Enjoy All The Flavors Of The Season At Mt. Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mountain Kilimanjaro offers a virtual climatic tour in a week. The climbing routes ascend from the steamy forests to snowy summit. It is the highest mountain in Africa and tallest free standing mountain in the world. There are six official climbing routes for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, namely – Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. So go ahead and enjoy exotic wildlife, fantastic scenery, and an adventurous climbing.

Trekking up one of the most beautiful mountains, Mount Kilimanjaro, will take you through all the four seasons in a week, as the path of climbing ascends from the steamy forests to snowy summit. At approximately 5895m, it is the highest mountain in Africa and fourth highest mountain of the Seven Summits. It is also the tallest free standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrub land.

The ascent of the slopes offers you a magnificent virtual tour. The cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias. Then approximately above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.

There are six official climbing routes for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, namely: Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame.

* The Marangu route is the main route and by far the most popular way up Kilimanjaro. The majority of the route is a wide graded trail. The accommodation is also the "best", bunk bed is provided. The forest is very beautiful and Maundi Crater is worth a visit just for the flowers and scenery. The route also affords wonderful views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. This is the easiest route and should be taken by those who feel less confident with their climbing ability.

* The Rongai is also one of the easiest camping routes. The trekking routes combine the best of everything the mountain has to offer: exotic wildlife, fantastic scenery and a wonderful wilderness experience away from the crowds. If timed well, your climb will also show you the sun as it rises from behind the Mawensi peak - a sight unlike any other.

* For a touch of pristine, nearly unsullied natural beauty, the Lemosho is the ideal track up the Kilimanjaro. It is an unspoilt, remote, little used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. The groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game animals.

* The toughest route to climb the Kilimanjaro is the Umbwe. It moves through the forest track, and continues along the ridged land between the Umbwe and Lonzo rivers. However, the spectacle of moving through unmediated, unsullied rainforest is completely worth the effort for experienced and adventurous climbers.

* Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain. With gradual ascent through forest you emerge to see wide views of the moorland on Shira Plateau and further on the crags and snow of Kibo and the Western Breach. Beautiful and varied vegetation enhances the scenery along the route.

You can reach the crater rim with a little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And if you reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater, you can earn yourself a climbing certificate and some mesmerizing memories. There are many tour operators who provide both group climbs, where you climb in the company of others and private climbs, where you climb in your own group, choose when you want to start, the route you want along with a support team. Perfect for groups of friends and charity groups climbing together. They also acquaint you with all the Kilimanjaro facts.

The author of this article is associated with Private Kilimanjaro, a leading tour operator helping you, not just summit safely but also have a great time at Mount Kilimanjaro.