Being adventurous is probably one of the best qualities that we humans have. But even if we are not the first line adventure types, nature has bestowed enough for us to explore. There are places on the Earth which are not that accessible and yet, they convey to us what the meaning of adventure is. A visit to such places carves an indelible experience on your memory. Mount Kilimanjaro, located at the border of Kenya and Tanzania, is one such place.
Mount Kilimanjaro would provide you with an experience which would thrill you for a long time. The highest mountain in Africa, it is a magnificent, snow-covered lofty structure posing impressively for the visitors. A trek on Kilimanjaro not only offers wonderful scenic vistas but a thrilling experience too. Lower Kilimanjaro is full of natural vegetation with plenty of wildlife and you come across beautiful vistas as you trek up the mountain. The upper echelons are carpeted with snow. In a matter of days, you get to see the various facets of the mountain.
Kilimanjaro has five common routes: Marangu Route; Machame Route; Rongai Route; Lemosho Route; and Mweka Route. The three most popular ones are Marangu, Machame and Lemosho. Marangu route, the oldest way to ascend the mountain, is the easiest path on the mountain as well, given its gradual slope. It is also the only Kilimanjaro route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. Machame route is a difficult one, better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking experience. Lemosho, which is the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro, grants panoramic vistas on either side. It offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views and a high summit success rate.
Kilimanjaro is in fact a giant stratovolcano that began forming a million years ago when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. The mountain was built by successive lava flows. Two of its three peaks —Mawenzi and Shira — are extinct while Kibo, the highest peak is dormant and could erupt again. The last major eruption was 360,000 years ago, while the most recent activity was only 200 years ago.
The temperature in Kilimanjaro decreases at about 1 degree Celsius for every increase in altitude of 200 meters. January, February and March are the warmest months. Rainy season starts from April and lasts till mid-June. Late June and through July and August it can be very cold at night. However it gets warmer between September and the end of October when daytime could also be clear but a dripping belt of soft clouds is usually girdling the whole Kilimanjaro above the forest or the moorland contour, leaving the summit and a few other distant peaks poking through. November and mid December experience a short rainy period with generally heavy showers. But, in general, the clouds do disappear around evening, leaving excellent visibility during nights and mornings.
Read more about the routes and trips available by clicking here.
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