Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro stands 350km south of the equator. It is the highest peak in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world at 5895m. Which makes its highest point, ‘Uhuru Peak’, the highest point on earth a human can reach by walking. Due to its location on an open plain, proximity to the Indian Ocean and its great height, the climate, vegetation, wildlife and climbing conditions vary a great deal as you ascend the peak.

Climbing Kilimanjaro from the park gates to the Uhuru Peak you will see and experience similar vegetation that is seen walking from the equator towards the North Pole - rain forest (equatorial), moor land (savannah plains) and ice glaciers (north pole).

It is a volcanic mountain, a composite cone, which means it erupted at various times throughout history. We categorize it into three major volcanic zones. The Shira was the first to develop. The Shira is said to have stood higher in the past than it does today. But, from the weight it collapsed and made the large caldera we see today. The second eruption was the Mawenzi peak (the jagged peak), and the third major eruption was Kibo. Lava from the Kibo eruption filled the caldera of Shira and eventually made the Shira Plateau. In total, Mt. Kilimanjaro has about 250 conelets. The significant cones can be seen on the Marangu route: the triplets when crossing the alpine desert, the saddle of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, the Chala Lake on the east near the Kenya border and the sacred Mt Kifunika. Mt Kifunika is sacred because Chiefs from the Chagga people (the tribe on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro) are buried there. These cones also can be seen from Barafu camp and many other locations on the mountain.

Name “Mount Kilimanjaro”

The Wachagga people, traditionally agriculturists on the slopes of the mountain, claim they had no name for mountain itself, just two peaks which they call KIPOO (Kibo) and MAWENZI. Some historians also feel that outsiders may have changed the Chagga word to "Kilema kyaro" which means "difficult journey to Kilimanjaro".

Another theory is that the travellers to the mountain may have asked the Maasai living on the plains what they called the mountain, and the Maasai may have answered that it was the source of water using the word “Ngare” that then evolved to “Njare” or “Njaro”.

History of the mountain    

While the African people have known and used Mt. Kilimanjaro for hundreds of generations, the first recorded reference to the mountain were made by foreigners. Oddly enough, even though Kilimanjaro is a very large mountain and close enough to the trading caravan routes to be a key landmark for outsiders, there seems to be very few historical records. The first published note was written by Ptolemy, an Alexandrian Geographer and Astronomer some 18 centuries ago. He mentioned a ‘great snow mountain’ lying inland from a place called Rhapta (nowadays known as Pangani, in Tanga, North east at the coast of Tanzania).

This situation changed with the arrival of European missionaries and explorers. Rebman a Christian missionary is credited with bringing Kilimanjaro to the attention of Europe when his account of a snow caped mountain near the equator was published in 1849. In 1861 Baron Von Der Beckon visited and explored the mountain. In 1886 Queen Victoria gave the mountain to her Nephew Kaiser William II as a birthday gift (by then a ruler of Tanganyika).

A Chagga story of Mt. Kilimanjaro

The Chagga people, who live on the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, have a large number of stories about the Mountain. This one is commonly told and relates to a quarrel between two sisters Kibo and Mawenzi, which are the names of the two peaks of the mountain.

There were two sisters who lived in different huts and each cooked and ate her meals in her own hut. Kibo was the more careful of the two sisters and always had a store of food in case of rainy days. Mawenzi however was much more extravagant and often finished her food before the next harvest. To fill the gap in her food supplies, she decided that at meal time she would go to her sister and pretend her fire went out and ask for embers to restart her flames. She knew that when she goes to her sister for embers, her sister would offer to share her food. Sure enough, whenever Mawenzi went over to Kibo to ask for embers, Kibo offered her some food.

However, one day she went too far asking three times for embers. Each time she was offered food until finally on the third visit, Kibo grew angry and hit Mawenzi across her back with a big ladle. It is this that explains the jagged appearance on the Mawenzi peak. There is also a moral that too much spoon-feeding is a bad thing. After this incident, Mawenzi decided that she had better look after herself and she never allowed her fire to go out again.

Routes

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

There are seven trails on Mt. Kilimanjaro: Lemosho, Londorosi, Machame Marangu Nalemoru/Rongai, Mweka and Umbwe routes. We camp in tents on all the routes with the exception of Marangu, which has huts. The Mweka route is only for descending if you ascended through Marangu or Nalemoru/Rongai trails.

Lemosho Route { 8 days : 7 nights }

 DAY 1: After the breakfast, drive to Londorosi gate,secure the permit papers drive to the starting point at Lemosho trail. Thewalk to the first camp (Mti mkubwa) takes about 4hours in the rain forest. Lunch along the way,dinner and overnight at Mti mkubwa camp site. 2900m.a.s.l.
   
 DAY 2: After the breakfast trek to Shira one camp.The walk tahes 6 hours up in the less forest and then in the moor land, down to the Shira plateau.Lunch on the way to Shira,dinner and overnight at Shira one camp 3600m.a.s.l.
   
 DAY 3: After the breakfast, start walking in the moor land for 5 hours to Moir camp. Lunch at the Scott Fisher camp on the way, dinner and overnight at Moir camp 4200m.a.s.l.
   
 DAY 4: After the breakfast, walk for about 5-6hrs past the sharks tooth to the lava tower 4600m.a.s.l., then down to the Baranco camp 3940m.a.s.l.Lunch along the way, dinner and
overnight at the Baranco camp.
   
 DAY 5:  After the breakfast, climb the great baranco wall, then proceed to the Karanga valley 4200m.a.s.l. The walk takes 3hours. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Karanga valley.
   
 DAY 6: After the breakfast,  ascent to the base camp Barafu. the walk takes about 3hours in the alpine desert.Lunch,dinner and overnight at Barafu camp 4700m.a.s.l.
   
 DAY 7: In the early hours of morning, wake up and have a light breakfast. Start the ascent to the summit. The walk takes about 6hrs to Stella point then 1hr to Uhuru peak 5895m.a.s.l. After a short celebration at the summit, descend down to Barafu hut for lunch then proceed to Mweka camp 3100m.a.s.l for dinner and overnight.
   
 DAY 8: After breakfast, start the walk down through the rain forest for about 3 hours to Mweka gate, to catch up with your transport back to the hotel for lunch dinner and overnight.

Rongai/ Nalemoro Route { 7 days : 6 nights }

 DAY 1: After breakfast drive Marangu gate to secure your permit papers,then to the Rongai gate,2100m.a.s.l. The drive takes 3-4hrs. From the gate walk for 2-3hrs. in the farms then to the forest,and for abour 1hr. to the first cave (simba) camp. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Simba camp 2600m.a.s.l.

 DAY 2: After breakfast, start your hike in the moore land to second cave. The walk takes 3-4hrs. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Second cave 3200m.a.s.l.

 DAY 3: After the breakfast, Hike towards the Mawenzi peak, The walk takes 3hrs to the Kikelelwa camp. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Kikelelwa camp 3500m.a.s.l.

 DAY 4: After breakfast, start the walk for 4-5hrs to Mawenzi turn hut 4300m.a.s.l. This is the camp at the base of the Mawenzi peak. After short rest at Mawenzi turn hut,go for the little hike higher to 4500m.a.s.l for the aclimatization.Lunch along the way to Mawenzi
turn hut,Dinner and overnight at.Mawenzi turn hut.

 DAY 5: After breakfast, start the hike in the alpine desert through the Saddle of the two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The walk takes about 5-6hrs. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Kibo hut 4750ma.s.l.

 DAY 6: After the light breakfast, early hours of the morning, start your summit climb. It takes 5-6hrs to Gilmans point5670m.a.s.l.,where you will witness the sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak 5895m.a.s.l for about 1 1/2hrs.After a short time celebration, descend down to Kibo hut for lunch, After a short time rest then continue to Horombo huts 3720m.a.s.l. in the Marangu route for dinner and overnight.

 DAY 7: After breakfast, descend down to Mandara hut for lunch, then continue to Marangu gate1800ma.sl. to catch transfer back to Moshi for dinner and overnight.

 MARANGU ROUTE { 6 days : 5 nights }

DAY 1: After having your breakfast, drive to the Marangu gate. after signing in and secure your permit papers, start your   walk through the rain forest to Mandara hut 2720m.a.s.l.  The walk takes 3hrs. Then pay a visit to the Maundi crater (the nearby crater for a view and for aclimatization. it takes 15minutes) Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Mandara hut.

DAY 2: After breakfast, walk to Horombo hut. the walk takes 5 hrs through the Moor land. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Horombo hut.3750m.a.s.l.

DAY 3: After breakfast, go for more aclimatization. This is the walk to the saddle point through the upper route,  past the Zebra rock up to 4200m.a.s.l. then back to Horombo for Lunch, dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: After breakfast, walk to Kibo hut 4750m.a.s.l. through the alpine desert and the saddle in the lower route past the red middle hills. Lunch along the way,
dinner and overnight at the Kibo Hut.

DAY 5: The early morning just after the midnight, start your ascent to the summit. The walk takes 6 hours to Gilmans point. After the sunrise to Uhuru peak 5895m.a.s.l. After a short celebration, descend down to Kibo hut for Lunch, then after a short rest continue descending down to Horombo hut for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: After breakfast, descend down to Mandara for Lunch then to the Marangu gate to catch up with transfer back to Moshi for dinner and overnight.

Umbwe Route { 6 days : 5 Nights }

DAY 1: After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Machame gate, after secue permits, drive to Umbwe gate to begin your climb. The climb takes 5-6 hrs in the rain forest up to Umbwe cave camp 2800m.a.s.l. Lunch on the way, dinner and overnight at Umbwe cave camp.

DAY 2: After breakfast, hike off the rain forest, then a steep climb on the moor land vegetation all the way to Baranco camp. The walk takes 5-6 hrs. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Baranco camp 3940m.a.s.l.

DAY 3: After breakfast, climb the great Baranco wall to the top of it 4200m.a.s.l. then walk down and up and down to the Karanga valley.3960m.a.s.l. The walk takes about 3hrs Lunch, dinner and overnight at Karanga camp.

DAY 4: After the breakfast, hike in the alpine desert up to the Barafu camp 4650m.a.s.l.(base camp).The walk takes about 3hrs. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Barafu camp.

DAY 5: Early morning after the midnight, have a light breakfast (cup of tea with some biscutes, then ascend to the summit via stella point then to Uhuru peak 5895m.a.s.l.then back to Barafu camp for Lunch. After short rest, continue to Mweka camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: After the breakfast walk down to the Mweka gate to catch up with the transport back to the Salsadenero hotel for lunch, dinner and overnight.

Machame Route { 7 DAYS : 6 NIGHTS }

DAY 1: After breakfast drive to Machame gate 1800m.a.s.l.After secure your permit papers,Start the climb from Machame gate to Machame camp. The walk takes about 5-6hrs in the rain forest.Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Machame camp.3000m.a.s.l

DAY 2: After the breakfast, walk to the next camp (shira camp). First part is in the weak forest and the rest of the part is in the Moor land.The walk takes about 4 - 5hrs. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Machame camp.3800m.a.s.l.

DAY 3: After the breakfast, walk in the moor land then in the alpine desert up to the Lava tower 4600m.a.s.l. then down to Baranco camp. 3940m.a.s.l. in the moor land. The walk takes 7hrs. Lunch along the way, dinner and at Baranco camp.

DAY 4: After breakfast, climb the great Baranco wall to the top of it 4200m.a.s.l. then walk down and up and down to the Karanga valley.3960m.a.s.l. The walk takes about 3hrs Lunch, dinner and overnight at Karanga camp.

DAY 5: After the breakfast, hike in the alpine desert up to the Barafu camp 4650m.a.s.l.(base camp).The walk takes about 3hrs. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Barafu camp.

DAY 6: Early morning after the midnight,have a light breakfast (cup of tea with some biscutes, then ascend to the summit via stella point then to Uhuru peak 5895m.a.s.l. then back to Barafu camp for Lunch. After short rest, continue to Mweka camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: After the breakfast walk down to the Mweka gate to catch up with the transport back to the Salsadenero hotel for lunch, dinner and overnight.

Londorosi / Shira Roue { 8 DAYS : 7 NIGHTS }

DAY 1: After breakfast, drive to the Londorosi gate. The drive takes about 2hrs. After secue the permit papers, drive through the gate  all the way to Shira one camp. The drive takes 1hr. to 2hrs. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Shira one camp 3200m.a.s.l..

DAY 2: After breakfast, walk to the Niddle and the Cathedral 3500m.a.s.l. and back to the Shira one camp. The walk takes about 4hrs both ways.Lunch, dinner and overnight at Shira one camp 3200m.a.s.l..

DAY 3: After the breakfast, start walking in the moor land for 5 hours to Moir camp. Lunch at the Scott Fisher camp on the way, dinner and overnight at Moir camp 4200m.a.s.l.
   
 DAY 4: After the breakfast, walk for about 5-6hrs past the sharks tooth to the lava tower 4600m.a.s.l., then down to the Baranco camp 3940m.a.s.l.Lunch along the way, dinner and
 overnight at the Baranco camp.
   
 DAY 5:  After the breakfast, climb the great baranco wall, then proceed to the Karanga valley 4200m.a.s.l. The walk takes 3hours. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Karanga valley.
   
 DAY 6: After the breakfast,  ascent to the base camp Barafu. the walk takes about 3hours in the alpine desert.Lunch,dinner and overnight at Barafu camp 4700m.a.s.l.
   
 DAY 7: In the early hours of morning, wake up and have a light breakfast. Start the ascent to the summit. The walk takes about 6hrs to Stella poin then 1hr to Uhuru peak 5895m.a.s.l. After a short celebration at the summit, descend down to Barafu hut for lunch then proceed to Mweka camp 3100m.a.s.l for dinner and overnight.
   
 DAY 8: After breakfast, start the walk down through the rain forest for about 3 hours to Mweka gate, to catch up with your transport back to the hotel for lunch dinner and overnight.

Mt. Meru Climb { 4 days : 3 nights }

DAY 1: After the breakfast, go to the gate and secure your permit papers,start your treking to Meriakamba. the walk takes 5-6hrs in the rain forest. . On the way, enjoy the view of wildlife such as Buffalo,Giraffe, Black and white colobus monkeys. etc. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Meriakamba hut 2500m.a.s.l..

DAY 2: After the breakfast, leave Meriakamba to The Saddle hut. It is the second hut and it is between the Big Meru and the Little Meru.The walk takes about 5-6 hours partly in the forest and partly in the moorland. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at the Saddle hut.

DAY 3: After the light breakfast arround 1.30am, start your treking to the summit. It takes 6 hours arround the very fine ash cone to the socialist peak 4562m.a.s.l. the highest on Mt.Meru.(the big Meru).After a short time celebration, trek down to the Saddle for lunch and then continue to Meriakamba for dinner and overnight.

Health Cautions

Altitude sickness

The rapid change in altitude may cause some discomfort such as: loss of appetite, headache, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, rapid pulse, swelling of hands, legs, and face. Sometimes light urine output.

The drug Diamox can sometimes help, but if the conditions are severe, the climber must descend 600m and rest until recovery. If symptoms persist, the climber must descend immediately to the gate and off the mountain. Drinking 5 litres of water a day and practicing Pole Pole (Swahili for slowly slowly) will help keep you healthy, strong and safe.

The sun

At about 4000m the sun rays can cause a lot of discomfort such as burning of exposed skin, dryness of lips resulting in swelling and cracking. Snow blindness is also experienced while crossing snow. Good sun cream (30spf or better) is recommended for the dry skin, while dark sun glasses must be worn when crossing snow and when sky is clear and the sun is bright.

Equipment

Good equipment is very important for a safe and enjoyable climb. The following is a list of basic essentials:

• Warm sleeping bag
  
• Good and sturdy trekking boots
  
• Walking poles
  
• Water purifying tabs/drops
  
• Waterproof/windproof Jacket
  
• Waterproof/windproof Trousers
  
• Warm insulated Jacket
  
• Warm insulated Trousers
  
• Warm Head cover (warm balaclava or beanie)
  
• Warm gloves
  
• 4 or more pairs of warm socks.
  
• Torch (head lamp)
  
• Sun protection 30spf or better
  
• Sunglasses
  
• Boot Gaiters
  
• Mattress + Tent (for camping expeditions)
• First aid Kit.

Other Options on Kilimanjaro

Not all adventurers visiting Mt. Kilimanjaro want to reach the summit. Uhuru Expeditions also can arrange for you to do non-summit climbs. These adventures can include a day trip to the first or second huts and back, or a cultural tour to the Chagga people (the natives on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro). You can visit some waterfalls, or drive to the Shira plateau for overnight stay.

Another option is to do the Mt. Kilimanjaro circuit (the Kibo circuit). This involves climbing Kilimanjaro through the Marangu route up to Kibo hut. Then to School hut, Moya hut, Baranco hut then to Karanga camp and down to Mweka camp and to the Mweka gate. The whole expedition takes about 10 days.

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