Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro

Situated in the north eastern part of Tanzania, the perpetually snow capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro continues to be an awe inspiring sight for many a traveller. With it’s 3 cones; namely, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira it reaches a height of over 15 thousand feet making it the highest freestanding mountain on the planet, as well as the 4th tallest of the Seven Summits.

Songs and poems have been sung about it, books have been published to chronicle climbing experiences detailing every nook and cranny of the stratovolcano. To this day, mount Kilimanjaro remains to be a source of inspiration and awe.

Trekking Appeal

Mount Kilimanjaro presents an attractive prospect for trekking. If you’re thinking of attempting this climb make sure you go with a group and a knowledgeable guide. However, it’s important to note that you have to be in good shape if you are looking to go all the way to the zenith. You are also required to acclimatize yourself to the altitude and the conditions up top.

Physically Demanding

Make no mistake: this activity is physically demanding. You have to condition yourself for the journey and brace yourself for extreme weather conditions. Even those who are fit have to take caution. On the way up, they may experience hypothermia, high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), acute mountain sickness (AMS), headaches, etc. It might interest people to know that AMS is the cause of 10 deaths annually.

The Routes

Trekking routes include Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame which is the most picturesque of them all, however great beauty comes with it a significant challenge in terms of difficulty.

Those looking for an easier way up can go through the Rongai Route, which leads to Mount Kilimanjaro from the north. This means that you will be starting your trip by passing through a lush farmland, thick forest, and what they call “open moorland”. This route is best for camping.

Special Oddities

When you pass through the tussock grasslands, you will find Kilimanjaro’s renowned water holding cabbage, which is unique to this location, along with other forms of plant life that have managed to thrive in the sky island’s environment (e.g. lobelia, giant groundsels etc). There are a number of lodges littered along the trail leading to the top of Mount Kilimajaro.

Pre Booking

Tanzanian authorities charge small fees per day on the mountain, which should be fine, as this helps the people maintain the quality of these routes. Also, in the interest of preservation, climbers have to pre-book to climb the mountain (ask your travel agent about that). They can contact the National Park for more details.