Kilimanjaro - Approach, Trekking, and Climbing Routes
This section was created to guide you, at least virtually, on how to get to Kilimanjaro, or Kili for short. It will show you the various Approach, Trekking and Climbing Routes you have to take to get there. A map is also provided to give you an idea of those Routes. Read on.
Approach Routes
Moshi or Arusha, both in Tanzania, are the starting points of Trekking and Climbing routes to the Uhuru Peak. Airlines fly directly to Arusha from Nairobi, Mombasa (both Kenya) or Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania), but there is also one airline flying directly to Arusha from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Both places are also easy to reach by train or by road from either Kenya and Tanzania. There is an option to one of the many Trekking routes or one of the few Climbing routes.
Trekking Routes
Since 1991, independent Trekking is not allowed in Park Kilimanjaro and all treks must go through licensed tour operators. You are also obliged to hire a guide as well as at least one porter for the guide. Although you can carry your own gear, normal porters are used, about two to three porters per person. There are six main Trekking routes that begin on the lower slopes and most routes reach the North and South Circuit Paths that circle the base of the main Kibo dome. These are Marangu, Mweka, Umbwe, Machame, Shira, and Rongai. Beyond the Circuit Paths, only three routes continue to the summit and these are all on the southern side of Kibo. Therefore, the Trekking routes on the western and southern slopes are more used than the ones on the north side.
The Marangu route is the easiest and most popular route up the Kilimanjaro and is used by most Trekking companies. A trek on this route usually takes five days and four nights for the round trip. You can increase your chances of reaching the summit by spending an extra night on the ascent, ideally at Horombo Hut.
The Umbwe route is a steep route leading straight to Uhuru Peak. It is interesting and very enjoyable if you don't gain height too quickly. A tent on this route is essential as the huts are in very bad condition on this route. The route takes five days and four nights.
The Machame-Mweka route is the most scenic route on the mountain, passing through Kili's complete range of landscape and vegetation. The ascent is longer and more gradual than the two other routes. Trekkers must also use tents here. The trek takes six days and five nights.
Climbing Routes
The two known technical routes are:
- The Heim Glacier
This was once a snowy route, but due to climate changes, this is now a taxing climb on steep, mixed ground until the upper glacier is reached. Difficulties are concentrated in the first 600m with vertical ice and loose rocks.
- Th Breach Wall Direct
This route climbs the giant icicle which links the Balletto and Diamond glaciers on the Breach Wall.
One should be made aware that the glaciers from the Kilimanjaro are receding in a very quick pace, making them steeper and more prone to stonefall. The loose rock makes it less attractive for climbing. As the ice retreats still further, the great ice routes of the Kilimanjaro may disappear altogether.
These are the essential information that you need to know if you are planning go to Kilimanjaro. We hope that this section has been educational as it has been informative. But rather than just reading about it from here and looking at its pictures, why not go there and see the sights yourself? You can do that by going to our Mountaineering Travel Page and booking a trip with our Travel Partners? What are you waiting for? Book a travel there now!
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