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.