Mt Kilimanjaro
Mt Kilimanjaro, towering above the East African plains at 5895 metres above sea level, is the largest free-standing mountain in the world. With its classical conical shape it is also the largest mountain in the world that can be climbed by a non-technical climber.
To reach the summit you will trek through a variety of vegetation zones including rainforest, open moorland and alpine desert.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. It lies close to the equator, yet snow, ice and glaciers are to be found on its highest slopes. It provides incredible views of hundreds of square kilometres of surrounding countryside - thousands of feet below - as well as of the mountain peaks, valleys and glaciers.
There are a number of different routes to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, the main routes are the Machame Route, Marangu Route and the Rongai Route.
Machame Route
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... is more difficult but more scenic than the Marangu route.
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... is more difficult but more scenic than the Marangu route.
The Marangu Route
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... has huts to stay in; all other routes must camp in tents. Both of these have quite high levels of people traffic. The Rongai Route has less traffic, the scenery is slightly better and the trek easier than on the Marangu route, the Rongai route is not quite as scenic as the Machame route as about the same level of difficulty.
Kumuka uses the Marangu Route, the only route on Mt Kilimanjaro that has huts to stay in. Set off through the rainforest of the lower slopes, through open moorlands before reaching the snow line. The view from the crater rim is nothing short of spectacular, and on a clear day it is possible to see the curvature of the earth. Kumuka works with a local operator who works towards better conditions for the porters and guides, as well as conservation of the area.
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... has huts to stay in; all other routes must camp in tents. Both of these have quite high levels of people traffic. The Rongai Route has less traffic, the scenery is slightly better and the trek easier than on the Marangu route, the Rongai route is not quite as scenic as the Machame route as about the same level of difficulty.
Kumuka uses the Marangu Route, the only route on Mt Kilimanjaro that has huts to stay in. Set off through the rainforest of the lower slopes, through open moorlands before reaching the snow line. The view from the crater rim is nothing short of spectacular, and on a clear day it is possible to see the curvature of the earth. Kumuka works with a local operator who works towards better conditions for the porters and guides, as well as conservation of the area.
Gecko adventures also uses the Marangu Route utilising mountain huts along the way and most importantly, buiding in an acclimitisation day which is able to more than double your chances of reaching the summit. You will be supported by an experienced mountain guide and a team of porters, all backed by the Kilimanjaro Porters Protection Group. So get out your gaitors, store up your stamina and prepare yourself to stand atop Africa’s greatest mountain to watch the sun rise over the African plains.
Peregrine adventures uses a combination of routes, on the way up your nights are spent in tents on the Machame route; however on the descent you join the Mweka route, spending one night in this area (but still using our own tents). The thrill of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro gives one an unsurpassed sense of achievement. The Machame Route is a day longer than the standard trail - add an extra day to the standard itinerary to provide important additional time for acclimatisation as this may well increase your chances of summiting.
Bench International uses the Rongai Route.
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