Mountain Climbing and Hiking
When one mentions mountain climbing in Tanzania, what springs to mind is Mount Kilimanjaro, the rooftop of Africa, the highest point of Africa!! But there is so much more to climb and hike over in Tanzania. From the dramatic crater of Mount Meru to the active volcano of Oldonyo Lengai, to t he tamer USambara and the comparatively gentle slopes of the crater highlangs, indeed this land of contrasts has something for everyone, the challenge lover, the hiker, the beginner mountaineer and the abseiler.

Mount Kilimanjaro :
Above the gently rolling hills and plateau of northern Tanzania rise the snow peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro, its slopes and glaciers shimmering above the surrounding clouds.

At 5,895m, Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, and truly the roof of Africa. Described As wide as all the world, great, high and unbelievably white, by Ernest Hemingwaya in his book. The Snows of Kilimanjaro its outstanding features are its three major volcanic centers, Shira [3,963 meters] in the west, Mawenzi [5,149 meters] in the East and the snow capped Kibo [5,895 meters] in the centre. Kilimanjaro rises 4,800 meters, [15,840 ft] from the plains, covers four square km and at its widest is 40 km [25 miles] across.

Mount Kilimanjaro has one of the world's most accessible peaks. Anyone who is in good shape can climb to Uhuru Peak, its summit, in a matter of days passing through five ecological zones (tropical to alpine) along the way.
During their time on the mountain, climbers pass from a tropical to arctic environment in just a few days. The various trails first pass through lush rainforests before reaching heather and open moorland where giant lobelia and huge, cactus-like groundsel grow. Above this moorland is the almost lunar landscape of an alpine desert which stretches between the two peaks of Kibo, the flat-topped dome at the centre, and Mawenzi, a group of jagged points and pinnacles on the eastern side. Inhospitable as this moonscapea may seem, animals such as herds of eland thrive there.

Mout Kilimanjaro Glaciers :
The highest point on Kibo, and indeed the whole of Kilimanjaro, is Uhuru Peak, with its spectacular hanging glaciers and stupendous views of the African plains some 20,000 feet below. Also on Kibo is the slightly lower peak of Gillmana Point. These are the goals for most trekkers. The peaks of Mawenzi are for mountaineers only.

With the help of porters and a guide, it is possible to walk all the way to the summit without specialized mountaineering equipment - or experience and Kilimanjaro can be conquered by any reasonably fit person.

There are several different routes including Marangu, the easiest climb and therefore the most popular, Machame, Shira, Umbwe and Rongai. The total climb normally takes five to six days and involves four or five overnight stays in comfortable mountain huts. Fees, payable in US dollars, include park entrance and accommodation for climbers, guides and porters but not food and equipment

Getting there :
Kilimanjaro is located about 128 km (about 80 miles) from Arusha; about 1 hour from Kilimanjaro airport; on the outskirts of the small town of Marangu

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro :
There are five usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes. The climb to the peak, more of an an exhausting trek rather than a feat of mountaineering

Routes :
Marangu route
This is the most popular and easiest route to the top. Usually the ascent and descent takes five days.
Day 1: Marangu gate to Mandara Hut [three to four hours, longer by forest trail]
Day 2: Mandara hut to Horombo Hut [five to seven hours]
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut [five to six hours]
Day 4: Kibo Hut to summit to Horombo Hut [ten to twelve hours]
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate [six to eight hours]

Horombo Hut - en route climbing Kilimanjaro

Marangu route is a gradual ascent and the most popular Kilimanjaro climbing route. Hikers sleep in bunks within shared alpine-style huts. Long drop toilets, dining hut and wash rooms with cold water are provided.

Machame route
The Machame route follows a rugged up and down trail (hike high sleep low) which is good for acclimatization to the high altitude. Descent is via Mweka route. Only basic camping facilities are available.

Rongai route
A dusty adventurous drive takes you to the east of mount Kilimanjaro to start the climb. The trail is gradual and easy offering good views of Mt Kilimanjaro from the lower levels. Descent is via Marangu. A camping only route.

Shira Plateau route
This is one of the most fascinating and scenic areas of Kilimanjaro. You can drive to it although only in a 4x4 vehicle and during the rains the road may become impassable.
From Shira there are magnificent views of the mountain-studded Great Rift Valley, including Mount Meru on the outskirts of Arusha, and Longido. The plateau contains open grassland, heath and moor up to 10 meters [33 feet] high. The Shira cone rises some 200 meters [660 feet] from the plateau and to the west beyond is the Shira Ridge steeply rising 400 meters [1,320 feet] above the plateau. The Southern ridge of the Shira plateau has two dramatic peaks, Cathedral and Needle.

When to Go :
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year round. However, it is easier during the clearest and warmest months of December to February. Alternatively, Mount Kilimanjaro can also be climbed in the dry (and colder) months of June-September.

Accommodation :
There are several Huts and campsites at every stage of the climb on the mountain. Outside the park, there are several good hotels and campsites.

Travel Tips
To avoid altitude sickness and failure, it is important to acclimatize by ascending slowly and steadily. It is best to plan a stay at a Moshi or Marangu hotel -climbing straight after the drive from Arusha is not a good idea.

Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year but the best time is considered to be from August to October and January to March. It is wet in the rainforest during the rains in April, May, June and November. December through to February are the warmest months Bring appropriate winter clothing and comfortable hiking/mountain climbing boots.

A walking stick or skiing poles are also advisable. For beginners, climbing slowly to increase your acclimatization time and maximize your chances of reaching the summit is advisable. To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of 4 nights, preferably 5 or even more for the climb.