Nothing in Africa is as majestic or fabled as Mount Kilimanjaro. Though one of the highest volcanoes in the world and the single highest freestanding mountain in the world, it is nonetheless possible to reach the summit without any technical climbing ability. This guide includes detailed information on getting there, local conditions, preparation, acclimatisation and descent routes.
PART 1 – INTRODUCTION AND PRACTICALITIES
- Choosing a Route
- Kilimanjaro’s Routes
- Costs and Budgeting
- When to Go
- Pre-Departure Preparation
- Getting There
- By Air
- By Land
- Permits and Visas
- Tanzanian Visas
- Kenyan Visas
- Accommodation
- Language
- Maps
- Equipment
- Insurance
- Health Considerations
- Pre-Trek Health
- On-Trek Health and Safety
- Mountain Sickness (AMS
- Diamox
- Acclimitisation Trek – Mt Meru
- Momela Route
- Selecting an Outfitter
- Guides and Porters
- Tipping
- Environmental and Cultural Considerations
- Using this Guide
PART 2 – THE STORY OF KILIMANJARO
- People of the Region
- The Chagga
- The Maasai
- Origin of the Mountain’s Name
- Exploration
PART 3 – NATURAL HISTORY
- Geology and Vulcanology
- Glacial Recession
- Climate
- Animal and Plant Life
- Lower Slopes
- Forest Zone
- Heath/Moorland Zone
- Highland Desert Zone
- Summit Zone
PART 4 – CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
Ascent Routes
A: Marangu Route
B: Umbwe Route
C: Machame Route
D: Lemosho Route
E: Shira Route
F: Rongai Route
Alternative Five-day Rongai Route
Circuit Paths
G: South Circuit Path
H: North Circuit Path
Summit Ascent Routes
I: Normal/Marangu Route
J: Barafu Route
K: Western Breach Route
The Summit
Descent Routes
L: Marangu Route
M: Mweka Route
N: Alternative Mweka Route
APPENDICES
Appendix A – Ascent Route Comparison Chart
Appendix B – Accommodation
Appendix C – Useful Addresses
Appendix D – Bibliography and Further Reading
Appendix E – Language Glossary
Alexander Stewart is the senior buyer for Stanfords, the renowned map and travel specialist bookshop. He has a particular interest in Africa and a passion for mountains. Throughout his adult life he has walked in them, written about them and photographed them. However, he doesn't often find himself on top of them, except at home in the UK. Kilimanjaro made a significant impression on him during his first ascent in 1999, and he has subsequently been drawn back repeatedly to the 'roof of Africa'.
"The Cicerone guide is probably the most comprehensive on the market, featuring detailed historical, geographical and natural history information as well as all of the essential information on each of the ascent routes. Revised and reprinted in 2006 it is also bang-up-to-date"
– Adventure Travel Magazine – September/October 2006