As wide as all the world, great, high and unbelievably white in the sun was the square top of Kilimanjaro."
- Ernest Hemmingway, The Snows of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro with its gleaming glaciers, is a magnificent mountain. 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."
The Mountain
Kilimanjaro stands 330 kms south of the equator, on the northern boundary of Tanzania. Its location on an open plain close to the Indian Ocean, and its great size and height strongly influence the climate and thus its vegetation, animal life and climbing conditions.
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. It is composed of three extinct volcanoes: Kibo 5895m (19340ft), Mawenzi 5149m (16896ft), and Shira 3962m (13000ft). It is one of the worlds highest free standing mountains, its bulk looming 4800m above an undulating plain that averages 1000m above sea level.
On a clear day, it can be seen from more then 150 kms 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.
Accomodation
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.
Miscellaneous
Porters and guides accompany each group. The Kilimanjaro 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.
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing Routes
Route(Click for Itineraries)
Description
Marangu Route TH330 Kilimanjaro Conquest
Out of the 6 routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, this is the most popular. It is the most gentle to the top, and goes via Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut, and on to Uhuru Peak through Gillmans Point.
Machame Route TH331
The next most popular route. Considered probably the most beautiful route up the mountain, but definitely not the easi
Umbwe Route
Relatively shory, steep and scenic route, going via Umbwe, 1st Bivouac, 2nd Bivouac, Barranco Hut Lava Tower Hut and Shira Hut.
Shira Plateau Route
Great Western Breach Route to Kibo Crater
Very steep and recommended only for physically very fit persons and experienced mountaineers.
Rongai Route
Very steep and a direct route to the summit.
Kilimanjaro Climb is an experience of a lifetime, highly recommended to the adventurous traveller willing to forego some of lifes luxuries for a few days. The Marangu Route walking expedition can be undertaken without past mountaineering experience.
