MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro, which stands at 5895 meters and is the highest free-standing peak in the world, is located in Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa. Despite its height, Kilimanjaro is one of the highest mountains that is easiest to reach, with most climbers needing only a walking stick, appropriate clothes, and a strong will to reach the top (Uhuru Peak).
The ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro is a virtual tour of the world’s climates, taking climbers from the lower slopes’ tropical rain forest to the alpine heath, then to an almost bare alpine desert and, eventually, to the wintry Arctic summit, which is only 3 degrees south of the equator.
There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro: Lemosho (Londorossi), Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Shira, and Umbwe. The length of the Kilimanjaro climb might range from four to six nights on the mountain, depending on the route chosen. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from West of the mountain. The Machame, Marangu and Umbwe routes all approach from South. The Rongai route approaches from North near Kenya. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka. The Marangu and Machame routes are the most popular with Marangu being the easiest of all. While camping is the only form of lodging on the Machame Route, alpine huts are used on the Marangu Route. There is no need for technical equipment on these routes, and you will be accompanied on your climb by knowledgeable guides and porters.
