Looking for a different type of adventure in Africa? Try trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro! Africa is not only known for being the go to place for safari adventure but also for its landscape and mountains. And one the most notable ones is Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. It is notable for the white peaks that can be seen even from afar. I bet you didn’t expect to hear that snow can be seen in Africa. We have three Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour options for you to choose from to trek the majestic and proud Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Mt. Kilimanjaro’s hiking routes offers different options for anyone willing and wanting to climb. There are routes available for more experienced climbers and a route available for those who would consider themselves as beginners. Each route is tailor made to ensure hikers enjoy their climb to reach the peak whether it’s catching glimpses of awe inspiring views or the camaraderie formed during the climb.
Did you know Mt. Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones? They’re known as Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct but Kibo, the highest peak, is dormant and could erupt again. Mt. Kilimanjaro rises from cultivated farmlands on the lower slopes, and hikers can go through lush rainforest to alpine meadows, and finally across a lunar landscape to the twin summits of Kibo and Mawenzi.
If you’re convinced already on going on a trek up to Mt. Kilimanjaro’s peak you can definitely expect to have one of the best experiences of your life. A typical day would consist of waking up in the camp, packing, trekking and then spending an evening in another camp. Usually the guide does a health check before starting the trek to ensure everyone is okay. Briefings are done during the morning and evening so everyone is on the same page of what is to be expected.
You can expect to experience a varied climate during your trek as it can start out warm and then you’ll find yourself shivering specially as you near the Ice Cap zone. It’s interesting to see how your surroundings can change from a forestry area to an inhospitable arctic desert.The trail can become steep and uneven at some parts of the trek so be prepared to experience some breathing difficulties.
A great advice to first timers is to practice packing and unpacking your bag in the dark because more often than not you’ll be doing this in the dark early mornings during your trek. Meals on a trek up Mt.Kilimanjaro can feel like a feast specially after trekking along the routes all day. This is great most specially because everyone would need to re-energize.
So what are you waiting for? Be ready to trek up to Mt. Kilimanjaro’s peak!
Check out our Top Mt. Kilimanjaro Tours selection and see for yourself why many tourists enjoy the hike up to the peak. We have 3 routes on feature but there are other routes available, which we can arrange as well. You can choose depending on your fitness level among other factors.
The first route is a 7 Days 6 Nights Roof of Africa Trekking through the Marangu Route. The route starts from the village of Marangu located on one of the lower slopes of the mountain. Along the way, you will get to trek through forest and moorland. The trail also skirts along the Maundi Crater and there is an option to go on a short detour on the way to the top where you can catch a view of Kibo Crater.
Another option is the 7 Days 6 Nights Roof of Africa through the Rongai Route. You make your way trekking up the mountain from the northeast side close to the border of Tanzania and Kenya. The hike begins from the Nale Moru Village where you will pass through maize fields and pine forests. This route will give you a good view of the countryside.
And lastly, you can go for the 8 Days 7 Nights Roof of Africa Trekking through the Machame Route. This route is a top choice and also known as the “Whiskey Route.” It starts with a trek through the rain forest for a good six hours until you reach your first overnight camp. A fair warning; this route is a considerably more steep route to take and longer. If you are an adventurer at heart, this is perfect for you!
The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola route”, is one of the most famous routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Most hikers believe this is the easiest route to take to Uhuru peak.
The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route offers a different perspective of Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.
Known as the “Whiskey” route, Machame is a popular route to the mountain. It is considered a difficult route, well suited for those who seek adventurers with some hiking experience. The view from the peak is definitely magical and worht the climb.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is a great tourist destination. It offers amazing hiking routes for anyone to explore and there are surrounding parks in the area that one can choose to visit before or after your hiking expedition. You can enjoy an exciting experience of tracking game animals, game driving and the scenic views in the area. You’ll surely fall in love with Mt. Kilimanjaro and Africa!