Thousands of visitors arrive in Tanzania every
year with the objective of trekking or climbing on Mount Kilimanjaro from all
parts of the world. The unique experience of climbing the mountain and
exploring the areas around is a major attraction for them. These people need to
know about the Kilimanjaro routes that are officially approved and used
by trained and experienced guides showing the way for the explorer. Knowing the
right route can help to make the journey safer and save the time and effort of
the trekkers.
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Kilimanjaro Routes
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The Seven Official Kilimanjaro Routes
As many as seven official routes are used to
ascend and descend the Mount Kilimanjaro. These are:
1.
Lemosho or Lemosho Western-Breach
2.
Machame
3.
Marangu
4.
Mweka
5.
Rongai
6.
Shira
7.
Umbwe
Ascending and descending Kilimanjaro usually
takes time in the range of 6 to 8 days. Many travelers prefer the
Western-Breach route to avoid the 6 hour-long midnight ascending to the
mountain summit. Some also prefer the relatively easier Marangu route though it
remains busy most of the time. Accommodations are provided in shared huts for
visitors on this route.
Challenges on Kilimanjaro Routes
For trekkers and hikers, the Kilimanjaro routes pose several challenges. Climbing the height of 3940 feet from the
base to the summit of world’s tallest free-standing mountain takes the climber
through many climatic variations with temperature varying from 90 degrees to 10
degrees Fahrenheit’s. Similarly, for trekkers, the vast-ranging plateau with an
environment varying from rainforests through tundra types poses a big challenge
for adjustments.
Finding and availing the services of one of the top providers of Kilimanjaro
trekking and hiking can easily save the client from the tensions of choosing
the route for getting the best experience.