Experience Adventurous Kilimanjaro Peak Climbing

Added: 01/24/2006

Recognized as the Africa's highest mountain, and the world's highest freestanding mountain, Kilimanjaro has always intrigued climbers from all over the world. It was discovered by the western world in the second half of the XIX century, having attracted thousands of climbing enthusiasts ever since. Kilimanjaro is a mountain where you can experience over 90 kilometers hiking, gain nearly 4,000 meters in altitude, and cross rain forest, alpine desert, and ice cliffs.

Mountain Kilimanjaro is known to include the highest peak in Africa. No wonder it has been always associated for many travelers with the greatest peak climbing adventure. Kilimanjaro is also a world-famous volcano, with the highest point of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). It is here that many peak climbing vacations are destined. As Africa's highest point, Uhuru Peak is considered to be one of the Seven Summits. Among other peaks are extinct volcanoes Mawenzi, and Shira, the ascent of which requires essential rock climbing skills.

Various routes to the summit run through five ecological zones, including the cultivated lower slopes, moorland, Monane forest, alpine deserts, and, finally, the ice capped summit. More than 22,000 climbers set out annually to conquer the peak of Kilimanjaro. Several peak climbing routes lead to the mountain's summit. Though none of them requires mountaineering skills, hiking to the top of Kilimanjaro is physically demanding and, hence, shouldn't be underestimated. Nearly 40% of all climbers turn back before reaching Uhuru Peak.

Uhuru Peak climbing is considered to be a challenging endeavor, since a significant amount of time must be provided for proper acclimatization. Among the most popular routes, requiring no mountaineering experience, are Rongai and Marangu, each taking approximately 5-6 days to complete the climb.

Marangu is the main and the most popular route to Uhuru Peak, as well as the easiest one. It is the only route that provides comfortable sleeping huts and camps, selling soft drinks and beer.

Seen as the most beautiful and scenic route, Machame is also one of the most challenging. However, you won't be disappointed at stunning views of the Western Beach.

One of the shortest and the most difficult routes to Uhuru peak is Umbwe, famous for its caves. The first night the climbers sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp, with several more caves available on the following day of the route.

The Shira Plateau is seen as one of the most fascinating areas of Kilimanjaro. During the drive you'll be offered impressive views of the Great Rift Valley.

Lemosho Route is an unspoiled and extremely beautiful route to Africa's roof. Sometimes the climbers are accompanied by such animals as buffalo and elephant, common to the forest around the Lemosho Glades. However, the route is one of the longest, which makes it more expensive as compared to others.

Rongai Route can be started from both Rongai in Kenya, or from the Tanzanian side of the border. There are several caves along the route, used by the climbers to stay overnight the first two nights.

Arrow Glacier is an alternative ascend route, featuring magnificent Arrow Glacier on a summit night. The route makes it possible to spend a night inside the Kibo Crater - an unforgettable experience.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is on the list of lifetime adventures of many people. With over 22,000 tourists conquering it each year, Kilimanjaro is the most climbed mountain worldwide. Perhaps, nothing can compete with the experience of standing on its top and looking down at the African continent

Rate this article:

Bad

Good

Article comments:

No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!

Return to top of the page