Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a three-peak mountain range in Tanzania near the Kenyan border, is the ultimate adventure vacation. It is a tough climb, however, and one of the world's highest peaks at just over 19,000 feet above sea level. It is a trek thousands take each year, and it is dangerous, as a few people die each year, most often from altitude-related sickness. Even so, it is the trip of a lifetime if you are in good enough physical condition. Fortunately, there are several tour companies that will guide you all the way to the peak if you want to go. There are also a lot of sights to see and nature to enjoy, even if you don't want to try to climb this huge mountain. It is an African vacation you won't soon forget, so having a good tour guide is essential to having a great trip. If you're thinking of planning a vacation to Mount Kilimanjaro, check out the questions and answers below to learn more.
The Machame Route by Viva Africa, the Lemosho Route with Altezza Travel, and Whiskey Route, which is part of the Mechame Route, but this one is by Sed Adventures. Each of these three offers good prices, several good stops along the way, and expert tours guides to help ensure a successful climb.
There are tours that range from seven days up to 14 days. You can design your own trip to some extent, but it takes several days to climb all the way to the top of this mountain. There are several interesting stops along the way, and your lodging may include hotels or camping. Some of the transportation is by bus, as well , until you start the climb to the summit. The typical tour will have five to 10 destinations or stops along the way.
The Umbwe Route is the hardest to do, but it also offers the most spectacular views. This is the only one that is really dangerous, most experts say. This one requires the most physical exertion and the most actual climbing, as opposed to just walking.
Other routes include the Marangu Route, Machame Route, Rongai, Shira and Lemosho routes. The Machame and Lemosho are the most popular with tour guides, and are the most accommodating for tourists.
This one is the oldest carved out trails on the mountain ranges. It is also the only one that has huts for hikers spread along the trails. The huts have between 60 and 120 beds. The ascent and descent are the same. This route can get crowded because people are led to believe it is the easiest. This route takes about five days.
First, make sure you are in good enough physical condition. While this mountain is doable, it is a long, hard walk. Taking the time to get acclimated to the altitude might be the single most important thing to do. At some point up the mountain, you should stop and rest, take at least a full day to allow your body to get acclimated to the altitude. It is the altitude, and not the difficulty of the climb itself, that gets most people in trouble.
The danger lies more in the altitude than the climb itself. You can do the climb with just a walking stick if you are in good shape. There is no fancy equipment required, no ropes or rappelling and so forth. If you are in reasonably good health and have the time, it is definitely doable. The difficulty is the altitude and distance you must walk. About 100 people have to be evacuated each year after they get in trouble due to altitude-related illnesses.
Tanzania Expeditions, Audley Tailor Made Journeys, and VIva Africa Tours are among the best tour packages available. These are all reputable companies and you will have a choice of itineraries and routes to take.