Mount Kilimanjaro National Park - climb Africa's
highest mountain
The great mountain of Kilimanjaro is a metaphor
for the compelling beauty of East Africa. Rising
in absolute isolation, at 5,895 m(19,336 ft), Kilimanjaro
is one of the highest walkable summits on
the planet, a beacon for visitors from
around the globe.
The two main peak areas are Kibo – the flat-topped
dome at the centre of the massif – and Mawenzi
– a group of jagged points and pinnacles on
the eastern side. In fact, the top of Kibo is not
flat, but dips inwards to form a crater with spectacular
ice scenery. Kibo and Mawenzi are separated by a
broad plain called The Saddle.
The popular routes
The Marangu Route is the easiest and most popular
route up Mt. Kilimanjaro. The path is straightforward
and there are three large comfortable huts conveniently
spaced along the way.
The Machame Route is the most scenic route on the
mountain, passing through Kilimanjaro's complete
range of landscape and vegetation types. The climb
is longer and more gradual than the Marangu Route
and is much quieter. The huts are in poor condition
so tents are used. On the higher sections of this
route trekkers have two options, approach the summit
by the Western Breach (short and very steep) or
by the Barafu section of the Mweka Route (longer
but less demanding).
Other Kilimanjaro climbs
Other routes include the Shira Route, the Mweka
Route, and many so-called wilderness variations
on the Shira. We are also able to arrange ascents
of the northern Rongai route. This is a quieter
start but joins the Marangu for the last day.
The Marangu Route is the Kilimanjaro 'Trade Route'
and by far the busiest, but has comfortable huts.
The others are wilderness routes and involve camping.
December to February are the warmest and clearest
months to visit, with July to September being colder
but also dry. It is wet in the rainforest from April
to June and during November.
Kilimanjaro climbing itineraries