Kilimanjaro Climb Travel Diaries

Kilimanjaro climb reviews in trip report form with stunning photographs of the experience are an excellent way to plan your own ascent of the tallest mountain in Africa.

People who have been through the experience already can give you invaluable advice that you just won't find anywhere else.

Ever had that feeling after a trip that you wish you knew before you went what you know now? It would have saved you so much trouble.

I used to get that feeling a lot but I get it much less nowadays because I always try to find first hand experiences in trip reports and reviews of the places I plan to visit before I go.

Kilimanjaro climb travel reviews give you completely independent, unbiased and on the spot, first-hand information which you can use to help improve your own particular experience on this magical African mountain.

Kilimanjaro Climb - Routes to the top

Most of the trails lead to Uhuru peak on Kibo. This is Africa's highest point, standing proud at 19,335.6 ft (5,895 m). With the correct preparation, you can walk all the way to the summit without the need for ropes or technical climbing experience.

Be prepared for snow at the top of the mountain (strange to think there is snow in Africa in summer) because the peak is covered by an icecap. Unfortunately, global warming is causing the glacier to retreat and it will ultimately disappear as these remarkable Kilimanjaro photos predict.

There are several routes that you can take and they are roughly graded according to difficulty and the length of time it will take you to complete.

• Marangu Route - This is the easiest to complete with accommodation in huts all the way.
• Machame Route- Very scenic but tougher than the above trail. Accommodation is in huts and tents.
• Umbwe Route - One of the hardest routes when you climb Mount Kilimanjaro but has spectacular scenery including a number of caves. Tent accommodation.
• Mweka Route - Often used to descend the mountain because it is so steep and direct.
• Lemosho Glades Route - Little used Kilimanjaro climb trail and is one of the few where you can still spot big game such as buffalo and elephant.
• Rongai Route - Reasonable difficulty trail that may only be used for ascending the mountain with the Marangu route as the descent path. Tented accommodation.
• Shira Route - A very scenic choice for a Kilimanjaro climb, reached via the Londorossi Glades Park Gate in the west by 4WD vehicles. From the Shira Hut the route joins the Machame route.

To help you prepare mentally and physically, find out what a Kilimanjaro hike is like with this day by day account. And before you book with a completely unknown travel operator, find out who the top three Kilimanjaro tours companies are.

You might also want to visit some of the excellent game reserves in the area to spot some of the big cats and other wildlife before or after your Kilimanjaro safari.