If you have ever dreamed of climbing the Kilimanjaro, you need to know the right route to take. You also need to make sure that you are up to date on the necessary vaccinations to travel safely to the mountains.
Group vs solo climbing
If you’re looking to go on a Kilimanjaro tour, you may be wondering if it’s better to do it solo or with a group. In order to find out, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
There are a number of reasons why you may want to climb Kilimanjaro solo. For example, you might not want to share a bed with someone else, or you might just feel more comfortable doing it alone. A solo climb also gives you the chance to get to know locals, which can be fun. You can learn more about the local culture and you can use the opportunity to discuss things with friends once you get home.
Generally, climbing Kilimanjaro on your own is a safer option, though it’s not without its drawbacks. When you’re in a foreign country, you might encounter sketchy situations. And, if you aren’t a veteran climber, you’ll need a guide to help keep you safe.
Fortunately, there are ways to solve this problem. One of the best is to book a private tour. It costs more, but you’ll have more flexibility and the chance to meet other climbers.
Another advantage of a private Kilimanjaro tour is that you can choose what to eat and drink. This is not possible when you join a group trek.
Lastly, you can save money by going on a group trip. While it’s true that you’ll pay a higher price for a private tour, you won’t have to worry about tipping a porter or paying for a dining tent.
Choosing a tour operator is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before you set off on your climb. Check with a company to see if they have a policy for running treks.
TK Lemosho Route
The TK Lemosho Route to climb Kilimanjaro is one of the most beautiful routes on the mountain. It is also a relatively new route. Unlike the Machame and Marangu routes, it is less crowded. However, the Lemosho route is also more difficult.
If you are considering climbing Kilimanjaro, you may be wondering what the best route is. For the most part, the Lemosho is your best option. You can climb this route in as little as five days, or you can go for a full eight.
Although the Lemosho route is not as popular as the Machame or Marangu routes, you will still find some good wildlife and stunning views. During the early stages of the climb, you’ll spend much of your time in the rainforest. This will give you a great chance to see a range of wild animals, including blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.
The first day of the Lemosho route is easy. Climbers start out with a three to four-hour uphill hike through lush forest. At this point, you’ll have a lot of time to admire nature and get used to walking slowly.
Eventually, you’ll enter a dense rainforest. In this zone, you’ll be able to see a variety of birds and small lizards. African wildlife is also frequently seen in the rain forest. Blue monkeys and colobus monkeys are particularly common.
After the first two days, the Lemosho route merges with the Machame route. Although the Machame route is more crowded, it offers better acclimatization. By the third day, however, you’ll lose that advantage.
Most people complete the Lemosho route in seven or eight days. That allows enough time to acclimatize and increase your chances of summiting.
Marangu route
The Marangu route is an easy and direct route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It can be done in less than seven days, making it an attractive option for budget travelers. This route is also one of the most popular routes to climb Kilimanjaro.
On the first day of the climb, you’ll begin with a transfer from your hotel to the Marangu gate. There, you’ll be given packing equipment, registration, and an introduction to your guide.
After leaving the gate, you’ll hike through dense rainforest. The trail is lined with eucalyptus trees and malachite sunbirds. At the end of your journey, you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut, where you’ll have an overnight stop.
Another reason to choose the Marangu route for your Kilimanjaro climb is that it is the only route on the mountain that offers hut accommodations. Climbers will sleep in dormitory-style huts. These huts have basic washrooms and toilets, and a communal dining room.
However, you’ll have to bring your own sleeping bag. You’ll also need to consider the cost of the trek. If you decide to go with the Marangu route, make sure to plan for extra acclimatization days.
A final note on the Marangu route: it isn’t the easiest route to climb. While you can reach the summit in less than seven days, you’ll have to make a few tough hikes on the way up. And you won’t have the same scenic variations that other routes provide.
With a good acclimatization schedule, you’ll have a much better chance of reaching the summit. As with any other mountain climb, make sure to prepare properly and take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Umbwe route
Umbwe is one of the most challenging routes on Kilimanjaro. It is located on the south-east side of the mountain. The route is mostly tree-covered and consists of steep, continuous climbs through jungle.
The best time to hike this route is from July to September. Umbwe is also considered to be the least used route on the mountain. Aside from the mountain, the route has a rich rain forest and moorland.
Climbing on this route requires well-prepared climbers. Umbwe is not recommended for novice climbers as it is a very difficult trail.
In the past, Umbwe was the most dramatic route on the mountain. However, melting ice has led to falling rocks. Consequently, the National Park has changed the route so that only experienced alpinists can climb.
When you hike the Umbwe route, you can expect to spend at least six days to reach the summit. You can also add an extra day if you want to acclimatize before climbing.
The Umbwe route is also very steep. This means that the first day of the climb involves an uphill all the way to Barranco Camp. Moreover, the second day is also very steep. Luckily, there are some tree roots that act as ladders in some places.
Despite its difficulties, Umbwe is the best route for experienced alpinists. The only downside of this route is that it is not very popular. Thus, you will have to go in groups or on a private tour.
Compared with the other routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Umbwe route is not as spectacular as the Machame and Lemosho routes. Nevertheless, it is a rewarding experience, and it offers great views.
Regardless of whether you choose the Umbwe or the Machame route, it is important to remember that picking the wrong route can be very risky. You could get injured or sick.
Vaccinations required
If you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro, you need to be aware of the recommended vaccinations for the trip. In addition to getting the required shots, there are other things you should do to help prevent disease.
The first thing to do is to get a general check-up. This is particularly important for people with pre-existing medical conditions. It will also let you know whether your body is ready for a high-altitude adventure.
For many people, getting a measles jab is a good idea. However, you can’t rely on it alone.
Another good idea is to get a vaccination for typhoid. You’ll want to inoculate yourself for foodborne diseases, which are common in Tanzania. While it may not be the healthiest choice, it’s worth considering because of the risk of getting contaminated food.
While you’re in Tanzania, it’s a good idea to visit a travel clinic and get booster vaccines. These are particularly necessary if you plan to spend time in a malarial zone.
Lastly, you should consider taking a trip insurance policy. You should get this even if you don’t have any pre-existing medical problems. Travelers should buy an insurance that covers medical expenses, lost or damaged items, and unforeseen events.
As you can see, it’s not always a great idea to take advantage of the many travel incentives available. Even the cheapest ones will only cover some of the cost of your trip. To ensure you’re covered, you should check your policy’s terms and conditions.
When it comes to the vaccines you need for Kilimanjaro, you’ll want to ask a doctor or travel specialist about the best options. Be sure to choose the one that is most effective for your needs.