Kilimanjaro: A Complete Trekker's Guide

Guidebook to all the possible trekking routes up Kilimanjaro (5895m), Africa's highest peak. Includes detailed information on getting there, local conditions, preparation, acclimatisation, descent routes, etc. Routes covered are Marangu, Umbwe, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, South and North Circuit Paths, Mweka (descent) and Momela routes.

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION AND PRACTICALITIES
Choosing a Route
Kilimanjaro’s Routes
Costs and Budgeting
When to Go
Pre-Departure Preparation
Getting There
By Air
By Land
Permits and Visas
Tanzanian Visas
Kenyan Visas
Accommodation
Language
Maps
Equipment
Insurance
Health Considerations
Pre-Trek Health
On-Trek Health and Safety
Mountain Sickness (AMS
Diamox
Acclimitisation Trek – Mt Meru
Momela Route
Selecting an Outfitter
Guides and Porters
Tipping
Environmental and Cultural Considerations
Using this Guide

PART 2 – THE STORY OF KILIMANJARO
People of the Region
The Chagga
The Maasai
Origin of the Mountain’s Name
Exploration

PART 3 – NATURAL HISTORY
Geology and Vulcanology
Glacial Recession
Climate
Animal and Plant Life
Lower Slopes
Forest Zone
Heath/Moorland Zone
Highland Desert Zone
Summit Zone

PART 4 – CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

Ascent Routes
A: Marangu Route
B: Umbwe Route
C: Machame Route
D: Lemosho Route
E: Shira Route
F: Rongai Route
Alternative Five-day Rongai Route

Circuit Paths
G: South Circuit Path
H: North Circuit Path

Summit Ascent Routes
I: Normal/Marangu Route
J: Barafu Route
K: Western Breach Route

The Summit

Descent Routes
L: Marangu Route
M: Mweka Route
N: Alternative Mweka Route

APPENDICES
Appendix A – Ascent Route Comparison Chart
Appendix B – Accommodation
Appendix C – Useful Addresses
Appendix D – Bibliography and Further Reading
Appendix E – Language Glossary