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Kilimanjaro climbing routes, safari tours and Zanzibar

Climbing Kilimanjaro. Which of the 7 routes to choose?

What else to do in Tanzania. Photos

There are many interesting places for active and "lazy" rest in Tanzania. We start our note with Kilimanjaro!

Attention! For those who want to immediately see the photos, see the end of the article.

1. Kilimanjaro

The peculiarity of climbing Kilimanjaro is that you cannot climb the summit on your own, without an organized group with a certified local guide. Therefore, before organizing a Climbing Kilimanjaro tour and choosing a tour operator, you will have to decide on the route of climbing to the top. And there are 7 options for them on Kilimanjaro. The routes differ from each other in terms of difficulty, seasonality, duration, variety of panoramas, popularity, presence or absence of a crowd of climbers. And the cost of the tour directly depends on the number of days on the route. But you must understand that if you do not have acclimatization, you are better off choosing a longer tour or route that provides an additional acclimatization day.

In general, for many characteristics. Which one is yours? Choose yourself.

In order not to get confused in the descriptions of tours on different sites, we would like to draw your attention to a few nuances:

Kilimanjaro consists of 3 peaks: Kibo (5895 m), Mawenzi (5149 m) and Shira (3962 m)
The peak of Kilimanjaro is the peak of Uhuru (5895 m) of Kibo volcano.
Many descriptions indicate the clean days of the ascent of Kilimanjaro without taking into account 2 days (1 day before and 1 day after the tour)
Language of the local command, as a rule: English, less often German, French and other languages

Marangu Route

most popular route
light, with gentle slopes, without long transitions
does not require a lot of equipment
accommodation in huts, not in tents
crowded in any season
standard climbing time 5 and 6 days

The Marangu route has another, "colloquial" name - "Coca-Cola". This often leads many would-be climbers to think that this is an easy route to the top. To be honest, this is far from true! The fact that the ascent can be completed in 5 days does not mean that it will be easy. The option of climbing in 5 days is suitable only for those who already have high-altitude acclimatization. An additional acclimatization day at Horombo Hat (3720 m) is recommended for those who do not have prior acclimatization hikes. And the route will be easier due to the fact that you spend the night in huts, and not in tents. Accordingly, less equipment is needed. The trail starts from the park's headquarters in Marangu Village and heads straight west to Kibo Hat. The trail passes through rainforest, moorland and marshland, transitioning into alpine desert and eventually into the glacier zone at the summit.

Difference between 5 and 6 day itinerary. In the 5-day tour, there is no additional acclimatization day - hike to the Zebra rocks (4020 m), walks towards Kibo Hat (4700 m).

Umbwe Route

this is the hardest route
short and steep climb
not a large number of climbers on the route
standard climbing time is 6 days.

The Umbwe route leads to the mountain from the south, and is considered the most difficult route to the summit. In the first two days, you will climb steep paths. It cannot be said that this is a tour with a smooth and gradual acclimatization. But this is one of the most secluded routes to the summit, it starts in the rainforest and goes parallel to the right of the Machame route, converging with it at the Baranco camp at an altitude of 3800 m. This route is suitable for experienced hikers who are confident in their abilities.

Machame Route

popular but not the easiest
high rate of successful ascents to the summit
many climbers on the route
the standard climbing time is 6–7 days.

The Machame route, also known colloquially as Whiskey, was previously one of the most popular routes. Now many tourists choose the Lemosho route. Machame is noted for the beauty of its scenery and has one of the highest success rates of summit climbs. The nature of the route is such that it allows climbers to "overcome the heights and sleep in the lowlands." This has a positive effect on acclimatization. The Machame route starts in the southwestern part of the mountain and runs steeply north across the Shira plateau, joining the Shira and Lemosho routes just after the Shira camp. The Machame route can be climbed in at least 6 days, but a 7-day trek is recommended so climbers can rest and acclimatize well before making the final ascent to the summit.

The difference between the 6 and 7-day route: for the 7-day tour, on the fifth day we make a longer trek, pass by the Karanga camp (3963 m) and go straight to the Barafu camp (4640 m)

Rongai Route

not frequently visited route
the only route to Kilimanjaro from the north
the best option during the rainy season
beautiful sightseeing route
suitable for climbers who already have experience in mountain hiking or expeditions
the standard climbing time is 6–7 days.

The Rongai route starts from the northeast side of the mountain, near the Kenyan border. The Rongai route is the best option during the rainy season due to its location, the region has little rain and is quite dry. This is not a frequently visited route due to the long cast. Suitable for travelers who already have experience in mountain hiking, for those who want to climb without fuss, away from other groups. For descent, the Marangu route is usually used. Therefore, the route can be ascended and descended in 6 days, but a 7-day tour is recommended for better acclimatization.

For the 6 day tour, on the third day there will be a longer hike, we pass by the 2nd cave camp (3480 m) and go straight to the Kikelev camp (3630 m).

Lemosho Route

this route is popular and loved by climbers for the beautiful panoramas that open up throughout the journey
the highest percentage of successful ascents to the summit
suitable for beginner climbers
standard climbing time 6–7 days

The Lemosho route starts from the west, from the gates of Londorossi (2200 m). Then transfer on SUVs to a height of 3500 m. Starting from the moorland, it passes the alpine valley and lunar landscapes, and the ascent ends with the famous Kilimanjaro glaciers. The descent from the top passes through the tropical forest.

For the ascent, 6 days are enough, but 7 days are preferable for better acclimatization.

Traverse North Kilimanjaro (Northern Circuit Crater Route)

the longest route up the mountain
this route is not very often chosen by tourists
popular with professional photographers
standard climbing time 8 days

The northern route is the longest route to the summit. The route starts at the gates of Londorossi (western part) and for the first two days coincides with the Lemosho route. After we have crossed the Shire Plateau and reached the Lava Tower, we do not go through the Barranco Valley to the Southern Circle, but turn north and take a long path through the northern part of the crater cirque. The route goes around the calm and quiet northern slopes, going around the mountain almost 270º. The ascent can be completed in 6-7 days, skipping the days of acclimatization, which are usually spent in the Shira 2 camp.

Shira Route

suitable for climbers with mountaineering training and high-altitude acclimatization
when crossing with other western routes, there is a pandemonium of climbers, moreover, in any season.
the standard climbing time is 7 days.

Shira route, sometimes considered the third variant of the Lemosho route. It starts from the checkpoint "Gate of the Shire", located at an altitude of 3600 m, where tourists are brought by transport. This is a fairly long route. In hiking conditions, you will have to spend at least 6 nights - 3 of them pass in the conditions closest to the wild, that is, on this route the greatest acquaintance with the pristine nature of these places is achieved. From the Shira hut (3840 m) the route repeats the Lemosho route. We descend along the Mweka route.

If you are interested in this publication and you decide to fulfill your dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, then you are here: briefly - read, descriptions of programs in Tanzania - read

What else awaits you in Tanzania.

2. Safari

Most tourists who are usually very satisfied after climbing Kilimanjaro, even if it ended unsuccessfully for someone for a number of reasons, after that I order a SAFARI TOUR for relaxation. As a rule, choose the best option - 3 day tour. During these days you can visit: Tarangire (or Lake Manyara) - Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater. In the Serengeti you can book a unique hot air balloon tour!! In fact, we have the best combinations of tours (routes) from 1 to 6 days, etc. Let's not forget about seasonal migratory safaris. Please note that there are two types of accommodation in the National Parks: luxurious lodges and comfortable campgrounds with all the amenities. We will compose and conduct any safari tour for you.

Safari tours - View

But that's not all.

3. Zanzibar

How would you like to swim and bask in the ocean? Many, after, in addition to the program of climbing Kilimanjaro, book a 3-4 day tour in Zanzibar. This option is especially loved by tourists who arrive (depart) to Tanzania via Zanzibar. Both economy and luxury accommodations are available. Ask your questions about choosing a place to stay and what to do there. Ready to answer 24 hours a day!!

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