East Africa is renowned for boasting many breath-taking attractions, from the beauty of the Serengeti to stunning Tanzania beaches like Kendwa and Nungwi. However, there’s one thing that undoubtedly attracts adventure lovers more than most, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mounting climbing can be a daunting experience, especially when you’re stood at the foot of Africa’s highest peak. However, there are a series of routes available to anyone who takes on the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro.
Naturally, some routes are more treacherous than others, and are approached from different points, so this article offer some insight what you can expect from each one and what you’ll need to take with you.
The Marangu Route
Departing from the Moshi Hotel and into the Kilimanjaro National Park via the Marangu Gate, this stunning route allows you to experience The Saddle – a high altitude desert which can be found part way up the mountain.
This route is said to be the most straightforward in terms of its physical demands, however it has a notoriously steep incline which climbers must overcome in order to reach the summit.
The Machame Route
This route also passes through the Marangu Gate, and leads through picturesque ice fields as you reach the Shira Plateau.
This route takes a day longer than the Marangu Route to complete, although this can be advantageous to climbers as it allows for better acclimatisation.
The Rongai Route
This route enters the national park via the northern entrance of Rongai Gate, and is considered to be the second easiest route to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
The route begins at a fairly high altitude and involves a relatively gradual incline to the summit.
The Lemosha Route
Entering via the Londorossi Park Gate, the Lemosha Route is the toughest and most remote route to the summit of Kilimanjaro, and crosses the Shira Plateau where its paths meet the Machame Route.
Despite its challenges, the route has a high success rate, and involves spending a couple of nights at various altitudes.
What to pack?
Packing for a mountain climb in Africa can often be a difficult thing to get right. Pack too lightly and you run the risk of running out of essentials – but pack too much and you’ll end up wasting your energy lugging around stuff you don’t need.
Your clothing should include the following items for travel:
- Sunglasses (polarized)
- Gloves (thick waterproof for trekking + thick pair for evenings)
- Balaclava
- Shorts
- Pants (for hiking and relaxing in the evenings)
- Short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts (for hiking and relaxing in evenings)
- Underwear (sports bras for ladies)
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket or ski parka (for temperatures below freezing plus wind-chill)
- Rain jacket + pants (for the humid rainforest and cold snow)
- Travel towel
- Swimwear (for first and last day swimming – can be left at your hotel during your trek)
- Ski or trekking poles
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Hiking boots
- Gaiters
- Socks – hiking socks + wool socks
Other essential kit includes:
- Water bottles and Camelback (2-3)
- Sleeping bag (rated -25 degrees)
- Get 3 litres of bottled water before the trip (available at your Moshi Hotel)
- Camera + tripod
- Video camera + tapes
- Batteries
- Notebook + pencil / pen
- Pocket knife
- Energy bars
- Alarm clock
- Sewing kit