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Kilimanjaro

Ascent preparations, practicalities and trekking routes to the 'Roof of Africa'

Pre-order - Publishing 27 May 2025

This book is available to pre-order. Payment will be taken upfront and your book will be dispatched from our warehouse as soon as it becomes available around the 27 May 2025.

ISBN

9781852847586

Availability

Reprinting

Published

12 Feb 2018

Reprinted

27 May 2025

Edition

Second

Pages

272

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x 1.50cm

Weight

320g

Delivery & Returns

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.
More information...

Guidebook describing all the trekking routes on Kilimanjaro (5895m), one of the Seven Summits. With 6 ascent routes, 3 summit ascents, the Circuit Path and 2 descent paths, the guide also provides comprehensive information on preparation and access, a route on Mt Meru, as well as information on accommodation and other facilities.

Seasons

Two dry seasons - mid-December to March and July to early October

Centres

Flights into Nairobi in Kenya, Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport; outfitters normally based in Arusha or Moshi

Difficulty

Kilimanjaro is a big mountain, but the normal trekking routes are not technically difficult. Altitude and acclimatisation are the main problems and AMS can kill if not taken seriously.

Must See

Dawn over Africa from the summit, the natural environment, the Crater

Pre-order

Publishing 27 May 2025

This book is available to pre-order. Payment will be taken upfront and your book will be dispatched from our warehouse as soon as it becomes available around the 27 May 2025.

ISBN

9781852847586

Availability

Reprinting

Published

12 Feb 2018

Reprinted

27 May 2025

Edition

Second

Pages

272

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x 1.50cm

Weight

320g

Delivery & Returns

Overview

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

Table of Contents

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

Updates

We do not yet have any updates available for this book

We are always grateful to readers for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground. If you would like to send some information to us then please use our contact form. They will be published here following review by the author(s).

By Alex Stewart

Alexander Stewart is the Online Marketing Manager for WEXAS, the World Expeditionary Association. He has a particular interest in Africa and a passion for mountains. All his adult life he has walked in them, written about them and photographed them. Kilimanjaro made a significant impression on him during his first ascent in 1999, and he has often been drawn back to the ‘Roof of Africa’.

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