A guidebook to climbing 5895m Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. Unlike many other peaks of its height, it is possible to reach the summit without any technical climbing, making it an achievable goal for many.
The guidebook covers the six ascent routes (Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira and Umbwe), three summit ascents, two descent routes and the circuit path. A full expedition can be completed in 4–7 days, although more generous itineraries are recommended to allow for acclimatisation. Also included in the guidebook is an ascent of neighbouring Mount Meru, which could be used as an acclimatisation trek.
- Route description illustrated with clear sketch mapping
- All the information you need to prepare for a trek, including budgeting, transport, permits and visas, and equipment
- Guidance on choosing a route and an outfitter, plus a list of reputable outfitters
- Health and safety considerations, including recommended inoculations and altitude sickness
- Fascinating insights into the area’s geology, history, culture, plants and wildlife
CONTENTS
Map key
East Africa overview map
Kilimanjaro region overview map
Routes on Kilimanjaro
Route comparison table
Introduction
Preparations and practicalities
Choosing a route
Costs and budgeting
When to go
Pre-departure preparation
Getting there
Permits and visas
Accommodation
Money and currencies
Language
Maps
Equipment
Insurance
Health considerations
Selecting an outfitter
Guides and porters
Tipping
Environmental and cultural considerations
Using this guide
The story of Kilimanjaro
People of the region
Origin of the mountain’s name
Exploration
Kilimanjaro National Park
Natural history
Geology and volcanology
Glacial recession
Climate
Animal and plant life
Acclimatisation trek
Route X Mount Meru Momela Route
Climbing Kilimanjaro
Ascent routes
Route A Marangu Route
Route B Machame Route
Route C Umbwe Route
Route D Lemosho Route
Route E Shira Route
Route F Rongai Route
Circuit paths
Route G Southern Circuit Path
Route H Northern Circuit Path
Summit ascent routes
Route I Normal/Marangu Route
Route J Barafu Route
Route K Western Breach Route
The summit
Descent routes
Route L Marangu Route
Route M Mweka Route
Appendix A Accommodation
Appendix B Useful contacts
Appendix C Further reading
Appendix D Language glossary
If you're planning a trip to Africa's highest peak then do yourself a favour and arm yourself with this book first!
Kilimanjaro remains one of the world's most popular treks, and deservedly so. After all, it's Africa's highest point and the highest freestanding mountain in the world, yet it is possible to reach its summit, Uhuru Peak, without any technical climbing ability. Although almost everyone experiences Kili with a guiding company these days (in fact, it is a requirement to hire local guides and porters), it's still a good idea to gen up on the peak before you book a trip, not least to decide which route will suit you best, but also to get a flavour of the region, its nature and culture. Enter the updated edition of Cicerone's 'Trekking Kilimanjaro' guide, which gives you all the information you need to plan your trip, and what you can expect when you get there.
The main meat of Alexander Stewart's guidebook is, of course, descriptions of the six ascent routes, three summit routes, two circuit trails and two descent routes. These are covered in the usual diligent Cicerone style, with detailed descriptions complemented by essential stats box-outs, maps and photos. Getting properly acclimatised is essential to a successful summit of Kili, and the book also includes info on the ascent of nearby Mt Meru, which is a fantastic trek in its own right and serves as the perfect preparation for a Kili ascent. If you're planning a trip to Africa's highest peak then do yourself a favour and arm yourself with this book first!
Trek and Mountain Magazine
This book is a godsend
The Seven Summits are a mountaineer's centrepiece, but Some may find the heady heights of Everest or the technicalities of Carstensz Pyramid a tad too daunting. Kilimanjaro, or as we know it, 'the Roof of Africa' is the highest freestanding mountain in the world at 5,895m, and requiring no technical climbing ability, is the perfect summit from the illustrious seven to complete first. This guide is booming with knowledge about the six ascent routes available in your quest to reach Uhuru Peak. In vivid detail, it takes you through a cloud forest, onto the Shira plateau, up and over the alpine desert, until you reach the snow-capped peak in time for a radiant sunrise over the African savanna. This book is a godsend for preparation, acclimatisation techniques and important equipment recommendations, while it also delves into life on the mountain - telling tales of campsites and the mountain's remarkable wildlife.
Adventure Travel magazine