MOUNTAIN CLIMBING Climbing Kilimanjaro will be a memory to treasure. At an altitude of 5,895m above sea level it is Africa's tallest mountain and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Although only three degrees south of the equator, it is snow-capped all year round. Its most outstanding features are the three major volcanic centres, Shira, Mawenzi and the snow-capped Kibo, all still dormant. Preparations & Guidance Climbing Itineraries MC. 2.3 Marangu Route MC. 2.4 Machame Route MC. 2.5 Umbwe Route MC. 2.6 Londorosi/Shira Route MC. 2.7 Lemosho Glades Route MC. 2.8 Rongai Route MC. 2.9 Mount Meru Enquiries Other Services

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Preparations & Guidance

Before you arrive - Keys arranges for all guides, porters, Park fees, huts or camping, and all food necessary for your climb.

The day before you climb you will usually arrive at Key's for dinner and overnight, as well as a full briefing by our experienced staff.

As you climb - at the lower altitudes and depending on the weather, you may find it more comfortable to wear shorts, T shirt and trainers or lightweight shoes and socks, but you are advised to carry lightweight rainproof gear in your backpack.

DO NOT CLIMB higher than 9000ft (2700m) if you have

• a respiratory problem
• a soar throat
• a cold
• a cough
• a high temperature
• a nose bleed
  

Precautions There is controversy concerning the taking of medication for altitude sickness. The current advice from the British Medical association is that you should take it three days before you reach a high altitude and continue to take it until you descend to the gate. The Tanzanian view is that you should not take any medication iuntil, or if, you have the symptoms of altitude suckness. It is quite possible that you may not feel the effects of altitude at all.

Hire of Equiment Certain items of equipment may be available for hire from the reception, in Moshi.

Extra Day You may wish to spend an extra day ay Horombo on the Marangu route, or Shira on the Machame route, in order to acclimatise more fully; although this may not always be possible during the busiest climbing periods.

Gratuities We are often asked about gratuities - these, of course are always at your discretion. Please let us know if your guide or his porter press you for tips as they have all been forbidden to do this.

Health Requirements - Yellow Fever Inoculation is necessary and must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure, (If you have had previous Liver disorders you must consult your physician first). Your International Vaccination Certificate must be taken with you.

Anti-Malaria tablets are also necessary - please consult your pharmacist or physician.

Visas - Visas are required for all passport holders. Your passport should be valid for minimum 6 months after return date from Tanzania, and have ample pages for visas.

Travel Insurance - We strongly recommend that you take out Travel Insurance. This must cover you for Medical Costs while doing the Kilimanjaro Climb.

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Climbing Itineraries

MC. 2.3 MARANGU ROUTE

This is the most popular route, so easy that is also called "Coca cola Route". The path is straight forward and there are three good wooden charlets, the first two manned by oermanenr staff, along the way:

1. Mandara
2. Horombo
3. Kibo

The trail doesn't present difficulties, apart from the last climb on day 4 - considred a little bit strenuous.

Marangu Route - 5 days
Day 1	Drive to Marangu Gate. Climb through rain forest to Mandara hut (2700m) about 3 hours	Marangu Route
Day 2	Leave the forest and cross open moor land to Horombo hut (3720m)
Day 3	Climb through Morrland forest then alpine desert. You will reach "The saddle" between the twin peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Before Kibo you will come to "Jiwe la ukoyo". From here you will walk for about an hour to reach Kibo hut (4703m)
Day 4	Very early start for the summit on steep and heavy scree up to Gilman's point (5686m) which is on the crater rim. Continue around the rim (which will take about two hours if you are fit) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) the highest place in all Africa. Descend to Kibo hut for tea and biscuit or soup and then down to Horombo hut.
Day 5	Descend to Marangu gate. Drive to Keys Hotel for hot shower, dinner and a warm bed.
Extra Day	This is normally spent at Horombo and you can climb to Mawenzi hut (4600m) and return to Horombo hut for overnight
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MC. 2.4 MACHAME ROUTE

This route is a fantastic opportunity to combine mountain skills and experience. It maximises the time and options available for climbing and allows for a more leisurely pace. Kilimanjaro's glaciers and rock formations are resplendent with icefalls, chasms, snowfields, and excellent climbing terrain.

Machame Route - 6 days
Day 1	Drive to Machame village. The climb begins at the end of the tramac road. Walk through the shamba and through the forest to Machame hut (3000m) about 6 hours.	Machame Route
Day 2	Cross valley and continue along the steep ridge going on to Rock ridge and through heather. The route turns west into a river gorge, reaching shira hut (3800m).
Day 3	Continue east towards Kibo passing the junction, then east towards the lava tower. Shortly after this, you climb down to Baranco hut (3940m).
Day 4	From Baranco a steep rocky climb, Baranco walls, then ups and downs until you come to Karanga Valley and then on Barrafu Hut (4600m).
Day 5	Very early start for the summit, first to Stella Point and then to Uhuru Peak (5895m). The descent is by the Mweka route - Uhuru - Barrafu - Mweka Hut and will take about 6 hours. The route is steep but picturesque.
Day 6	Mweka Hut to Mweka gate will take about 3 hours Drive to Keys Hotel for Hot shower, dinner and a warm bed.
Extra Day	This is normally spent at Shira where you walk to Shira Plateau and Shira Needles or Shira Cathedral, returning to Shira hut for overnight
Machame by Arrow Glacier 6 days: This is a really steep, hard but short route to the summit from Arrow Camp. 2 days are spent at Shira for acclimatisation. From December to February crampons and ice axes may be needed.
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This is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach of Kibo. An ascent to Kibo via the Umbwe route is probably one of the most scenic 'non-technic' mountaineering expeditions in East Africa. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitudes, but the rewards are plentiful. Fewer people, pristine forest, greater chance of seeing wildlife and bird life in the lower level, and shorter walking distances make it a great prion for fit hikers. There are two main ascents on the umbwe Route, via Barafu Hut or Arrow Glacier. Although both of these options can be done in 5 days, a 6 day hike is recommended for correct acclimatisation.

MC. 2.6 LONDOROSI/SHIRA ROUTE:

This route is the longest but less crowded and provides one of the most spectacular scenic view of both Shira Plateau and Western Breach wall.

MC. 2.7 LEMOSHO GLADES ROUTE

MC 2.8 RONGAI ROUTE 6 DAYS

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Alternative Routes

All Routes to the Summit

Mweka Route

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