Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the World's
highest free standing structure at an altitude of 5895 meters
(19,336 feet) above the sea level. Hiking on the rooftop of Mount
Kilimanjaro Africa is the adventure of a lifetime, and anyone
who is physically fit can scale this snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located inside the Kilimanjaro National Park
outside of Moshi town in a beautiful accessible village of Marangu
were the headquarter of the park is located. There are different
routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro involving different villages
and scenarios. These routes includes Climbing
Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu route, Climbing
Mount Kilimanjaro Machame route, Climbing
Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Climbing
Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, Climbing
Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe route, Climbing
Mount Kilimanjaro Shira route and Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Mweka route which is used for descent only.
With all these routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is however
not only the highest free standing peak in the world but also
highest accessible point. The chagga who inhabit the area of the
mountain hasn't yet managed to give the meaning of Kilimanjaro
with the exception of kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar
snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, and
the summit of Africa.
The vegetation of Mount Kilimanjaro varies accordingly with the
nature of the altitude you are, basically from tropics to the
Arctic. At the level of 2700 m the cultivated foot slopes give
way to lush montane forest, inhabited by rare leopard, buffalo,
elephant, antelope and other primates. As you ascend the moorland
zone show up where a cover of giant heather is studded with other
worldly giant lobelias. Above 3900 m, the zone changes to alpine
desert which support little life to the fauna and flora. Popular
signboards of no water here are experienced in this zone as you
trek Kilimanjaro. The final vegetation is of winter wonderland
of ice and snow and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the
Africa.
Unlike other snow caped Mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro
isn't a technical climbing mountain and need less equipment on
trekking. Walking stick, proper clothing, sun glass, enough drinking
water and determination are the key to a successfully Mount Kilimanjaro
climber. A successfully climber is the one who prepare himself/herself
properly before ascending and ask as many questions as they can
during trekking as well as been attentive to the Mount Kilimanjaro
guides.
Mount Kilimanjaro is regularly ascent in five days using Marangu
route, but for those who wants to make a record they can do less
provided that they should pay for a minimum of five days. Climbing
Mount Kilimanjaro is a breathtaking activity and mostly it's recommended
for an extra day for acclimatization. Acclimatization day gives
an alpine more chance to reach on the roof of Africa as experience
the climatical changes gradually. Other routes offer a minimum
of five days as Marangu and others six days such as Machame route.
The team which will take you to the mountain will comprise a cook(s),
mountain guide and mountain porters. Depending on the nature of
the group but a minimum of two porters per person carrying less
than 15 kg of your luggage, cooking facilities and sleeping tents
depending on the route selected. One guide for four to five people
with one assistant guide and one cook. Additional of the team
members will be done according to the situation of the group and
luggage taken to the mountain.
While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro the Marangu route is referred
as the luxurious route due to the fact that it has huts for accommodation,
European toilets and sufficient water tape. Other Mount Kilimanjaro
routes are subjected to the mobile camping tents whereby all the
facilities are carried by your porters and in most cases they
will trek faster than you for the preparation of accommodation,
food and water on your arrival.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is accessible while you are in Tanzania
only and above mentioned route are the only official routes up
Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is operated by Kilimanjaro
National Park Authority (KINAPA) and obtains its main offices
in Marangu village. Trekking/Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro normally
starts in the morning around 9:00 a.m to 10:00a.m that you should
be at the entrance gate for the registration as well as park fees
payments. Please observe all the national park regulation especially
environmental issues. On your successfully trekking to Uhuru Peak
(5895 m), Stella Point or Gilman's Point you will earn your climbing
certificate from KINAPA offices.
Mount Kilimanjaro climb can successfully attempt by eligible 12
years to 70 years people and this is what the authority advice
the alpine. Different people from different countries have trek/climb
Mount Kilimanjaro in different ways to make different records
and you can read them on your arrival especially the Marangu and
Machame gate.