At 5895m, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest point and the highest freestanding mountain in the world, yet it is possible to reach its summit, Uhuru Peak, without any technical climbing ability. Those who do make it to ‘the Roof of Africa’ are richly rewarded, enjoying outstanding views, the unique experience of being ‘on top of the world’ and, of course, a tremendous sense of achievement.
This practical guidebook is split into four parts and includes all the information needed to fully prepare and undertake a successful trek. The first chapter covers preparation and practicalities, offering guidance on how to choose a route and an outfitter, along with extensive information on travel, equipment, health considerations, guides and porters and ethical trekking. The second chapter tells the story of Kilimanjaro and the people, plants and wildlife of the region, presenting a fascinating insight to enrich your trip. This is followed by a description of the six main ascent routes – the Marangu, Machame, Umbwe, Lemosho, Shira and Rongai Routes, plus three summit routes, two descent routes and the circuit path which circumnavigates the mountain.
Jadual kandungan
Map key
East Africa overview map
Overview map
Routes on Kilimanjaro
Routes comparison table
Introduction
Preparations and practicalities
Choosing a route
Costs and budgeting
When to go
Pre-departure preparation
Getting there
Permits and visas
Accommodation
Money and currencies
Language
Maps
Equipment
Insurance
Health considerations
Selecting an outfitter
Guides and porters
Tipping
Environmental and cultural considerations
Using this guide
The story of Kilimanjaro
People of the region
Origin of the mountain’s name
Exploration
Kilimanjaro National Park
Natural history
Geology and volcanology
Glacial recession
Climate
Animal and plant life
Acclimatisation trek
Route X Mount Meru Momela Route
Climbing Kilimanjaro
Ascent routes
Route A Marangu Route
Route B Machame Route
Route C Umbwe Route
Route D Lemosho Route
Route E Shira Route
Route F Rongai Route
Circuit paths
Route G Southern Circuit Path
Route H Northern Circuit Path
Summit ascent routes
Route I Normal/Marangu Route
Route J Barafu Route
Route K Western Breach Route
The summit
Descent routes
Route L Marangu Route
Route M Mweka Route
Appendix A Accommodation
Appendix B Useful contacts
Appendix C Further reading
Appendix D Language glossary
Mengenai Pengarang
Alexander Stewart is the Online Marketing Manager for WEXAS, the World Expeditionary Association. He has a particular interest in Africa and a passion for mountains. Throughout his adult life he has walked in them, written about them and photographed them. However, he doesn’t often find himself on top of them, except at home in the UK. Kilimanjaro made a significant impression on him during his first ascent in 1999, and he has subsequently been drawn back repeatedly to the Roof of Africa.