Kilimanjaro

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

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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