THE PEAK OF AFRICA
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is a actual climatic world explore, from the tropical rain forest on the lower slopes and alpine moor, to an almost bare alpine desert and finally the cold Arctic peak of snow and ice, just 3 degrees south of the Equator. The way up of Kilimanjaro can be done from 6 routes: Mweka, Umbwe, Shira, Rongai, Machame, and the Marangu Route which is the easy one. Depending on which route one wants to take, the ascend of Kilimanjaro can take between 4 to 6 nights on the mountain. The two most admired routes are Marangu and Machame. On the Marangu Route, accommodation is in huts while on Machame Route it is camping throughout. While expert guides and porters will accompany you on your hike, no technological tools is required on these routes. Any stong and fit man can afford the hike the Aventure kaskazini team will organize your safari and all the necessarily gears needed unless recommended otherwise
MARANGU ROUTE
The Marangu route is by far the trendiest way to the peak. The climb is more regular and no specialized gear is required. The accommodation on the way up and down is provided in mountain huts with all the basic requirements. There are 60 beds each (for 60 populace each) at Mandara Hut (2700m) and Kibo Hut (4700m), and 120 beds (for 120 populace) at Horombo Hut (3720m) which is also used for drop. Climber is supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags should be brought along. There are communal dining halls, washrooms and toilets. It usually takes 5 days/4nights for the round trip. The trek can also be taken in 6 days/5 nights to add acclimatization day
MACHAME ROUTE
This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. The accommodation on the way up and down is firmly camping (mobile tents) only. This hike is exhausting and may be better suited to more adventurous hikers. The Machame route is normally accomplished in a least of 6 days/5nights on the mountain.
RONGAI ROUTE
There is only one path over on the north eastern side of the peak. This slighter known track may not be quite as magnificent as the western routes, but it does usually have far lower traffic than the other five night routes. This route retains a sense of un spoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. It is generally considered to be the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain. Rongai is the best route for people who are looking for a decent quality experience and are perhaps not absolutely sure about their suitability.
LEMOSHO ROUTE
The Lemosho route is perhaps the least used initial route on Kilimanjaro, partly because of its isolated location and likewise the difficult roads leading to the trail ahead. The road to the trailhead is only easy to get to by 4 x4 WD vehicles and can be impenetrable during rainy seasons. The trailhead is at relatively high altitude, and thus we start slow and easy on this route. Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible on the first day trek through the forest, and the trail is often dense from lack of use.
The route is the longest distance to trek up Kilimanjaro, so fitness certainly plays a role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. The Lemosho route takes 7 days / 6 nights on the mountain. Overall, the distance covered and the intensity of the final few days make this trek a good choice only for the experienced hiker.