The Trekking Guide to Africa's Highest Mountain: A Trailblazer's Guide

Mount Kilimanjaro, the "Roof of Africa," is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Its majestic peak, Uhuru Peak, stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level and offers breathtaking views across the African savannah. Trekking to Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging yet rewarding experience, and this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your adventure.

Kilimanjaro: The Trekking Guide to Africa's Highest Mountain (Trailblazer Guide): also includes Mount Meru & guides to Arusha, Moshi, Marangu, Nairobi & Dar es Salaam

by Henry Stedman

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	40500 KB
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Choosing the Right Route

There are several routes to choose from when trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. Each route has its unique characteristics, difficulty level, and duration. The most popular routes are:

• Machame Route: This is the most popular route and is considered to be the most scenic. It takes 7 days to complete and offers a good balance of difficulty and acclimatization.
• Marangu Route: This is the shortest and easiest route, but it is also the most crowded. It takes 5-6 days to complete.
• Lemosho Route: This is a more remote and less crowded route that offers a greater chance of wildlife sightings. It takes 7-8 days to complete.
• Rongai Route: This is a less popular route that starts on the northern side of the mountain. It takes 6-7 days to complete and offers great views of the Shira Plateau.
• Northern Circuit Route: This is the longest and most challenging route, but it also offers the most stunning scenery. It takes 9-11 days to complete.

Altitude Acclimatization

Altitude sickness is a serious risk when trekking at high altitudes. To avoid this, it is important to acclimatize your body gradually to the changing altitude. This means spending several days at lower altitudes before ascending to higher ones. All of the routes on Mount Kilimanjaro have built-in acclimatization periods, but it is important to listen to your body and take breaks if you are feeling unwell.

Summit Day

Summit day is the culmination of your trek. It is a long and challenging day, but the rewards are worth it. You will start your ascent in the early hours of the morning and hike for several hours in the dark. As you approach the summit, the terrain becomes increasingly difficult and the altitude makes it harder to breathe. However, the sunrise from the summit is an unforgettable experience and makes all the effort worthwhile.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro successfully:

• Train properly: Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro is a physically demanding challenge. Make sure you are in good shape and have trained properly before you start your trek.
• Acclimatize properly: Altitude sickness is a serious risk, so make sure you give your body enough time to acclimatize to the changing altitude.
• Listen to your body: If you are feeling unwell, take breaks and don't push yourself too hard.
• Stay hydrated: It is important to stay hydrated at high altitudes. Drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks throughout your trek.
• Bring the right gear: Make sure you have the right gear for the conditions, including warm clothing, rain gear, and hiking boots.
• Hire a good guide: A good guide will help you plan your trek, acclimatize properly, and summit safely.

Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging but rewarding experience. With the right preparation and planning, you can reach the summit of Africa's highest mountain and enjoy the unforgettable views from the top.

Kilimanjaro: The Trekking Guide to Africa's Highest Mountain (Trailblazer Guide): also includes Mount Meru & guides to Arusha, Moshi, Marangu, Nairobi & Dar es Salaam

by Henry Stedman

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	40500 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	688 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE