Conquering Kilimanjaro on a budget!

The majestic sight of Mount Kilimanjaro has wondered a lot many people. It is the perhaps the tallest mountain in the entire African continent. Whether it’s the zeal of climbing the tallest free standing mountain or just another adventure, Mount Kilimanjaro certainly allures a lot of climbers to explore its beauty. There is nothing wrong in saying that, Mount Kilimanjaro is a dream destination for trekkers around the world.

According to an estimation, Mt Kilimanjaro receives more than 50000 footfalls every year. As the highest free standing mountain of the world, Kilimanjaro attracts trekkers of all skill levels. Have you suppressed the wish to go trekking with your entire family or a large group of friends simply because it was financially out of your reach?

In the present times, climbing a mountain like Mt Kilimanjaro can really burn a pretty big hole in your pocket, especially if you do not possess the required information about those trekking companies that are willing to offer a great package, well within your estimated budget, without compromising the quality of your experience.

The biggest risks associated with cheap climbing Mount Kilimanjaro offers are the safety issues. This is the reason why you need to be cautious enough in selecting the right company. You must cautiously look into the safety measures that the trekking company is offering on their site before you consider striking any kind of deals with them.

One of the possible reasons why most climbing guides rake a whole lot of profits is the fact that in such climbs atop enormous mountain tops, it is your life that you are putting on the line. Hence, at most times, you agree on paying whatever a company is charging without even negotiating much. But you would be surprised at discovering that half of the staff working under dangerous conditions in these mountains are never paid the amount of fees that they deserve simply because out in the competitive market, all these companies care about is making the maximum profits. So, contrary to what you might have come to believe, low cost Kilimanjaro trek is quite possible if you hire a comparatively cheap but reputable trekking service provider to make your trip a success.

One of the most important things that you must try doing if you want to avoid spending more than you actually require to, is eliminating middle men. The more number of men involved, the more additions you will face to the total amount. At the end you will have to pay more due to the tendency of middle men to work on commission. Hiking Kilimanjaro, especially for an inexperienced climber, might seem to be way out of budget if they choose to opt for a top-class expensive trekking service in their very first outing into the high altitudes.

Explore The Cheaper Way To Reach The Top Of Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be a lifetime experience. Several hikers and climbers trip to the African continent to make it to Mount Kilimanjaro. This free standing, tallest mountain of the African continent is known for its natural beauty, game parks and a host of other attractions. If you have decided on making all the way up to the breath-taking summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, you should be well aware of the huge amount of money most of the trekking companies out in the market will be charging you. Fret not, if you simply want to enjoy the view without caring much about world-class facilities provided to you during the climb, you might want to consider hiring Kilimanjaro Tour Operators who are willing to go easy on your pockets with the guarantee that your climb will be a 100% successful and safe.

Granted that most of the equipments and climbing gear that you will be provided with when you opt for a cheaper version of hiking mount Kilimanjaro, won’t be of the finest quality, but it surely doesn’t compromise on the quality of view that you want to enjoy from the mountain top. One of the perks of low cost climbs is also the fact that will not be getting the best professional staff assisting you on your journey. But, all these minor disadvantages come with the result of having to spend almost half the amount of money that you would otherwise have had to spend and all of these does nothing to compromise the totality of your mountain climbing experience.

To make the most out of your Kilimanjaro tour, you need to choose your kilimanjaro tour services carefully when you are looking into low cost touring companies, for there are certain aspects of a tour that simply cannot be compromised with, such as the level of safety like the safety of equipments provided. If needed, call up several companies and discuss your concerns about the safety measures and demand to see a written proof of their track record in this accord before you make your decision.

There are tour operators that provide fully tailor made Mount Kilimanjaro trips according to your preferences and needs. Then there are tour operators that offer visual presentation in order to provide assistance to the clients. Therefore, you must get the tour designed as per your convenience. If you need any travel extensions, then you must convey your needs to the tour operators from before.

Last but not the least; you need to build your tour according to your needs. At the end of the day, it is no use regretting your decision to opt for a cheaper trekking service in the desire to save a few bucks. Cheaper trekking companies are always better if you end up satisfied from your climbing experience. Kilimanjaro trip comes once in a lifetime to most and hence needs to be as enjoyable as can be.

Mountain Kilimanjaro: What all it offers besides a wonderful trekking experience

Trips to Kilimanjaro are something that you would cherish forever! After all, the snow-capped Kilimanjaro calls for an enchanting trip to this highest mountain. There is no doubt that Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the most significant attractions of Africa.

The Kilimanjaro is recorded as the tallest free standing mountain which rises about 19340 ft above sea level and looks absolutely stunning which makes Kilimanjaro Mountain one of the famous mountains across the globe. It rises from the north-eastern region of Tanzania and Kilimanjaro climbs are certainly a visual treat for the tourists.

The mountain lies within seven hundred fifty six square kilometers of Kilimanjaro National Park. It is one of the rarest places on planet which literally encompasses all ecological life zone that include desert to savannah, tropical forests, subalpine forests, timberline and montane forests.

As per a survey, about 25000-35000 people attempt to reach the peak every year. Out of them only two third make it. Kilimanjaro Mountain comprise of 6 significant eco zones including glaciers, rainforest, alpine desert, cultivated land and moorland.

The mountain is a part of the popular Seven Summits and consists of three volcanoes out of which the most popular is Kibo. The other two that you can eye on are Shira and Mawenzi. The mountain has its base in the Kilimanjaro National Park. While hiking Kilimanjaro from here, you need to cross the distinct vegetation zones.

If you are fortunate enough in choosing some good Kilimanjaro guides, then you can learn a lot from your trekking experience. For instance, while trekking from the very base of this mountain, you’ll find farming settlement of the WaChagga tribe. Here you’ll find cultivated regions of bananas, sweet potato, beans, maize and coffee.

The surrounding rainforests are noted for its flora and fauna and is one of the most significant water sources in North Tanzania. Following this, you’ll come by wonderful moorland which carves a niche for its inspiring view and exotic plants such as the giant lobelia and giant groundsel. Next, if you make a move towards the alpine desert you’ll find rare bird species like the Lammergeier vulture and African crowned eagle. The final layer of the summit is the ice cap!

Trekking Kilimanjaro doesn’t need any previous trekking experience. All you need to have is the minimum fitness level required for mountaineering. After all, the treks involve immense physical stamina and labor. So, before you planning for a trekking tour, you need to first find out from your healthcare practitioner that you are fit to take this up or not.

Identifying Mt Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes

Standing at an elevation of about 5895 meters, Mt Kilimanjaro or “Rooftop of Africa” enjoys one among the biggest topographical features in the planet. Kilimanjaro Mountain has been one of the highly accessible peaks in the world and thus has become one of the most popular attractions for adventure seekers across the globe.  

Located close to the Moshi town, the snow clad peak of Kilimanjaro stretches well above the hills of Tanzania and also the northern plateau. The entire area is well-protected and vigilantly regulated for visitors and tourists to enjoy a pleasurable climbing experience.

The environment and flora and fauna all throughout the route are quite diverse but amazingly beautiful. On the lower slopes of this mountain, you will find farmland consisting of maize, cassava, bananas, coffee beans that are widely grown for the livelihood of the local community. Within the lowland boundaries of the national park, there are dense forests breaking into   alpine grasslands.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a convenient and pleasing challenge in a week or two’s holidays.  When it comes to a Kilimanjaro trek, one common thing that we find is that none of the six routes needs any technical expertise to climb. One can easily reach the crater rim. Gillman’s Point or Uhuru Point is considered the main summit.

Kilimanjaro Routes

Trekkers on Kilimanjaro need to climb through one of six formally authorized routes. These routes starting from west to east are Shira, Lemosho, Machame, Umbwe, Marangu, and Rongai. On the other hand, the western routes, (Lemosho, Shira, Machame and Umbwe), are needed by KINAPA for descending through the Umbwe Route. On the other hand, the eastern routes, Marangu and Rongai, descend through the Marangu Route. However, as a trekker you need to keep the park authorities informed about the route you are choosing to use. Moreover, if you have selected a particular route then you won’t be allowed to switch routes in between.

We know that there are six trekking routes on Mt Kilimanjaro. Now, what is intended out here is that you can climb the summit from six different locations. The time for completing a trek usually depends on what route you follow. For instance, if you choose the Rongai route, then it is a preferably a longer one as there are eleven variations involved in this route. In fact, though there are plenty of choices to work on, however; very few of the routes are actually considered to be optimal.

Hence, make sure to choose the best possible route depending on the time available for a successful summit tour.

How to choose Kilimanjaro tour operators

Kilimanjaro is noted as the highest peak in Africa. With above 1000 climbers expected every year, Mount Kilimanjaro is a must visit destination for adventure tourists in Tanzania. To make the most out of your Kilimanjaro tour, you need to look for reliable tour operators in Kilimanjaro. 

Usually, there are six routes through which you can reach this world famous summit. So, you need to choose one of the best Kilimanjaro tour operators to base your final decision on price, climbing route, guides, food, camping, and avail other advanced service. 

It is essential to choose a tour operator in order to climb the Kilimanjaro Mountain. The tour operator you choose should be well trained and knowledgeable enough to guide you through the established routes. There are six established routes that take you up the mountain. These include Lemosho, Machame, Umbwe, Marangu, Rongai and Shira.

Perhaps choosing the route will be the first most crucial part of your trip. It can make or mar the experience. All in all choosing the best route can create a big difference in your trekking experience and your overall success rate. Marangu is the cheapest option and the shortest of them all. By and large, Marangu is the most popular as you ascent the same height in just 5 days.  

Besides, those hiking Mount Kilimanjaro can also opt for the safari and Kili climb option. Reliable tour operators will provide you the best possible price. Additionally, they will also ensure proper safety and service of the trekkers on way. 

Now, with so many tour operators available in Kilimanjaro how will you differentiate between the best and the average? Well, here are some of the reasons that will help you come up with a decision:

For those of you, who love the idea of trekking with partners; can find the group climbs option really awesome. Many tour operators have provision for group climbs available on Rongai, Machame and Marangu routes. 

Reliable tour operators also have provisions for private treks. Here, you can avail a blissful trekking experience of 5 to 8 days. Routes like Lemosho, Rongai, Marangu work wonders for private treks.

Look for tour operators who include the expense of obtaining the climbing permit in the tour price. This implies you don’t have to pay anything extra for you permit; this will be included in your tour package. Besides, their prices are inclusive of meals, porters charge and local guides charge.

Choose tour operators who have their local representatives’ ready at the hotel. They’ll assist you from the hotel to the Kili climb.

The Idea of Hiking Kilimanjaro for Newcomers

Kilimanjaro climbing can be a hectic experience for any newcomer trekker. But if the person is regularly accustomed to numerous small trips, then the experience of climbing this huge mountain will never be a difficult experience. You can get intimidated by simply looking at the Mt Kilimanjaro (5,892 m).

If you reach to the top of this mountain, you may able to view a greater part of Africa. There are 7 routes to this mountain which are Umbwe, Rongai, Shira, Mweka, Lemosho, Machame, and Marangu. 

 For any complete newcomer the best way to climb Kilimanjaro is the Marangu route, which enters from the southeast portion of this mountain and has proved to be the simplest and favorite route. Most of the travelers favor this route for various reasons, as it ensures a slow and safe journey for any newcomer. The route also offers different huts which can accommodate almost sixty people. People may also conveniently spend their night here along with pillows and mattresses. There are various kinds of facilities which you will also get also get along with these such as convenient washrooms, dining rooms and kitchens. Moreover, you will also get some shops around dealing with water, soft drinks and many other amenities. People generally feel the requirements of these things during their hiking Kilimanjaro journey.

People also like the Machame route. The route commences from the south portion of the mountain and afterwards turns towards the east portion of the mountain. It is tougher to travel through this route than Marangu and the journey also gets lingered. But people selecting this route will face a beautiful forest in the way and will also witness sceneries of glaciers on the south portion of the mountain. If you can really be resilient enough to follow a tough route, you should select the Lemosho route. The trips to Kilimanjaro through this route offer you the chance to see the different angles of this mountain, as you will travel through alpine forests and also witness closed volcanoes. The scenery is definitely worth watching.

Many people thinks that the entire journey of Kilimanjaro climbs can be completed in five days as most unsuccessful trekkers return after five days. The guides can play an important factor to ensure success of the journey as they continuously suggest their clients when to halt or slow down. A slow and steady journey to these mountains can be more amusing. A steady trekker has a greater chance of success in this journey, by moving steadily and cherishing the beautiful environment.

  

The newcomer trekkers should carefully follow the advice of Kilimanjaro guides for success in their journey. The routes to the mountain should be carefully followed. The newcomers should be very careful while climbing steep mountains. A slow speed in this journey ensures success in reaching the top of this extremely high mountain. It will be an overwhelming experience for any first time trekker to reach the top of this mountain.