Mountain Kilimanjaro Routes - Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )
Mountain Kilimanjaro Routes: Africa
Natural Tours (For Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Zanzibar) Tanzania safari company
in Moshi
Specialized
in: Wildlife safaris, Mountain climbing,
Cultural tourism and Beach holidays in East Africa
Contact
+255 653 679 958
Email:
info@africanaturaltours.com
Website: www.africanaturaltours.com
Advantages & Disadvantages of
the Kilimanjaro Routes
Marangu Route
TheMarangu Route is the oldest, most well established
route. The route was counted many years as the most popular route to the summit
due to its gradual slopes. Marangu Route is also known under the nickname
Coca-Cola Route, due to its high popularity and relative simplicity to climb.
However, in the recent years Marangu Route was displaced into second place by
the more popular Machame Route. Advantages: The Marangu Route is the cheapest
and fastest route (five or six days) up to Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only
route with hut accommodation in a dormitory style. Therefore climbers do not
need camping equipment, which reflects in the number of porters. The beds in
the huts are limited, so that only a certain number of climbers per day are
allowed on this trek. It is considered due to its gradual slopes as the easiest
of all routes. Disadvantages: The rapid climb is not always the best. The chance
of making it to the top in five days is very low and an extra acclimatization
(sixth) day is highly recommended to summit Kilimanjaro. Not without a reason
is “pole, pole” (slowly, slowly) the motto on Kilimanjaro. Due to its shortness
the success rate of making it to the peak is lower than on the longer routes.
Marangu Route compared to its sister routes has less scenic variety, because
ascent and descent follow the same trek.
Machame Route
Machame Route is the favorite route
among climbers. It is also referred to as the Whisky Route. The classic
duration to the top is 6 days, though an extra acclimatization day can be
added. It is alongside Lemosho Route the most picturesque route on Kilimanjaro.
The hike follows steeper paths and is more adventurous, especially because of
the famous Breakfast Wall (Barranco Wall). On the fifth day Machame Route
merges with Lemosho Route. Both routes take from here the same trek up to Uhuru
Peak. Advantages: The Machame Route is known as one of the most beautiful
routes. The route follows the climbers’ philosophy to hike high and sleep low
and therefore offering excellent acclimatization and success rate to the
summit. As a classic camping route Machame Route is not limited, this in turn leads
us to the disadvantages. Disadvantages: In recent years, Machame Route has
immensely grown in popularity, which is owed to the limit amount of climbers on
Marangu Route. Climbers should be prepared that especially in high season it
can get very busy.
Lemosho Route
Lemosho
Route is one of the quieter routes with fantastic views. Your trek to the
summit is possible via a seven or eight days trek. The route meets, on the
fifth day, at the Shira Plateau, the popular Machame Route and from there
shares the same path to the summit. Advantages: It is the longest route and
provides, through its duration, the best conditions for acclimatization. Small
number of climbers choose Lemosho Route, thus it is one of the quieter routes
and our secret favorite. Disadvantages: Due to its length climbers that favor
Lemosho Route should be prepared to pay more.
Rongai Route
Rongai
Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the North, along the
border between Kenya and Tanzania. It is considered as the wildest and quietest
route. The North is also drier and less wooded, which makes Rongai Route the
ideal route for the rainy season. Advantages: Rongai Route captivates with
rough wilderness and fantastic panoramas. The Northern slopes receive less rain
and thus have better conditions for hiking. Rongai Route is the least populated
route. Disadvantages: The route does not follow the principles of climbing high
and sleeping low, a seventh day for acclimatization is therefore strongly
recommended.
The Northern Circuit
The
Northern Circuit route is the newest and longest route – and did we say it’s
also truly beautiful? You’ll take nine days to reach the summit and, boy,
you’ll remember every single one of those nine days! Advantages At nine days
it’s the longest route, so it’s the best route for acclimatization and so
you’ve the best chance of reaching the top. This route takes you almost 360
degrees round the mountain, so you’ve a new scenic beauty every day. Because
it’s the newest route to open, the paths are definitely less travelled so
you’ll be one of the first to experience it. Disadvantages it’s a long route
so, yes, it costs a little more so it’s not so good if you’re watching your
wallet.
The Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is the most
challenging route up Kilimanjaro. It’s the steepest route with little
opportunity for acclimatization and so it’s only for the experienced
high-altitude climber. It’s a fantastic, energizing, life-changing climb amid
knife-edge ridges, sheer-drop gorges and the most amazing panoramas; but it’s
only suitable for you tough experienced adventure freaks out there. We don’t
recommend it for normal, sane people. Advantages If you’re an experienced high
altitude climber, then you’ll have the mountain to yourself! Although it’s not
technical, it’s steep and arduous so it’s a Challenge with a capital C.
Beautiful, beautiful scenery. It’s quick – there and back in six days.
Disadvantages It’s a quick climb so you’ve less chance of properly acclimatizing
unless you’re an experienced at high altitude. We don’t offer a group excursion
on this route because it’s so difficult, but we do offer small, bespoke climbs.
You are still unsure which of the routes is the right route for YOU? You are
undecided between two routes? Our team is always happy to answer your
questions. Get in contact with us via
For more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com
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