Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Tours and Holidays
Snow capped and shrouded by clouds, the local Chagga people called it ‘Kilema Kyaro’ meaning ‘that which cannot be conquered’ or ‘that which makes a journey impossible’. Today, it is the dream of every adventurer to conquer its summit and stand on the roof of Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain known to man. It is a mountain where you can hike for more than 50 kilometres, gain 4,000 meters in altitude, traverse rain forest, moorland, alpine desert, snow fields and ice cliffs, all virtually on the equator! A truly unforgettable and fascinating adventure.
How difficult is it climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
About 22,000 climbers set out every year to conquer the Mount Kilimanjaro peak. Several well-marked hiking/ trekking routes lead to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. To use the word “climber” is not always correct. Although none of these climbing routes really requires mountaineering skills, trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is physically and mentally demanding and should not be under estimated. As much as 40% of those who set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro turn back before they reach Uhuru peak. With the adequate preparation any reasonably fit person above the age of 12 years can reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro successfully, and oldest person to reach is over 85.
The climbing Routes on Mount Kilimanjaro
There are mainly two climbing routes, which lead most hikers to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. They are the Marangu route, which is the main tourist and by far the most famous trekking route and the Machame route, probably the most scenic and most beautiful climbing route. Although other climbing routes also lead to Uhuru Peak (the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro), they mainly form parts of the Machame trekking route, like the Shira route from the Northwest.
About Kilimanjaro National Park
Size: 1668 sq km 641 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.
Getting there
- 128 km (80 miles) from Arusha.
- About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.
What to do
- Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes.
- Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches.
- Trout fishing.
- Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes.
Accommodation
- Huts and campsites on the mountain.
- Several hotels and campsites outside the park in the village of Marangu and town of Moshi.
