Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

For many people looking for adventure, one of their dreams is to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, which stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft) above sea level (the highest point in Africa) and is one of the easiest "high" elevation climbs for non-experienced climbers. “Accessible” does not mean easy; it actually presents its own set of difficulties in areas of endurance, altitude sickness, training, and mental toughness. Too many climbers make the mistake of underestimating Mt. Kilimanjaro by thinking that they can get away with having only basic fitness or making last-minute plans to climb it.

A climber’s chances of summiting or turning around early are based on the amount of time they invest in proper preparation—not just when they show up. A climber should train their body to acclimatize to the higher elevations of Mt. Kilimanjaro, buy the best gear possible to protect themselves from the drastic weather changes, and condition and prepare their minds to keep going from sunrise to sunset for 8 days of challenging hike. This guide breaks down preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb into three essential pillars: fitness, gear, and mindset.

The image of the towering funnel of Mount Kilimanjaro is burnt into most people’s memories. After all, once viewed, it is a sight one is unlikely to forget. However, a lot of people are not aware of the fact that Mount Kilimanjaro is not just the mountain itself- it is also the national park surrounding it.

This 291-square-mile park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and houses a number of attractions you should not miss while on a trip to Tanzania. Here are some of the top things to do in Kilimanjaro National Park.

Approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the southwest, the Machame Route is the second most popular of the Kilimanjaro routes. It is also known as the “Whiskey Route Kilimanjaro" since it is more arduous than the “Coca Cola” (Marangu) route owing to its longer and steeper walks, and lack of sleeping huts.

Higher success rate than Marangu

Beginning at the south-west side of the mountain, the route takes around six days to complete; however, seven days is advised for a day should spent for acclimatization for safety reasons and for a higher probability of a successful summit.

Climbers will sleep in designated campsites in tents. Trekkers have two options to reach Uhuru Peak. Majority of the trekkers choose the long Barafu Trail that offer the scenic view of the Rebmann Glacier. The other route is on the Western Breach Route, which is more thrilling and traverses through Lava tower and the Arrow Glacier.

Scenic beauty and sheer diversity

The trail starts off by traversing through the lush, green rainforest to the moorlands and then to dry and dusty Shira Plateau. After climbing up to the Uhuru Peak in the Arctic climate zone, the descent is made on the steep Mweka Route, which allows trekkers to experience the dry mountain desert and the lowland forest. So, take this route if you want a more challenging and scenically varied trail to the mountain and don’t mind crowds.

The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca Cola Route Kilimanjaro” because of the availability of Coca Cola in the tea huts back in the day, is the easiest of all the Kilimanjaro routes due to its gradual slope and the removal of obstacles to create a well-defined path.

One of the easiest and most popular routes

The sleeping huts found here are quite comfortable, which eliminates any need for camping. Also known as the “Tourist Route” because of its popularity and relative ease of ascent, Marangu is ideal for people who prefer walking on well-defined paths rather than secluded steep slopes. Because of its ease, Marangu is much cheaper than other routes as well.

The oldest route on the mountain

The minimum number of days from the base to the summit is 5, but it is highly recommended that trekkers spend a day or more for acclimatization for safety reasons and a greater chance of a successful summit. All along the route, there are dormitory-style huts where trekkers can rest overnight.

The best route during rainy season

The ascent and descent are on the same path making it the most crowded and one of the least scenic of all the routes, as it only goes through a single part of the mountain. So, only take the Marangu route if you don’t mind crowds. Granted Marangu is not the greatest choice of routes, but it is the best route during the rainy season because hut accommodations are generally preferred to camping in wet grounds.

Unlike other trails, the Lemosho Route starts at a very low altitude. It is a long and difficult, but it is lets you gain elevation gradually and introduces you to mesmerizing natural beauty at every step.

An easier alternative to the Shira Route

Approaching the mountain from the west, the route begins with a long drive from Moshi. The minimum duration for this route is six days, but 8 days is ideal, so climbers get time to get acclimatized and enjoy the panoramic views from multiple sides of the mountain.

Antelopes, buffalo and elephants can be seen on the lower slopes

During the first two days of the trip, trekkers traverse through beautiful rainforests, where small animals such as the Colobus and blue monkeys are visible. In comparison to the Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, Lemosho crosses the Plateau from east to west, providing marvelous views of Kibo Peak.

Scenic views with relatively low traffic

Other attractions that can be explored while trekking the Lemosho Route include the Lava Tower, where climbers get to enjoy panoramic vistas and the Great Barranco Wall, which presents a difficult and thrilling challenge. Climbers will rest overnight in tents and after reaching the summit, the descent is made on the Mweka Route (designated descent trail for the other routes).

Extremely high success rates

After a few days of climbing, the Lemosho route 7 days itinerary merges with the Machame route all the way up to the summit and the descent down Mwaka. Due to the extra days on the lower altitudes, this is the best trek in terms of acclimatization.

Starting near the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route is the only approach that starts from the north of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is considered one of the easier routes with a gradual climb to the summit.

A remote alternative to the crowded Marangu

While Rongai takes a minimum of six days, a seven-day itinerary is recommended as one day should be spent for acclimatization. The scenic diversity is not as great as the western routes, but Rongai is the only route in which you get to experience African wildlife during the early stages of your climb.

Combines African wildlife with exotic treks

The Rongai route starts at a fair distance from from Moshi, making this route more expensive, as transportation costs to and from Moshi must also be included. The route takes you past pristine rainforests and African wilderness, and despite feeling drier, it’s actually quite scenic and beautiful. Just don’t make the mistake of comparing the scenery to the western routes.

Preferred route during the rainy season

Although the route is gaining popularity of late, climbers who seek a remote hike can expect low traffic. However, the trail will join the Marangu route at Camp Kibo and the descent is common for both routes. If you’re looking for a nice quiet hike up the mountain without having to deal with a lot of traffic, this is the route for you.