| #ffffff;" /> | | | | Some Kilimanjaro trekking holiday itineraries begin with |
| Climbing Kilimanjaro is a physically challenging | | | | a preparatory and enjoyable climb of the neighbouring |
| endeavour, which is why reaching the summit is so | | | | Mount Meru. At 4,566 metres, Mount Meru is a good |
| satisfying. Any difficulties experienced while | | | | appetizer and acclimatizer. A few days climbing this |
| Kilimanjaro trekking are usually related to inadequate | | | | moon-shaped volcano will allow you to see the safari |
| acclimatisation, the pace of the trek, and the route | | | | wildlife of the surrounding Arusha National Park, and |
| that is taken up the mountain. You should choose the | | | | from the summit, you can see ‘Kili’ |
| route for your Kilimanjaro trekking holiday carefully, | | | | thirty miles to the east, towering into the horizon. |
| and prepare properly. | | | | Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes |
| The Kilimanjaro Ambition | | | | There are seven well-established routes for trekking |
| Rising abruptly from the Tanzania plain, Mount | | | | up Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, |
| Kilimanjaro (5,892 m) is an awe-inspiring sight. A climb | | | | Mweka, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe – with |
| of Kilimanjaro is a rewarding adventure, taking you to | | | | several of the routes overlapping and sharing the |
| the roof of Africa. Depending on the pace of your | | | | same trail further up the mountain. |
| group and the route plotted, it’s possible to | | | | Approaching Kilimanjaro from the East is the Marangu |
| get to the Uhuru summit and back within five days, | | | | trail. This is the oldest and one of the easier routes, |
| staying overnight in huts and camps on the mountain. | | | | and consequently it has a well-established |
| But trek durations vary. For example, the Lemosho | | | | infrastructure to assist climbers. However, its |
| route takes between 6 and 8 days and the Marangu | | | | popularity can be detrimental to the experience; |
| route takes between 5 and 6, depending on the rest | | | | known as the ‘Coca Cola’ route, the |
| days incorporated. | | | | huts along the Marangu sometimes struggle to |
| The idea that Kilimanjaro trekking routes can be | | | | accommodate the traffic. Some claim its scenery is |
| completed in five days (rather than seven or eight) is | | | | not as interesting as on other Kilimanjaro trekking |
| part of the reason why so many summit attempts | | | | routes. |
| fail. Guides frequently have to tell people on a | | | | The Machame "Whisky” route is also very |
| Kilimanjaro trekking holiday to slow down, since | | | | popular. It approaches Kilimanjaro from the south and |
| ambition and over-exertion can make the difference | | | | then turns east towards the summit. This is more |
| between reaching the summit or not. It's worth | | | | difficult than the Marangu and takes longer, but |
| considering: why rush anyway? Taking a slower | | | | trekking Kilimanjaro via this route brings the rewards |
| approach on a Kilimanjaro climb will be less tiring and | | | | of beautiful forests and great views of the glaciers |
| consequently more enjoyable. A steadier pace is | | | | on the south face. |
| more likely to lead to a successful summit, as well as | | | | If you are able to commit more time to your |
| giving you more time in a beautifully foreign | | | | trekking Kilimanjaro adventure, the Lemosho route is |
| environment. | | | | recommended. It takes longer than the other routes |
| The importance of acclimatisation cannot be | | | | and is by no means easy, but its gradual approach, |
| overstated. People react differently to the unfamiliar | | | | with more rest stops and steadier acclimatization |
| conditions at altitude, and even very fit people might | | | | makes reaching the summit successfully more likely. |
| experience symptoms like headaches and nausea. | | | | Furthermore, this route is newer and less used than |
| The key is to take things gradually on a Kilimanjaro | | | | the others and is relatively unspoiled. |
| climb, incorporating time to for your body to adapt. | | | | Lemosho approaches from the west. |