have heart or lung problems, don't risk it. In all cases, it's a good idea to talk to your personal doctor to make sure you can tackle such a challenge safely and without endangering your health - and life.
Not to be missed
Sunrise over Africa from the summit and its crater. The natural environment and the progressive habitats that we will find on the ascent are spectacular.
Those who make it to the "Roof of Africa" are richly rewarded, enjoying exceptional views, the unique experience of being "on top of the world" and, of course, a tremendous sense of achievement.
Map of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is a young mountain, and geologists date it at only 750,000 years. The mountain is made up of three dormant volcanoes: Kibo ( 5.895m), Shira (3,962m) and Mawenzi ( 5.149m). Kibo occasionally belches some steam and sulphur. The highest point at Kibo is Uhuru PeakThe mountains of Kilimanjaro, where you'll see some impressive glaciers and fantastic views of the country. Although Kilimanjaro is only three degrees south of the equator, the peaks of Kibo y Mawenzi are covered with ice and snow all year round. When the German missionary Johann Rebmann reported this in 1849, many educated people in Europe disputed that a snow-capped mountain could be found on the equator.
Climbing Kilimanjaro: the trekking that will take you to the roof of Africa
As you climb the mountain, you go from tropical to arctic conditions. There are five distinct climate zones, with each zone being approximately 1,000m. The zones are: the lower slopes, then the forest, then the moors, the alpine desert and the summit. The lower slopes are cultivated and agriculture in these areas is flourishing. The forest is dry in the north and wet on the southern slopes. There are many species of trees, including podocarpus, camphor, fig, olive and bamboo. Colobus and blue monkeys and a variety of birds, including hornbill and turaco, are found here. In the moorland region, plants of the Seneciola family and common lobelia are found in the high-altitude mountainous regions of East Africa. Higher up, vegetation and animal life are scarce.
The routes to the summit: which one to choose, difficulty, duration, accommodation, .
Kilimanjaro is an "accessible" peak despite its height. A fit person with the right equipment could conquer this giant. However, it is hard work. The altitude and lack of oxygen at this altitude will be the main challenge. To avoid succumbing to the altitude sicknessThe guides will constantly advise you to ascend slowly, smoothly, or the pole as they say in Swahili. Therefore, you should avoid a rapid ascent and take enough time to acclimatise to the altitude. If you ignore these tips, even if you are in good shape you will not reach the top.
The first recorded person to reach the summit is the German climber Hans Meyer. in 1889. Unlike today's climber, he did not have a map and route outline and only made it on the second attempt. Having been taught a lesson in humility, for the second attempt, he was accompanied by an expert climber and a local guide. Meyer called the summit Kaiser Wilhelm IIbut this was years later revised to Uhuru or freedom in Swahili. Since Meyer's day, the ice sheet has shrunk and scientists fear it will disappear completely in 20 to 50 years.
Today, few climbers use the difficult route initiated by Meyer. The ascent normally takes five to six days and involves four to five overnight stays in comfortable mountain huts.
Regardless of which route you choose, all Kilimanjaro ascents start at Marangu Gate. This is where you get your permit and pay the entrance fees. At the typical climb of the route MaranguYou can spend four nights up the mountain. The route to the summit is clearly marked. You start climbing through the forest area to the summit. Mandara Hut (2,700m) for the first night. Moving on through moorland, you stop for a second night at Horombo Hut (3.800m). Then, across the alpine desert, your third night finds you at Kibo Hut (4.700m). But you don't really sleep there, as you will advance to the summit just after midnight. You then descend to Horombo Hut for your last night after a total trek of about 77 kilometres. If you wish to spend more time at altitude to acclimatise, you can spend two nights at Horombo Hut.
Marangu Route (70 km, 5 days)
The route MaranguThe first route, which was established back in 1909, is the easiest and most popular and is used by more than 90% of climbers. Experienced climbers prefer the more scenic and more difficult route of Machame. With some humour climbers refer to Marangu as the coca cola route, y Machame as the whisky route.
Lemosho Route (also Shira Route) (65 Km, 8 days)
The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route starts in the west and instead of simply crossing the Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira Camp. Climbers encounter little traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Lemosho then follows the same route via Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit.
Shira is a scenic route that takes you across the Shira Plateau, which you can reach in a four-wheel drive vehicle. The route offers excellent views of the Rift Valley and Mount Meru.
The Shira Route is a little-used trail that starts near Shira Ridge. It is almost identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation.
Umwbe Route (47 km, 5 days)
The route of Umwbe even steeper and faster, and it will only take you five days to reach the summit and descend. The route is spectacular, but it is for experienced climbers. In addition, there are technical routes such as the Western Breach and Lemosho routes.
Machame Route (6 days)
At the route MachameYou spend one more night in the mountains. You spend the night in Machame Hut, Shira Hut and Barranco Hut. You connect to the route Mweka and continue to Barafu Hut. After reaching the summit, you descend for your last night in Mweka Hut. The next day, you join most of the climbers at the base of the mountain. You are advised to choose the route that best suits your experience. Most aspire to reach Pico Uhuruthe highest point of Kiboand indeed to all Kilimanjaros. Others are satisfied with Gillmans Point, the slightly lower peak in Kibo. But Mawenziactually lower than the peaks of KiboIt is more uneven and requires mountaineering experience. For most mountaineers, climbing Kilimanjaro, no matter how high they climb, is a great experience.
Rongai Route (50 km, 7 days)
The Rongai route climbs Kilimanjaro on its north face, the only one of those mentioned that does so. It starts near the border of Kenya and Tanzania, at the Rongai Gate, and climbs on very little crowded and easily passable paths.
Route Mweka
The route MwekaYou reach the summit and return to the base in 4 days. But as you might suspect, it is quite steep and therefore not easy.
Circuits
- South Circuit Trail
- North Circuit Trail
Equipment for climbing Kilimanjaro
The The basic equipment for the ascent of Kilimanjaro does not differ much from the usual mountain equipment.You will be subjected to extreme temperatures, from the heat of the tropics to the sub-zero temperatures of the summit.
Your basic equipment for the ascent should include:
Clothing for Kilimanjaro
You will need to be aware of the weather and climate conditions you will face, ranging from tropical weather at the base to a severe arctic at the top. To cope with this variability of climate and weather you will have to deal with this by playing the layering system, taking off and putting on layers of shelter and protection depending on the conditions. we find. You should consider warm clothes but also clothes to face the rain. On the other hand, we recommend that you take a look at the following article in which we try to explain to you everything you need to know about mountain clothing.
Climbing shoes
Waterproof and coldproof hiking boots. In the following article we explain you everything you need to know about the trekking boots. Don't forget to bring a pair of shoes to rest, you'll be grateful for them.
Material and accessories
You need a backpack to carry some essentials, as the porters carrying your equipment will often walk at their own pace. Some items to carry on your back include water, trekking clothes extra, camera and sunscreen. Other materials and accessories will be: torch or headlampsunglasses, some pills for altitude sickness,
READ ALSO:
Other places to trek in Africa " : Morocco | South Africa | Tanzania |
