EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Since its official opening in 1977, Mt Kilimanjaro National Park has become one of Tanzania’s most visited parks. Unlike the other northern parks, this isn’t just for the wildlife – rather, coming here is all about gazing in awe at a mountain on the Equator capped with snow, and to climb to the top of Africa.
At the heart of the park is the 5896m Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and one of the continent’s most magnificent sights. It’s also one of the highest volcanoes and the highest freestanding mountain in the world, rising from cultivated farmlands on the lower levels, through lush rainforest to alpine meadows, and finally across a barren lunar landscape to the twin summits of Kibo and Mawenzi.
CLIMBING MT KILIMANJARO
ROUTES – AN OVERVIEW
There are seven main Kilimanjaro routes that one can use to trek the highest mountain in Africa. The eighth Kilimanjaro route, Mweka, is used for descent only.
The Machame Route and Umbwe Route depart from the south-west side of the mountain, and then use the Southern Circuit via Barafu and Stella Point to approach Uhuru Peak. Similarly, Shira Route and Lemosho Route also use the Southern Circuit to approach the summit and the Mweka route to descend; however both routes begin on the far west side off the mountain.
Marangu Route begins in the south-east and approaches Uhuru peak via Gilman’s Point. It is the only route on Kilimanjaro that has hut accommodation for the entire climb and uses the same trail to ascend and descend.
Rongai Route starts from the North-East and passes through the Saddle situated between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak to approach the summit via Gilman’s Point. The Rongai route descends via the Marangu Route.
The newest and longest route is the Northern Circuit which uses the same starting point as Lemosho but veers north before Lava Tower, circling around the north of the mountain and approaching Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point.
DAY HIKE TO KILIMANJARO
For those who do not wish to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to the top but still want to experience the magic of the Mountain, a day trip to Kilimanjaro National Park is ideal.
After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, you will meet your guide, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb.
Walk through the rain forest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rain forest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
After lunch, hike back to the park gate and drive back to Moshi.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours up / 2-3 hours down
Habitat: Montane Forest
SCENIC FLIGHT OVER MT KILIMANJARO
A scenic flight is ideal when you have a day or afternoon to spare in Moshi or Arusha.
The 1-hour scenic flight allows clients to experience the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro; the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and the roof of Africa from above for breathtaking views of the amazing peaks, vegetation zones and glaciers.
The scenic flight can depart from Moshi Airport / Arusha Airport / Kilimanjaro International Airport.
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