Mount Kilimanjaro information on climbing,trekking,weather and routes in Tanzania

March 30, 2010 - PRLog -- Mount Kilimanjaro is within Tanzania Northern Part.
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing,trekking,nature,weather,routes information


Kilimanjaro is located just (Location: 3.07 S, 37.35 E) near the equator, in the Tropical Country yet its peak covered by snow throughout the year. Rising abruptly from the open plains, capped by snow and frequently fringed by clouds, it is one of Africa’s classic images.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest Mountain in Africa 5895m/19340 ft. is the only Mountain in the World with the perfect symmetrical crater. Is the highest free standing Mountain in the World?

It is a mountain where you can hike for more than 90 kilometers, gain 4 000 meters in altitude, traverse rain forest, moorland, alpine desert, snow fields and ice cliffs, all virtually on the equator! A truly unforgettable and fascinating adventure.


The Topography
Kilimanjaro rises from plains at approximately 2000 meters, right up to 5 895 meters. An ancient volcano, it now lies dormant except for some tell tale signs of fumaroles in the ash pit. Two other peaks, namely Mawenzi and Shira, flank the main peak of Kibo. These peaks form spectacular photographic backdrops when viewed from various vantage points along the routes to the summit.
The different routes to the summit pass through five ecological zones, being the cultivated lower slopes, Montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the ice capped summit.
The lower slopes of the mountain are mainly used for agricultural purposes.
The climate here is ideal for the production of coffee, an industry that Tanzania is famous for. Further up, a rain forest belt encircles the mountain up to about 2 00 meters. As you proceed higher, you pass through the heath which changes into moorland, semi-desert at altitude, progressing into total desert and finally into an alpine region with permanent ice glaciers. The higher slopes are covered with scree, loose stones resembling gravel, making it more difficult to negotiate. The main glaciers edging their way down the slopes of Kibo are Heim, Rebmann, Decken, Arrow and some smaller ones. These glaciers form the permanent ice cap of the mountain, although they are, as a result of global warming, believed to receding each year.

The Climate
Being only 3 degrees south of the equator, Kilimanjaro is influenced by the passage of the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone. There is a constant feeling of summer, and there are two rainy seasons to keep in mind. The highest rainfall occurs from March lasting until about the end of May. This is monsoon time. Slightly less rain falls during the short rainy period, which occurs from around October to November, but can extend into December. Apart from these factors, climbing Kilimanjaro remains fairly constant throughout the year.
The maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt, where it can reach up to 2000 mm per year. At the summit, which can be, describe as a "high altitude desert", the rainfall reaches less than 100 mm per year. Rain (and snow at higher altitudes) can however be encountered at any time of the year.
The average temperatures at the foot of the mountain is 25°-30° C and on the summit, it can range from minus 10° -20° C. At 3000m the day temperatures range from 5°-15° C, and at night frost is normally encountered. Clearly a large variation, making it more interesting to summit the mountain.


How difficult is the climb-can I do it
About 22,000 climbers set out every year to conquer the Kilimanjaro peak. Several well-marked hiking routes lead to the summit of the mountain. To use the word "climber" is not always correct. Although none of these hikers routes really requires mountaineering skills, hiking to the "roof of Africa" is physically and mentally demanding and should not be under estimated. As much as 40% of those who set out to climb Kilimanjaro turn back before they reach Uhuru peak.

With the adequate preparation any reasonably fit person above the age of 12 years can reach the summit successfully, in fact the oldest person to date to reach the summit was a Frenchman Valtee Daniel at an age of 87!!
Preparation both physically and mentally is the keywords for success-- this web site contains valuable and comprehensive information obtained from 9 years of experience and through the feedback from more than 4300 clients. We believe it will positively contribute to your chances of successfully conquering Kilimanjaro.


Best Season to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The warmest months with the clearest trekking days, are from mid to late December, January, February, September and October. The rains often come in April and the start of May with the possibility of some snow.
June through to August are superb trekking months, though evening temperatures tend to be colder. The wettest months, are November and early December, where snow falls are likely. Note however, that as this is a mountain it is not impossible to get sporadic snow or rainfall at odd times throughout the year.
Many people like to arrange their summit around a full moon and Christmas and New Year are very popular.


Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes

Kilimanjaro trekking routes are; Machame route mostly 6 days, Marangu can be climbed 5 and 6 days, Londorossi/Lemosho 7 or 8 days, Umbwe 5 day or 6 days,Londorossi/Western Breach 8-10 days, Rongai 6 days , And 8 days Shira Exclusive fantastic route-through Shira Plateau from Londorossi gate is the most fascinating and scenic route up Kilimanjaro.

Machame Route
This is probably the most scenic and most beautiful route to the summit. The 6-day route is however physically more challenging than the Marangu route. The day walks are longer and steeper, however the summit night is one hour shorter. The scenic traverse of the Western Breach offers some stunning views! Only tented accommodation available, which can be less comfortable and will require a good sleeping bag and hiking mattress.

Umbwe Route
This route is one of the shorter but also one of the more difficult routes to reach Uhuru peak--but quiet spectacular. Umbwe is known for its caves. The first night you actually sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited on route the following day. Also sometimes used as a descending route.

Shira Route
The Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic and most fascinating areas on Kilimanjaro. Depending on the weather conditions you can drive by 4 wheel drive vehicles, to within a 1/2 hours walk of Shira Hut (4000m). Even this drive is very spectacular indeed and offers some magnificent views of Mt Meru and the Great Rift Valley in general. Game is often sighted and the road features some striking vegetation changes ranging from forest, grassland, heath to moorland. The fast ascend by vehicle to about 4000m will require additional acclimatisation, after which it will be possible to ascend Uhuru Peak either via the Western Breach or via the Barafu hut.

Mweka Route
This route can only be use as a descending route for all the western routes.
Lemosho Route
It is a remote, unspoiled and very beautiful route to the Roof of Africa. The forest around the Lemosho Glades is rich in big game animals such as elephant and buffalo, which may sometimes require a game ranger to accompany climbers on the first day. This route is however a long route which requires 7-days for a comfortable completion, which also makes it more expensive.

Rongai (Naro Moru) Route
Rongai is the second easiest and gentle to climb Mount Kilimanjaroafter Marangu
You can start this route from both the Tanzanian side of the border or from Rongai in Kenya, but all park fees and arrangements must be made at the Marangu gate. The route may only be used for ascend and the Marangu route must be used for descend. There are several big caves along the route, which are used by the porters to overnight for the first two nights.

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