Mount Kilimanjaro
Located within the Kilimanjaro National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa spanning 5,895m (19,340 feet). Unique to most larger scaled mountains it is a ‘strato’ volcano containing both lava flows and pyroclastic material which originally formed three separate volcanoes more than 750,000 years ago. Although two of the volcanoes, Mawenzi and Shira, have long been extinct their remains border the dormant and largest volcano, Kibo.
As you pass the lower slopes and ascend upward you will encounter five diverse vegetation zones which are increasingly colder, drier, and less vegetated. Although Kilimanjaro is situated just three degrees south of the equator, at its peak are numerous beautiful glaciers.
Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtsceller were the first to reach the ice covered summit on October 5, 1889, naming Kibo’s peak Kaiser Wilhelm Spitz in honor of Germany’s ruler. In 1961 it was renamed Uhuru Peak, Tanzania’s year of independence, Uhuru meaning ‘freedom’ in Swahili.
Climbing Kilimanjaro – A Personal View
Kilimanjaro and I have a close bond. For the three months leading up to my climb it was all I could think about; it took over my world as I used it as an incentive to get fit, but the constant nagging feeling of ‘what if I don’t make it’ didn’t leave me until I actually go to the top.
There are many aspects of the climb that have made it the most exhilarating thing I have ever done, from the sense of achievement upon reaching the summit, the liberating feeling of being without the luxuries of my every day life (mobile phone for one), knowing I was raising money for a very deserving East African charity, the kudos of climbing the highest mountain in Africa, and being so far out of my comfort zone.
However for me the thing that really sticks with me was the atmosphere on the mountain and the camaraderie between our guides, camp team and porters. It is unforgettable and I am completely in awe of my guide Joseph who was by my side every step of the way, and in my eyes is a hero.
Victoria Langmead - One of Aardvark Safaris' Kilimanjaro climb specialists
Climbing Kilimanjaro - Routes in Brief
Although there are variety of routes offering unique scenery and terrain to Kilimanjaro’s peak, Aardvark offers two distinct routes which provide our clients the best possible chance to safely reach the summit. Fortunately, our two featured routes, Machame and Lemosho, happen to have the most diverse and beautiful landscapes all while achieving over 95% success on our climbs.
Machame Route – One of Aardvark’s featured routes
With its breathtaking scenery and beauty, especially over the Western Breach, the Machame route is an unforgettable six night climb. Few people climb this route affording greater peace and exclusivity, and cozy private tented camps are set up by your climbing team at each campsite. Your journey will conclude with the climb up Stella Point, one of the quicker routes to Uhuru Peak, providing our clients a greater chance in reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit.
For a detailed climbing itinerary and map click on the Machame Route link.
Lemosho Route – One of Aardvark’s featured routes
This eight night climb up Kilimanjaro offers our clients the highest success rate, as the Lemosho Route allows your body to slowly and steadily acclimate itself to the altitude. With even fewer travelers than the Machame Route, this route also has comfortable private tented camps set up daily by your climbing team, leading to the final ascent up Stella Point.
For a detailed climbing itinerary and map click on the Lemosho Route link.
Marangu Route
While this is the quickest, cheapest route up the mountain with sleeping huts at every campsite, you will also find this route to be more developed and encounter considerable traffic throughout the climb. With the final ascent using the grueling Gilman’s Point, you will find the Marangu Route much more challenging allowing less time for altitude acclimatization leading to lower success rates.
Rongai Route
This route is logistically awkward, starting on the northern, Kenyan side of Kilimanjaro. The first couple of days can be rough as it is a steep climb, and also there is little in way of attractive scenery. The final ascent follows Gilman’s Point and the trek down will use Marangu Route, making it a relatively hard and busy route.
Umbwe Route
This is one of the quicker, more intense routes to reach Uhuru peak, with a particularly hard first day’s climb. There is also little in the way of scenery when compared to the Machame and Lemosho routes, and you not see much of Kilimanjaro itself.
Mweka Route
This route is used strictly for the descent down Kilimanjaro.
Climbing Kilimanjaro - Fitness
Reaching Kilimanjaro’s peak tests the body and mind, as walking multiple days at high altitude will not only challenge ones physical fitness but fortitude and self discipline as well. Remember, the altitude is felt by everyone no matter how fit they are – it is a good idea to look at the detailed climb descriptions of the Machame and Lemosho Routes to better understand the trails you will encounter. To best manage and adjust to the altitude it is imperative to walk or climb as slowly as possible, this will also allow you to truly admire the beautiful vegetation, wildlife, and landscapes of Kilimanjaro.
It is suggested that you do some training prior to arrival in Tanzania as well as familiarizing yourself with kit you plan to use on the climb and making sure your shoes/boots are comfortable and do not rub.
Climbing Kilimanjaro - Seasons
Kilimanjaro’s rainy seasons usually occur in April, May and November. Although climbing tours can be scheduled year round, the weather conditions can have a huge impact on your experience – particularly with ones comfort level and climbing success rates.
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Months
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Forest
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Heath / Moorland
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Alpine summit
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Overall
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Mid Jan –
Mid Mar
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Med chance rain
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Med chance mist / drizzle
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Not too cold
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Great
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Mid Mar – Late May
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High chance rain
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High chance mist / drizzle
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High chance snow
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Really hard work
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June - July
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Med chance rain
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Med chance mist / drizzle
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Very cold
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Good but cold
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Aug – Mid Oct
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Low rainfall
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Often clear – mist / cloud cover in afternoon
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Temperature going up
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Great
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Mid Oct – Mid Nov
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Med chance rain
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Med chance mist / drizzle
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Med chance snow
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Can be very variable
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Mid Nov – Mid Jan
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Med / high chance rain
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Med / high chance mist / drizzle
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Med chance snow
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Can be very variable /wet
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Climbing Kilimanjaro - Climb Tips
- Pack your crucial climbing materials (down jacket, walking boots etc.) as carry on items just in case your suitcases get lost your climb won’t be delayed.
- Bring sweets for the climb – these are quick and easy snacks that maintain your sugar levels for those longer climbing days and for sharing with your climbing team.
- To best manage and adjust to the altitude it is imperative to walk or climb as slowly as possible, this will also allow you to truly admire the beautiful vegetation, wildlife, and landscapes of Kilimanjaro.
- Continually keep your body hydrated, even when you are not thirsty, it is important to set target drinking levels in terms of number of liters. Hydration packs (camelback, etc.) will make this much easier for you.
- Make sure to eat plenty throughout your climb even when you are not hungry, this will help to give you sustained energy levels against the cold and altitude conditions of Kilimanjaro.
- Bring flavored cordial or fruit squash to blend with the water when climbing to help hide the water purification tablet taste.
- Pack antibacterial hand gel.
- Take cash to tip the crew on your final day’s climb up Kilimanjaro.
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