7 ways to defeat the roof of Africa

By Marloes Elbertsen | 

Don’t let the fear keep you from climbing

And if you fall to the ground just keep trying

Head up in the clouds, never looking down

Nothing’s gonna stop us this time round

“Ella Henderson – Giants”

Taking on the roof of Africa, it’s on the bucket list of many. For the average person, being able to successfully climb and summit Kilimanjaro is definitely attainable. You donÕt need to be particularly fit and you don’t need any technical climbing skills. Meaning, there is a big potential you can actually defeat the highest mountain in the entire continent of Africa. Yes, you!

However, this is not something you just do because you’re bored or you just don’t have other plans for the weekend. You need a great deal of determination and the will to get to the summit. Think about the rate of ascent and the altitude. There are many challenges to overcome to achieve your goal. Having said that, I hereby present you a description of the 7 different routes up to Kilimanjaro plus a few tips & tricks:

1. Marangu

The Marangu route is the oldest, most well-established trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s also known as the Coca Cola route since they used to sell Coca Cola in tea huts along the way. Many favour the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. Not to underestimate the beautiful views, it is considered less scenic than other routes. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Marangu is favoured only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground.

2. Machame

The Machame route is popular but better suited for more adventurous people with some hiking and backpacking experience. It’s more difficult and steep compared to the Marangu route and the hike has a recommended minimum of 7 days. Here trekkers climb from Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower at 4,600 meters, where they have lunch and then back down to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters) to sleep. The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied.

3. Lemosho Route

It’s a new route but definitely the one with the Michelin star shining on top of it. The route begins in the west and will cross the Machame route at one point, where you follow the same trek through the Southern circuit. Due to its route profile, the Lemosho can be completed on a seven or eight day itinerary and offers lots of opportunities to properly acclimatize. Plus you can have the experience of hiking across the Shira Plateau Ð one of the largest high altitude plateaus in the world. 8 days are ideal for Lemosho and don’t forget to bring your camera!

4. Shira Route

The Shira route is the original route of Lemosho and therefore also very similar. While Lemosho starts at Londorossi Gate and treks through the rain forest to Shira 1 Camp, the Shira route bypasses this walk by using a vehicle to transport climbers to Shira Gate, located near the Shira Ridge. Though, starting your hike from 3,600 m (11.800 feet) the altitude is relatively high and it’s possible you will experience some altitude related symptoms. On the other hand; you might even spot some large wildlife during this trip.

5. Rongai Route

The Rongai route is the only northern start point to Kilimanjaro, beginning on the North-East side of Kilimanjaro National Park. It is a preferred route for those who climb during the rainy season, since the Northern slopes tend to be dryer or if you are looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route. During the recommended 7 days of hiking, you could potentially come eye to eye with buffalo, antelope and elephants but for sure you will never forget the clear views of Kilimanjaro (something that is not common from the Southern side). It is a difficult track but most definitely worth training for.

6. Northern Circuit Route

This is the most exciting route on Kilimanjaro. For one because the Northern Circuit traverses the mountain around the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. But also because of the immense scenery and low number of visitors. Having the highest success rate due to the 9-day climb, which offers opportunity to acclimatize.

7. Umbwe Route

Looking for a challenge? I present to you the Umbwe Route. It’s short, has poor acclimatization opportunities, is steep and has the lowest success rate of all routes. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, but seven days is recommended. Only the very strong and experienced hikers should be attempted by the Umbwe Route. Have a great climbing resume? It’s a fully catered camping offering and from Barranco camp you will join trackers on the Soutern circuit from the Lemosho, Shira and Macahme route

What all routes have in common: At some point you will reach the top and it will be mesmerising.

Preparations and need to knows:

1 You can bring a maximum of 15kg of weight which will be carried by the porters and therefore weighed at the gate to make sure you haven’t exceeded the 15kg limit.

2 It’s quite common to give the main guide a tip of about $200, -. He will share the tip with the rest of the team, who work hard to give you the experience of a lifetime.

3 Do not forget to use mosquito repellent.

4 Climbing Kilimanjaro is like going from the equator to the north pole in only few days and the altitude effects are enormous. Do learn about these effects and take as much time as possible for the trip. The longer the time you’re given for the climb, the higher the percentage to actually succeed.

5 Drink many (many, many) fluids while climbing. You can’t have enough water.

Funny facts:

1 An 8-year-old From Florida is the youngest female to climb Kilimanjaro.

2 Africa’s tallest tree is 81.5 meters and discovered on Mount Kilimanjaro.

3 Pizza Hut achieved a Guinness record by delivering a pizza to the top of Kilimanjaro (Am I the only one laughing? Great marketing!)

4 You will hear the following very often: ÒPole-PoleÓ. It means: “Take it easy.” As Kilimanjaro is not technically demanding, most people go too fast and get into trouble acclimatizing.

Source: https://safarisharing.com/2017/10/12/7-ways-defeat-roof-africa/