To stand on top of the highest point in Africa, Uhuru peak on Mount Kilimanjaro, you need to walk between 37 kilometers (23 miles) to 90 kilometers (56 miles) depending on the chosen route. The trek varies between 5 to 10 days, with a few rare individuals breaking records and summiting in less, even one day.
The routes vary in distance, acclimatization, scenery, and steepness. Here is a bit more information about the most popular routes that will allow you to summit the highest free-standing mountain and one of the Seven Summits on Earth.
Marangu Route
The oldest route, fondly referred to as the Coca-Cola route, used to be the most popular and, in years passed, also the busiest. The popularity can be ascribed to the terrain and gradient, making it one of the easier routes. Marangu route takes hikers up and down on the same route, compared to other routes that descend on a different route. I recall on our recent trip, where we passed the base camp Barafu onwards to where we launched our final ascend from Kosovo camp, we met victorious climbers as they walked down to base camp to acclimatize. It was a truly exhilarating experience to congratulate them on their achievement. One of the outstanding heartfelt moments on our trip was when we met a team of hikers, and two guides escorted an older woman, grey and possibly in her 60's down. Step by step, she walked with her two hiking poles, the guides smiling ear to ear, clearly satisfied that she also reached her dream and could tick off Kilimanjaro summit from her bucket list. I am happy to report that the women who looked utterly spent on her way down to Barafu are in great health because we passed her at Addis Ababa airport in Ethiopia; looking well rested and delighted with the outcome of her adventure in Tanzania. I can only imagine if we were to meet other hikers on our route up to Uhuru peak, we would have conversations about various experiences ranging from extraordinary for the individuals reaching the summit to devastating where the summit could not be reached for medical reasons. Although I enjoy conversations while busy with a demanding hike, I prefer listening to our guides and finding out for myself. For this reason, I enjoyed the route we took where we could celebrate with every person descending and passing us with a wry smile of tired but happy. Marangu is 60 kilometers (40 miles).
Rongai Route
Hikers taking the Rongai route will also need to walk 60 kilometers in total, being a seven-day journey and the only approach from the Northern Kenyan side. Rongai is a quieter route with the unique Kenyan wilderness as well as crossing from a northern to the southernly direction. Rongai meets up with the Marangu route at Kibo camp. Consider this route when you want to summit Kilimanjaro in the rainy season November to May, with March to May the wettest. The high season with most visitors climbing Kilimanjaro is from June to August. Because the northern Kenyan side has less precipitation, the Rongai route may be considered when you want to climb in the rainy season.
Machame Route
Fondly known as the whisky route, a seven-day, 62-kilometer (37 miles) Machame is one of the most popular routes to reach Uhuru peak. The reasons for Machame's popularity are the lush rainforest hikers walk through on Day 1, the scenic variety, and the acclimatization this route offers visitors. On the first three days, hikers ascend to increasingly higher altitudes but sleep at 3840 - 3995 meters. On the Machame route, Barranco wall, fondly known as the Breakfast wall, need to be climbed to proceed towards Karanga camp. The Barranco wall looks more intimidating than it actually is. This was by far one of our best experiences. Kissing the wall is a must ;-).
Lemosho Route
The seven to eight-day 70 kilometers (42 miles) Lemosho route is quieter and scenic. It joins up with the Machame route at Lava Tower, with the rest of the route identical to Machame. Lemosho starts at the western side of Kilimanjaro at Londorossi gate at approximately 2380 meters above sea level. Hikers often choose the eight-day hike because of the extra day in the beautiful forest, being in nature, and an extra acclimatization day. In the next blog, the most difficult routes on Kili will be discussed.
Happy hiking!
Monique @ Coffee Table Conversations.
Comments