🇹🇿 KILIMANJARO 🇹🇿

Mt Kilimanjaro, located in Kilimanjaro National Park, northeastern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya.

It’s the highest peak in Africa & one of the Seven Summits of the World (the highest mountains on each continent). at a Height of 5,895m(19,341 ft) above sea level.

A dormant stratovolcano with three volcanic conesb. Kibo, Mawenzi, & Shira. Kibo is the highest & where Uhuru Peak is located.

Kilimanjaro has 5 Climate Zones.

• Cultivated farmland (base of the mountain)

• Rainforest (800–3,000m)

• Heath and moorland (3,000–4,000m)

• Alpine desert (4,000–5,000m)

• Arctic summit zone (above 5,000m)

ROUTES TO THE SUMMIT

There are seven main routes to the summit:
• Marangu

• Machame

• Lemosho

• Rongai

• Shira

• Umbwe

• Northern Circuit

Duration: Treks typically take 5–9 days, depending on the route.

Acclimatization: Altitude sickness is a major challenge due to the rapid ascent.

The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most scenic & well-balanced route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, & the best chance of acclimatisation.

Starting on the western side of the mountain, the route passes through lush rainforest, climbs up onto the Shira Pleateau, & then joins the southern circuit beneath Kilimanjaro’s icefields.

Over 8 days of trekking, it gradually gains altitude, allowing trekkers to adjust to the thin air before making a summit attempt via Barafu Camp & the legendary Stella Point.

Along the way, trekkers pass through five distinct climate zones – from tropical forest to arctic summit – each with its own unique beauty & challenge.

The final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) is tough, cold, and steep, but incredibly rewarding, especially as the sun rises over the roof of Africa.

For me, taking on the Lemosho Route is not just about reaching the summit – it’s about testing my limits, embracing the journey, & raising vital funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital every step of the way.

It’s a gruelling test of endurance, both physically & mentally, one that pushes even seasoned adventurers to their limits. At nearly 6,000 meters (19,341 feet), the mountain demands respect, the risks are very real & can quickly turn life-threatening.

The Invisible Killer: Altitude Sickness

As you ascend, the oxygen levels drop to nearly half of what you’re used to at sea level. Altitude sickness doesn’t discriminate—fit or unfit, novice or expert, anyone can be struck down. Nausea, dizziness, & splitting headaches are just the start. If left unchecked, severe forms like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or Cerebral Edema (HACE) can cause confusion, vomiting, & even death within hours. You’re gambling with your body’s ability to adapt.

Hypothermia and Frostbite

The temperature plummets to as low as -20°C (-4°F) during the summit push, with biting winds that can strip the heat from your body in minutes. Inadequate gear or a misstep in preparation could leave you battling hypothermia, frostbite, or worse.

Physical and Mental Exhaustion

The final ascent is a punishing, hours-long ordeal in pitch darkness, climbing steep, slippery scree at high altitude while battling fatigue, freezing temperatures, & thin air. Many collapse or turn back before ever seeing the summit.

Unforgiving Terrain

The trails may seem manageable at first, but loose rocks, steep climbs, and sudden drop-offs make every step treacherous. A single misstep on the slippery summit scree or a narrow trail could result in serious injury—or worse, a fatal fall.

How hard is it to breathe on Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro's peak is nearly 6000 metres above sea level. At this height, the air pressure ( the amount of oxygen it contains) is less than half that at sea level, & has been said to be comparable to 'working with only one lung'

Unpredictable Weather

Kilimanjaro’s weather is as unpredictable as it is unforgiving. Clear skies can suddenly give way to violent storms, freezing rain, or snow, making trails slippery and increasing the risk of hypothermia. A single day can see scorching heat in the rainforest and sub-zero temperatures at higher altitudes.

Rescue Options Are Limited

Unlike in more developed mountaineering regions, Kilimanjaro’s remote location means rescue options are slow and limited. In severe emergencies, evacuation is by stretcher or helicopter, which can take hours to coordinate— if weather conditions even allow it.

🇹🇿 KILIMANJARO 🇹🇿

ROUTES TO THE SUMMIT

KILIMANJARO - DANGERS

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