Negotiating The Secrets Of Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, an inactive volcano, is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. The highest mountain in Africa, it sits shrouded in mystery. Stories of the resident spirits on its slopes are part of the local folklore. The image of a snow-capped mountain rising directly from the fertile plains is an extraordinary example of extremes. Kilimanjaro peaks, withstanding moving winds and roaring clouds, put anyone in awe.

Location

Mount Kilimanjaro is located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, just south of the Equator. To its west is the Great African Rift Valley, created by mighty tectonic forces that also gave birth to other volcanoes. However, Kilimanjaro dwarfs all these peaks.

Weather

Kilimanjaro's geographic location brings with it several rainy periods. The highest rainfall is witnessed between mid March and early May and slightly less between November and mid December. Maximum rainfall is in the forest belt and on the southern slope of the mountain. Snow can be found anytime of the year, even in the dry months of January, February and September. As for the temperature, the plains surrounding Kilimanjaro have an average temperature of 30 Celsius. At 3000 meters daytime temperatures range from 5 to 15 degree Celsius. On the summit, the temperature could be well around freezing point.

Access Routes

Mount Kilimanjaro can be accessed via several routes:

* Marangu Route

This is the most popular tourist access route and called the Coca Cola Route. Too many people try to climb Kilimanjaro in 5 days by this route and the success route is therefore very poor. The initial sections offer fine forest and moorland walking. After Kibo Hut, a tedious climb leads to the crater rim. All camps on the route are manned and in constant radio contact with the Marangu Headquarters. Just above the Park Gate is a route meandering through the forest. It offers a longer but more picturesque walk along narrow paths beside streams. If you are climbing Kilimanjaro along this route, you will find all huts overstrained during peak period.

* Machame Route

This is an excellent route that can be climbed comfortably in 6 days. It starts from Machame gate climbing through the jungle and then finally meets the Lemosho route at Shira camp after which they both follow the same route. The route offers good acclimatisation and a good success rate.

* Umbwe Route

This route is very steep and is not good for acclimatisation. As a result it is very rarely walked.

* Lemosho Route

The 7 day route passes through the Shira Plateau, which provides picturesque views of the Western Glaciers. With great acclimatisation and a 7 day climb this offers the best success rate on the mountain.

Notwithstanding the route you choose, you would need the services of experienced guides and support for trekking Kilimanjaro. An efficient service provider would ensure that you have a memorable mountaineering experience.