Eastern Rift Mountains: Mount Kilimanjaro

0 ft

Elevation

Tanzania

Country

Days

1A

Difficulty

Early Dec

Start

Late Mar

End

About the Mountain

WHY CLIMB IT?

As one of the Seven Summits, being the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft) earns a natural place on most climbers’ bucket list. While the route is non-technical – meaning you can trek to the summit without needing crampons, ropes, or other special equipment – that doesn’t mean it is easy. Roughly a third of climbers who attempt Mount Kilimanjaro do not make it up to Uhuru Peak. Those who do tend to be physically fit and heed the mountain guides’ advice when they tell them how to handle the high altitude (move slowly, drink plenty of water, etc.).

“The walk to Barranco was incredible, passing through what seems like a desert oasis with huge senecio trees towering around you.”

- Sarah Gallagher

There are several routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, but the most popular are Machame, Lemosho, and Marangu. The Machame and Lemosho routes are both known for being extremely scenic, passing through 5 different ecosystems as you make your way towards the summit. The main difference between these two is that Lemosho is longer and more remote, so it is more expensive and less crowded (which can be a big plus on such a popular mountain). Marangu is also popular because it is known as the ‘easiest route’. But perhaps because of this, it has a lower success rate than Machame and Lemosho, since it tends to be chosen by less experienced climbers. It is also considered less scenic than other routes since it ascends and descends the same trail. Whatever your route up the mountain, considering adding on a night in the crater floor. It won’t be a comfortable night, and you’ll surely be ready to head down to a lower altitude by the end of it, but it’s the chance of a lifetime to experience an otherworldly landscape in a manner few people will ever experience.